Archive for May, 2009

A Short History of the Learning & Performance Profession

Friday, May 29th, 2009

 

training-blocks1

 

Training and Development (T&D) has been a part of human culture from the beginning of civilization. By sharing our discoveries with one another, applying our learning is a significant hallmark of the human species. Guild apprenticeships, Greek philosophy, the scientific method and military discipline are all examples of early T&D programs.

 

The Industrial Revolution created a need for more formal T&D strategies. In 1906, the National Society for Promotion of Industrial Education formed. Just a few years later, in 1913, the first cars rolled off the assembly line at Ford. Through the 1920s, unions set up the first training programs for employees, while quality control became an important topic of conversation for all industry. 

 

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Thoughtful Places

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

swimmer

I’ve always been a serious, deep thinker.  Anxiety and depression seem to be part of the package. Those fears, worries, and bouts of pity aren’t productive, but sometimes it is difficult to get back on track. Fortunately, there are a few places where I can’t stay stuck in my head.

 

One place is the swimming pool. I’m not a skilled swimmer. When my head goes under the water, all of my concentration is on my breathing, my arms, my legs. The more comfortable I am, the more my thoughts may drift, but they don’t go far. Often times, they remain under water with me, basking in a sense of security.

 

Another place is the ocean. I can’t walk on the beach and pout. There is too much fresh air for that. There are birds, and dogs. There is the constant soothing motion of the waves that carry you forward. There is the feel of the sand, and bits of shell and rock and wood to look at.

 

Winnie the Pooh had a special place. Pooh’s Thoughtful Spot was halfway between his house and Piglet’s , and offered a good spot for “deciding what to do today”.

 

I’d like to hear about your thoughtful place. Where is it? What do you do there?

Get More Energy

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Here’s a fabulous list chock full of easy fun tips to keep your energy up: 55 Ways to Get More Energy. It is a guest post by Greg Go, on one of my favorite sites, www.zenhabits.net. Tips include changing your socks, eating lots of berries and playing to relax. To read more, go to http://zenhabits.net/2009/05/55-ways-to-get-more-energy/#more-3360.

Hello friends!

Friday, May 15th, 2009

I am delighted you stopped by. As you can see, this is a brand new blog. Good news! I am on vacation for the next several days, so that I can think and write. So please, stop by in a few days and see what I’ve done. And if you like what you find, please spread the word.

Thanks,

your ravenwriter, Valerie