How Much is TOO Much?

By Laurie Ferrari
​ 
“It is possible to have too much of a good thing.”
– Aesop –
 
Years ago, my son was telling my niece a funny – but somewhat long – story. He suddenly stopped and asked, “Are you even listening to me?” And she responded quite simply, “I’ve lost interest.” I think this is how many people feel about a lot of mandatory employee training and professional development.
 
With training, I think two issues are “too” common:

• Too long – Some experts say online training should last between 15 and 30 minutes. Others say courses that last 60-90 minutes indicate the content is important and not just an inconsequential activity. Ideal length is subjective. It may depend on the learner’s level of interest, personal attention span, or even attitude. So how long is too long? There’s not a clear-cut answer. But when a course gets too long, the learner is more likely to tune out.
• Too many – In many industries, employees take courses to satisfy certification or compliance requirements. But often, the courses start to duplicate content. A high school offers Biology and Chemistry, and no one expects them to be the same. There might be some common topics, but the material is different. So how many is too many? There’s not a “right” answer here either. But if content gets repetitive, the learner is more likely to be less attentive and miss something important.

 
The solution is simple:

• Be concise. Make training and compliance courses only as long as they need to be. Get to the point and say what needs to be said.
• Be selective. Reduce the number of mandatory training or compliance courses. Determine your objectives and require only what you really need.

 
Many businesses invest in employee training because it can increase staff motivation and enhance their skills. But it’s only worthwhile if the employees see the value. And if they “lose interest?” The potential gain becomes a loss. When it comes to training, it’s quality that counts – not quantity.
 
“Less is more only when more is too much.”
– Frank Lloyd Wright –