GC Blog Page: Posts http://chapters.astd.org/SiteDirectory/GreaterCincinnati/gcblog/Lists/Posts/AllPosts.aspx RSS feed for the Posts list. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:03:12 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 GC Blog Page: Posts /SiteDirectory/GreaterCincinnati/gcblog/_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://chapters.astd.org/SiteDirectory/GreaterCincinnati/gcblog/Lists/Posts/AllPosts.aspx Drum Circles http://chapters.astd.org/SiteDirectory/GreaterCincinnati/gcblog/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=9 Body:
I got an email not long ago from Mimi Sinclair, a board-certified music therapist who is expanding her business into the world of workplace learning and performance by offering to bring drum circles to organizations.
 
You can see a flyer that explains her offerings here.  Or visit her web site by clicking here. 

I was intrigued by the idea, so I called Mimi to find out more. Here’s what I learned.
 
One way she uses the drum circle is for some easy team building and to energize a group, say, after lunch when everyone is feeling sluggish. The other – and to me more intriguing – is to use the drum circle as a metaphor for workplace performance.
 
“There are elements of making music together that are clearly transferrable to being on a team,” Mimi said. “You have to listen to one another, you have to find a place where you fit in, you have to figure out how you can build on what someone else is doing.”
 
And what about those who resist the idea that learning to drum together can transfer to the workplace? After all, weren't ropes courses all the rage not that long ago?
 
“Yes, there will be resistance, but with my training as a therapist, I know how to help the team find metaphors in music that they can use on the job -- and in their personal lives."
 
Just to be clear: I don’t have any experience with drum circles or with Mimi, other than our brief conversation. I was simply intrigued enough to follow up and then to pass on the information. I do not want this to appear to be a GCASTD endorsement. If you know of others who offer this same service, have them contact me at president@gcastd.org and I will add their information to the GCASTD blog as well.
Category: Resources
Published: 3/19/2009 1:47 PM
]]> ehansen917 Resources Thu, 19 Mar 2009 18:03:55 GMT http://chapters.astd.org/SiteDirectory/GreaterCincinnati/gcblog/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=9 Great Advice for Learning Professionals who have been Laid Off http://chapters.astd.org/SiteDirectory/GreaterCincinnati/gcblog/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=11 Body:
This is some great advice shared by Elliott Masie in his most recent Learning TRENDS newsletter, so I wanted to share it with the chapter.
 
* Broaden Your Skills View: While your resume may be all about Learning and Development, you have a serious level of underlying and transferable skills outside of the learning area. For example, your management of developers can translate to management of supply chain providers. Many learning professionals think way to narrowly about their zone of competence.

* Ditch the Learning Language from Resumes and Interviews: Redact the learning jargon from your resume. If you have managed a Learning Management System, don't use the phrase LMS without explaining it. Leave out phrases like modules, level 2 evaluation and more. You want to frame your accomplishments in terms and language that are understandable and valued by HR and others, outside of our field.

* Don't Count on Consulting Revenue: A number of my colleagues have said that they were planning to do consulting in the months ahead, until they got a new job. It MAY happen, but there has been a significant cutback in consulting contracts and outsourcing projects. Starting as an independent learning consultant at this moment may not be the wisest approach. Often, promises to use you for contract work if you are free do not turn into real work or cash.

* Consider New Sectors: Look at higher education (especially Community Colleges) and local organizations that may be receiving Stimulus grants and would value your corporate learning and business contacts and perspectives. Also, take a look at the sectors of Insurance, Health Care and Public Works Construction as 3 areas to investigate.

* Apprenticeships: If you have significant severance or savings, consider doing an Apprenticeship for an organization in a few role or sector. Sometimes, these apprentice programs can be arranged or even subsidized through local employment/training agencies. If you can work for a short stint for experience and diversity of resume, consider it.

* Don't Panic: While there are a lot of lay-offs in our area, there are also many new openings. Check out the Monster and ASTD job boards and make sure that you are letting people know that you are available AND flexible! Switching locations (even for a year) may be part of the solution.

* Time to ReSkill: I have 5 colleagues who are now starting new masters or doctorate programs as part of their personal ReSkilling process.

* Build a Portfolio: Create a portfolio of the type of projects and work that you have accomplished. Key on learning as a "performance change" factor - to make your case for a new role. For example, a learning project designer has recently started as a Store Manager at a major retail organization, based on how they have moved the "cheese" in performance - once they showed that they also had project management and financial work in their portfolio.

To subscribe to Masie's free newsletter, follow this link:

http://www.masieweb.com/trends/subscribe-to-trends

Category: Member Posts
Published: 4/27/2009 2:09 PM
]]> dmtees Member Posts Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:20:21 GMT http://chapters.astd.org/SiteDirectory/GreaterCincinnati/gcblog/Lists/Posts/ViewPost.aspx?ID=11