Do you know someone like Joe?
Do you know someone like Joe?
Joe is currently supporting several projects across multiple practice groups. Like many associates, Joe has several different people supervising his work.
On the one hand, he is excited about the opportunities; working with so many people, with various areas of expertise and leadership styles, provides him with a variety of learning opportunities ... and offers wide exposure to a range of people who can recognize his value and potentially open new doors for him.
On the other hand, Joe doesn’t want to let any of them down, yet he’s finding that each has a different way of working and a different set of expectations of him.
For example:
One is very prescriptive and detailed when making assignments. Others are somewhat vague.
One checks in frequently to ensure Joe is on task and on track. Others check in rarely, if at all.
One prefers communications by email while another rarely responds or even acknowledges his emails.
One is a stickler for thoroughness and comprehensiveness in his research, while another appears to be more focused on staying within budget.
One encourages Joe to talk with clients and resolve issues directly, while others prefer that he brief them on issues so they can talk with the clients.
One seems interested in mentoring him and giving him specific feedback while others don’t seem to have the time.
That’s a lot to juggle.
What is Joe to do? How can he manage so many preferences, styles, and deadlines, and still stand out to each of his supervisors?
Let’s stop here and shift gears.
Can you picture Joe?
Are you drawn in by his story?
Are you curious where this is going?
And what Joe will do to address these challenges?
If so, that’s exactly the point.
Storytelling can be a powerful tool to engage adult learners, both in the classroom and in your on-demand learning programs. Scenarios such as these provide valuable context, introduce a character that learners can relate to, and create a sense of curiosity around where the story is going and how it will end.
Because they are drawn in and pay attention, it also increases their retention of the story and the lessons woven within it.
This scenario is part of an e-learning program we created on Making the Most of Working with Multiple Supervisors, one of the many professional skills programs—of 15 minutes or less—available as part of our Professional Essentials series.
To learn more about how Joe addressed the challenges he was facing, request preview access access to Professional Essentials for Law Firms.