Bigger isn’t always better
As larger corporates are shunned in favour of smaller businesses, Gemma Middleton explores the shift in employee preferences. Our working choices, preferences, patterns and lives have changed considerably over the years; the concept of a job for life has now gone, pay is no longer the only motivating factor and now it appears that our […]
Become a ‘meta’ L&D manager
Today’s organisational turmoil is more than just a temporary downturn. The implications will be long-term and significant, calling on L&D professionals to rethink how they approach their work, says Jay Cross and Clark Quinn. The scope of the L&D officer’s job is mushrooming. They will neither prosper, nor even survive, if they fail to take […]
Motivation training: Am I bovvered?
With employee satisfaction levels dropping faster than the interest rate, Stephanie Sparrow looks at the surge in popularity of motivation training. Has the UK workforce got an attitude problem? Surely not, when there are numerous reports of employees taking pay cuts and working shorter weeks in order to keep their companies afloat. Nevertheless, recent research […]
Social networking: The future of learning
Have you joined the social networking revolution? Kirstie Donnelly looks at how these online tools can enhance the learning experience. The proliferation of social networking tools such as Facebook and Twitter is changing the way we interact with each other. Take the fact that in May 2009, 734 million people visited at least one social […]
The mindset for success
Senior managers, L&D teams and OD practitioners can all play a part in helping employees to improve their attitude and motivation, says Martin Addison. In a recent survey, we asked 400 line managers in UK organisations about the personal development needs of their staff. The managers responded that, to survive the downturn, people in their […]
Motivated teams key to surviving downturn
Managers think that improving their team’s attitude and motivation iis their most pressing development need, according to a new survey. Training company Video Arts asked 400 line managers in UK organisations about the personal development needs of their staff. The managers responded that people in their teams most needed training in: attitude and motivation (34%); […]
Staying in or going out?
Internal and external coaches both have their place, says Alan Ward. However, they serve a different purpose and which to use depends on the situation. The economic downturn has blurred the distinction between internal and external coaches. So much so, that many organisations are beginning to question why they should pay for an external coach […]
Learning leadership in tough times
Nigel Paine, former head of Learning and Development at the BBC, and a regular TrainingZone contributor, is leading a one-day open workshop for learning professionals in conjunction with the Learning and Skills Group. ‘Learning leadership in tough times’ will take place on 2nd July in west London. Nigel left the BBC in September 2006 to […]
L&D and the new career
Jo Kaptijn explains how the learning profession can support the apparent shift away from traditional linear career models and toward models that see adaptability, competence and broader experience as key attributes for those wishing to advance. Compared to traditional career paths, there is a strong move from: ‘know how and job security’, to ‘learn how […]
Telling tales for training
Stories have the amazing ability to pull us into a whole new world and expose the reader to a new way of thinking. Stephanie Sparrow speaks to Margaret Parkin, author of Tales for Trainers, who explains the power stories hold for learning and development. Once upon a time, a quiet young girl growing up in […]
How high performing is your workplace?
Training really does make a difference – the evidence exists – but only, argues Donald H Taylor when learning is part of a coherent package of high performance workplace practices. How’s your organisation performing? It’s a question that should concern us all. After all, training is all about improving performance, isn’t it? “The evidence is […]
Catchy not cheesy names for Performance Management
I’d like to help a client media company find a ‘cool’ name for its performance management process, a name which is memorable for the right reasons. Have you heard of names which may fit the bill? The process in question covers objective setting, appraisal (including 360), development planning, and reward.Katrina Wray I’d like to help […]
