2009 October
Career Development Monty Python Style
October 30, 2009 0 Comments
So what do a doctor, lawyer, historian, graphic artist, English teacher, and script writer have in common? They are the original professions of the members of Monty Python’s Flying Circus comedy team! As Monty Python recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, it is interesting to speculate Read More
A Message for Instructional Designers – Learning Styles Are Important
October 28, 2009 0 Comments
I recently had a casual conversation with a guy responsible for checking aircraft engines for cracks in the metal casings. A pretty critical job you might think—particularly if, like me, you fly a lot on business. I was interested in the quality tool and systems Read More
The Assessment of Intellectual Functioning in the Work Environment
October 27, 2009 0 Comments
Most organizations need information to assist them in selecting people for jobs. A job candidate’s thinking capability is often the key to success in the current fast paced, hi-tech environment in which academic qualifications and even work experience may not be a good predictor. So Read More
Overcoming Resistance to Change
October 26, 2009 0 Comments
Immunity generally refers to your physical well being (particularly in the current H1N1 epidemic); but Robert Kegan and Lisa Laskow Lahey have written a book that deals with psychological rather than physical immunity. Their book: “Immunity to Change: How to Overcome It and Unlock the Read More
BRIEF Training for Customer Service Excellence
October 21, 2009 0 Comments
What do you look for when you want excellent customer service? The answer is BRIEF—a useful acronym for the key components of what makes up excellent customer service: BR – Stands for Build Rapport—the person offering you service connects with you on your “wave length” Read More
Rethinking Cognitive Skills Testing for New Hires and Promotions
October 20, 2009 0 Comments
Hiring managers need to make accurate assessments about the cognitive capabilities of potential new hires and those up for promotion (e.g. handling complex information, identifying priorities, and making effective decisions). A hundred years of IQ testing has, however, distorted the image of cognitive assessment to Read More
Boot Camp Training for Conflict Resolution Skills
October 7, 2009 0 Comments
A few hours of conflict resolution training can help work groups and teams to better manage conflict levels in the workplace. Providing employees with a common conflict resolution language and process can pay dividends in maintaining productivity and morale. Eight key skills of conflict resolution Read More
Employee Testing and Assessments
October 6, 2009 0 Comments
According to the US Department of Labor all assessment tools used to make employment decisions are subject to professional and legal standards. For example, both the evaluation of a resume and the use of a highly standardized achievement test must comply with applicable laws. Assessment Read More
Practical Advice for Making “Real Change” and “Change Real”
October 5, 2009 0 Comments
Studies show that only 15% of patients change their life style when they are told by their doctor that if they don’t they will die. It seems that, even in life or death situations, the desire to change is not enough to effect real change. Read More
Employee Turnover in the IT Industry
October 2, 2009 0 Comments
Even as companies institute hiring freezes or are downsizing, they would do well to remember that it is more cost effective in the long run to hold on to employees with key skills. When employees leave, organizations have to attend to the high cost of Read More
