Over the years many people attend in-company training courses because there is something new on the list, or because there is generally “something useful” about the programs run. This menu of training provion, whilst helping managers, has become one of the tools that has helped to almpst destroy the tr Training for reward or punishment Too many organizations still use training as some form of reward or punishment for not being “good enough” THIS MUST STOP Using training for either of these … [Read more...] about There is only one reason why outstanding organizations train their people
Social media in HR Infographic
The CIPD have recently published an infographic on the use of social media at work. The graphic is based on some research they have completed looking at our usage (or not) of these powerful collaboration tools.What is interesting to me is that 61% of employers that responded to the survey do not use any form of collaborative or social platform within the business.From experience I know that even the firms that have them are struggling to make them work, but when they are used, they … [Read more...] about Social media in HR Infographic
Using keyboards reduces learning shows new study – death of the Ipad
Do you believe that taking notes using a laptop or keyboard in learning events helps you learn better? Well research published in Psychological Science suggests not. The authors Mueller and Oppenheimer conducted memory research after a self realisation that taking notes in different ways had a very different impact on recall. Long hand vs typed In the research the authors looks at how people took notes and compared those that used a laptop and types notes, and those that wrote their notes in … [Read more...] about Using keyboards reduces learning shows new study – death of the Ipad
Macro, Micro and Global approaches to learning using the 70-20-10 model – have we got it wrong?
In the move from training activity being classroom centric to a more balanced approach, much has been written about the 70-20-10 approach to learning and development, but have we thrown out the baby with the bath water?Let’s get some common understanding: 70-20-10 70 percent of learning should happen on the job – macro – step by step, words in a sentence if you like20 percent of learning should be from coaching – micro – the role, paragraphs if you like10 percent of learning should … [Read more...] about Macro, Micro and Global approaches to learning using the 70-20-10 model – have we got it wrong?
Who owns training in your organization?
This is a perennial question, and from time to time the ownership and drive moves from one area to another. As a Training Manager I have operated within HR and Operations. And without doubt the best impact comes when Operations owns and indeed demands training.This does not mean to say that HR or a Training function should not be involved in the process, and could help to develop standards and help operations look to the long term, not just a "quick fix". Why in operations? When operations … [Read more...] about Who owns training in your organization?
L&D the land of the walking dead… zombies? #cipdldshow
I have spent the last 2 days at premier conference for the learning and development profession in London. I have been in the profession for over 30 years, and in that time I have seen a lot of changes. In the last two years I have come to an increasing realization that maybe the profession is dead... but most people in the profession have not realized this yet. We are all the walking dead, zombies. We keep doing what we do, and have not realized the we and many of our colleagues have … [Read more...] about L&D the land of the walking dead… zombies? #cipdldshow
What Trainers can learn from world class professionals at #cipldshow
When attending any conference there is always a lot that can be learnt. these things can be ourselves, our thoughts and reactions and of course the content and style of delivery of others. As a "seasoned" (old) professional I have been attending learning and development conferences for longer than I dare to remember. Of course the longer one has been in a profession, the harder it is to find the "new" ideas or nuggets. However this year I have learnt a couple of things, and these should be … [Read more...] about What Trainers can learn from world class professionals at #cipldshow
Experience is not the same as on-the-job learning (or training) #HRBlog
Work experience is not the same as learning. We often hear of Human Resource Managers using “on-the-job training” as a preferred training approach. But what does it really mean? Is it just experience of doing a job or task?Learning on-the-job definition On-the-job training (OJT) is a form of training taking place in a normal working situation Source Experience is not the same as learning We do learn from experiences, but is the “learning” that the individual gets and interprets what the … [Read more...] about Experience is not the same as on-the-job learning (or training) #HRBlog
30 Behaviours for Effective Learning
Using researched based learning and instructional design Based on research from the fields of cognitive science and neuroscience, Ewell* suggests that there are 30 behaviours which when adopted lead to effective learning. For those of us responsible for workplace learning and development activity, we should consider these behaviours and build our development strategies towards harnessing them in our learning and instructional design. Whether we use the outdated 70:20:10 or the 3-33, there … [Read more...] about 30 Behaviours for Effective Learning
Motivating difficult trainees during training
It is said there is no such thing as a “difficult trainee”, just the unknown and our reactions to that. Not everyone is like a spring lamb or an inquisitive 3 year old! We have all been there, seen it and done it before, indeed many have the T-Shirt. Often, when things are new and we believe passionately about it, on occasions we can seem a “little” too over enthusiastic. J This can happen in your training too. As trainers we can appear to be “too full on” or almost as a disciple for the … [Read more...] about Motivating difficult trainees during training
70:20:10 – has the model had its day?
The 70:20:10 model was developed by Michael Lombardo and Robert Eichinger whilst at the Center for Creative Leadership in 2000. Jay Cross says that “The 70-20-10 model is more prescriptive. It builds upon how people internalize and apply what they learn based on how they acquire the knowledge.” The 70:20:10 in context Based upon research that took place in the 1980s and 1990s, the 70:20:10 was the summary of activities in the process of developing leadership (then management) skills. In the … [Read more...] about 70:20:10 – has the model had its day?
HR needs to split operations & strategic activities – needing to live the company values
For years HR has been fighting to have a seat at the top table. It wants to be seen as more relevant and important to the business.The simple reality is that HR is neither operational or strategic to many organisations, and the reason is simple….. a lack of customer care. Many of us have dropped the ball. We have been playing the wrong game, on the wrong court, with the wrong ball! If we want to be strategic we need to talk $$$, that is a topic for another blog (watch this space), on another … [Read more...] about HR needs to split operations & strategic activities – needing to live the company values
Bell Curve for Performance Management – effective tool or poor #leadership let out?
What is a “Bell Curve”? A bell curve is the shape of a statistical set of data that results in the shape resembling a “bell”, sometimes known as a “normal distribution” curve. It is a way of displaying data to understand strengths & weaknesses in terms of frequency. It is used in many situations, not just performance management. How does Bell Curve performance management work? If you have 10 people in a team, you rank people compared to others in the team on a set of common objectives or … [Read more...] about Bell Curve for Performance Management – effective tool or poor #leadership let out?
Tip for Trainers – a recent compendium #trainingtip
Over the last few months I have been putting short tips for trainers up on twitter, I thought it was about time I collated them here. Not in any particular order, there I hope will provide some reflection in your training practice: #trainingtip Tips to be a more effective trainer http://sfy.co/tJPn #storify #trainingtip #greatlearning #trainingtip when covering technical material:regularly stop, ask specific questions to named participants to confirm understanding #trainingtip … [Read more...] about Tip for Trainers – a recent compendium #trainingtip
Size matters…..is bigger better, or is smaller more intimate?
Training tip for group sizes and dynamics It is often said that bigger is better, an in many things in life it may well be true, but when it come to training it is often said that small group size is best. That is sort of true, but not universally. Pros of big groups:economies of scale more ideas, thoughts & contributionsCons of big groupspeople can hide we don't know if people are learningPros of small groupsone to one attention meet individual … [Read more...] about Size matters…..is bigger better, or is smaller more intimate?
Get physical for best practice training #trainingtip
Whilst the human being is supposed to be a smart, intelligent animal, the reality that we cannot escape from is that we are also physical beings. Sitting still or remaining stationary for long periods of time might be aspirational for some, but from a learning point of view, we learn best when we move. There is conflicting research about the exact nature of what physical activity is best for learning, however there are some general principles that Neuroscientists agree on:People need to … [Read more...] about Get physical for best practice training #trainingtip
50 shades of CV
How to format your CV Every years thousands of us update or create our first real CV in the hope of landing our dream job. But what makes a successful CV in 2013? How to format your CV for best impact?This was a question asked in a HR professionals group on LinkedIn this month. With so many different forms and structures available, this could be an impossible task. So a few members of the group met on a collaborative online meeting to review some CVs to see if there were any common things … [Read more...] about 50 shades of CV
Learning change techniques from roadworks
This past week I have seen practical change management open and fail right in front of me.Where I live over the last few weeks, we have been subjected to many, many changes to the flow of traffic and accessibility of certain roads and accesses. This is due to significant utilities works in the area.None of us really like changes to our local roads, but one set of circumstances caused me to reflect on this and look at how we manage change in our organizations. Now this is nothing new, but … [Read more...] about Learning change techniques from roadworks
Social Media and Social Business – what do we mean?
As we move into a world where "social" is put on every HR and marketing strategy, much like "i" has been put on technology, are we at a risk of over complicating and confusing people.We are in the early hours of a new revolution, and I fear that many people are using what they consider to be "cool" or "sexy" titles rather than describing what is happeningSocial - It's not the emperors new clothesThere really is a sea change happening in the way we communicate - and this tide cannot … [Read more...] about Social Media and Social Business – what do we mean?
Diversity calendar from the CIPD 2013
Looking for a diversity calender with the various religious dates all in one place? It’s not often that something for free has intrinsic value, however here is an offer from the CIPD with a difference. The CIPD contribute to a diversity calendar which provides a range of multi-faith days, holidays and festivals. This diversity calendar is being made available on their site for all – members and non-members alike. Diversity Calender 2013 from Diversiton This calendar is a practical and … [Read more...] about Diversity calendar from the CIPD 2013


















