In every area of our lives we are seeing a drive to make things easier and simpler to use. Learning a new skill or application is becoming an easier thing to accomplish, to the point that it is no longer seen as a differentiator.
In recruitment this can be seen all the time: candidates all with the same skill set. So what sets one candidate apart from another? Very often it is not that they know how to do something but rather that they understand its value and the reasoning for "WHY" it should be done. Context or understanding becomes their differentiator.
If we take a look at apps for example, companies are releasing new technologies and apps all the time to engage consumers. So what makes one app a roaring success and another app never heard of, even though the unsuccessful app is great and the technology might even be better?
The easy answer is, it is not the technology or design necessarily, but rather the context or the "WHY" behind what we tell consumers, to engage them in using the new application. If the app is not well explained and not in the sense of "HOW" to use it but rather "WHY" I should use it, it will most likely be overlooked. People want to understand the value of something, whether it will make their lives easier, and what difference will using the new app will make.
When communicating, especially in the IT industry, it is vital to give rationale and context and never assume that your target audience has a certain knowledge level.
In dealing with education skills and imparting knowledge of new products, it is vital that we highlight "WHY" we are training and what value-add and benefits our new product will bring to the customer. We also need to take into account what their actual knowledge level is and not assume it is more extensive as this will be discouraging.
Constant technology or in-house acronyms are alienating and people who are developing technology need a clear roadmap of not only what the technology should achieve for a customer's business but "WHY" it should achieve it.
Context needs to be given to highlight the value-add and benefits of using an ERP solution for business owners, like increased visibility, cost control and efficiency.
For example it's important to explain not just "HOW" to capture an invoice but ensure that the "WHY" is understood. The business reasons for something as simple as capturing an invoice and relaying this context to new interns, colleagues and customers alike, assists in understanding the impact on the business. Knowing that the information captured in invoicing is an input that results in outputs to sales visibility, forecasting, product trends and potential decision-making.
This understanding helps the capturer understand the importance of "WHY" they do what they do.
Context enables understanding, rationale and purpose, driving more effective adoption rates when it comes to embracing new learning or new technology alike.
Context is becoming the differentiator, most people want to engage with the person that knows "WHY" and "HOW" rather than just "HOW".
Share