422: How to make workforce training stick - with Ryan McCrea

Here’s the thing about workforce training… Most companies are not short on content.
They are not short on slide decks. They are not short on smart people teaching smart ideas. But the real question is this: Does the training actually stick?

Because we’ve all been in those sessions where everyone nods along in the room… maybe even feels inspired for a minute… and then Monday happens.

The inbox fills back up.
The meetings stack up.
The old habits come roaring back.

And suddenly, that great training moment becomes just that.
A moment.

So how do we help busy adults learn in a way they can actually remember, apply, and turn into real behavior change at work?

My special guest today is Ryan McCrea, and he’s simplifying how to make workforce training stick. Here’s how.

My special guest today is Ryan McCrea and he’s simplifying how to make workforce training stick.

We tackle and simplify all aspects of it, including:

What micro-sized learning is, and why it works so well for busy adults at work.
What helps people actually retain new information, including the power of relevance, repetition, and real-world application.
How AI can support learning without weakening critical thinking, human skills, or good judgment, including the AHAH Method:
- A = Ask the right question
- H = Human first
- A = AI second
- H = Human last
What it takes to turn training into real behavior change on the job, not just a great learning moment in the room.
And the role managers play after training, including how they can reinforce learning, coach in 1:1s, and recognize positive behavior change when they see it.

Q: Are you wanting to help make your workforce training stick? If yes, this one is for you.

It’s time to #DoTheThing!

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<What’s catching my eye this week>

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My challenge for you this week:

How are you going to take what you’ve learned in today’s episode and take action to help your workforce training stick? What’s one thing you’ll do differently? Share it with me, privately or publicly. Snap a photo of you doing the thing, and send me a DM over on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesimplifiers) for added accountability and support!

Links, books and apps mentioned:

Resource: Find Ryan McCrea on LinkedIn - click here

Book: Quick Bites of Insight: Micro-Sized Learning on Work and Leadership - Ryan McCrea

Book: With a Bot and a Prayer: Teaching and Learning in the Age of Generativity - Mary Ellen Joyce and Jackson Nickerson

Watch: WALL-E movie trailer - Disney

Podcast: Surprise, Your AI Doesn’t Train Itself. Building and Maintaining AI Agents - The Josh Bersin Podcast

Podcast: How to build a strong culture as a people manager, featuring Andre Young - The Simplifiers Podcast

Podcast: How to squash the Sunday Scaries (guided visualization) - The Simplifiers Podcast

Mary’s New Book is Out NOW on Amazon!

My new book, Squash the Sunday Scaries: A Modern Playbook to Rebuild Trust, Transform Culture, and Reignite Your Workforce, is out now — and you can buy it today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or your favorite independent bookstore.It’s written for HR leaders, people managers, and anyone ready to make work better in a practical, human way. If you’ve been looking for simple tools to improve employee experience, rebuild trust, and create better results for your people and your business, this book is for you. Learn more, visit: https://squashthesundayscaries.com

About Ryan McCrea:

Ryan McCrea - He is a talent, learning and leadership development executive, President of Saint Louis Organization Development Network, and author of Quick Bites of Insight. With more than 20 years of experience helping organizations develop stronger leaders, better teams, and healthier cultures, Ryan is known for his practical, candid perspective on leadership, manager development, and what truly works in the real world.

Where Ryan hangs out online:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmccrea

Website: https://www.quickbitesofinsight.com

Ryan’s vote for the perfect guest on The Simplifiers Podcast:

Justine Froelker - She is an author, speaker, and corporate trainer who helps people and organizations build courage, resilience, authenticity, and meaningful change. She has over 25 years of experience in mental health and personal development, and she delivers keynotes, workshops, retreats, and training sessions for audiences across the U.S. and virtually around the world. Her work focuses on leadership, courageous conversations, mental health, burnout, and creating stronger workplace cultures. She is also the creator of Courage is Built Here™ and the author of multiple published works.