How I tie my shoes
And why it's ok, if you don't do it the same.
When was the last time you thought about tying your shoes?
My guess is not for a while. It’s a skill that once we learn it, we rarely consciously think about how we do it and instead do it.
Before I wrote this post today, I searched “how to tie your shoes,” and the video below shows the first result.
As I watched the video, I discovered a few things I do differently.
Step #3 - I loop the lace under in front, not behind.
Step #6 - is where it goes south. I don’t twist the lace around the first loop but instead make a 2nd loop with the other lace and tie them together. After this step, none of the following steps makes sense to me as all the steps are different.
After I watched this video, I then Google “how many ways can you tie your shoe” and came up with one article that said:
31 Ways To Tie Your Shoe
That’s wild!
What’s my point?
There may be several ways to tie your shoe, but ultimately the important part is ensuring the task is completed.
Regardless of how you do it, it gets done and keeps your shoes on; that’s all that matters.
Most Tasks Can Be Done in Multiple Ways
Relating it back to work, the same mentality should be applied when training someone to complete a task. You may have one way of doing it, but they may find a better way.
And that’s ok!
Let’s take company training for example.
It’s important to keep this in mind when creating SOPs (what’s that?) that you should make it known that the process can always be adjusted and improved as time goes on.
3 Things To Keep In Mind When Training:
Share the goal - It’s important to share what needs to be completed.
Present the most efficient way - But mention that they may find a more efficient way as time goes on, and that’s ok!
Everyone trains differently - So be ready to shift gears when things aren’t clicking during your training.
How To Train Multiple Ways:
Screenshot Your Process - I use this handy tool called Scribe (for Chrome) to take snapshots on my screen when I click and/or type something. This is helpful with links and further instructions that can be added later on.
Video Record with Voice - Most computers have the screen recording option that can also include voiceovers. This can help explain various options.
Create Document with Steps - Some people prefer reading steps to seeing or watching them; this is just another way people can learn.
Watching Someone - Others prefer to watch someone else do it and ask questions along the way.
Hands-On Learning - Some people prefer to “play” with a process to help them better understand it.
Regardless of how you work, the important part is getting the job done. The next person may do it slightly differently than you, but hammering home the idea of getting it done is the most important part.
Comment Below…
I’ve got questions, and you may have the answers.
How do you tie your shoes?
Do you double-knot your shoes?
Let me know what you think, and leave a comment! 👇
