What employer doesn't want to increase productivity?  There is one very simple, tried-and-true way to accomplish this that is often overlooked.  If you desire to see an increase in your staff productivity, start by focusing on the positive and taking time to recognize individual achievements.  Has one of your employees recently completed a degree or certification program?  Reward and encourage them by acknowledging their accomplishments.  Has a particular department out-performed itself?  Make a big deal out of it.  Do your employees show a loyalty and dedication to their work despite challenging circumstances?  Praise them for it.

We all like to hear positive reinforcement for a job well done.  But sometimes the workplace just becomes so hectic that we forget how important it can be to productivity.  CLO magazine addresses a similar thought in a recent article.  Click here to read it for yourself.  Why are we so quick to forget how important acknowledgement can be?  We often get tied up in the details of what to improve upon rather than being thankful and appreciative for the progress that has already been made. 

Here's the catch....isn't there always a catch?  The praise, acknowledgement, and recognition must be genuine.  You can't just make stuff up.  "And the cleanest desk award goes to...." Acknowledgement like that isn't going to help anyone feel more inspired, motivated, or dedicated.  But genuine praise and recognition can do just that.  When an employee feels appreciated for the job they do and the contribution they make, they feel more connected, loyal, and motivated.  So find something good to focus on today and offer some words of recognition to the folks who deserve it!

According to an article in the New York Times, Grenoble Graduate School of Business in France is expanding its M.B.A. offerings to include a traveling degree program.  According to the article, students will attend week long seminars in 8 international cities over the course of the degree-seeking.  Students will be required to do case studies on each city and focus on the various topics that are specific to that area.  The cities to be included are Grenoble, Geneva, Moscow, London, New York, Singapore, New Delhi, and Beijing.

While a program like this is sure to give its students a wide variety of experiences, I wonder about the overall effectiveness in preparing its students for their specific future.  How can a one week seminar and some case study work really prepare you for the reality of the business world?  There is something to be said for the programs diversity and wide range of experiences, but do they come at too high of a cost?  The travel is a perk, or is it?

Looking at the list of host cities, one wonders how the students will actually grasp the depths of business dealings within each society and government, not to mention the language barriers that will be present.  Will they actually understand how the language, culture, government, and society interact enough to take away the essential business fundamentals they are there to learn?  I appreciate diverse programs and the myriad experiences they bring their students, but is this one so diverse that it will actually do more harm than good?

Does stress contribute to your level of productivity? An article from Chief Learning Officer's website reports that the business industry is taking stress seriously and looking for ways to fight it.  To read that article click here.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to conclude that Americans, in general, are stressed.  They have too much to do and too little time to do it in.  And the workplace contributes to this.  We continually expect more performance for less incentive and in less time. 

The article offers a variety of strategies to deal with stress in the workplace.  Some of them may be a great place to start.  However, I think the best, most effective way to combat stress is in the attitude.  If an employee can go to their employer with an issue, whether it is work related or not, and expect to find understanding and compassion then the employee is already less-stressed.  What's more, if that same employer then takes steps to assist with the issue then they have gained loyalty and respect from the employee.

I can remember when I was frantically trying to balance being a teacher and new mom.  I felt like a failure on both accounts.  My son would wake up with a fever and sore throat and would only want me to comfort him.  Unfortunately, I would call in to work to arrange for a substitute only to be met with guilt and reminders that my students need me too.  Inevitably, the job would win out and I would find someone to keep my sick child.  If only I could have had a little support from the system that is supposed to be all about the welfare of kids.  This tension was a source of great stress.  My principal was cold and uncaring.  She added to the stress and did nothing to diminish it.  After three years, I left that school to be a stay-home mom and I have very little feeling of loyalty or respect for that principal.  Stress is a genuine issue in the workplace but I suggest addressing it with an attitude change before implementing any strategies or seminars. 

Disengagement.  That’s the buzz word in an article in Chief Learning Officer.  Click here (http://www.clomedia.com/industry_news/2010/June/5214/index.php) to read the article for yourself.  Essentially, the article states that high potential employees are not engaged or satisfied in their current positions.  The question is why?

As the article explains, folks are disengaged although their positions seem suited to who they are and their talents.  As suggested, employers should seek to provide those high potential employees with the opportunity to find ownership and leadership roles within their position.

Even the best efforts of the employer may not turn a disengaged employee to a loyal, unwavering, wholly committed employee.  I would suggest that the pressures facing those high potential employees outside of the office are the most powerful source of disengagement.  Until employers can help employees balance stress like childcare and family demands, financial surprises, and more, there will be disengagement.  Life is tough and most of us feel at least some level of disengagement when life throws a curve ball.  Having an employer who is not only understanding, but actually helpful, will increase an employees commitment and satisfaction.

An article in Chief Learning Officer magazine (http://www.clomedia.com/industry_news/2010/June/5211/index.php), describes the honorable new partnership between Wal-Mart and American Public University, or APU.  According to the article, Wal-Mart is now making it possible for associates to pursue their college education, at an affordable cost, while maintaining their employment.

This partnership will allow and encourage many financially burdened households to expand their possibilities through further education.  Wal-Mart’s move is admirable.  As associates try to climb the corporate ladder, Wal-Mart gives incentive and credit for a job well-done.     

Corporate America could learn something here.  If you truly desire to raise individual performance standards, then it would follow that you are seeking to provide quality training and preparation that will lead to that end.

The job market is rough.  The number of job openings is on the decrease yet the number of jobs needed is on the rise.  In the business world, suppliers are desperate for takers but the takers have the luxury of being selective and demanding.   Competition is fierce.  Individuals and businesses alike must make themselves ready for competition.  If you hope to land a job or seal a deal you must be ready for competition.  As an individual seeking employment, training and job skills are a necessity.  Potential employers are looking for ready-made, successful, dedicated, well-prepared employees.    And there are more and more of those everyday.  Put on your sweatbands and get ready for a workout.  As a business, providing up-to-date training and education to employees on the latest advancements in your field can put you ahead of the competition.  Keeping accurate records, maintaining efficient data on the demand and need for certain courses can keep you ahead of the pack.  An LMS like TrainingForce can provide you with the tools you need to put your business back in the competition.

When you have a problem, you look for a solution.  Some are easier to find than others.  If your problem is training or learning managment, then look no further.  The solution is TrainingForce.  TrainingForce is a comprehensive web-based product that allows you to centrally orgainze, maintain, and track multiple features. This product not only manages class scheduling but also features student attendance tracking and satisfaction evaluations.  TrainingForce handles the big picture issues, like courses and classes, but it is also detail-rich, allowing you to manage everything down to specific equipment needs and locations.  Not only is TrainingForce great for the training provider, but the Launchpad feature also provides students the opportunity to register 24 hours a day.  TrainingForce features Attendent which manages the paperwork and electronic communications to students, administrators, and instructors.  TrainingForce is a great solution for your training needs.  Check out the website by clicking here. 

A recent article in Training describes how automated systems can expedite the hiring process.  Essentially, the article discusses how a particular product allows the employer to input certain questions that will weed out the unqualified candidates based on minimum requirements for the job.  If applicants are able to complete the process, their profile is then ranked according to compatability with the potential employer.  This is an HR manager's dream.  No more paper applications.  No more days or weeks of interviews and evaluations.  A system designed to deliver the ideal candidate for the job within a few minutes.  It almost sounds too good to be true. And perhaps it is.  Granted this system is not meant to replace the interview process completely, just narrow the field.  How much can you really learn about a person from a computer screen?  Can you determine whether or not the candidate is telling the truth, answering honestly the questions that will disqualify them for the job?  Can you determine whether or not their personality will jive with the other staffers?  Can you determine their level of committment or desire for a particular job based on a paper print-out?  I think all of these are essential to the hiring process.  Employers may very well pass over the very best candidates for a job because they weren't ranked high enough by this process.

In the education world, communication is key.  The administration communicates expectations with teachers and staff.    Teachers must communicate with parents and students.  Parents are expected to communicate with their student, the teacher, and the administration.  For a school environment to operate efficiently, effectively, and successfully, there must be adequate communication among all parties.  In the business world, communication is key.  From the top down, businesses must be able to communicate the essential information to the appropriate parties with little or no distortion, in a timely manner, and in such a way that the message is recieved and applied accordingly.  Where the business world and education world merge, communication is still key.  In operations that require frequent training or in training businesses, it is essential to have a systematic approach to communicating with involved parties.  TrainingForce, a learning management system, provides this type of inclusive approach to training.  With customized templates, in just a few quick clicks of the mouse, documents are created to suit your needs.  Check out www.trainingforce.com to see how this LMS can help you communicate!

As parents and students prepare for the coming school year and all that goes with it, businesses should consider the benefits of an LMS and all that goes with it.  As parents we want what is best for our students and look to schools to provide not only academic instruction but also character development, cultural enrichment, and exposure to the arts.  As business leaders you may be looking for an LMS that provides all the bells and whistles.  TrainingForce is that LMS.  TrainingForce is a comprehensive learning management system that allows you personalize and enrich as is necessary for your company's needs.  If you are looking for a way to track employee education needs, goals, and experiences, TrainingForce is for you.  If you are looking for a system to organize resource demands, instructor schedules, and class registrations, TrainingForce is for you.  TrainingForce is an affordable solution for your learning managment needs.  So, as the yellow school buses begin their routes, consider investigating an LMS to help you navigate the demands of your business.