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1. Too many training specialists – too many cooks in the kitchen Organizations and businesses train or develop their employees with specific goals in mind. These include gaining a competitive edge, obtaining better outcomes, and optimizing their human resources by sharpening the skills of their workforce. Since training is a huge responsibility, the necessity of solid, targeted training is too important to leave to untested training specialists. To avoid confusion and clashing ideas due to the involvement of too many untested trainers, a company should use certain criteria to identify the ultimate specialists for the job as well as clearly define their primary roles and duties. In addition to qualifications, when too many training specialists touch the same eLearning course, it becomes difficult to produce a high quality product. 2. Inconsistent training Organizations are often spread across different locations and thrive in different cultures. As a result, there is no guarantee … [Read more...] about 9 Frustrations That Training Organizations Face

In fact, in a 2016 online survey of software projects conducted by CIO magazine (a resource widely subscribed to by Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and business technology executives), statistics showed that 55% of technology projects failed – up from 32% two years earlier. One of the biggest reasons for these failures is lack of commitment and excitement about the new initiatives. And sadly, that often translates to project failure. Better Engagement Promises Greater Success New software, like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Learning Management Systems (LMS) or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, often create a great deal of apprehension among their target audiences. And, given how connected today’s organizations are, these audiences span beyond the corporate office, and can include: Employees (at local, regional, national and global levels) Contractors Management External Partners (such as Sub-contractors, Suppliers, Franchises and Dealers) … [Read more...] about Generating Excitement Around a New Technology Launch

Through research and interviews, Forbes found that leaders exist on a continuum defined by a bell curve. The truly extra ordinary ones, as represented at the top of the curve, are indeed born leaders, while the bottom 10%-15% are marginal in their leadership abilities. However, the vast majority of leaders, as represented by the middle of the curve, are those who are “made”. So what makes a successful leader, and what traits and qualities does it take to become an effective leader – whether born or formed. The Making of Great Leaders Regardless of the side of the “born or made” debate leadership watchers sit on, there is remarkable agreement on some of the characteristics needed to become highly effective leaders. Some of those traits include: 1. Self - confidence Leadership is meant to inspire confidence in those who follow. If a leader is seen as unsure or uncertain about a particular course of action he/she is proposing for the team, then the rank and file will have … [Read more...] about Great Leadership: Skills and traits for highly effective leadership

Think About Inventory First, you need to know what information and media you already have available for the course, and what you’ll need to create anew. Take inventory of your plans, notes, slides, videos, audio files, infographics, handouts, quizzes, etc. Then divide those resources into three categories: What works for your ILT classes, and will also work as-is in an online format? What works for your ILT classes, but will need to be redesigned for an online format? What online-specific needs are unmet, which you’ll need to create from scratch? Think About Delivery ILT classes are live and linear, while online courses may be delivered in several different ways: Synchronous courses take place live, in real-time, with instructors and participants interacting online. Asynchronous modules provide communication between the instructor and students on an infrequent basis, with students largely autonomous and self-directed in what they learn, when and how. … [Read more...] about Tips for Adapting an In-Person Course to an Online Course

GE's History with VUCA What Immelt described was leadership action that’s disruptive, sometimes unpredictable, often not easy to implement in a chaotic environment, and usually clouded by vagueness because of ever-changing circumstances. Clearly, even though the “V” acronym (pronounced: voo – ka) was never used, the 6-point leadership traits that Immelt outlined had some semblance of VUCA. It appears that, historically speaking, operating in VUCA environments was (perhaps not consciously) very much part of the GE culture. Yet, when news of Immelt’s departure hit the air-waves, GE stock, which had been down nearly 10% YTD (and over 50% in the past year), spiked by more than 5%. [2] Why the jubilation? Beyond Sub-Conscious VUCA While under Immelt’s leadership the company continued to evolve, shareholders and investors believed that much more was needed by way of transformational leadership. The company needed to consciously embrace the letter and spirit of VUCA. And since he took … [Read more...] about Leadership Change at General Electric – Dynamic, Adaptive Leadership in Play

How To Use Simulations To Develop Leaders: Creating Competitive Advantage It’s true that leadership skills are horned in the field, but the strategic use of simulators can provide prospective leaders a competitive advantage over some of their colleagues, even though the latter may be long in the tooth in “experience”. That’s because unlike real-world experience, which can be encountered only by leaders who are actually in those situations; simulators can be leveraged to deliver a wide range of leadership experiences – even for situations  that have yet to be encountered! Here are 5  ways in which you can use simulators to develop leaders for your organization: 1. Choose Your Simulation Application Based On Your Needs Like any problem solving approach, the use of simulators must be done in a precise and deliberate manner, and not as a “one size fits all” strategy. A predominantly research-oriented organization might prefer “Concept simulators”; senior management training needs may … [Read more...] about 5 Ways To Use Simulations To Develop Leaders: Risk-Free, Realistic Leadership Preparation