Content about Learning

Are we being transparent within the field of learning and development these days? Have we been totally open and honest about what we are doing? Do we hide and cover up the real facts behind the results of training dollars spent?

Lessons learned about Learning Management System implementation, software training, internal marketing, and user adoption from the Training & Organizational Development manager at Multi-Chem.

Recently, a Training & Organizational Development manager implemented the first Learning Management System (LMS) in his company, Multi-Chem. He says it has been a rewarding venture, providing functionality the company has needed for some time. The experience yielded many lessons that might be helpful for others. Here are some of the lessons he learned along the way.

Service is what sets us apart these days. It is not just about technical aspects of product or service offerings any longer. However, employees are the real differentiator. Are they delivering legendary service on a consistent basis? How do you change your service from a function to a passion? Create a service culture.

Imagine a time when learners actively come to a learning community we have built and nurtured, and pull exactly the learning they need at the time and place they need it. Effective delivery of such curated learning content will require new tools, strategies, and technologies that force us to think outside of the boundaries of the e-learning course and the corporate LMS and go far beyond the link-sharing tools used on the Web.

To transition from an “order taker” to a strategic partner, start acting the part today.

Bad bosses have always made great fodder for the workplace and blogosphere—not to mention film and TV. But is there really an epidemic of horrible bosses in corporate America? More than 70 percent of respondents to an anonymous online survey claimed to have a good working relationship with their boss. Respondents also overwhelmingly identified a few key traits that set good managers apart from bad.

The Paychex Train-the-Trainer Partnership enhances the training skills of a select few business unit subject matter experts, giving them the tools and confidence to educate peers and fellow employees. It also allows the Training Department to become a more integral partner with the business unit, providing support and resources to achieve mutual goals.

It is becoming increasingly common for training classes to have students from all over the world. But it seems to be virtually impossible to adapt teaching styles and classroom culture to a student from India when sitting next to him is one from Vietnam, and behind him is someone from Atlanta, GA. Throw in language issues, and the task facing the instructor can be overwhelming—even intimidating. Here are some strategies that can help.

VThere is a lot of talk about gamification today and how we can use it in business—with consumers, as well as with our employees. But what about learning? Bill and Melinda Gates think gamification can make a difference in how children can learn. They recently opened their foundation purse strings and invested $20 million partially toward developing innovative digital and game-based learning tools for children in the U.S.

In the traditional results-based approach, management identifies skill gaps as potential threats to achieving corporate goals. Training initiatives are launched to develop the skill, but mission-critical corporate goals can shift like the wind. A better approach is a results-capableworkforce: a team of people who can move with the tide, accept and internalize new strategies, and execute change with confidence.