My new friend

Hello Readers,

I just came back from the Association for Talent Development International Conference and Exposition better known as ATD ICE. This year this annual event was held in beautiful Denver, Colorado at the convention center. The conference hosted over ten thousand people from all over the world. I had the great opportunity to meet people from the Netherlands, Brazil, China, Japan, and Canada. I made lasting connections with a few people from here in the states as well. One relationship I wanted to share with you is with my new found friend from Tokyo, Ami. Ami sat next to me in one of the sessions we attended. The funny thing about us meeting was I asked her for some lotion and she gave me some oil to use (that smelled great by the way). We were friends from that point on. The great thing about this story was Ami was so happy to be at the conference and meet people from the United States. She shared with me that her English was not good but she is working on it, so I found myself translating for her to assist her with speaking to other people (like I know Japanese). She said that she was so happy we met and she wanted to keep in touch and I obliged. I am happy to say I have a friend now in Tokyo, Japan. Through meeting Ami I have opened my mindset more to the beautiful world that is out there and the people that occupy it and that my reader is a wonderful thing. 

Here is picture of Ami and I:

www.truthspeakscoaching.com

MJW

 

Preparation

Hello Readers,

People often ask me how do I prepare for my training classes or workshops. Below are 7 tips I stand by:

1. I very seldom rush in the mornings.

2. My clothes are ironed and prepared 2-3 days in advance for the work week.

3. I read my materials and practice daily up until time for the training.

4. I arrive to the training early enough to acclimate myself with the environment.

5. I have printouts and materials done 1-2 weeks in advance.

6. I conduct research on the audience I am teaching.

7. I pay attention to what I am saying to the learners. It is all about the learner not me.

There are many other prep tips I follow, these are the main ones. I heard a very thought provoking phrase earlier this month and it is for us to be "prepared for the prepared." Therefore these tips help me to do such. I hope they help you prepare for what is already ahead for you. Be prepared for the prepared. Preparation leads to success.

Your thoughts are welcome

MJW

Www.truthspeakscoaching.com

Work Smarter not Harder

Hello Readers!

Have you ever heard this phrase? I am sure you have. But, really what does this phrase mean? As you know I am known for providing simplistic life skill methods in which can be applied instantly, therefore my definition of working smarter is this: finding the simplest yet logical method of solving a problem or completing a task. Okay, was that too much? Ask yourself these questions: Are you scared to try anything new? Are you stuck in the routine of doing things when there could be a better method? Have you researched a better method to achieve your daily tasks? Depending on your answers you are possibly working too hard. Here is what I suggest: Research! There is nothing new under the sun. What you are wanting to accomplish, someone has already done it, therefore GOOGLE and read. Next you need to apply. Take the knowledge you learned and develop a simpler method of handling your task. Guess what, you are now being the magic word of “Innovative”! Do not get caught in the “rut” of busy work, it is unfulfilled and useless. Schedule your time and use it wisely, trust me you will thank yourself later. And this is how you work SMARTER!

Your thoughts are welcome…

MJW

www.truthspeakscoaching.com

To Train or not...

Training is one of if not the most important factors for companies and organizations. I believe more organizations are realizing that a well-trained employee turns into a loyal and engaged employee. So what is the real definition of training? Being a training professional I have read many versions of definitions. One definition I like is from Business Dictionary.com because it is simple, it states training is a “Organized activity aimed at imparting information and/or instructions to improve the recipient's performance or to help him or her attain a required level of knowledge or skill”. I would like to add the Truth Speaks definition, “Training is a developed schedule of adult education events/activities designed to introduce, enhance, and transfer learning”. Like I said I like simple.

Let’s look at some training platforms from a couple of companies. Disney requires that each employee go through the same training before going into their hired position. Disney believes that all roles need to understand each other. In addition the employees are called Cast Members; the difference is they are either on stage or off stage (pretty neat). Another example is CSX Conductor training; each newly hired conductor undergoes a rigorous 6-8 months of training before starting the actual role. These are just two of many companies that understand the value of training and that the return on investment (ROI) can be great. These companies value their employees and want the best for them; it is evident from their training platforms. 

How is the training at your company? Please let us know your thoughts...

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/training.html#ixzz3FNIR6IJk

www.truthspeakscoaching.com

MJW