5 Pro-Level Innovative Training Strategies

How to make the most out of every minute of innovation training with 5 pro-level innovative strategies.

We are living in a new reality. Last year, organizations were forced to be nimble, as they were thrown into an environment of pivots and operational shifts. Amid the upheaval, businesses were presented with opportunities to explore modernization and dive into creativity like never before. Here are 5 key innovation training strategies to shift that reality.

Although uncertainty and panic pushed executives to be inventive and ultimately thrive, teams need to be innovating and leading-edge even in times when there is no external pressure. That is why innovation training is an essential process for every company to implement in their workflow and operations. Innovation training teaches leaders and teams creative ways of working that push individuals to go beyond the status quo. The training encompasses a human-centric approach, that focuses on the needs of the customer as opposed to metrics or business goals. Not only does this approach lead to more satisfied customers, innovation training often creates more employee engagement and satisfaction. Successful teams want to see their company address market needs and evolve with our current times. Innovation training is a great way to show teams the company is always looking at ways to move forward, and also that employees play a prominent role in its growth.

With the digital revolution accelerated by the pandemic, we are seeing advancements in business quicker than ever before. Innovation training helps teams keep up with our world’s fast-paced environment; a pace that looks like it’s here to stay awhile. If the practice of innovation training is new to your organization, here are some tips to make the most out of every session.

5 Innovation Training Tips

1. Define your goal

We stress the importance of defining your goal repeatedly to leaders when they seek tips on running effective meetings, and innovation training are no different. Before you begin anything, determine what you want to accomplish out of the innovation training. Perhaps it is an ingenious new product to expand your market reach or your team needs a breakthrough idea to streamline internal operations. Specifically, lay out what it is you are looking to transform. If you need a discovery on a micro-level, your innovation training session may only be needed for a few days. If it’s a larger macro-level shift, you may need months of innovation training. Your end objective will always dictate the length, number of participants, and intensity of your training. These 5 innovative tips will improve that process.

2. Create a plan

In addition to defining your target goal, it’s important to create an overall strategy and plan. As mentioned above, the objective will determine how many days or months of innovation training dates are needed. Don’t be afraid to spread out the sessions over time if it means your team will have more time to observe, reflect, and contribute. You’ll need to plan what you want to cover in the training as well as consider all the immediate action items. Make sure your innovation training and time aren’t wasted by including next steps. Doing so will provide an opportunity for your team to implement changes or updates while the ideas are fresh in their minds. Map out team huddles and check-ins as needed to ensure that every project and initiative is on track.

3. Ask for feedback

Unfortunately, we do see companies implement team innovation training built around one-way communication models. Innovation training should not encompass your employees watching corny procedural videos from the 90s. Innovation training truly needs to be rooted in collaboration. That’s why it’s so important to ask for feedback from your team throughout the process. Ask for your team’s input and critiques to assure that your ideas are aligned. The effort will ultimately empower your workforce to offer more ideas and ask questions. Collaboration and diversity of thought is at the heart of every successful company.

4. Keep it human-centric

As described earlier, human-centered design is at the core of innovation training. Because this method is highly focused on customer needs as opposed to metrics, some leaders shy away from these tactics. However, what we’ve learned is when you start and end with people, you’ll design products and services that customers truly love. And creating what customers want will lead to more sales. In fact, a study from Forrester Research shows that strong human-centered design has the potential to increase customer conversion rates up to 400%. Human-centered design is not just a competitive advantage, it is an essential asset in innovation training. We lean into human-centered design because it’s key for a business to flourish. 

5. Leverage the experts

Innovation training can feel intimidating, especially to those who have never ventured into this space. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when preparing and implementing innovation training. Design-thinking facilitators are highly skilled in navigating this sometimes complicated process. They provide an unbiased third-party perspective and make your innovation training organized, efficient, and engaging,. This POV is crucial to seamlessly navigate differing opinions and move discussions forward.

Does your company need Innovation Training? We can help!

Voltage Control offers a range of options for innovation training. We know that no two teams are alike. Companies are complex with their own unique set of structures and company culture. That’s why we build and curate custom workshops to find solutions based on your team’s exact needs.

Voltage Control’s experts will guide you through your choice of experiential, interactive learning workshops, and coaching sessions where individuals and teams learn and practice how to successfully apply the best of today’s innovation methodologies and facilitation techniques to any business challenge. Please reach out to us at hello@voltagecontrol.com if you want to learn more about innovation training, design sprints, or design thinking facilitation.

FAQ Section

What is the format of Voltage Control’s employee training programs?
Voltage Control offers blended learning programs that combine both digital learning and in-person workshops. This approach ensures flexibility, allowing participants to adapt the learning path to their busy schedules. The goal is to promote continuous learning and enhance knowledge retention through a series of activities that include virtual reality experiences and hands-on learning.

How does Voltage Control enhance student engagement during training?
We utilize innovative teaching strategies such as immersive learning experiences and social learning to maximize student engagement. These methods focus on practical applications, collaborative projects, and real-time feedback, providing participants with both soft and technical skills needed to solve complex challenges.

How does Voltage Control’s academy address different learning styles?
At Voltage Control, we emphasize adaptive learning techniques that cater to various learning styles, ensuring that every participant receives an effective training experience. Whether through instructional strategies, hands-on experience, or digital programs, Voltage Control’s approach helps create innovative cultures that support continuous learning and professional development.

How do informal learning and continuous learning culture contribute to long-term success?
We encourage a culture of continuous learning by integrating informal learning methods, such as collaborative projects and social learning, alongside formal training. This approach builds a deeper understanding of concepts and fosters lifelong learning, equipping participants to tackle future challenges in their careers.

What innovative approaches are used to improve training materials and educational outcomes?
Voltage Control applies innovative training techniques, including the use of digital learning tools and customized educational materials, to improve educational outcomes. These methods help develop both soft and technical skills while ensuring participants gain a conceptual understanding of real-world applications through problem-solving exercises and practical, hands-on experiences.

How does Voltage Control facilitate corporate training for tech startups and other industries?
Our corporate training programs are designed to meet the specific needs of industries like tech startups, offering flexible, innovative training strategies that accommodate busy schedules. The focus is on developing both basic knowledge and advanced skills through innovative methods and a series of activities that drive growth opportunities and improve key learnings.

How do Voltage Control’s workshops help prepare participants for future challenges?
Our workshops employ innovative techniques that equip participants with the skills and mindset needed to address future challenges. Through adaptive learning, real-time feedback, and problem-solving strategies, participants gain the necessary tools to create innovative ideas and solutions in fast-evolving industries.