Today’s business environment is constantly changing with mergers, acquisitions, technology, restructuring, and downsizing.  Shareholders and company leaders are asking for “faster, better, and cheaper” from employees, and the ability to change is key for both employees, and organizations.
Change is a constant in this competitive environment,  and learning to manage and lead change is critical to success.  The learning function plays a critical role in companies being able to adapt swiftly and successfully.

Research shows 2/3 of all organizational changes fail.  This program will discuss the key lessons for implementing and sustaining change.  Participants will learn how to overcome resistance to change in your organization,  how to add value in the change process, and the steps needed to make organizational changes effective.

Learning Objectives:

This program will discuss the key lessons for implementing and sustaining change.  Participants will learn how to overcome resistance to change in your organization,  how to add value in the change process, and the steps needed to make organizational changes effective.

Session Description

Today, our organizations experience first-hand the diversity of multiple generations.  Each generation has different values, expectations, needs, and ideals about management.  Participants will discuss the differences amongst the generations and how to leverage these differences to meet your organization’s goals.  Additionally, addressing all of the team members’ needs will generate new ideas and additional volunteers, and will ensure the retention of experienced leaders who provide valuable resources and knowledge through their experiences.  Strategies for engaging Gen-Y members and aligning their needs with the needs of your organization will be explored. 

Abstract:

The addition of Generation Y to our classrooms will change HOW instructors teach and engage students. Instruction will use new modalities, including downloads to a Blackberry, iPod, or computer.  Text messaging, the communication of choice of the next generation, will be integrated into communications with students.

This session will discuss how to offer opportunities to maximize learning and meet educational outcomes, including use of wikis, blogs, and podcasts.  The changes to learning systems will be reviewed, and participants will learn how to change the way they communicate with their Gen-Y students using “best practices”.

Description of Session:

Generation Y students will challenge the way Colleges and Universities teach. The addition of this generation to our classrooms will change our organizations and, the reality is, HOW instructors teach and engage students. Colleges and Universities will need to explore different platforms and smaller segments to meet both the  individual and organizational needs.  Students need to learn, but  training modules will use new modalities, including downloads to a Blackberry, iPod, or computer.  Text messaging, the communication of choice of the next generation, will be integrated into communications with students. 

Research on classrooms and student achievement show that technology can enhance student engagement and productivity.   Using technology helps students develop positive and cooperative learning relationships, working together to create presentations and do research.  Technology applications can also be used to simulate real-world environments and allow students to apply concepts.  Tutorials, animations, or simulations from the Internet can be used to make learning stimulating and concrete.

Instructors can use various technologies, including wikis, blogs, and podcasts to enhance the learning experience.  While Generation Y students are highly skilled in technology, this is a way to address Gen-Y learners in their preferred methods and keep them engaged.

This session will discuss how to offer development opportunities to maximize Generation Y students’ skills and meet educational outcomes.  The changes to learning systems will be reviewed, and participants will learn how to change the way they communicate with their Gen-Y students.  “Best practices” from several institutions will be shared.

Content 4

Training in Second Life

Breaking from the traditions of formal learning, Web 2.0 technologies are changing the way we think, do business, and train.  Employees need to learn, but  training modules will use new modalities, including Second Life. 

This session will discuss how to navigate Second Life and use it for training purposes to meet your organizations needs.  Participants will learn how Fortune 500 Companies are using Second Life as best practices.  Additionally, the session will help participants determine when virtual worlds are an appropriate tool in training. 

Participants will be able to :

• Navigate in Second Life and use it for training purposes
• Identify when Second Life is an appropriate Web 2.0 tool in training
• Use Fortune 500 companies Best Practices to gain buy-in from C-level executives

Breaking from the traditions of formal learning, Web 2.0 technologies are changing the way we think, do business, and train.  Employees need to learn, but  training modules will use new modalities, including Second Life. 

This session will discuss how to navigate Second Life and use it for training purposes to meet your organizations needs.  Participants will learn how Fortune 500 Companies are using Second Life as best practices.  Additionally, the session will help participants determine when virtual worlds are an appropriate tool in training. 

Participants will be able to :

• Navigate in Second Life and use it for training purposes
• Identify when Second Life is an appropriate Web 2.0 tool in training
• Use Fortune 500 companies Best Practices to gain buy-in from C-level executives

Abstract:

The addition of Generation Y to our classrooms will change HOW instructors teach and engage students. Instruction will use new modalities, including downloads to a Blackberry, iPod, or computer.  Text messaging, the communication of choice of the next generation, will be integrated into communications with students.

This session will discuss how to offer opportunities to maximize learning and meet educational outcomes, including use of wikis, blogs, and podcasts.  The changes to learning systems will be reviewed, and participants will learn how to change the way they communicate with their Gen-Y students using “best practices”.

Description of Session:

Generation Y students will challenge the way Colleges and Universities teach. The addition of this generation to our classrooms will change our organizations and, the reality is, HOW instructors teach and engage students. Colleges and Universities will need to explore different platforms and smaller segments to meet both the  individual and organizational needs.  Students need to learn, but  training modules will use new modalities, including downloads to a Blackberry, iPod, or computer.  Text messaging, the communication of choice of the next generation, will be integrated into communications with students. 

Research on classrooms and student achievement show that technology can enhance student engagement and productivity.   Using technology helps students develop positive and cooperative learning relationships, working together to create presentations and do research.  Technology applications can also be used to simulate real-world environments and allow students to apply concepts.  Tutorials, animations, or simulations from the Internet can be used to make learning stimulating and concrete. 
Instructors can use various technologies, including wikis, blogs, and podcasts to enhance the learning experience.  While Generation Y students are highly skilled in technology, this is a way to address Gen-Y learners in their preferred methods and keep them engaged.

This session will discuss how to offer development opportunities to maximize Generation Y students’ skills and meet educational outcomes.  The changes to learning systems will be reviewed, and participants will learn how to change the way they communicate with their Gen-Y students.  “Best practices” from several institutions will be shared.

Description of the session:

With many priorities-taking care of a home, a family, school, work, and volunteer activities-employees are more stressed than ever! It can be difficult to find a balance between the many responsibilities an employee faces today! This program will discuss how to achieve a better work-life balance through improved stress management, prioritizing, evaluating your values, and decision-making. The program will give participants strategies for reducing stress, and also strategies for renewing their energy and enthusiasm!

• Gather marketing tools that can be used to increase your effectiveness of bringing new members to your chapter
• Learn about Chapter Best Practices in Chapter Marketing to try in your chapter

Session Description

With some chapters spanning broad geographic areas, and with limited time and resources at companies today, it is essential that you communicate the value of membership to potential members.  This session will show you marketing tools that can be used to increase your effectiveness of bringing new members (and quality speakers) to your chapter.  Participants will learn about Chapter Best Practices in Chapter Marketing to try in your chapter to bring them to the buffet…and keep them coming back for more!
“Networking and Relationship Building”

• Attract members and speakers
• Make most  of chapter networking opportunities
• Practice essential networking skills in a safe environment

Session Description

Chapter Leaders identify the need to be successful networkers, and this session will enable them to practice networking skills in a safe environment.  Networking, when done effectively, can create opportunities and build relationships that are mutually beneficial and long-lasting.  This session will discuss how to attract members and speakers with effective networking.

• Engage current and potential  members with more Internet interaction
• Provide quality training content via multiple formats
• Share Content electronically

Session Description

Breaking from the traditions of formal learning, the world is changing in the way we think, do business, and train.  Because of these changes, ASTD Chapters will need to explore different platforms to meet both the  individual and their organizational needs.  More professionals are using tools like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook everyday to communicate and share information.  Text messaging, the communication of choice of the next generation will be integrated into business communications with members also. 

This session will discuss how to implement communication and professional development opportunities using Web 2.0 technologies to enhance the offerings of your chapter, but to also add value to your membership.

Is your board getting bored?  Is your team wearing lean?  In today’s business climate, volunteers are more time starved than ever! Chapter leaders will share best practices, tips and techniques for keeping your board and other chapter leaders energized and engaged.  If you have an idea, come and share it.  If you don’t, join the call and learn from other chapter leaders. 

Session Description

Even with the wealth of resources  and best practices that are available, chapter leaders have said such things as “I did not know that existed” or “I never thought of that” or “We have been searching for a solution to that for a while now”.  Here is your chance to strengthen your chapter by experiencing a wealth of ideas in a short period of time. 

During this simulated life of a chapter, you will encounter pitfalls, be presented with opportunities and decisions, collaborate with other leaders, and lead a chapter through both great and challenging times.  It will be like leading a chapter for two years, without any of the burnout.  Come join us, and see for yourself how many implementable ideas you can bring back to your chapter.

This session will be highly interactive. After an initial welcome and setting the stage, each participant will identify challenges and opportunities in their own home chapter.  Then they will form small groups and work through a simulation of two years, where they will be presented with opportunities and challenges that chapters would face.  Collaboration, strong strategic planning, flawless execution, and feedback will be key to leveraging the best of available resources.  This will be a high energy, high participation session.

 Learning Objectives

• Capitalize on opportunities that are easy to implement and can boost the chapter, yet are not currently a focus of your chapter leadership team
• Avoid obstacles and threats before they are encountered, by recognizing common patterns and warning signs
• Expand your experience base by “living through” some interesting scenarios in the life of a chapter.
• Learn best practices from other chapters and National resources in a safe environment

handout link Word Doc

Hiring the best workers is only part of the formula for success; keeping them is necessary as employee turnover impacts morale, customer service, and operational efficiency. 
Keeping and motivating these people assets are critical to a company’s success in today’s competitive environment.  Since margins are thin or non-existent, big raises and bonus are not an option—and not necessary to achieve success.   This program will discuss effective rewards and recognition programs to help your company increase employee satisfaction, increase employee morale, reduce employee turnover, increase productivity and increase profitability.

Handouts link Word Doc

Session Description

Have you made your New Year Resolutions, or established performance goals for the new year?   Many people dread resolutions, when, year after year, they make resolutions that they keep for only a few weeks or maybe even just a few days.  However, effective goal setting is critical to success in today’s competitive environment.  Employees must share goals, have clear responsibilities, and be willing to take ownership of their success.  Participants will examine organizational and personal goals and develop plans to help them have positive results, including use of the Performance Development Planning (PDP) process.  Participants will learn how to coach others to reach their goals and maximize positive results for the organization.  Additionally, Participants will also be able to identify pitfalls that can cause goal setting efforts to fail, and how to avoid them.

Handout link - Word Doc

Effective Job Search - Making a Good Impression PowerPoint

Performance Appraisals, Coaching PowerPoint

Description: In a rapidly changing, technology-driven world,  communicating effectively often includes a structure around informal learning,  integrating web 2.0 tools: webcasts and podcasts, blogging, and social networking. 
This session addresses the need for employees to  connect and share their knowledge.   Web 2.0 tools and best practices will be reviewed, and participants will learn how to change the way they communicate to enhance organizational effectiveness, including the use of social networking tools to capture critical knowledge.

Workplace application:

Participants will be able to identify and use Web 2.0 tools to support informal learning and capture critical knowledge within their organization. 
Learning Objectives:

• Identify web 2.0 tools that can be implemented in the workplace for knowledge management
• Understand the shift towards informal learning and how to gain the buy-in from C-level executives
• Change or add to the communication strategies of the organization using web 2.0 tools

Description:

Since 9/11, employers have been faced with the challenge of military leave for our heroes deploying to the Middle East.  This session will discuss the perspective of the military and the service member, and how to meet their needs as well of those of the organization.  Best practices in military transitions will be discussed, including how to minimize the impact to your organization and how to manage the leave process  within legal requirements.

Workplace application:

Participants will understand the legal requirements of military leave and be able to model best practices in military transitions, including how to minimize the impact to your organization and how to manage the leave process.
Learning Objectives:

• Understand the legal requirements of military leave and how to create and implement leave policy in the workplace
• Minimize impact of military leave to the organization
• Manage the leave process, including reintegration into the workforce

Description:  In a rapidly changing, technology-driven world,  web 2.0 tools are the key to attract and retain top talent, especially Gen Y.   This generation demands that its employer have web presence, and the tools that they use to evaluate and communicate with potential employers include: Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.   This session will discuss how to use social networking to create a powerful brand, and participants learn how  to recruit, engage, attract and communicate with prospective employees. 

Workplace application:

• Participants will be able to identify and use Web 2.0 tools to recruit, engage, attract and communicate with prospective employees. 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the demands and characteristics of Generation  Y as a talent pool
• Learn how to use social networking tools to create a powerful brand
• Recruit, engage, attract, and communicate with prospective employees via social networking tools

Description: In a rapidly changing and technology-driven world,  HR Professionals  will help expatriates meet strategic challenges by exploring Web 2.0 Technologies.  Communicating effectively with expatriates is easier with webcasts and podcasts, blogging, and social networking.
This session will discuss addressing the need for expatriates to connect and share their knowledge.   Web 2.0 tools and best practices will be reviewed, and participants will learn how to change the way they communicate with expatriates to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Workplace application:

Participants will be able to identify ways to utilize Web 2.0 technologies to communicate with expatriates, enhancing their effectiveness and connection with your organization.
Learning Objectives:

• Identify, Assess the need, and implement appropriate web 2.0 Technology (webcasts, podcasts, blogging, social networking, etc) for expatriates in communication and training
• Change communication methodology to include just-in-time training via web 2.0 tools, improving knowledge management

Description

Yuma, AZ is a town of 198,120 that nearly doubles in population during winter months—including a large percentage of Mexicans who travel to Yuma to work in low-skilled labor positions, primarily in agriculture, generating over $900M in revenue each year.  This session will discuss the legal requirements of using Mexican employees, and trends and developments of a transient workforce using Yuma county as an example.
Workplace Application
Participants will be able to use examples provided to understand the legal requirements of immigrants and work visas, including trends and developments.
Learning Objectives:

• Understand the legal requirements for using Mexican employees
• Develop policies and procedures for managing transient/temporary workers from Mexico
• Use examples to understand trends and developments in immigration and work visas

Description of the session:

With many priorities-taking care of a home, a family, school, work, and volunteer activities-employees are more stressed than ever! It can be difficult to find a balance between the many responsibilities an employee faces today! This program will discuss how to achieve a better work-life balance through improved stress management, prioritizing, evaluating your values, and decision-making. The program will give participants strategies for reducing stress, and also strategies for renewing their energy and enthusiasm!

Session Description

Effective Teams are critical to success in today’s competitive environment.  They must share goals, have clear responsibilities, and team members that are empowered to make decisions, and willing to take ownership of decision-making.  A key element of the effective team is mutual accountability.  Participants will develop skills to identify appropriate actions to take, avoid blaming others, and eliminate thinking like a “victim”—and more like a problem solver.   The session will show how to “ask the right questions” to stimulate thinking and take responsibility for one’s actions.  Participants will examine organizational and personal goals and develop plans to help them have positive results.  Additionally, Participants will learn how to take steps to be accountable, reflecting on current situations in their environment and how to address them effectively.

Powerpoint link