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A Picture Paints A Thousand Words

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Organisational Learning Method – Using Diagrams and Models

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There are many ways to present and share information at the workplace. Using drawings, diagrams and model to explain or show what is happening or going to happen can help your audience gain understanding and clarity within a short period of time, if done properly. Where possible, provide handouts for your audience to take away so that they can remember what was presented. For example, if you are teaching an employee in the hairdressing saloon on creating different perms, you can show different hair models (mannequin heads) to demonstrate what each perm looks like, use sketches to show different designs and diagrams or process flowcharts to show the steps taken to make each perm.

  1. Identify a task / event that will happen at a later time.
  2. Verify that all information is correct, complete and consistent with any previous communication.
  3. Identify target audience.
  4. Prepare diagram and notes
  5. Determine appropriate level of language
  6. Briefly explain the activities related to the event.
  7. Draw a diagram / model to explain how the activities are related / connected to one another e.g. by time, sequence.
  8. Provide additional details / requirements related to each activity where applicable e.g. logistics, time, people involved.
  9. Stop at various points during the explanation to confirm understanding.

  1. Organisation / management
    • Ensure that experienced workers are well-trained in communicating effectively.
    • Provide enough tools / resources for ‘workplace trainers’ where needed.
  2. Workplace ‘trainer’

    • Ensure that information is verified for completeness, correctness and consistency.

    • Ensure diagrams / models are clearly drawn, with relationships between activities clearly shown.

    • Be willing to clarify doubts with patience.

  3. Workplace ‘learner’
    • Ask questions if you don’t understand what is happening.
    • Take down notes / photos / videos to help you remember the next time you have to do it (Don’t tell yourself “I’ll remember”, because you won’t J).