Workplace trainers have it tough. They are often required to do more with less. “We can’t spend a day on this training, can you do it in half a day?” Of course the answer is always yes, but the quality of the learning is typically impacted. It’s the old Quality, Time, and Cost equation that we need to deal with.  

How many times have you had this conversation:

Business:  We need some training in [topic]?

L&D:  Ok we have a 2 day program that can teach that really well.

Business:  We can’t send people out for 2 days.  We can spare half a day.

L&D:  Then the learning will be impacted and the quality of the outcomes can’t be guaranteed.

Business:  But we want quality outcomes.

L&D:  Then we need more time.

Business:  We don’t have more time.

Need I go on?

I think the answer is to provide the business with what it wants but in a smart way. Short sharp sessions that hit the point. I recently designed a program for a client who had a small budget and limited time, and we called it the 10 x 90 program. Ten 90 min sessions on specific and relevant topics to keep the momentum of learning happening in the organisation. We knew it wouldn’t solve all the problems, but a 90 min session designed and delivered well with even only one key skill taught will stick better than trying to cram a whole bunch of stuff into a half day. Much better ROI for all involved.

When you are designing something for a short period of time there are three things to consider:

Content - keep it simple.  One or two key ideas only

Active - make sure there are one or two activities where they can practise the theory

Relatable - stories and examples that are relevant to the audience to bring it to life

The nice thing about the 10 x 90 program was that in the end the same participants and managers who pushed back on lengthy training were saying, "I wish it was longer. We got so much value from the session(s)".