Reimagining Remote Training with Learning in the Flow of Work





Joanna Sharp
Training & Development Specialist, Fremont Bank

How many applications did you use today to do your job?  5?  10?  More than you can count?  How does the number of applications you use impact you?  These were the questions that kicked off the our Monthly Chapter Program on Wednesday October 21 – Reimagining Remote Training with Learning in the Flow of Work.

The digital worker is feeling technostress, with individuals using on average 14+ applications. Companies have increased IT spend on applications to bring about efficiencies, but more often than not individuals are not receiving enough training to make the most of those efficiencies – an average technology has a 15% adoption rate in the first year. Compounding this is the current situation of increased remote working, and classroom training no longer being an option. So how can companies support associates by providing learning where they are, when they need it? (more…)

Looking at my own Biases





Finan Hagos
, Training Specialist
Provident Credit Union

I had the opportunity to attend a virtual event on the topic of “Exploring Diversity and Inclusion”. Lisa Fairchild, a Life Coach, Public Speaker and Workshop Facilitator uses ‘Faces’ from Points of You® tools and methodologies to explore how we view ourselves and others. We were asked to share one word that came to mind when we think of the word Inclusion and my word was “openess” because we should be open to the differences in others. The exercises that we did followed Points of You® methodologies of Pause, Expand, Focus and Doing. My highlights of each methodology include:

Pause: Points of You® always start with Pause to music. While we were listening to a song, I had to ask myself “how do I feel physically? “What are my thoughts and emotions?” At first, this was a little uncomfortable because of the silence but it made me realize after a moment that it allowed me to focus on the present and relax my mind. (more…)

Defining the “new normal”




Joanna Sharp
Training & Development Specialist, Fremont Bank

When we think of networking it normally involves meeting rooms, handshakes, and in-person conversation, something that we won’t be doing for a while. Fortunately, technology is allowing us to network while physically distancing. Hosted by Kalenga Pembamoto, South Bay Group Team Leader, ATD Golden Gate held a structured networking event for participants to meet and discuss the topic ‘redesigning your future normal’.

After introductions and setup, we were split into breakout rooms to discuss two questions: “what’s on our minds at the moment?” and “what support or advice would we like from the group?”. The discussions were lively and engaging, and offered great advice. Some examples include: (more…)

Adding Improv to your Leadership Skills




Joanna Sharp
Training & Development Specialist, Fremont Bank

On Thursday, June 5 ATD Golden Gate members virtually gathered for a fun filled zoom training where imaginary balls were dropped, a small red ball became a meatball and a basketball for pixies, and we learnt how many ways you can make the letter T out of the top half of your body. Gary Ware, founder of Breakthrough Play, took the group through five different games that opened up our imagination and got us energized. He then helped us connect how we can bring our experiences into our jobs and lives. One of our realizations, especially relevant for now, is how adaptable and agile we can be in situations where there isn’t much time to think. Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow, and there is always time for fun. (more…)

Finding Out What We Want




Kris Schaeffer, CPLP

What does the Bay Really Want in TD Programs?

Great program and great panel. I was thrilled to hear about what people want in TD programs. They had some very down-to-earth observations. The group was so stimulating that I riffed on their ideas . . .

Activities rock!

Participants enjoy active learning. Read more about “experiential learning.” This link ties together learning styles and instructional steps. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experiential_learning . The entry is a little wonky, but a great overview. It includes Kolb’s 4 learning styles which fit into instructional design. My own thought is that MBTI is better for training delivery.

Now that you understand why hands-on learning is so important – and so popular with you — here are some resources for experiential learning activities: (more…)

Everybody Knows – Not




BRITTANY LOCKWOOD
Customer Enablement Consultant,
Beamery Inc

At the end of August, I attended a chapter sponsored event called Storytelling for Success, led by speaker, coach and leadership trainer Brigitte Iarusso. Brigitte’s company is called Embrace Change, which I found particularly aligned to my reason for being at the event. I recently transitioned to a learning and development role in the spring, making the leap from customer success management to customer enablement and training. While it is becoming more clear that L&D is somewhere I can find my passion, I am definitely still in uncharted territory. My instinct when I feel unsure is to seek out knowledge and the people who can provide it. So Brigitte’s ATD event seemed like the perfect opportunity to open my world up a bit more.

I had attended one other ATD Golden Gate event earlier in the year and the thing that stood out to me most is how incredibly junior I am in this profession. I knew that going in, of course, but I hadn’t realized just how long many of the other members had been dedicated to learning and development. This isn’t just a job for most of you, it’s a calling. It is something you have dedicated decades of your lives to and something you live and breathe every day. So many members seemed to know exactly why they are here, what they want and how they are going to get there. And to be completely honest, that isn’t something I’ve experienced yet, at any point in my career.  (more…)