Dear Readers,

There is no denying it. The training department provides an organization a very valuable function. Quite simply, companies that successfully build and nurture a labor force that possesses the needed skills will be more competitive and profitable than those that do not.

This month’s issue provides insights on how to identify training needs, while developing training environments that will engage and enhance the learning experience at your organization – while saving money!

We also hope you will value the link to
the white paper about using Online Assessments for Compliance from QuestionMark, as well as this month's product review, presented by Training Media Review.

Creative Ways to Reduce the Cost of Your Learning Management System
By Richard Nantel

Small organizations aren’t the only ones looking for a low-cost LMS. Business units within a large organization may require their own system. Associations and nonprofit organizations of any size are often limited in the amount of funds they can allocate to e-learning infrastructure. Resellers of e-learning courses may be looking for a simple LMS to create a corporate university. Even large organizations with impressive training budgets may be searching for a low-cost solution if their LMS needs are simple and limited to core functionalities. The following case studies present strategies and ideas to help you achieve similar savings.  Learn More

Crafting a Coaching Culture
By Sarah Boehle

Long reserved for the high-performing C-suite elite—and conversely, for underperformers as a last-ditch, pre-pink-slip intervention—workplace coaching is rapidly shedding its stigma and emerging from the shadows to become recognized by an increasing number of organizations as an essential tool for addressing workplace issues ranging from rampant turnover and low productivity to lackluster morale. To address the gap that often exists between formal training and on-the-job performance development, an increasing number of organizations are turning to one-on-one "situational" workplace coaching. And they're racking up impressive results in the process. Learn More 

Building Up Their Business Knowledge
By Matt McGrath

Training professionals in any organization know the value of delivering “Business Skills” as well as “Soft skills” to employees at all levels. Delivering skills-based training, beyond the technical applications training usually reserved for IT employees in an organization, is a well-known need. The types of training that employers' most sought for their IT groups are not technical at all - they are business skills. This message has been publicized loud and clear to all tech workers, whether they want to hear it or not. Learn More 

Using Games to Train
By John L. Dillon

Studies have shown that games are an entertaining and highly effective method to review topics.  Would the use of games as a pure instructional medium to teach learning objectives also be effective? The correct answer is “Yes, Absolutely!”  Trainers know their sessions should be engaging, interactive and encompass proven instructional strategies. Learn More

Task Force Training Develops New Leaders, Solves Real Business Issues and Helps Cut Costs
By Patrick J. Kiger

Experts say assigning up-and-coming talent to task forces is less expensive than sending them to outside leadership courses, and that leadership candidates can learn more by working on a company’s real-life business problems than they would from case studies or role-playing. To make task force assignments most effective as a development tool, companies should offer coaching and debriefing to ensure that the right lessons are reinforced.
Learn More

WorkplaceXpert
106 West Water Street, Suite 201
St. Paul, MN 55107
651-292-0156
www.workplacexpert.com

If you wish to FORWARD this newsletter to a friend, please follow this link.

If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this newsletter, follow this link. You may also send a reply email message with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.