Embrace risk to energize your content.
Are you eager to try a new instructional technology? Have you researched a fresh strategy to apply to your design? Is there a new approach you’re excited to explore to better engage learners?
Even small changes come with risk. But that’s no excuse to stay trapped in the dull, lifeless landscape of “average.” Dynamic opposes average.
The secret to dynamic design is the willingness to take risks, explore different ideas, and step out of your comfort zone.
There are several ways you can learn to take more risks to create more rewarding content.
Discover What’s New
Injecting new life into tired templates demands that you keep up with the latest trends in instructional design. How do you stay current? Try subscribing to industry-leading blogs.
Cross-Reference Learning Types
When writers look to expand their mindset, they often read beyond their genre. JK Rowling claims she’s Jane Austin’s biggest fan. Growing up, Nicholas Sparks read Stephen King religiously. Topping Stephen King’s list of favorite authors is Mark Twain.
Apply this broader-scope approach to your networking, reading, and research. For example:
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- If you write training for an insurance company, network with someone who writes for an investment firm
- If you write for an international corporation, connect with someone who writes for a small company
- If you’re focused on classroom training, read blogs about eLearning or blended learning
Risk Equals Growth
Risk doesn’t mean gambling. Instead, consider expanding your horizons as calculated risk-taking, which leads to growth at the personal and organizational level. If a company’s culture promotes taking meaningful risks for better learning results, this inspires others to offer innovative ideas they might have kept to themselves.
Being open to innovation means embracing a certain level of risk. To tap into innovation, employees should feel their ideas are heard – not afraid to risk looking foolish or having their ideas shot down because they’re too forward-thinking.
For more ideas about how to inspire innovation, reach out to us. We’d love to help!