I remember it clearly. The year was 1993 and I was in my elementary school’s computer lab, debating whether to “ford the river” in an effort to lead my family to prosperity and food sources or chart an alternative path, all while trying not to die from dysentery. I was immersed in life as a pioneer back in the 19th century on the great Oregon Trail. And I was hooked.
That was well over 20 years ago and I still remember the enticing story surrounding the educational video game, “Oregon Trail.” For that one hour of computer time, I was absorbed in the life and struggles of a pioneer. I was on a mission and it seemed anything that could go wrong, would go wrong. Decisions needed to be made based on changing circumstances and strategy was vital to survival.
As with developing any effective training initiative, a well-devised strategy is key to ensure a positive return on investment (or arriving in Oregon alive and well). In essence, everything I need to know about strategy, I learned from “Oregon Trail.”
Selecting the Right Supplies
Just as the pioneers needed to spend their money wisely on food and supplies before embarking on their journey west, learning and development professionals must also adhere to a budget when developing a training program. L&D must anticipate the needs of their workforce and use the tools and resources at their disposal to successfully transfer knowledge and skills, such as consulting with knowledgeable subject matter experts on the training curriculum and integrating the appropriate technology to deliver the intended impact.
Keeping a Steady Pace
It’s a long expedition to Oregon in an ox-drawn wagon, so keeping a steady pace is important. If you insist on moving at a strenuous stride, then your oxen may tragically die or you may cause injury to yourself or passengers. After all, the goal is to get to Oregon alive, not as quickly as possible. For L&D professionals, it is important not to rush the design and development of training courses. Making shortcuts to curb time to market or save on costs can lead to poorly designed programs that deliver mediocre results. While speed is a significant consideration to training delivery, it should not be the sole focus.
Overcoming Challenges
Anticipating surprises is paramount to success on the wide-open trails. Ultimately, anything that can go wrong will go wrong in “Oregon Trail” – a family member may suddenly die from a fever or your wagon may spontaneously combust into flames. While creating a training program, L&D may be presented with unforeseen cost constraints, technological malfunctions and difficulties with stakeholder buy-in. By remaining agile and managing priorities, training managers can overcome any challenges that may arise during the design and delivery of learning initiatives.
Successfully Arriving at Your Destination
The journey may be littered with surprises, but by keeping a steady pace and focusing on the initiative at hand, you can overcome hurdles and successfully arrive at your destination. Having a sound strategy in place can help guide your efforts and ensure you have the resources you need to make positive, meaningful change.
