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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Map It summary
Cathy Moore
The Hands-On Guide to Strategic Training Design
18 mins
Brief summary
Map It by Cathy Moore is a must-read guide that teaches instructional designers the art of creating effective training. With its practical approach, it provides a step-by-step process to develop training solutions that meet the specific needs of learners.
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Map It
Summary of 5 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 5
So, what’s the problem?
Right from the start, the action mapping begins with gathering information, not assuming any one solution in particular. So let’s get back to your conversation with Amy about the safety training to see how she’d approach this in practice.
Amy might ask you something like, “is there safety training as a part of onboarding?” or, “Is the information on the prepared slides you have already available to workers in the warehouse?” Finding out that the slides are taken from an on-site safety manual and there are workplace signs already in the warehouse, her next questions will center on finding out why these resources aren’t working.
So when Amy asks you about this, you say, “Well, when we ask the staff, they say they don’t check the manual after training because it’s all the way up at the front office. They say the signs just fade into the background, too. Just last week someone fell off a ladder without a safety harness, but he passed three signs about wearing one before he climbed the ladder!”
Knowing this, Amy might ask for pictures of the signs from the warehouse, or ask why the manual isn’t in an easily accessible spot. She might also ask to talk to staff from various roles around the warehouse, too, in order to get a better picture of what’s happening there.
Focusing her questions on the findings of the report, she might learn from warehouse workers that safety equipment is stored far away from the places where it is needed. Or, that it’s not stored properly and is difficult to locate during a busy shift. Workers who are already pressed for time report that they take “small shortcuts” to get the job done, feeling pressured to keep up with their quotas.
So far, just defining the problem has revealed a lot. Our imaginary warehouse workers don’t report not knowing about safety protocols, and they know where to go to find out more. But these talks have exposed some problems in organisation and access that are impacting how they apply this knowledge at work.
This information gathering process may continue for quite some time, too but it has a purpose: to define the problem as clearly and completely as possible. Along the way, it will also uncover why any safety measures already in place to solve the problem aren’t working.
It might involve outside research too - almost no business is unique in the world, so there are likely other companies that have faced similar problems. Some preliminary research on other firms might locate even more effective changes to put in place. It may also involve talking to managers about reorganising the job site, or changing schedules to allow for more time on the tasks that have proven records of safety problems.
Once the problem is defined as clearly as possible with all the stakeholders involved, it's now time to set a goal.
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What is Map It about?
Map it! The Action Mapping Book (2017) is a practical, hands-on guide for those in the business world that design training for fellow professionals. This revolutionary guide refocuses on solving problems in business and achieving measurable results. So if you’re longing to dump those ineffective webinars and boring slide stacks look no further—Map it! Will help you focus on what the problems are, how they got that way, and what everyone can do about it for provable results.
Map It Review
Map It by Cathy Moore (2015) is a practical and informative guide that will revolutionize the way you approach learning and training. Here's what sets this book apart:
- With its step-by-step process and clear examples, it equips readers with the tools they need to create effective learning experiences.
- Packed with real-world case studies and practical strategies, it offers actionable insights that can be applied to any learning situation.
- By focusing on learner-centered design, the book ensures that learners remain engaged and motivated, making the learning process anything but boring.
Who should read Map It?
- Business trainers looking for targeted, measurable results
- Problem solvers wanting a reliable path to better outcomes
- Anyone who wants to ditch that boring training course, but make better on-the-job choices
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Map It FAQs
What is the main message of Map It?
The main message of Map It is to create effective and engaging eLearning experiences.
How long does it take to read Map It?
The reading time for Map It varies, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Map It a good book? Is it worth reading?
Map It is worth reading because it provides valuable insights on instructional design and practical tips for creating impactful learning materials.
Who is the author of Map It?
The author of Map It is Cathy Moore.
What to read after Map It?
If you're wondering what to read next after Map It, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Evidence-Informed Learning Design by Mirjam Neelen & Paul A. Kirschner
- Deep Work by Cal Newport
- 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin
- This Is Strategy by Seth Godin
- Ultralearning by Scott H. Young
- Brag Better by Meredith Fineman
- Beyond Anxiety by Martha Beck
- The Creative Brain by Anna Abraham
- The High 5 Habit by Mel Robbins
- How Not to Worry by Paul McGee
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