Blogs
Joining the dots . . . in praise of benchmarking
Martin Couzins highlights those stubborn data findings about L&D and encourages us to use the data for our own organisations Benchmarking is a process of measuring products and services against organisations that are leaders in their field. Why would you do it? Because it provides the data and evidence that will help you make business improvements. The benchmark holds a mirror up to the industry For 20 years L&D professionals have been participating in the MindTools for Business Learning Performance…
Why a diverse network can help you at work
In the last of her brilliant blog series, Sue Stockdale urges us to reflect upon and add to our network In business today having a diverse network isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. A diverse network offers a great deal of benefits that can fuel your personal and professional growth, and bring new ideas and perspectives to how you work. In David Epstein’s book Range, Epstein explains how Gene Kranz at NASA made a habit out of seeking…
Editor’s blog
Jo Cook starts as TJ’s new Editor and tells us her plans It’s a joy to be back at Training Journal, and an honour to be it’s new Editor to head into 2024 and beyond. Some of you may remember that I was Deputy Editor 2015-2019, and I never really let go! I did some podcasts and webinars and wrote some articles, but now I’m more focused on supporting workplace learning than ever. It very much feels like a long-term…
Learning from life: what I learnt from swimming in the sea
Michelle Parry-Slater doesn’t like to be cold. So when a friend suggests a dip in the sea she was less than enthusiastic I was born in August, so I blame my summer birth on the fact that I hate the cold. I would be cold if I lived on the sun. I was looking forward to Menopause heating up my stone-cold blood. (It didn’t work, I still hate the cold.) Recently I spent the weekend in Devon with a dear…
Joining the dots . . . on buying learning technology
This month Martin Couzins asks is there a better way for corporate learning buyers and vendors to do business? What does an L&D leader looking to invest in new learning technology do when faced with more than 400 brands to choose from? RedThread Research recently published a graphic of the learning technology landscape, featuring more than 400 vendors across 35 areas of functionality. The learning technology market is broad and growing – so lots of choice, but the reality is…
Joining the dots . . . on generative AI
This month Martin Couzins dives into the latest news on Generative AI and asks ‘who are you listening to?’ It’s all gone a bit bonkers. The generative AI news firehose shows no signs of diminishing, just take a look at the generative AI news updates on TechCrunch: I counted 34 stories on the topic published between 25 and 28 September and in there are some significant updates. For L&D teams, there is an opportunity to then shape the opportunity for…
Learning from life: what I learnt from having a child move away to university
Michelle Parry-Slater reflects on our lives as parents and asks if L&D do enough to support colleagues in the emotional roller-coaster of parenting For many parents, September marks a month of mixed emotions due to the start of the school year. The joy and heartbreak of your 3-year-old skipping off into nursery school without a second thought for you sobbing quietly in the playground, redundant yet proud. Or the day they go to ‘big school’ primary and are clinging to…
Joining the dots . . . on research reports
Content strategist and L&D pundit Martin Couzins considers insights and alignment – two watchwords for learning teams . . . The L&D industry generates useful research and in recent months we have seen the publication of the CIPD’s Learning at Work research, Mind Tools for Business’ Learning and Performance benchmark (part 1) and the Learning and Performance Institute’s L&D Dashboard. This is not impact data. It cannot tell you how useful and relevant resources were to an individual All three…
Exploring people potential
This month Sue Stockdale collaborates with machine learning to ask: Can AI take over the role of the coach? In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made remarkable strides in transforming various aspects of the business world. From automation to data analysis, AI has proven to be a valuable tool for decision-making and efficiency. However, when it comes to replacing the role of a coach in business, the question remains: Can AI truly take over this human-centric role? In seeking…
Learning from life: what I learnt from cutting dogs hair
TJ’s resident dog lover and regular blogger, Michelle Parry-Slater reflects on what she learnt from learning a new skill Everyone needs a hobby, right? Some people play musical instruments. Others like to garden. Perhaps you’re more adventurous and spend your weekends hang gliding. For me, I love my dogs and my hobby is grooming their hair. I started out with my dog on the garden table and a ‘Groom your Cocker Spaniel’ DVD as my guide. There are no photos…
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