Thursday, April 27, 2017

Organizational Clarity: “Project Accountability Matrix Template” free download

From the Articulate community dedicated to increasing a professional’s knowledge of E-Learning, giving out free tips and free resources on how to implement E-Learning in the workplace or how to easily find cheap solutions to organizational needs. In this week’s email I received a link to: “Project Accountability Matrix Template” this is article has a free download that helps you keep your projects on track.
A great tool for project managers who must hold people accountable what actions or goals were assigned to that person or persons and the time needed to complete this effort. This also helps defines each of the stakeholders’ responsibilities, the processes, activities, involved to meet their objectives and the organization’s goals.
Just click on the link here to learn more: https://community.articulate.com/download/project-accountability-matrix-template

Organizational Clarity: “10 Free Mockup Device Templates for E-Learning” article/download

From the Articulate community dedicated to increasing a professional’s knowledge of E-Learning, giving out free tips and free resources on how to implement E-Learning in the workplace or how to easily find cheap solutions to organizational needs. In this week’s email I received a link to: “10 Free Mockup Device Templates for E-Learning” this is article engages ten creators that have developed electronic images to make training sessions and the training program more engaging overall.
These ten designer examples, some you can download other you can just view the project to get a general idea of what to do in your training program. I, of course, love the ones you can download because this means you can use these projects for your usage and thereby have a template for future programs all that is needed is some adjustments. The ones you can download are created in Microsoft PowerPoint format so you can use these templates past training presentations and use them in reports, training manuals, or even for daily Training and Development notices.
Just click on the link here to learn more: https://community.articulate.com/articles/free-mockup-device-templates-elearning

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Organizational Clarity: “16 Creative Multiple Choice Quiz Designs in E-Learning” article/download

From the Articulate community dedicated to increasing a professional’s knowledge of E-Learning, giving out free tips and free resources on how to implement E-Learning in the workplace or how to easily find cheap solutions to organizational needs. In this week’s email I received a link to: “16 Creative Multiple Choice Quiz Designs in E-Learning” this is article talks the usage of multiple choice questions in creative ways to make training sessions and the training program more engaging overall.
The article is just linked to sixteen designer examples, some you can download other you can just view the project to get a general idea of what to do in your training program. I, of course, love the ones you can download because this means you can use these projects for your usage and thereby have a template for future programs all that is needed is some adjustments.

Organizational Clarity: “Reason this woman’s job interview was canceled” article part 1

Although I never heard of this; I recently read an article that explained a job candidate had her job interview canceled because she asked about salary and benefits! The company is one that customers can order food and take out online from restaurants in small markets, similar to the services, Peapod and Grubhub mixed. It is understandable to ask this questions before undertaking a job opportunity especially if this information was not covered either in the job listing (description) or the first interview that this candidate had with the interviewer (representative) for this organization. 
Before I take any job or even apply for jobs online through Indeed or Careerbuilder I would look for the salary or benefits linked to the job, most job listings that do not have this information listed usually infer that the applicant should ask about these items during the interview. If the job listing does not have any of this information, I have a golden rule: Do not apply, simple as that. Why go through what this applicant went through?
In fact, in response to this applicant’s question, the organization replied that it is not part of their organizational culture to have applicants ask these type of questions. If this is against the organizational culture, then applicants must ask what else is? Does the organization have a mission statement or handbook in which this is written or is this an “unspoken rule” that is just implied and thereby opens the doors to more adjustments to what can be considered an employable rule? Because of these types of issues is the reason why laws and other protections were made to ensure that these type vague employment statutes do not occur or repeat in the workplace.
The fact that this organization does understand that this loose structure of rules and organizational culture in regards to what determines corrective action or even a breach of employment agreements simply makes it worse for all the organizations that share its market space. With most organizations worrying about more rules and regulations coming down upon them from Federal, state or local governments that the last thing needed is an event like this with such “hoopla” and attention that restricts them even further.
Just click on the link here to learn more: https://www.yahoo.com/news/reason-woman-job-interview-canceled-215408983.html

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Organizational Clarity: “How to Bust 3 Common Training Myths” article

From the Articulate community dedicated to increasing a professional’s knowledge of E-Learning, giving out free tips and free resources on how to implement E-Learning in the workplace or how to easily find cheap solutions to organizational needs. In this week’s email I received a link to: “How to Bust 3 Common Training Myths” this is article talks about training and how to overcome some of the misconceptions that as trainers we may have when it comes to analyzing the success of a training program.
These are the three myths that the article discusses:
Myth #1: More Clicking Means More Engagement
Myth #2: The More Reviewers, the Better the Training
Myth #3: People Only Learn Through Formal Training
The way basically to overcome these myths is to have a “highly interactive” course and engage all the stakeholders involved with the training program. Understanding how people learn can allow you as the trainer to develop solutions that enrich their experience as a learner, makes your job easier and helps the organization increase it Return on Investment from the program.
Just click on the link here to learn more: https://community.articulate.com/articles/how-to-bust-3-common-training-myths

Organizational Clarity: “Tips for Using Sound Effects in E-Learning” article

From the Articulate community dedicated to increasing a professional’s knowledge of E-Learning, giving out free tips and free resources on how to implement E-Learning in the workplace or how to easily find cheap solutions to organizational needs. In this week’s email I received a link to:
In this week’s email I received a link to: “Tips for Using Sound Effects in E-Learning” this is a great article that refers you to how to use sound effects in your training program properly. From having the Proper Rights and Attribution to understanding how to use the right sound effects can affect the learning experience of your audience, therefore, Knowing Your Audience is key and the article discusses that as well.
Just click on the link here to learn more: https://community.articulate.com/articles/tips-for-using-sound-effects-in-e-learning

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Organizational Clarity: A wiki post called "Describe the ASTD HPI model"

So I wrote a couple of articles for a Human Performance Improvement class assignment that was a Wiki for the class and it was segmented into subject matter that dealt with organizational development and improving the human performance of the employees in the organization. I believe this will help students and professionals alike explain the concepts that deal with Human Performance improvement. This wiki posting is answering the question: Describe the ASTD HPI model. This is what I wrote for the class:
The ASTD HPI Model focuses on the Human Performance Improvement (HPI) professional during and after the intervention period. The ASTD HPI Model defines what the HPI professional’s role is, the outputs that are desired by the organization which they must deliver, and the ethical issues may they face during implementation. Plus, the ASTD HPI Model guides the Professional on how to assess individual stakeholder competencies and other various factors which can impact the HPI professional as they are trying to enhance human performance (Rothwell, 1999). The ASTD Model defines the roles for the HPI professional as it is divided into different stages: The Analyst, Intervention Specialist, the Change Manager and finally as the Evaluator (Rothwell, et al., 2012).
In each stage the HPI professional is gauging the performance gap identifying key issues that cause it (Analyst), then after identification, the best solution is chosen (Intervention Specialist) to narrow of fill the gap(s) in performance.  The HPI professional then as the change manager guides or leads the organization through the program implementation until that implementation has been completed as judged by the impact and whatever its result (negative or positive). Then the HPI professional as defined by the ASTD HPI Model reports the impact, the results and how the intervention(s) affected all the stakeholders involved.
This is an illustration of the ATD Human performance improvement model: http://static.wixstatic.com/media/c8752e_dba67a6bbd13457393eec87f8030051c.jpg_srz_522_331_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz
Keyword team (2017) “Human performance improvement Gallery” Retrieved on February 1st, 2017 from  http://keywordteam.net/gallery/99159.html
Rothwell, W. J. (1999). ASTD models for human performance improvement: Roles, competencies, and outputs. American Society for Training and Development.
Rothwell, W. J., Hohne, C. K., & King, S. B. (2012). Human performance improvement. Routledge.

Organizational Clarity: A wiki post called "List various HPI models"

So I wrote a couple of articles for a Human Performance Improvement class assignment that was a Wiki for the class and it was segmented into subject matter that dealt with organizational development and improving the human performance of the employees in the organization. I believe this will help students and professionals alike explain the concepts that deal with Human Performance improvement. This wiki posting is answering the question: List various HPI models
This is what I wrote for the class:
There are various models used to improve human performance within an Organization besides the usual ASTD HPI model. The five alternative models that I have found and each one differs in the organization of the model and how it approaches the problem. 
  • Rossett Model
  • HPT Model
  • HPT Model – Gilbert’s Behavior Engineering Model
  • Performer Centered Model
  • Synthesized HPT Model
The one that stood out the most was the Rossett Model introduced by Allison Rossett in 1992 the model is broken down into three phases: Analysis, Selection, and Solution Systems (Cheek, 2013).
  • The first phase (the Analysis) is broken down into two more sections and simple to remember the actual section is the present state of employee productivity while the optimal section is of course what the organization standard of employee performance. Rossett uses a cause analysis to understand how the performance gap came to
  • The second phase (Selection) is where the professional takes the data gained by the cause analysis regarding the performance gap then the professional assesses the organization's goals to determine they are achievable (realistic) if not changes are made.
  • The third phase (Solution Systems) is the most important because this is where the professional decides what intervention(s) will be used to clear or narrow the organization's performance gap. This phase is broken (even more) into four categories:
  1. human resources development (career development, incentives, training, and motivation),
  2. organization development (this where the organization is reorganized to reach optimal performance levels),
  3. human resources management, focuses on the management staff, their relationship with employees and how they motivate them to achieve tasks (King Jr, 2013).,
  4. and engineering (is merely the technical devices that an organization uses to complete tasks and enhance performance).
This model is very extensive it stands out from the usual ASTD HPI Model due to the mission evaluation phase which measures the impact of such a program (based on this model) upon an organization.
Cheek, Ryan (2013) “Rossett Model” Human Performance Technology Manual PBWorks Retrieved on February 2, 2017, from:
King Jr, C. L. (2013). An exploration on the use of Gilberts behavior engineering model to identify barriers to technology integration in a public school.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Organizational Clarity: A wiki post called "State the purpose and goals of HPI"

So I wrote a couple of articles for a Human Performance Improvement class assignment that was a Wiki for the class and it was segmented into subject matter that dealt with organizational development and improving the human performance of the employees in the organization. I believe this will help students and professionals alike explain the concepts that deal with Human Performance improvement. This wiki posting is answering the question: State the purpose and goals of HPI this is what I wrote for the class:
One of the main goals of Human Performance Improvement (HPI) is to bring clarity and definition to the organizational expectations of each assigned role within the organization (Standard, D. O. E., 2009). This ensures that individuals in the organization have the skills that are matched to tasks to guarantee completion, and it outlines individual responsibilities for each in the organization.
By assessing all of the aspects of an organization through HPI, the organization itself can develop policies and procedures that will improve and extend its range of competencies and productivity. HPI also strives to add transparency to the organization, not only for role clarity but to build morale through acknowledgment of individual achievements and acquired skill sets. Reinforcement of this acknowledgment through HPI is done by either creating proper compensation or reinforcing the needed consequences.
HPI creates an atmosphere of professional development that reinforces expectations, lowers turnovers and gives an organization the ability to retain experienced individuals. Meanwhile, HPI helps an organization in identifying opportunities to implement the changes necessary to strengthen the organization overall, pushing it forward by highlighting the necessary direction(s) to the next level.
Reference
Standard, D. O. E. (2009). Human performance improvement handbook volume 1: concepts and principles. US Department of Energy AREA HFAC Washington, DC, 20585.

Clear communication is key with Job Posting

How does the average person who is looking for a job build trust or communication with a prospective organization when the organization itself cannot deliver on the necessary aspects of communication, and presentation of the job description?
 In other words, when you apply for an opportunity it is then in the responsibility hemisphere of the organization to do two things. One, have created a job description that is detailed and encompasses all the aspects which the job entails on a daily basis. Second, the organization should be able to have the ability to set up and structure a workable interview process that benefits both parties.
I have seen in multiple experiences that this is not always the case. One place I tried to interview with was a non-profit organization offering Human Resources opportunity; I had a lengthy email interaction with one of their representatives about an interview multiple times. However, the reason this interview never happened was that the representative never got back to me until the day of and wanted to reschedule at the last minute (the day of,).
Now, this is the right of any organization when dealing with job applicants, but I eventually was dissuaded from participating any further because I could not interact with this organization like I aforementioned. The reason was that I had other interviews to go to attend, other organizations that were organized in their hiring processes and were able to complete the initial interview process with other applicants and me. I based this on some individuals that were in the lobbies and offices of these organizations waiting to be interviewed as well.
Fast forward a few weeks into the future after I disengaged from this organization of disorganization I noticed that they reposted the position again on an online job search site. The first assumption is that this organization could not find anyone, was there others like myself who were deterred by the hiring process that they had to try again? Was it that they did hire someone and they left because the position’s duties were not communicated properly and the new hire became disillusioned and left immediately?
Whichever it was the position, the same position that I applied for was now more detailed, in fact, the length of detail in this new posting was amazing in comparison to the original posting. The new wrinkle in the position was that it was now UNPAID! Obviously, I did not reapply for this position even though it meant some professional development, was not worth it. From any Organizational Development standpoint, this organization is one of chaos, and even without a Cause Analysis, it is obvious that there are no protocols, standards or even processes in place to hire effective individuals to create change.
Knowing that there are still organizations out there without processes that we all think are necessary and vital to maintaining a success workforce. Understanding that there are opportunities for the Organizational Development professional out there, we must temper those academic urges to the hard realities that organizations must be able or want change. However, if the organizations as in this example are “tripping over their own feet” with its publicly presented policies then it is evident change may not be in the cards.
Lack of strong sponsors, inept processes, lack of experienced individuals who can work around procedures that hinder or start the innovation process are all major roadblocks to implementing the change that is needed in such organization. In other words, if you take the chance to apply and be hired by such an organization do not have ideas of becoming a “hero” and creating major changes. The likelihood of such a change happening assessing from academic, professional and realistic standpoint(s) are almost impossible and most likely will never happen.



Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Organizational Clarity: RePackaging brands

As we all know organizations constantly repackage their products, the idea to rebuilt, retool, and reorganize is not only a foundational “brick” to building a successful organization. Most repackaging of products are successful, but there are some examples that most of us have lived through that have left us scratching our head. These organizations realized their mistakes and undid the repackaging process to get back to what their customers what they wanted.
For example, the new Coke is a very good example at not only repackaging but an entirely new product if you asked Coke customers, later the company would come out with Coke Classic and run that with the “new” Coke until there was only one left standing. Just recently Kylie Jenner repackaged her line of beauty products only with new packaging and a higher price, with the same old products inside. Being a “celebrity” and her product line not as globally used by a broad base of consumers can escape such scrutiny.
Although I have not used her products, it is still smart marketing as most people do not realize what they are paying for until it is too late. The smart part is that her company realized that their consumer base is paying for the “name” that goes with it, not the product as she rises in popularity so should her prices, or as reasoned by their actions. It is until it is too late will there be changes made to the new Coke formula will an organization retool their product from repackaged back to its original state, but only then.
Here is the article regarding Jenner’s repackaging error:
https://uk.style.yahoo.com/people-accusing-kylie-jenner-repackaging-103434739.html

Organizational Clarity: “Powerpoint: Color Blocks Template” free download

From the Articulate community is an article from easy, cheap solutions to meet organizational needs. In an email I received was a link to: “Powerpoint: Color Blocks Template” by Nicole Legault for a free download.
This Microsoft PowerPoint presentation download was made with the 2013 version of PowerPoint made up of five slides: One main slide and four additional slides. This would give any presentation to a sponsor or a group of learners an extra flair and organization that is usually needed to keep the flow going and help with explaining the subject matter properly.
It's a free download that has already had the font, organization, colors, etc., all done for you all you have to do is add text and personality, and viola! You will have a fantastic Microsoft PowerPoint presentation without that much effort expended while looking like an “expert” to everyone around you!
If you want to know more and download this PowerPoint just click the link here:

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Organizational Clarity: “Course Seat Time Estimator” free download

From the Articulate community is an article from easy, cheap solutions to meet organizational needs. In an email I received was a link to: “Course Seat Time Estimator” by Mike Schwind for a free download.
This a Project Management & Planning download which will help anyone in the Training and Development department with trying to figure out how long their participants, the learners will take to complete the program they have designed. This can be remarkable in trying to determine the number of resources needed to be applied to the program before the organization gives the final “green light” for approval. Even though by this point most organizations have given approval all programs are subject to retooling, and this spreadsheet is a great tool during that process as well.
If you want to know more and download this Spreadsheet just click the link here:

Organizational Clarity: "Confidential Survey" article

After reading this article about not completing the “confidential employee” survey, I realized although I have never been in a situation of having two dual entities warring to have me complete a survey to prove their points. I realized that whenever I was given a “confidential employee” survey, I did not complete it because I was always hounded (like the person in the article) to complete the survey. My question then was how confidential was it, if everyone and their mother knew I did not complete it?
I always wondered why organizations would use a “confidential” survey to create an illusion that this process is secret when is not. When a one-on-one with supervisors and their employees would, in fact, increase morale, improve human performance, and communication wherever the concentration existed. Creating this falsehood only disillusions the stakeholders of the organization and creates a breakdown of communication and trust. This is reaffirmed in the Forbes article listed below.
Add to that my studies within an Organizational Development program you start to understand when surveys such as this should be used and how unfortunately, it is not how most organizations use this tool. Instead of employee development and integrating employees into the organizational culture surveys are used to root out the “troublemakers” and to dissuade dissenting opinions or voices for needed change.
Rooting out these “troubled voices” in the eyes of the organization is cheaper and far easier than creating actual organizational change, than retraining managers and maintaining an atmosphere of cooperation. The hierarchy structure of most organizations is highly prized no matter how the organization states it is closer to the Clan structure characteristics with a “family” type atmosphere; no organization wants the inmates running the asylum. So there is no reason that any of us will see an end to these “confidential employee” surveys anytime soon.
This is the Forbes article which discusses how this gentleman will NOT participate in “confidential employee” surveys:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/02/21/no-i-wont-complete-the-confidential-employee-survey/#38020e856187


Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Organizational Clarity: Job hunter rejection via text article

After reading this article, I do feel for the teenager in this case when job hunting it is obviously important to showcase a hint of professionalism on both sides. When representatives from an organization decide to use text messaging to contact candidates regarding job opportunities, being old school, I feel is a little bit unprofessional and insensate regarding this issue of filling the position. If an organization is serious about contacting a candidate regarding a position in which they believe the candidate has the experience and skill, they will use email, phone calls, and voicemail, or even "snail" mail. 

However, in this case, this organization did not choose any of these options. They texted the teen as you can see in the article they were unimpressed with her "energy" and decided to cancel the interview which an actual phone call or email would have probably reflected this applicant's energy and desire for the position. Now with all the extended and negative press for the organization for which they apologized for the exchange. Of course, it is too late as many customers, and potential customers have decided to boycott the restaurant. Most likely a lot of potential applicants have done the same thing, and you can only imagine what the morale in this organization is like now!

I have received once in awhile a text about job opportunities, possibly due to my resume on Careerbuilder or Indeed.com, unfortunately with the news of various scams out there, one must wonder about this method of reaching out. In other words, I do not follow up with these types of offers at all because I am not sure who is on the other end. After seeing what this teenager went through I am glad I do not, it is bad enough to have the stress of looking for an opportunity in today's job market. But then to be harshly judged, through a text? Very unprofessional, organizations should take heed of this situation mentioned in this article and eliminate this type of communication for reaching possible job candidates.

This is an article discussing this unprofessional situation in "Teen receives extremely blunt job rejection, fights back on Twitter" just click on this link:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/teen-receives-extremely-blunt-job-121207790.html

Organizational Clarity: Describing the ASTD HPI Model

In a Human Performance Improvement class, I had to describe the ASTD HPI Model for an HPI wiki project assignment, I admit I did something basic so that I could allow my fellow students to add to the description. But however brief it may be I wanted to post it here in hopes that someone else can use it as well:
The ASTD HPI Model focuses on the Human Performance Improvement (HPI) professional during and after the intervention period. The ASTD HPI Model defines what the HPI professional’s role is, the outputs that are desired by the organization which they must deliver, and the ethical issues may they face during implementation. Plus, the ASTD HPI Model guides the Professional on how to assess individual stakeholder competencies and other various factors which can impact the HPI professional as they are trying to enhance human performance (Rothwell, 1999). The ASTD Model defines the roles for the HPI professional as it is divided into different stages: The Analyst, Intervention Specialist, the Change Manager and finally as the Evaluator (Rothwell, et al., 2012).
In each stage the HPI professional is gauging the performance gap identifying key issues that cause it (Analyst), then after identification, the best solution is chosen (Intervention Specialist) to narrow of fill the gap(s) in performance.  The HPI professional then as the change manager guides or leads the organization through the program implementation until implementation has been completed and there is an impact regardless of the result. Then the HPI professional as defined by the ASTD HPI Model reports the impact, the results and how the intervention(s) affected all the stakeholders involved.
Keyword team (2017) “Human performance improvement Gallery” Retrieved on February 1st, 2017 from  http://keywordteam.net/gallery/99159.html
Rothwell, W. J. (1999). ASTD models for human performance improvement: Roles, competencies, and outputs. American Society for Training and Development.
Rothwell, W. J., Hohne, C. K., & King, S. B. (2012). Human performance improvement. Routledge.