November / December 2011

By Neal Goodman, Ph.D., President, Global Dynamics, Inc.

Turning Technologies, LLC, released two new complementary products: ResponseCard NXT, an advanced radio frequency LCD keypad, and TurningKey, self-paced assessment software. TurningKey allows speakers to create digital answer keys for new or existing tests or quizzes and deliver the self-paced summative assessments to participants using ResponseCard NXT.

Kudos Inc. launched its peer-to-peer social recognition and employee engagement system. With this interactive system, team members and management can recognize one another for any act, effort, or attitude that supports their culture, values, or objectives.

SSI Investments II Ltd., a parent company of SkillSoft Ltd., a software-as-a-service (SaaS) provider of on-demand e-learning and performance support solutions, announced that its indirect subsidiaries, SkillSoft Corp. and SkillSoft Ireland Ltd., acquired Element K from NIIT Ventures Inc., a subsidiary of NIIT Ltd. Element K’s offerings include e-learning content, virtual labs, ILT print materials, and custom development services. Under the terms of the agreement, the Element K business was acquired for $110 million in cash, subject to adjustments.

We hear a lot about work/life balance, but it actually is a myth, says Jon Gordon, author of “The Seed: Finding Purpose and Happiness in Life and Work” (Wiley, 2011, www.JonGordon.com). “Rather,” he explains, “I’ve come to realize that the dance between work and life is more about rhythm than balance.” Some tips:

By Jason W. Womack, MEd, MA Productivity often is measured by output. What project did you finish? What product did you ship? At this time of the year, measure differently. Much of what you completed this year was dependent on the people in your (extended) networks. Beyond Facebook friends and LinkedIn contacts, these are people who influence goals and priorities and help you get things done.

Global research performed by the HPO Center in The Netherlands shows that many organizations make the wrong choices when undergoing a reorganization. Cuts are made in the wrong projects, poorly performing employees stay in place, and the organization focuses mainly on internal cost savings. The HPO Center surveyed the most important qualities needed to be and remain successful at more than 1,400 organizations in 50 countries. Results showed that five success factors give organizations the right focus in a reorganization:

By Don Kirkpatrick Trainingmagazine graciously asked me to write the final Last Word column for 2011 in view of my 50-plus years as a training professional, my creation of the Four Levels of Evaluation, and my recent retirement. Much has happened through these last 50 years.

By Roy Saunderson Are there really benefits to using rewards and recognition through games to help individuals learn more effectively? There 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?

By Bob Pike Will you be working for the same company a year from now? How about two? Will you make it five? Do you have a guarantee? And look back at your career up to now. How many companies have you worked for? More than one major business publication recently published articles about the passing of the era of company loyalty. The notion that people can have lifelong careers at the same company doesn’t seem to work in today’s economy.