Let’s Get Philosophical

The other day, I had a really good conversation with a friend and colleague. At one point, the topic turned to adult learning philosophy. We waxed philosophic for a few minutes, and then the conversation moved on to something else. But that conversation got me thinking about my own philosophy of learning. Now, don't you … Continue reading Let’s Get Philosophical

Pinterest for Onboarding: Part Two

In my last post, I threw out this crazy little notion about incorporating Pinterest into employee onboarding programs.  I promised that there would be a Part 2...and here it is: I've got 3 more board possibilities for you, so between last week's post and this one, you'll have 8...count 'em...8 ideas for boards you can … Continue reading Pinterest for Onboarding: Part Two

Pinterest for Onboarding: Part One

Ah, Pinterest.  The (addicting!) social media darling. This site has opened my eyes to everything from new recipes, to travel inspiration, to shoes and handbags (swoon!) and home decor ideas...and about 1001 other things.  I even post links to this blog and other things that inspire me on a Pinterest board.  Such fun! Pinterest is … Continue reading Pinterest for Onboarding: Part One

The Art of the Meet & Greet

The Meet & Greet is a beloved component of many onboarding programs.  I'm going out on a limb, however, and guess that many hiring managers love them for the wrong reasons.  Let's ruffle some feathers: Reasons I Think (Some) Hiring Managers Love Meet & Greets: 1. They're pretty easy to coordinate. 2. Most of the … Continue reading The Art of the Meet & Greet

The Lunchbox Evolution

This was my lunchbox when I was in the first grade.  Well, not this EXACT lunchbox, but the one I faithfully carried to school each day looked exactly like this one. I used it to my pack my typical PB&J on Wonder Bread (cut into triangles!), carrot sticks and Twinkie (Rest in Peace, Hostess)...sometimes soup … Continue reading The Lunchbox Evolution

Are You Using Infographics in Learning? (You Should Be!)

I've become slightly obsessed with infographics lately.  And apparently I'm not alone - companies are using infographics for marketing, sales, branding, and just about everything else you can imagine. People love visuals.  As learning professionals, we've known this for years.  I'm still scratching my head as to why people insist on crammingsomanywordsontoapowerpointslideandthenreadeachandeverywordtotheiraudience (inhale) becausemostpeopledon'tlearnthatwayincludingthepeoplewhocreatedtheawfulslideinthefirstplace (exhale) … Continue reading Are You Using Infographics in Learning? (You Should Be!)

Semantics in Learning

A recent LinkedIn group discussion got me thinking about semantics - the meaning of a word, phrase, sentence or text.  How are our programs being perceived by participants?  By the managers of participants?  By executive sponsors? Is it possible to gain adoption, engagement, or improve performance based on how we name or market a program? … Continue reading Semantics in Learning

Childhood vs. Adult Learning: 3 Simple Truths

I started my career teaching children - Pre-K and Kindergarten - and I loved it!  It was always so rewarding to walk away at the end of the day knowing that we were shaping young lives; building a foundation that they will rely on for the rest of their lives.  Plus we had snacks.  And … Continue reading Childhood vs. Adult Learning: 3 Simple Truths

An Open Letter to Hiring Managers

Dear Hiring Manager, Monday morning, your new employee will be walking through the front door of your company, eager to begin his new job on your team.  How much time have you invested in planning his onboarding? Yes, you.  How much time have YOU spent planning his onboarding? Notice I didn't ask how much time … Continue reading An Open Letter to Hiring Managers