How learning styles can impact change management and digital transformation
Digital transformation needs thoughtful implementation and onboarding to see a return on investment (ROI), but also so that each employee can use tech capabilities to their advantage.
Learning styles play a crucial role in how individuals acquire and retain information. From visual to auditory, everyone has a unique way of learning that works best for them.
As organizations embark on a digital transformation journey, and adopt new technologies such as ERP systems, understanding learning styles can be key to optimizing the onboarding experience and use cases.
How learning styles and onboarding interact
Everyone has their own unique way of processing new information, and this plays a crucial role in their ability to acquire and retain knowledge. Individuals vary in maturity, knowledge, motivation, responsibility, and learning skills, which affect how they manage change.
With digital investment, it’s vital for ROI that all employees are onboarded in a way that ensures learning is optimized for each employee case. In other words, to apply one learning approach to all employees would likely mean that some employees are less proficient than others.
It's important to explain the relevance of the training so your employees fully understand why they need to learn something new. Empower them to take ownership of their learning experience, focus on practical skills, and foster intrinsic motivation.
Understanding different approaches and learning styles is essential for organizations looking to optimize the adoption and usage of new technologies. By recognizing and accommodating the different ways people learn, businesses can enhance employee engagement, productivity, and overall success in the digital transformation journey.
The 7 learning styles
New Zealand educator Neil Fleming developed one of the most common methods to identify learning styles. Fleming proposed four primary learning preferences—visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. This has since been expanded, and here we look at the 7 learning styles that may affect how an employee experiences digital transformation and its onboarding.
Click to read Managing your digital transformation journey (gated)
KINESTHETIC
Kinesthetic learners learn best by actively participating in activities rather than just receiving information passively.
For kinesthetic learners, on-the-job training with a hands-on mentor or augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) simulations are the best options. They will not benefit as much from videos or written training.
INTRAPERSONAL
Intrapersonal learners prefer studying alone and process information best through individual reflection and examination. Reviewing notes and re-reading chapters in a quiet space can help them better retain the material.
Incorporate time for reflection into training, allow for longer response times, and use incident reports and program evaluations for this learning style.
INTERPERSONAL
Interpersonal learners learn best in a group setting. They use social cues and conversation to retain information and benefit from participating in study groups or discussing topics.
This learner flourishes in social situations where small-group, in-person discussions lead to large-group conversations.
LINGUISTIC
Linguistic learners love words and reading. They take detailed notes and review them to retain information.
Use small-group discussions, guided readings, and writing exercises for these learners.
AUDITORY
Auditory learners absorb information best through listening, and they benefit more from speaking than from taking written notes.
Lectures, podcasts, videos, and traditional classroom-style learning are geared toward auditory learners.
VISUAL
Visual learners require a visual representation of what they are learning. For instance, illustrations and visual aids are helpful. They learn most effectively by seeing the information and connecting words with images.
Use infographics, illustrations, PowerPoints, flipcharts, videos, and other graphics to better reach this type of learner.
LOGICAL
Logical learners break things down into steps to learn effectively rather than seeing the entire picture. They use related methods to remember information better. Logical learners like to troubleshoot and analyze.
Use bullet points, logical steps, and flow charts to help this type of learner understand new concepts.
How can learning styles drive successful digital transformation?
Catering to individuals' unique learning styles can drive success in digital transformation. It leads to better engagement, motivation, productivity, and a smoother transition to new technologies.
Visual learners, for example, may benefit from interactive videos or visual representations of how to use an ERP system, while auditory learners may prefer webinars or podcasts explaining the functionalities.
By using diverse learning methods and materials that suit various learning styles, businesses can create an inclusive and effective learning environment. Managers can help employees learn and retain information more efficiently, leading to quicker adoption of new technologies.
Identifying learning styles also allows organizations to address potential barriers to learning and adoption, facilitating a smoother transition to digital transformation and allowing all employees to make the most of the digital tool.
Testing your ERP solution is learning!
As organizations implement new ERP systems as part of their digital transformation journey, testing plays a critical role in optimizing their usage. The importance of testing cannot be overstated when it comes to adoption and use.
Testing helps organizations identify issues with the ERP system - It uncovers usability challenges, bugs, and glitches. Testing allows employees to practice using the ERP system in a safe environment and build confidence and proficiency.
Testing also allows organizations to gather valuable experience feedback that can help identify areas for improvement, make necessary adjustments, and avoid disruptions or setbacks.
At Unit4, when we implement your ERP solution, we provide test scripts that allow you to remember how to execute new work processes. Each test script is carefully crafted for you to gain experience and confidence in the Unit4 ERP solution.
Final thoughts
Making digital transformation smoother through tailored learning approaches is crucial for optimizing ERP technology adoption. By recognizing and catering to different learning styles, businesses can enhance engagement, productivity, and overall success in their digital transformation journey.
You can learn more about our suite of solutions and our implementation process on our website, or book a free demo today.
