Page 193 - Managing the Mobile Workforce

172 � mAnAgIng the moBIle workForCe

SMS themselves over to job openings in more tech-savvy organiza-
tions. And the idea of working or training mobilely, for this group,
isn’t a decision so much as it is reality. Why in the world would they
even consider being chained to a desk when a netbook would do?
These folks aren’t going to need the basic technology (remedial
training, really, for most of us of a certain age), because they’ll have
all that. That gives you the opportunity to really challenge them
with cutting-edge tools, technology, and applications. That’s what
will grab their attention—not SMS 101. This is the most educated,
technology-savvy group on the planet. So let them use technology
and social media to communicate, and forget the podium and the
lecture when you can. Give them quick, bite-sized, downloadable
learning opportunities for their cell phone, and, instead of you giving
the feedback to them all the time, ask for feedback often from them.
You’ll be surprised what you learn.

` moBIlIzIng your trAInIng depArtment

The paradigm of work is changing, and so is the paradigm of training
to meet the needs of now-mobile workers. Think of the mobile work-
ers in the field; what are they asking for? What do they urgently need?
Is your enterprise content mobile enabled? Can mobile users find your
content on their laptops and other mobile devices on demand? Is the
content you’ve been pulling out of three-ring binders for the last 20
years repurposed or reprovisioned so your mobile team can access it?

` teChnology BAselIne

Every training department should create a strategic content plan that
serves the needs of both your mobile workforce and also those who