Microlearning Shots: "Welcome to Leadership" Course Breakdown

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Hey there, fellow microlearning enthusiasts!

I'm excited to share some insights from the "Welcome to Leadership!" course I designed as a demo for new fast food restaurant managers, intended to kick off a spaced learning path.

Don't worry if you're not in the food industry — these strategies are universal!

The course

📌 Welcome to Leadership!

⏳ Design time: 20 minutes

This topic is close to my heart, given my past consulting work in the industry. I know the rollercoaster of emotions and challenges that come with this transition. One day you're manning the register, the next you're responsible for the whole operation!

Here's how we break it down:

• Shifting Mindsets: Helping new managers understand their evolved responsibilities. It's not just about doing tasks anymore — it's about leading a team to success.
• Fast Food Leadership 101: Key leadership principles tailored to the unique fast-paced environment of quick-service restaurants.
• Real-world Scenarios: We dive into common challenges like managing a slow drive-thru during rush hour or handling customer complaints. These aren't hypothetical situations — they're the day-to-day realities of restaurant management.
• Confidence Boosting: Throughout the course, we've woven in elements designed to build the new manager's confidence. Because let's face it, imposter syndrome is real, especially when you're suddenly in charge of people who were your peers just days ago.

So, with this course we're not just training managers; we're nurturing leaders who can inspire their teams and create positive customer experiences.

Tackling new leader anxiety head-on

One of my favorite parts is how we address the elephant in the room right off the bat: new leader anxiety. We kick things off with a simple yet powerful poll: "What's your biggest concern in your new role❓"

This seemingly simple question accomplishes two critical things:

• It shows new managers that their worries are normal and shared by others in their position. There's immense relief in knowing you're not alone in your struggles.
• It provides valuable insights for both the learners and their mentors about the specific challenges they're facing. This data can help shape future training and support.

By acknowledging these concerns upfront, we're not just paying lip service to their feelings — we're laying the groundwork for building real self-efficacy. It's about transforming their self-image from "crew member with extra responsibilities" to "capable leader ready to tackle challenges."

Content creation strategies & practical tips

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of creating effective microlearning content.

1️⃣ Embrace multimodal learning

The course mixes content-based cards (e.g., explanations) with activity-based cards (e.g., quizzes, scenarios). This isn't just for engagement — it's about cognitive reinforcement. When creating content, I always challenge myself: "How can I convey this information without text?" 🤔 This forces creativity and often results in more impactful learning.

2️⃣ Incorporate active learning

Polls, quizzes, and role-plays aren't just fancy features — they're cognitive workout stations. Aim for a 2:1 ratio of active to passive content. For every two 7taps cards of reading/watching, include one minute of “doing”.

3️⃣ Use scenario-based learning

The course uses relatable examples like Sarah's drive-thru challenge. This bridges the gap between theory and application. Once working with a client, we created a "scenario bank" with SMEs: collected real situations their learners face, then their training experts used those as the backbone of their content.

4️⃣ Build confidence incrementally

The course acknowledges learner progress and normalizes challenges. This isn't just feel-good fluff — it's about building self-efficacy. So, structure your content from simple to complex. Start with quick wins, then gradually increase difficulty. This creates a sense of progress and motivates continued engagement.

5️⃣ Design your microlearning as a series (Learning Path)

Trust me, this is one of the most powerful features in 7taps!

Instead of a content dump, the course is part of a drip campaign. This aligns with how our brains actually form long-term memories.

🔜 In the next series, I'll break down a real learning path in detail, so that you'll be more confident when designing it from the ground up yourself.

Bonus tip: How to chunk content strategically

Breaking complex topics into digestible bits isn't just about brevity — it's about cognitive chunking for optimal learning. Here're my top-5 approaches to tackle this effectively:

1. Start with the end in mind: begin by clearly defining your learning objectives. Each chunk should directly contribute to at least one of these objectives.
2. Use the "One idea, one chunk" rule: Each segment should focus on a single, core concept. If you find yourself using "and" or "also" frequently, you might need to split your content further.
3. Use the "Inverted pyramid" technique: Start each chunk with the most crucial information, then add supporting details. This ensures learners grasp the key point even if they don't complete the entire chunk.
4. Employ the "What? So What? Now What?" framework: What? (Key information) >> So What? (Why it matters) >> Now What? (How to apply it)
5. Test with the "Interruption Technique": If a learner were interrupted mid-chunk, would they still walk away with a complete, useful piece of information? If not, your chunk might need refining.

That’s it for now!

Remember, effective microlearning is about more than just breaking content into smaller pieces. It's about strategically designing experiences that engage learners, reinforce key concepts, and drive real-world application.

Stay tuned for more! 👋