January / February 2012

Lack of senior-level support has emerged as the main obstacle to the implementation of global leadership development programs, according to an online survey of nearly 400 senior managers and executives conducted by AMA Enterprise, a specialized division of American Management Association that offers advisory services and tailored learning programs to organizations. What is the main obstacle you encounter in implementing global leadership programs? Time: 15% Cost/Budget: 26% Complexity ofthe program: 8%

>> Management Concepts Inc., a provider of training to the federal government, announced its exclusive collaboration with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to develop and offer HR training curricula for federal agencies. Six courses initially will be offered and will focus on federal market HR, talent acquisition and development, HR as a strategic business partner, building credibility in HR, human capital effectiveness metrics and workforce planning.

>> Whiteboard Products launched a suite of its environmentally friendly products that will help improve the way businesses in the U.S. and Canada train, present, learn, teach, and brainstorm. The supercharged whiteboard on a roll sticks with static to any flat surface. Users simply unroll the whiteboard, tear off a sheet along the perforation (or roll it out to make a 65-foot-long whiteboard), and place it on the wall. Additional products now available include the Magic Blackboard for colored displays and a Clearboard that can be written on with dry erase markers.

As London taxi drivers in training are learning how to navigate the city’s thousands of streets, the experience actually changes the structure of their brains, according to a report published online in Current Biology, a Cell Press publication. The findings add to evidence that learning changes the adult brain and should come as encouraging news for life-long learning, says Eleanor Maguire of University College London.

>> Novero introduced the Solana Tablet/PC. With a simple twist, this slim laptop screen rotates to create a mobile 10-inch tablet for reading, games, or hundreds of applications. It contains two USB ports, audio and microphone jacks, video output, built-in card reader and SIM card slot, Windows 7, and Android 2.3.

  Training 2012 Conference & Expo speaker Allison DeTitto shows how social media is as easy as Marketing 101.

By Michael Rich The Wellness Council of America reports a $24 return for every $1 spent on a company wellness program for small businesses. Furthermore, a 2005 survey by The Art of Health Promotionreported companies instituting employee health and wellness programs realized a 30 percent reduction in medical and absenteeism costs in less than four years. To recognize these benefits and more, implement a workplace fitness program by following these simple steps:

By Lisa Green, Training Manager, HRS and H&B Operations, at the Paychex Training and Development Center Kelly Schnupp never thought participating in a three-month program to enhance her training skills would have such a powerful and immediate impact on the company’s bottom line, but her experience with the Paychex Train-the-Trainer Partnership has left her pleasantly surprised.

By Lester Stephenson It is becoming increasingly common for training classes to have students from all over the world. But it is impossible to adapt teaching styles and classroom culture to a student from India when sitting next to him is one from Vietnam, behind him is one from Iraq, and nearby is someone from Mexico and another from Atlanta, GA. Throw in language issues, and the task facing the instructor can be overwhelming—even intimidating.