Q. My 2020 goals were disrupted by Covid-19 and beyond. As I go into 2021, what habits can I leverage to reframe and achieve the goals I want to in the classroom and beyond? A. I remember staring 2020 in the face with new hopes, desires, and resolves. I couldn’t […]
Category: Trainer Q&A
Double Duty for Learning: Fostering Social Connection
December 11, 2020When most L&D professionals think about social learning, it is with an emphasis on learning. We know people learn through social modeling, discussion, coaching, mentoring and connection. For many L&D professionals, social strategies have been a means to an end—they help us accomplish or further our learning objectives. But what […]
Talking Politics in Education: Tips for Educators (and Everyone Else)
November 12, 2020Q. As a school administrator, I am preparing for the emotional post-election conversations that our staff and students are expecting in the days ahead. As opportunities arise to discuss the outcomes, teachers are looking for guidance on the best ways to model mature and responsible behavior for one another and […]
Mind the Gap: Virtual Training Q&A with Master Trainer Justin Hale
October 1, 20202020 has been full of unexpected challenges, especially for the live events industry. As trainers we are learning how to use video conferencing on a variety of platforms as a new reality. We know that this transition has been challenging for many in our industry, but we can take solace […]
Practice Makes Perfect: Applying the Skills Personally for Professional Success with Master Trainer Odell Mitchell
September 9, 2020Q. I am a new provisionally certified Crucial Conversations trainer. I was only able to train one course before the pandemic hit our organization and training plans were placed on hold. Until that changes, I would like to leverage the skills to add value to leadership as they navigate the […]
Outside the Classroom: Navigating a National Crisis Using VitalSmarts Skills
August 5, 2020Q. I am not actively training due to COVID-19 restructuring, but I still want to use the VitalSmarts skills I value and love to help my co-workers, company leaders, community and family members navigate the tumultuous changes we are experiencing. Can you offer some tips to help me get started? […]
Crucial Conversations Tips for Managing Friendly Fire
July 10, 2020Q. How can the Crucial Conversations skills help me be more prepared and less reactive in sharing my thoughts about COVID-19, racial equality, and other intense social topics in moments of friendly fire from peers? I read a quote by J. Kehaulani Kauanui, professor of American studies and anthropology at […]
COVID-19 Back to Work Basics: How to Speak Up, Listen, and Be Accountable at Work
June 5, 2020Dear Emily, Leaders at my company announced they would like employees to return to the office in July. After working at home in quarantine, what should my company be doing to help employees feel more comfortable about coming back to the office? Signed, Wary Dear Wary, Like you, for many […]