This Tip describes my review of four training programs to answer whether repetition results in duplication or reinforcement.
“Things are not always as they seem; the first appearance deceives many.“ Phaedrus
Repetition Results in Duplication or Reinforcement?
An agency recently became aware that there was some repetition of content and activities in the various new supervisor training programs.
Long Term Overlap
This overlap was in existence for years. It only came to light due to a serendipity of scheduling. A new supervisor experienced and then articulated his concern about what he perceived to be duplication.
The agency took this matter seriously. They engaged me to review the four different new supervisory programs.
There was some duplication. There were also recurrences that could be perceived as duplication.
Duplication of One Activity
There was the same activity in the agendas of two separate programs. That was the only instance of exact duplication. The program administrators easily addressed this by removing the activity from one of the programs.
Same Management and HR Representatives
The new supervisor identified additional “duplication.” The same management and human resource service representatives appeared in different programs, albeit with different messages.
A Different Focus for Each Program
Each of these four new supervisory programs had a very different focus.
One two-day program prepared new supervisors to handle their daily administrative responsibilities following the agency’s policies and procedures.
A second two-day program prepared new supervisors to function as part of the management team in their specific division within the agency.
A third monthly program helped new supervisors build and/or strengthen the interpersonal and personal skills they needed to be successful in their positions.
A fourth two-day program oriented all new employees, including new supervisors, to the mission, products, services and resources of the division.
Repetition of One Topic
There was one other instance of repetition. This involved a panel discussion and question and answer session concerning the role of supervisors in the disciplinary process. This discussion occurred in three of the new supervisor programs.
Benefits of Repetition
The topic was the same. However, as the new supervisors gained more experience in their new roles, they had new questions and concerns regarding current specific supervisory situations.
There was another benefit to the repeated contact with the management team and human resource services representatives. This was the opportunity for the new supervisors to get to know and build relationships with these key personnel.
Repetition Provides Reinforcement
The morale of the story is that it is a good idea to avoid duplication of the exact same content in training programs that the same participants will attend.
However, it is not duplication when the same presenters come to different programs with messages that focus on distinctly different issues. Instead, it provides useful reinforcement of essential information and builds important relationships.
May your learning be sweet.
Deborah
