What is it about the human experience that draws us to focus on our differences rather than our similarities? Does it come from our need to simplify the complexities of the world around us? Or is it a survival-based carryover from times when unfamiliar forces were synonymous with threats? Whatever the reason, for decades we’ve […]
“Symbols can be so beautiful, sometimes.” ~ Kurt Vonnegut, “Breakfast of Champions” Sandra described the past week of headaches associated with a systems conversion that took place in the call center in which she works as a customer service representative. She outlined the many hiccups and problems they encountered, the way data dropped out of […]
Done well, collaboration looks effortless. It appears to be a fluid give-and-take, a hand-in-glove partnership among individuals who make it all look natural and easy. But these appearances belie the fact that ‘labor’ is at the center of collaboration… and that most collaboration is the result of very deliberate work and attention. Take Kym, a […]
Anyone who toils away for 40, 60 or 80 hours each week—spending more waking hours at work than at home—understands the profound importance of healthy, productive workplace relationships. And at the core of those relationships is respect. Study after study confirms that employees who feel valued and respected will be more engaged, more productive, and […]
As mid-year approaches, it’s the ideal time to step back and reflect on some of the most profound Human Resources trends, patterns, and challenges… and, more importantly, identify what organizations could/should do to respond to them. Some of the best thinkers in the field share their observations and recommendations that HR – and all leaders […]
Despite high levels of engagement, facilitative delivery styles, and even attempts at user-generated content, most training is still a fairly one-way communication vehicle; the trainer shares information, guides some discussion, and builds the group’s knowledge… all of which is important. But learning professionals are exposed to a lot of valuable data and input in the […]