Training is NOT the Magic Bullet
Read my new article on training pitfalls.
Archive for November, 2006
How to make a chart in two steps
Step 1: Highlight the table/data, including the column and row labels
Step 2: Press F11
Excel automatically builds a chart for you- you can customize it by right-clicking and selecting different chart types and options. That’s it!
Do what I want you to do, but figure it out yourself
Yesterday I helped a client with an Excel spreadsheet that her boss wants them to take over. They even sent them to my Excel class to help them, and she learned the basics of Excel and can understand the mechanics of the boss’s spreadsheet, but we still were missing the most important component to using the sheet- a clear, written procedure and explanation of the purpose, constraints and data.
Your sheet should be cleary labeled and explained with comments, along with a flowchart explaining how to update the sheet.
Armed with a process flowchart, comments explaining the data and formulas, and an understanding of the purpose of the sheet, others can maintain sheets and even improve them. It’s up to the boss to provide comprehensive training- written comprehensive training. Sending your empoyee to an Excel class is a smart move, it teaches them “to drive” but don’t expect them to drive to Vermont without a map.