On a recent google search of the proverb seen above, you will find at least four references of someone who might have said this first. All of them referenced had at least a different word or two. They would be Chinese proverb, American Indian proverb, Benjamin Franklin, and Albert Einstein.
Working In The Chemical Industry
None of them sold chemical programs or worked with a team that does so. So, I look at the cleaning process and find solutions for myself, my customers, and potential customers. I use the proverb to look at the situation and how best to get the needed results to get the job done. I can say that the same is true for anyone trying to convey the best way of showing or teaching me.
Remember the first time you drove a car. Did you google it and then watch YouTube? I bet not for the apparent reason; we didn’t have that until recently. Ok, then did you just read the manual you needed to study to take the driving test for the state where you lived.
No, that would not have given you the results of driving an automobile. However, I bet you had an adult show you the process and sit next to you as you tried it yourself.
Different Steps
See, the three steps are entirely different and give different results.
- Tell me – If you want to ensure that your team or customer can do a specific task, the best way to transfer your knowledge is to talk it through with them.
- Show me – Having a go at the task with them will help you understand any difficulties and communication challenges as you work through it together.
- Involve me – The best way to learn a new task is to be allowed to have a go at it yourself. Allowing your team or customer to try out what they’ve learned will ensure that they know how to do it on their own next time.
Takeaway: No matter if it is another employee or a new customer, the more involved people have in their learning, the more likely they will remember what was taught.
For more insights, please check out my podcast, Cleaning Processes with Jerry, https://hospitalitycleaning101.buzzsprout.com/share on either Apple or Spotify or my blog posts at www.hospitalitycleaning101.com or where I work at www.chemstation-boston.com.