10 Tips for Setting SMART-er Goals and or Objectives George Ambler has a good post on SMART goals at his blog The Practice of Leadership.It's title is the "10 Steps to Setting SMART objectives" and references an article by Andrew Bell whose title is also "10 Steps to SMART Objectives" (.pdf). His 10 steps are repeated below, with my emphasis.Some of the tips may seem like no-brainers, but I find it's usually the simple things that get forgotten or overlooked: 1. Understand the … [Read more...] about 10 Tips for Setting SMART-er Goals and Objectives
History of SMART Objectives
Introduction to SMART objectives and SMART GoalsManagement by Objectives is often credited to Peter Drucker in his 1954 book “The Practice of Management”, from this claimed history and approach the use of the acronym SMART(er) has grown. Having said that, for those that have bothered to read the book - there is NO DIRECT reference to SMART by Drucker in this publication. While it is clear that Drucker was one of the first to write about management by objectives, the SMART acronym is harder … [Read more...] about History of SMART Objectives
Free Business Plan & Business Planning Template
What is a good structure of an effective business plan ? There are many types of business plan format or template. The sample listed here may be used when raising finance.Its purpose is to show that you have a clear vision of what is expected, that you have taken account of key factors and that you can convince the funders (or lenders) that you are a safe bet!How do you write a Business Plan? Firstly you need to undertake a business planning process. This involves the planning, … [Read more...] about Free Business Plan & Business Planning Template
Learning and OD through Social Media
Can we Learn from Social Media? One thing that amazes me is the lack of acceptance in the Learning and Development world of Social Media. At a conference workshop last year, out of 40 people only three used social media for learning.Sure some organizations are setting up LinkedIn groups, Ning or other groups and forums for people to share ideas, but that is in many ways an extension of networking or action learning that already exists, just migrating to new platforms.Learning through social … [Read more...] about Learning and OD through Social Media
Porter's Five Forces – Competitor Analysis (Michael Porter)
Michael Porter's Five Forces Analysis Michael Porter's five forces is a model used to explore the environment in which a product or company operates.Five forces analysis looks at five key areas mainly the threat of entry, the power of buyers, the power of suppliers, the threat of substitutes, and competitive rivalry. New Entrants Suppliers Industry competitors and extent of rivalry Buyers Substitutes Introduction to Porter's 5 forcesThe model of the Five Competitive … [Read more...] about Porter's Five Forces – Competitor Analysis (Michael Porter)
Innovation Index – Practical & Real?
Innovation Index - is it relevant to 99% of businesses? Innovation, we all are being asked to deliver it, but can we agree on what it is? Does it even matter?Politically, many countries and global firms are involved in some form of Global Innovation Index, but does this really tell us what is happening, or who the innovative organisations really are?Produced as a joint venture by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), and The Manufacturing … [Read more...] about Innovation Index – Practical & Real?
Innovation and Invention… get confused again
Lack of Clarity Misleads Others Earlier this week Tesco Mobile (a division of the UK's largest retailer published a "Top 100 Inventions In History". The survey asked 4,000 people to compile a list of the 100 most important inventions in history. The results are a not too surprising collection of both inventions, innovations and adaptations. A shame as this will only lead to further "educate" the public into believing that innovation and invention are the same.In the research, The Telephone … [Read more...] about Innovation and Invention… get confused again
Business Glossary and Dictionary of Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZWelcome to the RapidBI lexicon.We believe in using clear, appropriate business terms here at RapidBI and provide this lexicon or glossary of common business, leadership and training related terms to help enable clarity.If you think we have missed any key terms please add them in the comments field belowAbility The capacity to perform an act, either innate or as the result of learning and practice.Ability … [Read more...] about Business Glossary and Dictionary of Terms
Brainstorming – Making it work in light of new research
Group think limits brainstorming benefits In an article: "Collaborative fixation: Effects of others' ideas on brainstorming" by: Nicholas W. Kohn, Steven M. Smith in Applied Cognitive Psychology (29 March 2010) an insight into the real effectiveness of brainstorming is given. The abstract summarizes the thinking very well: Three experiments examined whether or not fixation effects occur in brainstorming as a function of receiving ideas from others. Exchanging ideas in a group reduced the … [Read more...] about Brainstorming – Making it work in light of new research
21 Tip Checklist – Basic requirements of a Training Room/ Venue Basics
Basic Requirements of a Training Room/ VenueOften I get asked by new trainers what are the basics I need from a training venue. So here is my 21 point checklist of the basics (in no particular order)...Access to public transport Additional stationery if required, eg paper, pens, highlighters etc Air-conditioning/ fans/ heating that’s easily adjustable Catering - appropriate provision of refreshments/ lunch Cloakroom /Space for participants’ belongings Flexibility with … [Read more...] about 21 Tip Checklist – Basic requirements of a Training Room/ Venue Basics
The Perfect Training Room Of The Future – now!
Anatomy of a Training Environment What should be in the training room of the future? Times are changing as should the use and technology within a training room and training venue. But what technologies could be used to create an effective learning environment? While at some high-tech training rooms recently it got me thinking, what would I want in my perfect training room? Let's look at what most training rooms (should) contain:Powerpoint/ data projection Flip-charts Walls to put … [Read more...] about The Perfect Training Room Of The Future – now!
How to MASTER Accelerated Learning
How to MASTER Learning Accelerated or brain friendly learning has had a lot of good and bad press over the years, but what is it and how can you use it?What is Accelerated Learning?In basic terms it is efficient learning based on an understanding of the psychology (how) we learn. That is to present or acquire information in a way which makes it easier for the receiving brain to process and retain. Often programmes that are called "accelerated learning" are "learn to learn" type events/ … [Read more...] about How to MASTER Accelerated Learning
Learning Practitioners Association (LPA)- Are you making the most of your membership
Marketing Tips For Trainers & Learning Facilitators Are you a member of the Learning Practitioners Association - LPA (formerly TrainerBase)? Are you making it work for you? In this article Mike Morrison describes how he as made it to be number 1 listing in TrainerBase which has a significant impact on how many people look at your profile, and can enhance your ability to get hired. Ok so you have ‘signed up’ but what is The LPA and how can you make it work for you? Note – if you are a not … [Read more...] about Learning Practitioners Association (LPA)- Are you making the most of your membership
Creativity and Innovation Models – applying in practice
Creativity and Innovation Models There are many approached to creativity and innovation, however many users look at the technique and not the process or barriers. In our brief article on the 4-As (Aim Assess Activate & Apply) we looked at how this process could be easily used to help develop the innovative capacity of an organization. Here we look at the model in more depth, and with a practical approach showing how each step can be applied within an organization. The Creatrix … [Read more...] about Creativity and Innovation Models – applying in practice
Balance in the Nine Box Grid for Talent Management
Removing Line Manager Blocks to Encourage Talent ManagementIts not all about people that are identified as being in the top right of a model. Talent is required at all levels and for all jobs. If all a business employed were high fliers then staff turnover would be unsustainable. True talent management is about harnessing and utilising what we have.The nine box grid is a valuable and yet simple tool in the planning and management of people talent in any organisation. Its simplicity is … [Read more...] about Balance in the Nine Box Grid for Talent Management
Training Needs Analysis Template – Call Centre
Training Needs Analysis/ Assessment - Call Centre AgentPurpose of Training Needs Analysis (TNA)The company considers a Call Centre Agent as a valuable asset that could help best deliver the services that the client expects from us. The management of the company believes that you could perform exceptionally if you are fully equipped with the knowledge and skills that your job requires. It is for this reason that this Training Needs Analysis (TNA) is being conducted, to help you … [Read more...] about Training Needs Analysis Template – Call Centre
Training Courses – On or off site?
Where to Train - On-site or off-site? One of the most common questions asked by people new to training is "which is better... on or off site training?". Unfortunately there is no single right answer but the following may help you in your decision for a given course or programme.Generally speaking the more "training"/ direct job related the activity then being "on-site" has its advantages of associating the learning with the work place. For development activity in preparation for a future … [Read more...] about Training Courses – On or off site?
Training Needs Analysis – for a Production Unit
TRAINING NEEDS ANALYSISFor a Production Unit Introduction:Success of any business relies on the dedicated employees of the company. Production of quality products that the company makes itself viable in the business depends on the performance of its production unit workers. A well trained production team will tantamount to a business success. It is in this regard that the management would like to assess what its production unit needs so that it can provide them with the knowledge and … [Read more...] about Training Needs Analysis – for a Production Unit
Team Leader Mentoring (Management Mentoring)
Using Mentoring to Effectively Develop Team Leaders Team leader and middle management mentoring is rapidly becoming the “must have” in replacing conventional and costly internal training programmes.With the changing economic climate presenting new challenges every day, many middle managers lack the skills and experience to make informed decisions. Worse – much of the management development over the past 10 years has focused on systems and growth, not survival and sustainability, certainly … [Read more...] about Team Leader Mentoring (Management Mentoring)
Business Mentoring What is it?
What is Mentoring?Is mentoring a fad or here to stay as a valuable organizational development strategy? 87% of businesses in the UK utilised mentoring according to a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Survey (1999), (Klasen and Clutterbuck 2002) This trend has continued, however some organizations call mentoring interventions "coaching" to appear leading edge, but that is a piece for another article.Mentoring in a business sense is a vehicle for self development. Having … [Read more...] about Business Mentoring What is it?
