If you put yourself in the spotlight as a trainer, as a learning and development specialist, it follows that at times you'll get burned. And that spotlight can be mighty hot. In my 20 plus years of designing and leading training workshops I've had my fair share of challenges: a particularly rude … [Read more...] about Training trouble? Activate shield deflector
Our inner mean girl (aka the vile bitch that lives upstairs)
Caveat: if you're a guy reading this, simply imagine your inner mean guy or the vile arse that lives upstairs. Who's your worst enemy? Likely it's you. Yep. You. How many times has the voice in your head grumbled: how could you possibly have something to teach anybody? no one will be … [Read more...] about Our inner mean girl (aka the vile bitch that lives upstairs)
Learning comes in all shapes, sizes & venues (including family reunions)
Some prefer their learning delivered through stacks of facts. Facts lined up with their edges squared and precise, like the desks in an old classroom. Facts stuffed to (over)fill precious time. Trainers channeling their knowledge into (supposed) empty and (un)willing brains. Others (in the know) … [Read more...] about Learning comes in all shapes, sizes & venues (including family reunions)
Knowledge management – how about a 'to-consider' list
I'm all about learning, about soaking up new knowledge and creating a sumptuous, creative smorgasbord of learning opportunities for my workshop participants. I have lists of books that I've read, dog-eared, highlighted, scribbled in and otherwise marked up for how to transfer the knowledge they … [Read more...] about Knowledge management – how about a 'to-consider' list
Doing things differently gets attention- even when it comes to saying thanks
I've been on a roll with two prior posts about how we as trainers can do things differently, in order to help prime our participants for learning. I think being creative and doing things differently is critical to being a great trainer. If participants don't want to learn, if they're not paying … [Read more...] about Doing things differently gets attention- even when it comes to saying thanks
Doing things differently as a trainer gets attention
Learning can't happen without attention. Our brains have to be sitting up, ready to absorb, in order to learn. One way of getting our participant's attention is by doing things differently. By doing things creatively. How much have the estimates changed of how much oil is pulsating into the … [Read more...] about Doing things differently as a trainer gets attention
Doing things differently gets attention
I'm all about creating a sumptuous banquet of learning opportunities that participants can't help themselves but dive into. One way to do that is to do things differently. Doing things differently gets our brain's attention. "Hey you gray matter - pay attention - something unusual is … [Read more...] about Doing things differently gets attention
The pros and cons of training stubborness, from a baboon's point of view
As a trainer you're likely passionate about your content matter (if you're not, uh, maybe you shouldn't be teaching it). You probably have tried and true methods that you're confident in and killer hip pocket activities that you have at the ready. Great! Really. These are good signs of being … [Read more...] about The pros and cons of training stubborness, from a baboon's point of view
We find what we're looking for
Attention: if you are a monk, currently in a sensory deprivation chamber or on a deserted island there's no need to read this post. Really. Please go back to what you were doing. If none of the above apply to you please read on. Our brains aren't sponges they're sieves. Unless you fall into one … [Read more...] about We find what we're looking for
An older woman who dares sounds a lot like a fantastic trainer
A post by my new friend Sam made me think about how the qualities of an older woman who dares are similar to the qualities of a trainer who dares (indented parallel bits are mine, the rest is Sam's). An older woman who dares A trainer who dares Is eager to explore the unknown. Is eager to … [Read more...] about An older woman who dares sounds a lot like a fantastic trainer
Who am I? That's a good, albeit tough, question
Recently I wrote a post about two scenarios: 1. social media as a halloween grab bag, where you reach out into the dark and don't know what you're going to bump up against or 2. social media as a place to meet, connect and build relationships, like meeting in a gorgeous field of … [Read more...] about Who am I? That's a good, albeit tough, question
A trainer's tale of a Social Media Halloween grab bag
While much of the planet is now accessible via social media it still feels like a Halloween grab bag. You remember the kind when you were a kid? You'd reach into a dark space, touch something (usually spaghetti masquerading as brains) and you'd have to figure out what it was. That's what social … [Read more...] about A trainer's tale of a Social Media Halloween grab bag
