The Power of Just-in-Time Learning with Grant Fuellenbach
In the latest episode of the Designing with Love podcast, host Jackie Pelegrin engages in an enlightening conversation with Grant Fuellenbach, founder of GO First Consulting. The episode explores the fascinating intersection between construction methodologies and instructional design principles, revealing how systems thinking can transform businesses across industries.
Grant's journey began in the drone industry, where he developed software that created 3D models from drone imagery for construction projects. This experience exposed him to significant operational gaps that builders of all sizes face. His mission evolved to help these builders develop robust operating systems that allow them to scale their businesses effectively rather than remaining trapped in day-to-day operational chaos. As Grant explains, many business owners understand their current project pipeline but struggle to identify the specific levers needed to reach the next level of growth.
To address this challenge, Grant developed what he calls the "Critical 19," a comprehensive scorecard system that tracks essential metrics for builders and remodelers. This system uses a simple red-yellow-green indicator to show whether business owners are falling behind, meeting, or exceeding expectations in crucial areas. More importantly, it identifies specific gaps and provides actionable steps to overcome them. This methodical approach shares similarities with instructional design models like SAM (Successive Approximation Model) and Agile methodologies that prioritize rapid iteration and prototyping.
The conversation shifts to exploring how practical AI tools can revolutionize knowledge sharing and training. Grant highlights Google's Notebook, a free retrieval augmented generation (RAG) model that differs from large language models like ChatGPT. Unlike these models, Notebook generates answers solely from user-inputted sources, making it ideal for creating knowledge hubs for courses, projects, or client relationships. This tool enables users to transform their content into mind maps, study guides, videos, or podcasts, providing tremendous applications for knowledge sharing.
One of the most valuable applications of these tools is in just-in-time training, particularly in fields like construction. When contractors or subcontractors need immediate guidance on specific tasks like installing windows or maintaining job site cleanliness, they can access standardized operating procedures through tools like Notebook. This accessibility prevents costly mistakes – Grant shares an example where a contractor had to absorb a $27,000 loss due to incorrectly measuring and cutting a marble countertop, an error that could have been prevented with proper verification procedures.
The conversation reinforces the importance of documentation and consistent learning. Grant recommends that aspiring instructional designers and professionals in any field develop the habit of documenting daily learnings, suggesting the practice of recording a "TIL" (Today I Learned) entry each day. This simple habit creates valuable resources for future reference and professional growth.
Throughout the episode, Jackie and Grant identify numerous parallels between construction methodologies and instructional design principles, including the concept of "measure twice, cut once," the value of rapid iteration, and the importance of solid foundations before building more complex structures. These shared principles demonstrate how systematic approaches to problem-solving can be effectively applied across diverse industries, ultimately leading to more efficient operations and better outcomes.
🔗 Website and Social Links
Please visit Grant Fuellenbach’s website and social media links below.
Photo by Wallace Chuck: https://www.pexels.com/photo/round-silver-colored-pocket-watch-and-eyeglasses-on-opened-book-3109167/
Jackie Pelegrin
Instructional Designer, Author, College Professor, and Podcast Host
Jackie, an Arizona native, leverages decades of experience as an instructional designer within both higher education and the corporate world. She holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, both acquired through online learning. In addition to her full-time role, Jackie serves as an adjunct instructor, teaching online courses at Grand Canyon University. During her leisure time, she delights in reading books across a range of genres, enjoying movies and TV shows, playing games, listening to uplifting music, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
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