Providing IT services includes many facets.\u00c2\u00a0 At times we’re problem solvers or troubleshooters.\u00c2\u00a0 Other times, we find ourselves to be more like researchers or students forced to learn at a rapid pace.\u00c2\u00a0 There are even times where I’d have to label us as babysitters of technology.\u00c2\u00a0 But probably the most unexpected role we play is teacher.\u00c2\u00a0 In fact, I would say that a good chunk of our industry is most uncomfortable in that role.<\/p>\n
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For me, it’s a little bit different.\u00c2\u00a0 I come from a family of teachers.\u00c2\u00a0 My father taught people how to drive.\u00c2\u00a0 My mother taught in elementary school.\u00c2\u00a0 My brother is a high school math teacher.\u00c2\u00a0 Teaching is a part of who we are and how we give back to the world around us.\u00c2\u00a0 Plus, it is an important part how we provide amazing service to our valued customers.<\/p>\n
As new technologies are released, we do our best to ramp up on how they work, what their features are and the best way to integrate them into existing business networks.\u00c2\u00a0 Then, as the new devices, features or software are adopted across our client base, we provide several different ways to help teach their usage.\u00c2\u00a0 Here are a few examples of how we do that.<\/p>\n
Lunch and Learn<\/strong> – From time to time, we’ll offer a scheduled voluntary meeting (typically a catered lunch) where the staff can learn a specific technology and the basics covering that topic.\u00c2\u00a0 After a presentation, we open the floor to questions so we can answer specifics on usage or purpose.\u00c2\u00a0 Within an hour, we can ramp up a good sized group on a new technology.\u00c2\u00a0 These tend to work out very well and help build camaraderie and trust and between our staff and yours.<\/p>\n Webinar<\/strong> – With powerful online collaboration tools these days, it is very easy to setup a webinar where people in diverse locations can participate in a group learning session.\u00c2\u00a0 It still provides the same opportunities as a Lunch and Learn except for the fact that lunch isn’t catered.\u00c2\u00a0 Sure, you can’t see everyone face to face, but the learning still remains focused on topic and there’s the same ability for Q&A later on.<\/p>\n Oh By The Ways<\/strong> – For lack of a better term, these are the questions I get when walking down a hall or wave hi to someone.\u00c2\u00a0 Inevitably, they start with “Oh by the way” and change topics to a burning questions they have with a new device they bought, or a problem that came up or a new version of software they are still getting used to.\u00c2\u00a0 These one on one training sessions come up most often and I’m happy to oblige.\u00c2\u00a0 Every time I can empower someone to be better at the job they do, I increase my own job satisfaction.<\/p>\n