The spinach in your smoothie…

A lesson I learned a long time ago is that Talent Development - or Training, L&D, or whatever we're calling ourselves these days - is a support department. We exist to help organizations operate with improved performance, more efficiency, safer conditions, better service...and countless other priorities, but these tangible examples are usually toward the top … Continue reading The spinach in your smoothie…

Why Managers Need a “GPS” to Navigate the Employee Development Journey

Unless one is in the business of "talent," it could be confusing to recognize what "talent" really means. After all, what differentiates talent management, talent acquisition, talent development, talent shows....okay, I'm kidding on that one. But kidding aside, it can be confusing to people who DO work in a talent-focused role, so it's no surprise … Continue reading Why Managers Need a “GPS” to Navigate the Employee Development Journey

Why “Lean In” Made Me Step Back for a Moment

Over the past few years, the Lean In movement has become a highly influential, inspirational voice for professional women around the world. As a professional female, I appreciate the message and encouragement. As the mother of a teenage son (today, at the time of this writing, is actually his 15th birthday!) and a college-aged daughter, I … Continue reading Why “Lean In” Made Me Step Back for a Moment

5 Leadership Lessons from Peyton Manning

Playoff time has arrived, my friends. Regardless of what team you might be rooting for, I don't think anyone could argue that the Denver Broncos are having an impressive year. At the forefront of this franchise is the one and only Peyton Manning, QB extraordinaire. You could say I'm a little bit of a Peyton … Continue reading 5 Leadership Lessons from Peyton Manning

A Lesson in Influence…from Ashton Kutcher?

Lately, I've been all about breaking the rules. Getting people to think outside the box. Trying new things in the classroom. And this week, I learned something: If you don't have influence, none of it really matters. Over the past few days, in a social feed near you, you may have seen links to a … Continue reading A Lesson in Influence…from Ashton Kutcher?

In Learning, It’s Okay to be a Rule-Breaker

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. When it comes to developing learning programs, I'm a bit of a rule-breaker. There are smarties out there who have developed complex models on how adults learn, where adults learn and why we should follow these rules.  I respect them. And sure, they have merit. But … Continue reading In Learning, It’s Okay to be a Rule-Breaker

3 Questions Every New Manager Should Ask

When people think of "onboarding", many people often think of "orientation".  Even the most seasoned learning professionals are guilty of this!  If you've read this earlier post, you'll remember that we explored this topic, but it bears further exploration... Orientation is part of onboarding, but not all onboarding is orientation! So, let's think beyond the … Continue reading 3 Questions Every New Manager Should Ask

On Being a Pilgrim

In the spirit of the holiday, a Thanksgiving-themed post... When it comes to my profession, I am a pilgrim.  A wayfarer.  A wanderer.  And yes, a bit of a rule-breaker. In the United States, when we think of pilgrims, our thoughts generally go to the early settlers who fled England on the Mayflower to establish … Continue reading On Being a Pilgrim