The Challenge

Managers often struggle to address performance and behavior issues without damaging trust or morale. Traditional training tends to be overly procedural or lacks emotional nuance, leaving learners unprepared for real-world conversations that require both clarity and compassion.

The Solution

I designed a scenario-based eLearning module using Articulate Storyline that immerses managers in realistic workplace situations. Each scenario—such as meeting with Taylor about a customer complaint—features:

• Dynamic branching logic that adapts to learner choices

• Feedback matrices that reinforce emotionally intelligent communication

• Concise, branded job aids to support post-training application

• Visual layouts and language refined for clarity, warmth, and impact

The course also includes a printable conversation planner to extend learning beyond the screen.

The Results

My goal is to Increase learner engagement through interactive, decision-based storytelling.  I want to Strengthen manager confidence in handling sensitive conversations.  I see this course being adopted as part of onboarding and leadership development tracks.

The inspiration for this project came from my years as an elementary school principal, where I often navigated challenging coaching conversations with staff. Those experiences sparked a question: how could I transform those real-world insights into an engaging, learner-centered course? I began by sketching a visual outline in Canva to map the course flow and structure. My goal was to design a clear, intuitive path that would guide learners through coaching conversations in a way that felt both practical and approachable.

After sketching the initial course outline in Canva, I moved into drafting a written storyboard to shape each coaching conversation. I used Microsoft Copilot to help brainstorm realistic dialogue options and scenario paths. A key design element was building three distinct learner reactions based on the choices they made—allowing for emotionally nuanced branching. I chose to delay written feedback until the end of each scenario, so learners could reflect on how they performed across all five coaching steps. Once the structure was solid, I filled in the traditional storyboard with audio narration and slide-level content to guide visual and instructional flow.

With the storyboard finalized, I moved into course development using Articulate Storyline. I sourced, customized, and edited all visuals using a blend of Canva shapes and imagery—ensuring each graphic supported the learning experience and maintained a cohesive, branded feel. To wrap up the course, I designed an original pre-coaching checklist in Canva, giving learners a practical tool to plan and apply the five coaching steps in their next real-world conversation.