Whilst researching my next computer (it's that time again) I looked at the IMAC from Apple, which I like because it's an attractive piece of design and therefore adds value when it's switched off. I was slightly disappointed to hear that the new ones have taken minimalism even further. There is no tower, just a flat screen, keyboard and mouse - that's it.

This got me reflecting on the advantages of miniaturisation - and that in turn brought back to mind a course I used to run many years ago. Whilst the course and some of the assumptions behind it have dated somewhat, one thing stands out as being of lasting value. As part of the (extremely expensive) resource pack, the learners left with a plastic credit card style wallet with a series of credit card sized cards which had reminders of the key models and processes from the course.

I've met a number of people over the years that still carry the cards in their wallet and refer to them before particularly tough meetings or interactions.

To give this proven approach a more Brain Friendly edge:

• Why not just give the learners an empty plastic (or leather if the organisation is feeling flush) credit card wallet and get them to design and produce a set of prompt cards?

• Get them to produce a set of prompt cards that capture the key learning and processes for quick reference in the live environment. Limit the cards to the number of pockets in the credit card wallet (otherwise they will just be miniature notes which go the same way as the ordinary sort).

• Credit cards these days come with all sorts of interesting backgrounds that they can emulate. For example use pictures of the delegates or particular moments during the programme as watermarks. You could even give each delegate a choice of different backgrounds. This way the cards and the wallet are not only a practical reminder but also an anchor for the states the group experienced during the programme.

• How about this for long-term set down? Put issue and expiry dates on the cards and at 6 months, a year and two years (or intervals appropriate to your organisation) send an expiry notice! At this point the group can reconvene and, through sharing results and experience, refine the guidance on the cards.

My belief is this will work better because:

• We tend to give more currency to self generated learning

• Learners can take credit for their learning and not give it to you

• Their interest in the topic will be encouraged beyond the workshop

• They will have easy access to the learning they have invested in

• On balance…. (Oh stop it!).

This week’s FriendlyBrain Tip comes to you from  Kevin Cherry of Kaizen Training. Kaizen Training Limited is a well-established consulting and training firm based in the UK and offering its services to the global business community. Training for Excellence is a leading-edge Train the Trainer company based in the U.S. and providing training programs internationally. For more information, contact us at info@wetrain.biz