Know Can Do!

1. Focus on Less to Learn More: Combat Information Overload

"People should learn less information more often, rather than learn more information less often."

Information overload immobilizes us. In today's world, we are constantly bombarded with new information, making it challenging to focus on what's truly important. This leads to a paradox where the more we know, the less we actually do.

To combat this, we need to:

• Concentrate on a few key concepts rather than trying to absorb everything
• Deeply immerse ourselves in these concepts
• Revisit and expand on these ideas and skills over time

By focusing on less, we can actually learn more effectively and put our knowledge into practice. This approach allows us to master essential skills and concepts, rather than having a superficial understanding of many things.

2. Develop a Positive Filtering System: Overcome Negative Thinking

"We grow best with a positive, open mind that ignites our creativity, ingenuity, and resourcefulness and creates possibilities beyond our expectations."

Negative thinking hinders learning and growth. Many of us have developed a negative filtering system due to past experiences, which causes us to discount new information or opportunities. This "stinkin' thinkin'" prevents us from fully absorbing and applying new knowledge.

To develop a positive filtering system:

• Approach new information with an open mind
• Look for ways to apply new knowledge rather than reasons why it won't work
• Practice positive self-talk and affirmations
• Surround yourself with supportive, positive people

By cultivating a positive mindset, we become more receptive to new ideas and more likely to put our knowledge into action, leading to personal and professional growth.

3. Implement a Follow-Up Plan: Bridge the Knowing-Doing Gap

"Successful people yearn to learn and have a follow-up plan for learning."

Knowledge without action is futile. Many people acquire knowledge but fail to implement it in their lives. This knowing-doing gap is often due to a lack of a structured follow-up plan.

An effective follow-up plan should include:

• Structure: Regular scheduled meetings or check-ins
• Support: Encouragement and guidance from mentors or peers
• Accountability: Clear goals and deadlines

By implementing a follow-up plan, we ensure that our newfound knowledge translates into action and results. This approach helps us overcome inertia and develop new habits that lead to lasting change.

4. Embrace Spaced Repetition: The Key to Mastery

"Spaced repetition is a learning technique where you don't learn something in just one sitting. You're exposed to the information periodically over time, so that it sinks in."

Repetition is crucial for retention and mastery. Simply being exposed to information once is rarely enough to truly learn and apply it. Spaced repetition involves revisiting information at increasing intervals, allowing our brains to consolidate and strengthen neural connections.

Benefits of spaced repetition:

• Improves long-term retention
• Enhances understanding of complex concepts
• Facilitates the transition from knowledge to application

To implement spaced repetition:

• Review notes and key concepts at regular intervals
• Teach the material to others
• Apply the knowledge in different contexts

By embracing spaced repetition, we can move beyond superficial understanding to true mastery of the subject matter.

5. Adopt Green Light Thinking: Cultivate a Growth Mindset

"When any new idea or project proposal is presented in a meeting, your job will be to start the discussion about why you think that idea or project is something that we should do."

Positive thinking fosters innovation and growth. Green Light Thinking is an approach that encourages looking for possibilities and opportunities in new ideas, rather than immediately finding fault or reasons why something won't work.

To practice Green Light Thinking:

• Initially focus on the positive aspects of new ideas
• Ask "How can we make this work?" instead of "Why won't this work?"
• Delay critical evaluation until after exploring potential benefits

By adopting this mindset, we create an environment that nurtures creativity and innovation, leading to better problem-solving and more successful outcomes.

6. Practice Perfect Practice: Ensure Correct Learning

"Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect."

Quality of practice matters more than quantity. Simply repeating an action without attention to proper technique can reinforce bad habits and hinder progress. Perfect practice involves focusing on correct form and technique from the beginning.

Key elements of perfect practice:

• Clear understanding of correct technique
• Immediate feedback and correction
• Gradual increase in complexity or difficulty
• Consistent repetition of proper form

By ensuring that our practice is "perfect," we can accelerate our learning and achieve mastery more efficiently, avoiding the need to unlearn bad habits later.

7. Provide Structure, Support, and Accountability: Foster Lasting Change

"To change behavior and get the results you want you need structure, support, and accountability."

Change requires a comprehensive approach. Merely acquiring knowledge is not enough to create lasting behavioral change. We need a supportive environment that provides the necessary elements for success.

The three key components:

1. Structure: A clear framework and plan for implementing change
2. Support: Encouragement and guidance from mentors, peers, or coaches
3. Accountability: Regular check-ins and measurable goals

By incorporating these elements into our learning and development processes, we can create an environment that fosters lasting change and helps bridge the knowing-doing gap.

8. Accentuate the Positive: Catch People Doing Things Right

"Praise progress, because you're dealing with a moving target."

Positive reinforcement accelerates learning and growth. Too often, we focus on correcting mistakes rather than acknowledging progress. By actively looking for and praising positive behaviors and improvements, we can motivate continued growth and build confidence.

Ways to accentuate the positive:

• Recognize small improvements and steps in the right direction
• Provide specific, timely praise
• Balance constructive feedback with positive reinforcement
• Encourage self-reflection on successes

By creating a culture that emphasizes catching people doing things right, we foster a more positive, motivating environment that encourages continuous improvement and learning.

9. Utilize One-on-One Meetings: Enhance Performance and Retention

"We require every manager to meet once every two weeks with each of his or her direct reports for fifteen to thirty minutes."

Regular, focused communication improves results. One-on-one meetings provide a structured opportunity for managers and employees to connect, discuss progress, and address challenges. These meetings foster better relationships, improve accountability, and enhance overall performance.

Key aspects of effective one-on-one meetings:

• Consistent scheduling (e.g., biweekly)
• Employee-driven agenda
• Focus on goals, progress, and needed support
• Open, two-way communication

By implementing regular one-on-one meetings, organizations can improve employee engagement, performance, and retention while ensuring that knowledge is consistently applied and reinforced.

10. Leverage Outside Coaching: Reinforce Learning and Application

"For a minimum of six weeks after a major training program, we assign every participant a telephone coach."

External support enhances learning transfer. Outside coaches provide an objective perspective and dedicated support to help individuals apply new knowledge and skills in their work. This approach bridges the gap between training and real-world application.

Benefits of outside coaching:

• Objective, unbiased feedback
• Focused attention on applying new skills
• Accountability for implementing changes
• Personalized support and problem-solving

By incorporating outside coaching into training and development programs, organizations can significantly improve the return on their learning investments and ensure that new knowledge translates into tangible results.

Last updated: November 18, 2024