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March 2010 Newsletter

[firstname,fallback=Good Morning],

I am ready for spring...or at least some sign of it. And, just as I think that, I have my wish. I see the first crocus of the year blooming along my driveway. The yellow crocuses will bloom first, followed by the white and then the purple.

Speaking of signs, what signs are you looking for that tell you that you are "marching" in the right direction? This reminds me that we have to have a little faith. Why? Because if I didn't, I might just keep digging up my crocuses to see if they are actually growing.  Instead I must have faith that the long, cold winter prepares the bulbs for recognizing the warmth of the approaching spring, where they start their "march" upward through the dirt - standing only a few inches high and showing the glory of spring.  And, like the crocuses, I can't be deterred by a few inches of snow that may fall later...and perhaps cover the sign.  Yes, signs, everywhere are signs...are you looking?

Great News

The Coaching and Feedback Training Kit (or Self-Study Course) is approved for 3.5 hours toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification through the HRCI. The course contains eight AudioCasts with supporting Handouts for each lesson, a Coaching Assessment, a Coaching Discussion Preparation and Follow Up form, a Feedback Effectiveness Self-Assessment, a Coaching and Feedback Job Aids, a Self-Study Course Follow Up Checklist, a Self-Study Schedule, a Qualification Quiz, and a Designing Training Checklist.

Otto's Toot

According to the American Society for Training and Development, "U.S. organizations spent $134.39 billion on employee learning and development in 2007. Nearly two-thirds of the U.S. total ($83.62 billion) was spent on the internal learning function, such as staff salaries and internal development costs."

Did that get your attention? If you're in the training and development field, it most certainly did.

When I design my training modules, I like to use a "grab" to get the participants' attention at the start of the class. Using statistics are a good way to do this. Now, don't overdo it by reading off a list of statistics that goes on and on. A few startling statistics can have a huge impact, and get participants wanting to know more.

"Grab" your participants at the start of your classes. Avoid the usual introductions and welcome...at least until later.

(For more information on designing, developing, and documenting training, check out our Designing Training for Fun and Results Training Kit and eWorkbook.)

Remember, submit your tips or ideas on designing, developing, and/or documenting training to be featured in an upcoming newsletter!

Site Additions

Susan's Picks are now featuring:

• Affiliate Marketing Partner: Daniel Averbeck, an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist at Applied Assessments, Inc., works with business executives to remove the guesswork from personnel decisions. Dan designs and validates objective measures to assess the talents and fit of candidates to specific jobs and organizations and much, much more.
• Recommended Resources: Greater Cincinnati-Dayton Organization Development Network, which is a professional organization that strengthens its members and carries the work and awareness of organization development by modeling OD principles and practices.
• Book Review: Bridging the Generation Gap, by Dr. Linda Gravett and Robin Throckmorton, is a practical, hands-on approach to building effective communications and reducing conflict across the generations

We've added a few more articles to our website.

• Social Media: Risk or Reward - What Can HR Do? by Robin Throckmorton
• The Dos and Don'ts of Creating Training Materials by Susan Otto

Noteworthy

A wonderful, supportive colleague recently said "Susan is the most talented Instructional Designer I know" to another colleague. These words bring sunshine to my life in the dreary days of March. Thanks, Antonia (Antonia Comer is the Director Training and Organizational Development at General Cable) for the uplifting words that make my heart sing.

Also, my blog has moved. If you haven't checked it out lately, please take a look. While you're there, subscribe to the blog feed using your favorite feed reader. I generally post something every day!

Adding a "spring" in my "march"...and looking for signs,

Susan@Training-Modules.com
Training-Modules.com
(859) 292-0095

Creating fun, customized training for organizations!