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
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 daresIs eager to explore the unknown.Is eager to … [Read more...] about An older woman who dares sounds a lot like a fantastic trainer
3 simple lessons in public speaking – (heavy) breathing made easy
What would you rather do?get a bikini or chest wax (gender dependent) speak in public take a long haul flight with massive turbulenceFor many the thought of speaking in public is only marginally less than dying. Yes dying. Or perhaps getting the hair ripped off your body or thinking that … [Read more...] about 3 simple lessons in public speaking – (heavy) breathing made easy
What we adults can learn from kids on how to stay positive & not set limits for ourselves
Look at the possibilities you're missing.Set some time aside to think big. Bigger.There'll be time later for evaluating, categorizing, weighing the pros and cons etc. For now don't set any limits. Repeat. No limits.Sing to yourself.Move.Enjoy.Enough said. … [Read more...] about What we adults can learn from kids on how to stay positive & not set limits for ourselves
How do you get creative? Why use a mosha cup of course
I was driving to pick up my hubbie from the airport and listening to Stuart McLean's the Vinyl Cafe on CBC radio. The tunes were great and I was bopping and singing along, a great big grin plastered wide on my face.Stuart was relaying his tales of growing up in Montreal, and, as only he can, … [Read more...] about How do you get creative? Why use a mosha cup of course
What does it take to say 'good job'?
I was shopping in Costco yesterday and saw the above sign on a cash register. At the bottom of the sign was written 'Great job everyone! Let's keep those sales up!!!!'What's wrong with this picture?Certainly not endeavouring to raise money for a good cause. Certainly not spurring each other … [Read more...] about What does it take to say 'good job'?
Putting fun and evaluation in the same sentence
Evaluation terminology is enough to make you want to hide your head in the nearest toilet. And flush.Program logic models, median, mean, outcomes, indicators, activities, outputs, baseline, denominators, dissemination, focus groups, inductive, deductive and the list goes on (and on and on).Yet, … [Read more...] about Putting fun and evaluation in the same sentence
Workshops that Work
Do you have a training function in your job (or want to have one) and do you live in the Greater Vancouver area?If so you might be interested in an upcoming workshop I'm teaching called Workshops that Work from April 21-22, 2010 at Langara College in Vancouver, BC, Canada.What past participants … [Read more...] about Workshops that Work
Teambuilding Brazilian Style
Raucous cheering filled the air which competed with the hum and thrum of the rain forest. Wild toucans flew about the forest canopy while 6 foot long arapaima fish swam below the tangle of arms and legs that were trying to coordinate themselves down the river.In Rio Quente, Brazil, a thermal … [Read more...] about Teambuilding Brazilian Style
You just never know, surprises Brazilian style
As I mentioned in my last post, I've been at the UN World Urban Forum (WUF) in Rio de Janiero, Brazil where I gave a workshop on cultural intelligence. Here's the behind the scenes story to the workshop, what I didn't tell you in that post.When the time came to start there were only 3 people in … [Read more...] about You just never know, surprises Brazilian style
Weight loss and business lessons
Today I'm celebrating my two year anniversary of having lost 30 pounds. I learned a lot during my weight loss journey. Mostly I learned it's about common sense prevailing over wishful thinking, reducing the power I have to delude myself and accepting some givens without excuses.I also learned … [Read more...] about Weight loss and business lessons
