Book Description

Make training more REAL than ever before!

You've got groups, facilitated by managers or team members, conducting project planning and problem solving. You've got relatively few formal trainers and instructors. In this modern, team-based environment, how can you ensure that groups develop the skills and knowledge they require?

You want training solutions that are problem-oriented, goal-based, and work-related? You need The Action Learning Guidebook. With action learning, no one ever loses sight of the job. The responsibility for learning falls upon the shoulders of the learners, who feel more invested--and interested--in the development process than ever before.

Your groups and teams will use this powerful resource to:
• Create their own learning experiences
• Plan projects and implement solutions
• Discover new problem-solving techniques . . . and much more!

"Two reasons to buy this book, read it from cover to cover, and apply the conceptsimmediately: (1) Rothwell is one of the best authors in the performance-improvement business; and (2) action learning is one of the most powerful performance-improvement strategies."--Sivasailam "Thiagi" Thiagarajan, president, Workshops by Thiagi; editor, Thiagi GameLetter

"The Action Learning Guidebook is clearly written and the content is excellent. The chapter on partnering with clients to determine real training needs is a gem!"--Dale M. Brethower, professor of psychology, Western Michigan University; president, International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI)

Rothwell, a legAnd in instructional design, gives your employees the tips and techniques they need to conduct reality-based action learning sessions. Teach groups to teach themselves!

... Read more

Reviews (1)

An invaluable guidebook !
"This book", writes W.Rothwell in his Introduction, "is a primer that serves a three-fold purpose. The first purpose is to show how Action Learning can be used as a real-time strategy for problem finding or problem solving. It can be valuable tool by which to tackle business problems and meet business needs. The second purpose is to show how Action Learning can be applied to training design. It is intended to stimulate the thinking of instructional designers about a new way to analyze needs, design and develop training, deliver training, and evaluate results. The third purpose is to show how Action Learning can be maximized to build intellectual capital and enhance human talent. In this sense, the book shows how team or group work can be become a means for developing people in its own right."

In this context, W.Rothwell :

* defines Action Learning, lists barriers that may prevent its application, and introduces a model of the Action Learning process.

* reviews occasions when applying Action Learning is and is not appropriate.

* focuses on who decides when Action Learning is appropriate, how decision makers recognize situations suitable for the use of Action Learning, and when a problem or improvement opportunity should be handed over to an Action Learning team.

* focuses on issues associated with recruiting, selecting, and orienting members of an Action Learning team.

* examines the team facilitator's role.

* focuses on the application of Action Learning as a means for identifying and solving problems or addressing other organizational issues.

* describes the application of Action Learning to training design.

* explains advantages and disadvantages of using an Action Learning team to design training.

* focuses on evaluating Action Learning efforts and on debriefing Action Learning teams and individuals who participated on those teams.

I highly recommend this invaluable study to all line managers, trainers and HR professionals.

(Reviewed by FreeImage HR Consulting / a division of T.B. FreeImage HR Group, Istanbul, Turkey)

* ... Read more

Book Description

In today's technology-crazed environment, distance learning is touted as a cost-effective option for delivering employee training and higher education programs, such as bachelor's, master's and even doctoral degrees.

Distance Learning Technologies: Issues, Trends and Opportunities provides readers with an in-depth understanding of distance learning and the technologies available for this innovative media of learning and instruction. It traces the development of distance learning from its history to suggestions of a solid strategic implementation plan to ensure its successful and effective deployment. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Valuable insights
A few of the articles in this collection, edited by Linda Lau, may be peripheral to your interests - for me these were topics such as 'Applying Technology and TQM to Distance Learning or 'Web-Based Training for the Network Marketing industry', but in general this is an excellent collection of thoughtful and thought-provoking essays around the title themes. I'm confident that everyone involved in this area will find articles with valuable insights both basic and advanced into this rapidly burgeoning field of endeavour. For example, the pedagogical analysis in the first essay 'Web-Based Learning and Instruction: a Constructivist Approach' by Valerie N. Morphew (West Virginian Wesleyan College) is succinct, insightful and offers a basis for explaining to recalcitrant academics how their teaching may actually benefit from incorporating some web-based teaching and learning activities.

How does technology fit with evolving distance learning?
As a practitioner of distance learning in a number of forms and formats, I eagerly seek new publications that might help to bring a little more knowledge and science to the art. The title of Lau's book was sufficiently intriguing for my to buy it. Its promise of tying technologies to issues, trends, and opportunities, however remains largely unfilled.

Lau has produced a collection of 16 chapters from 22 authors with broad backgrounds and a divergent set of views on distance learning. Some have addressed the issues to technology application head-on, some not so directly. There is an underlying unevenness of this collection, though they all relate to distance teaching or distance learning. Some chapters are stiff and formal (chapter 1, for example) and others are very loose (2); some are broad and general (2), and others focused and technical (10, 16); some are well documented (5, 9), and others not at all (7); some are profusely illustrated (1, 10), and most not visually supported.

Lau set out to provide a volume to (1)"provide the theoretical foundation of distance learning," that (2) "describes the conceptual aspects of distance learning." and (3) "provides five cases of practical implementation of distance learning." To some degree, all are provided with varying success.

Several chapters were well received by this reader. Of special interest was Adrian's piece on technology and total quality management in developing a learning environment. He does a nice job of presenting and integrating concepts of TQM and distance learning, and setting forth some modifications in the traditional TQM process to apply to the distance environment.

The piece which may come closest to meeting the promise of the title is by Smith and Ransbottom of the United States Military Academy at West Point; it lays out a fairly technical discussion of issues and challenges in meeting the evolving needs and technology related to the use of video in the distance learning world.

Adams and Freeman also offer an interesting short analysis of the use of knowledge management and application of technology in an evolving doctoral program.

There are of gems buried in this volume, though they might be difficult to locate. There are also some good ideas which bear further development; perhaps a project for another day or other researchers.

If you are a value-conscious book buyer and reader, you may want to skip this one. The few really strong and useful chapters might not justify the....price tag. ... Read more

Book Description

Open your next training session with a BANG!

One of the hardest tasks you'll face as a trainer is pulling participants' thoughts away their daily duties long enough to engage them in your training. According to training master Bob Pike, two of the most important learning concepts are "primacy" and "recency." People don't remember middles; they remember beginnings ("primacy") and ends ("recency"). That's why, if you want your training to be a success, you have to gain their attention as soon as they walk in the door.

Following up on the success of 50 Creative Training Closers, the most trusted and recognized names in training bring you 50 Creative Training Openers and Energizers. These lively, interactive session openers, ice breakers, and attention grabbers are what you need to inspire continued application, learning, and skill development. And you don't have to be a professional trainer to use this collection--business presenters and educators of all kinds can immediately incorporate these creative designs into their work. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Meeting and Training Openers and Warm-Ups that Work!
Honestly, I have no time for activities/events when I train or facilitate meetings that accomplish only one goal. So I look for things that simultaneously meet multiple needs, or desires. This book contains 61 such tools.

Pike and Solem write clear, concise directions for each opener or energizer. With very little effort, each can be adapted to different needs by changing questions. (Instead of asking "What is your favourite hobby," for example, you can ask "What skill do you most use on the job?") In the opening pages, they provide a matrix so you can identify at a glance whether an activity is most useful as an Icebreaker, Networker, Team Builder, Task Tension Reducer, Relationship Tension Reducer, Personal Tension Reducer, or Focussing Activity. Better yet, each of the 61 activities falls into a minimum of three of these categories--accomplishing multiple goals for me in my meetings and trainings. The nine-page introduction offers hints and tips from Pike & Solems' years of experience. The combination of the matrix and the introduction are incredible added value.

I have been consistently pleased with the results I get from these activities. The four-quadrant name-tent, dreams and nightmares, group milling, and uniqueness and commonalities are consistently useful for me. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to trainers and meeting facilitators. ... Read more

Book Description

This new series of fifteen books - The Food Service Professional Guide TO Series from the editors of the Food Service Professional are the best and most comprehensive books for serious food service operators available today.

These step-by-step guides on a specific management subject range from finding a great site for your new restaurant to how to train your wait staff and literally everything in between. They are easy and fast -to-read, easy to understand and will take the mystery out of the subject. The information is "boiled down" to the essence. They are filled to the brim with up to date and pertinent information.

The books cover all the bases, providing clear explanations and helpful, specific information. All titles in the series include the phone numbers and web sites of all companies discussed. What you won’t find are wordy explanations, tales of how someone did it better, or a scholarly lecture on the "theory". Think of them as "Cliff Notes TM" on the subject matter.

Every paragraph in each of the books are comprehensive, well researched, engrossing, and just plain fun-to-read, yet are packed with interesting ideas. You’ll be using your highlighter a lot! The best part aside from the content is they are very moderately priced. You can also purchase the whole 15 book series the isbn number is 0-910627-26-6. You are bound to get a great new idea to try on every page if not out of every paragraph. Do not be put off by the low price, these books really do deliver the critical information and eye opening ideas you need you to succeed without the fluff so commonly found in more expensive books on the subject. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Very useful for managers and owners
I Agree with the other good reviews totally disagree with the one negative review - it seems obvious he is helping to promote his own or a friends product !!

Great book - Disregard the One Bad Review
I found this to be a veryy helpful and well written book - There is one negative review I looked up the author and he went to every other book in the same area and wrote the same negative review and then told people about his book??? and gave the website, etc. all against Amazons rules

Want to know what your wait staff is actually thinking????
I'd recommend a book by author Matt Lehman called "Clam Chowder: A Server's Field Manual". This book is a realistic, funny, clever and insightful read. It's a true look inside the mind of your wait staff. I couldn't put it down. I'm not sure if it's available on Amazon, but it is online at www.clamchowder.biz

I haven't worked in the restaurant for years, but Clam Chowder brought back a flood of memories for me. I have read it twice since I first got it. My book has now been passed on to at least 7 other people. They all agree, Clam Chowder is the best restaurant book ever - told from a server's perspective.

Great Book Wish Every Food Service Employee Would Read It !
Great !! Covers every aspect of restaurant customer service for the positions of captain, waiter or waitress, and busser, written by Lora Arduser an expert in the field. Get several for your staff members ... Read more

Book Description

Put the most advanced training practices available today to work for your organization. In this guidebook, a number of researchers and practitioners combine the often unshared breakthroughs from a number of training disciplines into a single set of principles and guidelines that you can use to implement and maintain a state-of-the-art training program. Learn the best practices and most current developments in strategic planning and needs assessment, training design and media selection, training delivery, transfer of training and training evaluation, long-term maintenance of leading programs within organizations, and more! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book merging theory and practice
This book compiles that latest in Training & Development theories with some very practical applications.It's a good book for academicians and practitioners as well. ... Read more

Book Description

Performance Consulting provides a conceptual framework and many how-to's for moving from the role of a traditional trainer to that of a performance consultant. Dozens of useful tools, illustrative exercises, and a case study that threads through the book show how the techniques described are applied in an organizational setting. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Provide consulting and trainer for performance conceputual
In this book provideing both a conceptual framework and practical tecniques relevannt to the role of performance consulant.It's describe what to identfy performance requirement that are directly linked to the operational and business goals of an organization.This book suitable for Trainer and Consulting to read...

Insightful!
To meet increasingly demanding organizational goals, human resource departments must shift from traditional training methods (i.e. what employees learn) to performance consulting (i.e. what employees must do to achieve those goals). Authors Dana Gaines Robinson and James C. Robinson, who consult in this field, present this intriguing assertion in a rather abstract and wordy book. Thus, this is a better volume for serious study than for casual perusal.

The book gives you in-depth research and information on the complicated process of transforming your training operation to performance consulting. The book contains numerous graphs, guides and checklists, as well as a helpful resource section listing Human Resources associations and workshops. We [...] recommend this book to those involved in human resources, particularly training specialists, training coordinators, instructional systems designers, consultants, and career and organizational developers, as well as managers and media specialists.

Focus on Performance
You know you and your people need professional training to keep your business perspective valid and current. But what training?...where?...at what price? and at what lost productivity cost?

The Robinson's book delivers the essence of what creates performance improvement training and development in four sections: One, getting someone to take responsibility for performance training; Two, having a performance relationship map to help you design and complete performance assessments and illustrates the interrelationship between training, performance, work environment, and business needs; Three, discusses implementation; and Four, shows how performance improvement departments differ from training departments and answers questions about how you can get from where you are to where you need to be.

This book is not for beginners in the industry.
Going from a traditional trainer to performance consultant/trainer. I found the book to be a little overwhelming. I feel the terminology, language used could have been a little more user friendly, especially if you were just learning what a performance consultant is or does. The authors did a good job with the performance relationship map to use as an effective tool and the overall point of the book was well taken. After I attended a performance consultant workshop did I really have a better understanding of the points that the authors were trying to make.

Helps an organization map performance improvement plans
This is an excellent reference to be used by HR managers and trainers who want to know how to gain the maximum return on investment while they strive to assist employees to improve their performance for the organization. Trainers learn how to evolve into effective Performance Consultants in partnership with management. The result can be a WIN-WIN-WIN-WIN: for the consultant, management, employees and the organization as a whole. ... Read more

Book Description

If you want to create a lean, mean, working machine in today’s environment you need a game plan for building employee morale and commitment. By coaching and mentoring your work force—instead of implementing staid traditional management techniques—you’ll start to see tremendous results.

Regardless of where you find yourself on the corporate ladder and what level of authority you carry, what you and other managers share in common is the responsibility for the performance of others. Coaching and Mentoring For Dummies can open your eyes to this innovative way of managing and show you the best way to get the most out of those who work for you.

Coaching and Mentoring For Dummies provides the foundation for understanding what business coaching is all about, and helps you gain or improve the coaching skills that drive employee performance and commitment. These skills, which serve as the main topics of this book, involve: getting employees to deliver the results you need; guiding employees to think and do for themselves; motivating employees to take on responsibility and perform effectively; and growing employee capabilities that lead to career development and success

You’ll also discover how to:

• Use questions rather than commands
• Be a delegator, not a doer
• Complete performance reviews without anxiety
• Grow your employees’ talents
• Increase productivity and decrease turnover

• Guidance on being a coach rather than a doer" and giving feedback in a positive way
• Advice on motivating, grooming, and growing employees
• Tips on tackling diversity issues, performance reviews, and other challenges

Reviews (5)

Excellent guide!
Probably the best, easy-to-read book regarding coaching and mentoring for self-taught, busy managers.

What They Forgot To Tell You When They Made You A Manager
First, let me disclose that I am a client of the author. So perhaps I should be upset with Mr. Brounstein for putting out a book that has the same information I paid him thousands of dollars to teach me. Buy the book.

Remember the first time you dealt with a difficult employee - the knot in your stomach as you called them into your office. Learn about giving constructive feedback instead of criticism, and you may just turn a problem employee into a model employee - it happened to me. The knot may not go away completely, but with this technique it will definitely be more manageable. Buy the book.

Work smarter not harder. Learn about Results-based Performance Management, and get results, not just busy employees. Teach your employees to manage themselves by holding them accountable for results, not just activities that you give them to do. Buy the book.

Learn about coaching techniques such as Tutoring With Questions that will get your employees to start answering their own questions - and getting the right answers. Buy the book.

About a year ago I suddenly found myself in charge of 100 employees that had been thrown together from different cultures as the result of mergers and corporate realignment. Through the techniques I learned from Marty that are revealed in this book, I have been able to build an effective team of managers who in turn have helped me turn the organization around. A year ago, we were missing committed deadlines one after another. Now, we consistently meet and often beat our commitments. I often refer to my copy of the book for a refresher on Marty's techniques and regularly refer my managers to the book when they run into difficult situations. Buy the book.

Just in case I forgot to mention it: Buy the book.

Going beyond managing
Marty Brounstein introduces the next level of managing, being a coach and mentor to your employees. By detailing the relationship between coaches and their teams, he shows the way to get better work performance. Combined with inspiring leadership, coaching and mentoring is something that all employees look for from their managers, so learning these skills is a valuable management discipline.

Coaching & Mentoring for Dummies
This would be an informational book for people who are coaching or mentoring others. There are lots of helpful tips on how to get others to work for you, not against you. These tips can be helpful when you want people to try their best.

Coaching & Mentoring for Dummies
This is a great "how to" book. It has plenty of "laundry lists" that all coaches must keep in mind at all times. It is one of the most comprehensive coaching books that I've seen for a long time. This "on my desk" book is guarranted to have plenty of high-liteing and dog-ears within a short period of time. This is a must for new or seasoned coaches and coaches-of-coaches. ... Read more

Book Description

Evaluating E-Learning is designed to answer some of the most fundamental questions surrounding e-learning: Does e-learning work?How much does e-learning benefit both the organization and its learners? Is e-learning a wise investment or a waste of corporate resources? This is a book designed to answer these and other important questions about your e-learning efforts. In addition, the book will guides you to take a systematic approach to evaluating e-learning that will strengthen your case for bringing e-learning into your organization. You can use the interactive "Your Turn" sections to apply concepts learned in the book or visit the companion Web site to download design forms, spreadsheets, live examples, and other resources. Leading E-Learning is first in a series of books designed to explore targeted issues associated with bringing e-learning into an organization. The other books in the series includes: Leading E-Learning, Selling E-Learning, Designing E-Learning, and Using E-Learning.

This books answers some of the most basic questions surrounding the evaluation of e-learning including:
§ Does your e-learning work?
§ How much does your e-learning project benefit your organization and your learners?
§ Is e-learning a wise investment or a waste of corporate resources?
§ And how can you improve your e-learning efforts?

The book approaches the answers to these questions in easy-to-understand language without needless technical detail. This practical approach extends to the book's unique interactive Your Turn sections designed to let the reader practice concepts that will be used later in their own organizations. In addition, the author includes links to a web site that allow readers to down load valuable forms, worksheets, and other aides to help the reader apply the concepts covered in the book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Horton has done it again
There are no doubts that William Horton knows many things about e-learning, but when he writes a book he shows how good is in organizing the information inside his book.

There are many people devoted to create and/or deploy e-learning projects in their organizations, but "Evaluating E-learning" is the next step in our effort explaining us how to evaluate and measure the project, not only telling us what can be evaluated, but also telling us when and how to evaluate. The book includes activities in every chapter to be completed by the reader allowing to apply book contents to the reader's reality. ... Read more

Book Description

The Whole Brain Business Book is the long-awaited culmination of Ned Herrmann's highly respected and extensive research and testing. In it, he presents his four-quadrant model of the brain and the corresponding thinking styles: logician, organizer, communicator, and visionary. Most people and organizations, he demonstrates, are stuck in a ``brain rut'' because their work is dominated by just one mode. Through highly practical explorations and exercises, he shows individuals and organizations how to harness the power of the whole brain. Readers will use The Whole Brain Business Book to expand their own thinking styles--to create and manage Whole Brain Teams--and to introduce new levels of flexibility and innovation into the corporate culture. It will show them how organizations like DuPont and GE use their ``whole brain'' orientation to thrive and profit in times of chaos--and it will help them to do the same. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Too Simple
Details in the the explaination & implication as a Sales & Marketing is too simple as a Sales Person.

Herrmann's Brain Dominance Instrument: A New Way of Thinking
Ned Herrmann's book, "The Whole Brain Business Book", deserves a five star rating. Herrmann has written an excellent book, I only wish I had read it seven years ago when I first ventured out in the world to start my own business. It is a must read for anyone who is planning on starting their own business, has a startup business, or has decision making responsibilities in an organization. The Whole Brain Business Book is very easy to read and is written in a very instructive manner. The author provides many examples from his research and he uses a number of diagrams that are very useful in determining a company's and/or one's personal management style, in addition to some insight as to how one thinks, makes decision and work together with other people. A number of exercises and step by step instructions are provided to assist readers in learning how to make decisions that incorporate all of the brain's functions. I found some very valuable information in this book that I will use to enhance my decision-making process. Herrmann has made me stop and re-evaluate some of the ways I approach a number of business issues.

This book is divided into five dynamic sections; each section is packed with methodologies, examples and exercises for utilizing Herrmann's concept. Herrmann provides some hard evidence to support his Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) tool. HBDI is an assessment tool that is uses to determine what drives the way one thinks and makes decisions. HBDI utilizes four quadrants (styles), Organizer, Personalizer or Visualizer, each quadrant represented by a letter A-D. Herrmann believes that we make decisions based on some combination of these four thinking styles and that cultivating these styles and utilizing the resulting energy is the key to productivity and creativity in business.

Herrmann presents some very interesting information about entrepreneurals, and how they rank based on his HBDI tool. He expands this discussion by pointing out the difference between a entrepreneural, one who works for him/herself and a intrapreneural, one who works for a company. Herrmann discusses risk taking and the importance in learning from failure. He pursues this further by describing the type of management that nurtures creativity and sets the stage for innovative thinking. Herrmann discusses characteristics of people who are on the outer realm, (he calls them Mavericks) and how and why they are so successful (he uses Tom Peters and David Letterman as examples). He touches on process reengineering, and how it is generally initiated based on cost savings versus change in work processes. In addition, he provides some interesting research data regarding CEO's and how they ranked a list of sixteen primary work elements. In the final chapter, Herrmann presents some helpful steps for becoming a Whole Brained Businessperson.

A "must read" for any business person!
Ned Herrmann's Whole Brain Business Book is one of the most useful business books to appear in a decade. Use of the whole brain model to align people's thinking style preferences with their work may be the single most powerful way businesses can increase productivity without increasing costs.

Mr. Herrmann's conversational style and "whole brain" teaching approach make the book highly readable. The book reviews the history of business in this country in terms of the kinds of thinking valued during each era. More importantly, it predicts the shift that must take place in business thinking in order to compete effectively in the growing global economy in decades to come. Effective team functioning and creative, strategic thinking are enormously important to business today. The Whole Brain Business Book tells how to maximize both.

The four quadrant model developed by Ned Herrmann is a powerful tool. The Whole Brain Business Book describes how to use it. Because the model was developed while Mr. Herrmann was working at GE, for use by business, and because it is physiologically based, it is more acceptable to many business people than many similar organizing constructs available today.

With this book Ned Herrmann provides individuals and companies with a tool to enhance understanding of themselves and others, take the emotional charge out of differences, and increase individual and team effectiveness. Unlike many business books whose ideas are good in the abstract, but difficult to make concrete, Mr. Herrmann provides simple graphics which make the ideas easy to remember and use. Examples include the Communication Walk-Around Exercise and the Whole Brain Delegation Walk Around Model.

Anyone working at any level in business should read The Whole Brain Business Book. Incidentally, it will improve your personal relationships as well. You will never look at yourself or others in quite the same way!

Sharon Eakes & Hal Williamson of Hope Unlimited, LLC

Whole brain thinking at its best.
At the core of Ned Herrmann's most recent book lies his belief that the functioning of the human brain is driven by a four-quadrant interconnected set of mental processing modes. These four thinking styles, says Herrmann, originate in the brain's left and right cerebral hemispheres, and in the left and right half limbic systems, each resulting in significantly different and distinct behavioral characteristics in human beings. How this complex brain interaction determines thinking mode dominance and thinking style preferences, and how individuals and organizations can benefit from such understanding, are the main themes of this highly thought provoking and exceptionally relevant management book. Herrmann's work is widely thought of by training and development specialists as superseding earlier "left brain/right brain" thinking models as well as having advanced new concepts of mind research and their applications in business settings. In fact, this is the first book exclusively dedicated to applying whole brain thinking to a wide range of business situations.Thinking dominance by one of the four styles leads to the development of preferences, which in turn establish our interests, foster the development of competencies, and influence our career choices and ultimately the work that we do, contends Herrmann. Knowing whether you, your organization, or a particular job, is predominantly quadrant A, B, C, or D oriented, makes all the difference whether or not relationships have an opportunity to develop and flourish or to remain counter-productive and underutilized. Mismatching people and assignments by not using whole brain thinking processes can be extremely costly, both in terms of individual psychological danage and in terms of negative organizational results, suggests Herrmann.Knowing your thinking preference is a good place to start understanding whole brain technology. You can get an idea of whether you are an Analyser, Organizer, Personalizer, or Visualizer (Quadrants A, B, C, and D, respectively), by completing the Preference Indicator Exercise provided in the book. Better yet, you can complete the HBDI (Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument) survey, which, when evaluated by trained specialists from the Ned Herrman Group, will result in your own HBDI Personal Profile. Call the NHG at 704-625-9153 for specific details. This review was written by Bruno Lewandowski, Editor & Publisher of World Aero-Engine Review, a monthly jet propulsion newsletter ... Read more

Book Description

Tools, forms, and practical advice to run your coaching business. From initial client interviews to billing and marketing strategies, this book is one-stop shopping for any coach. Taken from CoachVille.com's extensive library of coaching resources, this invaluable book gives you everything for your coaching practice. Sections include the business of coaching, client intake and follow up, and workshop planning. ... Read more

Book Description

Since its creation in 1959, Donald Kirkpatrick's four-level model for evaluating training programs — reaction, learning, behavior, and results — has become the most widely used approach to training evaluation in the corporate, government, and academic worlds. However, trainers today are feeling increased pressure to prove whether instruction is worth its cost. And calculating and presenting results (Step 4) becomes tricky when, despite training, workers aren't fulfilling Step 3: applying what they've learned to their behavior. This book takes on this age-old challenge, first examining why learned concepts don't make it into practice, then offering solutions that will work in the real world. Coauthor James Kirkpatrick, a training practitioner, introduces five prerequisites that help an organization achieve ultimate training success. He includes practical examples (such as Toyota and Nextel) from his own work, plus 12 best-practice case studies. ... Read more

Book Description

You can save time and money and improve work performance throughout your organization--with the help of job aids. Job aids make it easier to perform tasks by providing access to information, procedures, policies, and examples. These sources of information make it easier to perform tasks by providing access to information, examples, policies, and procedures. Paired with training and supervisory support, job aids play a key role in introducing new work technologies and systems. The authors clearly instruct you how to create seven job aid formats:

• step job aids
• worksheets
• arrays
• decision tables
• flow charts
• checklists
• combination job aids.

Learn about every step of job aid implementation:

• Identifying the problem
• Choosing the format and the medium
• Preparing the job aid draft
• Piloting the job aid
• Making revisions to the job aid
• Managing the job aid

With this guide, you will:

• Establish new and expanded ways of defining job aids
• Offer approaches that broaden opportunities to employ job aids
• Present strategies to improve the quality of the job aids that are developed...and much more!

The authors reinforce each job aid with a case study that shows just how the job aid can be used. Without job aids, employees often don't know where to find information. They can waste their own time--and the time of others--seeking answers. With effective job aids in place, employees will stop wondering where to go: the job aids will provide the information they need.

Job aids save huge amounts of time and money. Any trainer or manager seeking to improve organizational effectiveness should look no further--A Handbook of Job Aids is the most comprehensive job aid source available. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Training Is Not the Only Solution
Training takes many forms and not all training requires a formal classroom or complex computer simulations. For some performance requirements, a job aid is the most efficient and accurate way to obtain the human performance you require. Allison Rossett and Jeannette Gautier-Downes have created a clear and easy-to-follow guide to job aids. This instructionally-sound approach breaks job aids down into meaningful categories (information, procedural and coaching) and presents numerous examples that demonstrate just how easy it is to create a just-in-time solution to your performance problem. Using the very job aid approach they teach, these authors guide you through every aspect of job aid creation using examples from a variety of content areas. You will be guided to 1) select content appropriate for job aids and 2) avoid selecting inappropriate content.

Dr. Rossett is on the faculty at San Diego State University. She has created a site that is a companion to this book. (...) This site contains more examples and exercises designed to hone your job aid creation skills.

Question
Why is contributor listed next to this book. Both authors were authors - neither were contributors.

Jeannette Gautier-Downes

This excellent book on when and how to develop job aids
This book is an excellent overview of how to approach job aids. It takes you step-by-step through the needs analysis to determine if a job aid is appropriate. The stories of job aid successes and failures make great examples. When you follow the book you'll be on the way to designing and developing appropriate job aids. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A lot of info in a nutshell
The beauty of the Management Pocket Books Series is that you get the necessary information without having to spend so much time reading. This particular book is no exemption. Training tips, techniques, and icebreakers are included. It tells you how to decode a participant's feelings by his/her action. Clear, concise, and helpful, this little book also tells you how people receive, process, learn, and retain information, and what the trainer can do to maximize these areas. ... Read more

Book Description

Show employees how to ``play their way'' to career success! From the creative genius of training experts James J. Kirk and Lynne D. Kirk comes Training Games for Career Development--54 exciting interactive games for helping employees build career awareness, chart a course for self-improvement, and contribute to greater organizational productivity. Games such as Honey They've Shrunk The Company and Schmoozers and Losers are organized into five main career topics: motivation, development, dynamics, climate, and promotion and management. These ready-to-play games can be used as openers, expanders, teachables and reinforces in any ongoing training environment, or as nonthreating ways to test your own or other employees' knowledge and skills in a wide range of business areas. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Limited use
The games in the book were easy to use and well written. However, I expected a larger variety of topics. I won't be able to use the games very often since the focus is mainly on determining and making career decisions rather than progressing or advancing in your current career. I am a 'corporate trainer' and won't be training staff how to find new jobs! ... Read more

Book Description

Don’t be a supervisor—be a coach!

It isn’t easy to successfully manage people. In fact, it requires tremendous patience, foresight, and—above all else—empathy and appreciation of individual personalities. Many managers can get the tasks at hand done, but few are able to spot raw talent and then devote the time and energy to shape and mold that employee toward achieving growth and excellence.

Whether you are a manager, an aspiring manager, or an employee looking to improve the workplace, The Everything® Coaching and Mentoring Book guides you through implementing a successful coaching and mentoring program both in the workplace and in life.

From delegating responsibility to expanding knowledge base and skill level, The Everything® Coaching and Mentoring Book gives you up-to-date information on the newest trend sweeping through Corporate America. The book even takes you beyond the workplace and provides insights into extending your newfound knowledge in all areas of your life—including at home and in your social life.

The Everything® Coaching and Mentoring Book features information on:

·Inspiring self-motivation

·Coaching versus mentoring

·Overcoming common workplace problems

·Managing diversity issues

·Handling crises and morale issues

·Coaching and mentoring for not-for-profit organizations

·Debunking common myths and misconceptions ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Thorough, Entertaining, and Enlightening
This is a great book on Coaching and Mentoring.It covers a lot of ground on what it takes to manage as a coach in today's corporate milieu.The author displays a keen grasp of the material, along with a good sense of humor, from cover to cover.The examples and case studies in the text always hit their marks.I recommend this book for all coaches and mentors, and all would-be coaches and mentors, too.It's a very thorough introduction to the managing wave of the future.And it's written in a style that is never dull, which is the bane of so many other books on this subject matter. ... Read more

Book Description

Announcing the fourth and newest edition to the best-selling training games series of all time! Even More Games Trainers Play, Edward Scannell and John Newstrom pick up where they left off in previous Games Trainers Play guides. You'll find fully-explained, ready-to-use icebreakers, brainteasers, problem-solvers and session closers that target the skills you need to teach most--communication, listening, presentation, leadership, creative problem-solving and more. Each game can be played in under 30 minutes and implemented at little or no cost. What's more, this edition focuses in on today's ``hot topics'' of team building, quality initiatives and quality in customer service. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Recipe for one WILD office Xmas party
After we heard what a crazy holiday party the auditor's office was planning, our agency was determined to outdo them, so we hurriedly formed a committee to study the problem and suggest workable plans of action. After rejecting several alternative ideas (such as duckpin bowling and tea at the state museum) we decided to really cut loose and order pizza at lunch time. Supplemented with soft drinks from the machine in the lobby, no less! Everything was set for the best holiday party ever.
When (after days of waiting) the magical day and hour arrived, we all sat down to enjoy our lunchtime celebration when the realization hit: the only way we were going to have fun and interesting conversation was if we actually talked to each other!!
For a few agonizing minutes we silently munched on our pizza and considered the grim situation, until (in a moment reminiscent of the deus ex machina device of Greek theatre) one of our number arrived late, a Santa cap jauntily perched on his head, an easel and flip chart under one arm, and THIS BOOK under the other (he had a magic marker too, but I don't really remember where he was carrying that - perhaps in his pocket protector?). The party was saved!
Now when the folks from the auditor's office show off this year's crop of photocopies of their faces and other body parts, we'll have some stories to tell them about how much fun a REAL party can be.

Even More Games
Like a Rocky sequel, this book doesn't get it. It would be useful with children and young adults, but I could not use it with high functioning adults. Had I not been in a hurry, and had reviewed the book, I would not have purchased it.

Great idea's for anyone to use, anytime, anywhere!
This book has wonderful idea's to use in almost any setting. You could use the idea's with adults or youth. It is a complete resource for anyone who leads groups of people. It is full of fun activities to do! ... Read more

Book Description

Of all the challenges faced by organizations today, team-buildingranks as one of the biggest--and most critical. With organizations increasinglydependent on high-performance teams for virtually every imaginable activity,teamwork has become a major business strategy--and getting teams to work anabsolute necessity.

THE TEAM-BUILDING WORKSHOP was written specifically to help readers design andlead a two-day team-building workshop that achieves measurable results. Usingthe six-step team-building process and wealth of ready-to-use trainingmaterials, readers will be able to:

* Recognize when team building is the right solution * Generate true commitment to team building * Handle resistance to team building * Accurately assess the team's needs * Cure dysfunctional teams, resolve team conflict, and rebuild team trust * Use team building to improve productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Great HR Tool!
The "Team-Building Workshop"has proved to be a fantastic resource in our organization.This how-to book is a great tool that can be utilized by either Managers or HR Professionals, and is great for beginners in team building, as well as those that are more experienced. This book has provided our HR organization with the strategies and techniques to conduct team building sessions in both proactive and reactive situations, large and small without having to outsource.I highly recommend this book.

Jam-Packed Resource for Anyone Interested in Workplace Teams
This book offers a terrific balance of "principles and practicals." I found the author's grasp of workplace teams and their purpose (as well as when not to use them) to be very "real-world." As a seasoned corporate trainer, I am always on the look out for impacting resources, and this definitely tops my list in the Team-Building category. If you are new to workplace teams, or a veteran team-builder, you will find real gems in this volume. Ms. Payne uses an easy-to-follow format for each chapter: introducing the idea, discussing its value, giving concrete examples, and, most important to me, providing a template to get you started using the idea in your workplace situation. She even includes an Appendix with all the major tools and ideas laid out for overheads. This book will be helpful to HR personnel who need to provide guidance to team leaders in their organization; trainers seeking fresh ideas and tools for their team-building offerings; and managers who are looking for the practical steps one must take to create and sustain a high-performance work team. In this era of workplace collaboration and cooperation, The Team-Building Workshop, is a welcome resource for anyone trying to achieve more with and through others!

The Team-Building Workshop
What a fabulous book!The author does a great job in providing helpful tools and tips for assessing needs and facilitating team building sessions and it's done in a way that is easy to understand.I highly recommend this book to supervisors and HR professionals, or anyone else that is interested in building high performance teams! ... Read more

Book Description

Internships is a comprehensive directory of internship opportunities across the U.S., and abroad. The guide provides detailed, pertinent, annually updated information on thousands of short-term positions available in numerous career areas. Listings are categorized according to the type of company or organization that sponsors the internship. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Internships 2004 (Peterson's Internships, 2004)
Peterson's is well known for its well-researched and sublime writing style. This could not be better shown then in this book in question, Internships 2004 (Peterson's Internships, 2004)
by Petersons, Peterson's . In here students are shown with clarity and use of use how to get an internship and how to make the most of this experience.

Not all its cracked up to be!
I was eagerly awaiting this book only to find out that the 3 top local companies that I was interested in were not included at all. No big deal. They were little companies like Intel, Microsoft, and Nike.
Don't buy this doorstop. ... Read more

Book Description

Recent studies show that life skills coaching, executive coaching and business coaching are all effective ways of achieving sustainable growth, change and development in an individual, group or organisation.

The Coaching at Work Toolkit is the first comprehensive, practical resource for coaches in the use of the theories, tools, techniques and practices that affect learning and change. This book offers coaching tools and psychology-based techniques and is a much-needed guide to understanding the practice of coaching and applying the theories and language associated with it.

The employment of life skills coaching, executive coaching and business coaching is being heralded as the way to create organisations of the future. Anyone interested in achieving their best and staying ahead of the competition should read this book. Through the use of case studies, practical instructions and application guidelines, the authors have provided models, principles and techniques that enable professional coaches to achieve breakthrough results.

For the past ten years the authors, first as practitioners and then as educators, have worked closely with colleagues across the globe to develop coaching techniques that produce positive, measurable, lasting change.

This book builds upon the success of the authors' first general coaching reference The Complete Guide to Coaching at Work. This title focused on the nature of coaching, coaching models and frameworks, and the competencies for successful coaches.

Suzanne Skiffington and Perry Zeus have trained hundreds of coaches around the world. Through their internationally renowned coach training school, 1 to 1 Coaching School they have worked with established and new coaches, professionals and managers/leaders of organisations, consultants, groups and the academic community. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Groundbreaking Reference Book
The 'Toolkit' is a highly professional, yet easy-to-understand reference book and includes a complete and very helpful glossary. The authors are the most respected coaching educators in the business world today. The professional coaching industry has evolved dramatically over the last two years and bears little resemblance to its fuzzy predecessor of the nineties. A lot of serious research and work has gone into this groundbreaking text book, and serious personal and organizational change can come from the use of the book.

The book brings together a complete listing of the major skills and techniques for organizational and personal coaches, and offers guidelines and instructions on how to employ them. The Toolkit provides processes, protocols, assessment instruments, forms, charts and checklists and examines the management practices of coaching. The text also details the changing nature and evolution of coaching, such as the increasing importance of specialization. To date, most available coaching books detail the standard practices of goal setting, action planning and some coaching interventions but they do not offer too many actual techniques that facilitate the desired change. Achieving measurable, sustainable outcomes isn't a matter of simplistic goal setting, personality profiling and cheerleading but requires the skilful use of validated, proven behavioral change methods and learning tools grounded in the behavioral sciences. In this book, these invaluable techniques are blue-printed and discussed, and then presented alongside case studies and exercises.

The success of any coaching program is dictated by the program's resources depth, scientific validity and measurability. This invaluable, well written and very accessible reference provides exact processes and details for achieving successful coaching outcomes and will find a place on the bookshelves of many coaches, consultants, trainers, HR professionals, learning institutions and corporations.

Invaluable Toolkit!!
Key Features: this book brings together a complete listing of the major skills and techniques for coaches, and how to employ them. The Toolkit provides assessment instruments, process forms and examines the management practices of coaching. The book also details the changing nature and evolution of coaching, such as the increasing importance of specialisation.

Invaluable, validated techniques are outlined and discussed, and then presented alongside case studies and exercises. The toolkit is a professional, yet easy-to-understand reference book and includes a complete glossary. Both authors have extensive global coaching experience via their renowned international coach training institute.

How to stay ahead of your competition
This book builds upon the success of the authors' first general coaching reference 'The Complete Guide to Coaching at Work'. For the past ten years the authors, first as practitioners and then as educators, have worked closely with graduates of their coach training institute (Behavioral Coaching Institute) and other colleagues across the globe to develop coaching techniques that produce positive, measurable lasting change.

The employment of life skills coaching, executive coaching and business coaching is being heralded as the way to create organizations of the future. Anyone interested in achieving their best and staying ahead of the competition should have access to this invaluable toolkit. Through the use of case studies, practical instructions and application guidelines, the authors have provided models, principles and techniques that enable professional coaches to achieve breakthrough results.

How to stay ahead of your competition..
This book builds upon the success of the authors' first general coaching reference 'The Complete Guide to Coaching at Work'. For the past ten years the authors, first as practitioners and then as educators, have worked closely with graduates of their coach training institute (Behavioral Coaching Institute) and other colleagues across the globe to develop coaching techniques that produce positive, measurable lasting change.

The employment of life skills coaching, executive coaching and business coaching is being heralded as the way to create organizations of the future. Anyone interested in achieving their best and staying ahead of the competition should have access to this invaluable toolkit. Through the use of case studies, practical instructions and application guidelines, the authors have provided models, principles and techniques that enable professional coaches to achieve breakthrough results.

Very disappointing
I was unimpressed by this so-called "complete guide". One of those books you buy, read once, then never look at again. Several months later I haven`t touched my copy since I read it on the day I bought it; says it all really.

I find it difficult to understand the target market for this book. It is neither advanced enough to satisfy a serious practitioner nor is it suitable for a beginner.

Complaints: while it does contain a range of techniques, there`s nothing new, or surprising, or even interesting. It certainly isn`t complete. The words ego trip spring to mind.

If you have some knowledge of coaching I would suggest there are plenty of other books that might be a more worthwhile purchase.

I like Tim Gallwey`s most recent book - Inner Game of Work, James Flaherty`s book on Coaching: evoking excellence in others, is also worth a look. Also books like The Psychology of Executive Coaching - Bruce Peltier could be useful.

Anyway of the 25 or so books on coaching I`ve read, Toolkit isn`t one of the better ones. ... Read more