Is it Kind? Is it True? Is it Necessary?




Joanna Sharp
Training & Development Specialist, Fremont Bank

Shola asked us to consider these three age-old questions as we look at how we’re working. The conversation that followed was insightful and challenging, and offered ways to work towards a kinder and more inclusive workplace and world.

In exploring these three questions Shola generously shared his deeply personal experiences, learnings, and teachings. Highlights for me included the story of the buffalo and the cow, and how we can choose our response to stimulus.

Shola’s father told him to be the buffalo, not the cow – when the storm rolls in, the cow turns and tries to outrun the storm, to get ahead of it, which never works. The buffalo turns towards the storm and pushes through, knowing that it will be difficult and uncomfortable, but also that it will be in the storm for a less time. In these very challenging times be the buffalo – face into the fray and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. (more…)

Learning while doing – how to make lemonade out of lemons





Joanna Sharp
Training & Development Specialist, Fremont Bank

I had the pleasure of attending the Chapter’s semi-annual Instructional Design Workshop, run by Kris Schaeffer, this month. In prior years, it’s been held in a face-to-face environment, but as with all other events since March, this was not possible. Instead, the group met on Zoom for three 3.5 hour mornings on alternate days early in October. The benefit of this was we got to experience what we’re now having to do in our work, create new VILT classes or transform classroom sessions into virtual sessions.

The Training Plan provided the structure for the three days, with plenty of time for practice, questions, and knowledge-sharing. Some of the most fun parts of the training were the ice breakers and recap sessions; playing Jeopardy at the start of the day to recap knowledge learned and getting us back into the session following a break by discussing questions such as ‘what’s a great meal you’ve had recently’ and ‘what show have you binged lately?’. (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…)

Facilitating Online Workshops




Andrew Scott, Coach and Facilitator, U.K.
Reposted with Permission

I was not a fan of the idea of running the kinds of workshops that I normally facilitate online. However, I have been pleasantly surprised by how effective they can be – and somewhat moved by how valuable some have found them to be in these extraordinary times.

So I thought I would record a few of the things that I have learned, that seem to make them run rather more effectively than I had imagined; and also a few things I have learned by attending online events that have worked rather less well… I also have an unresolved question, which I’ll get to later.

The first thing is to recognise that this is a different type of engagement and plan accordingly – don’t simply do online what you would have done face-to-face.

One of the limitations is people’s attention span in listening to one person. I can hold an audience for a good while when face to face; but don’t attempt to do so online (I have sat through some poor presentations that involved hours of lecturing – which would probably have worked well live, as the presenters are experts and have interesting material, but really doesn’t work online.) (more…)