TechnicalTrainer.org

I read a tremendous amount everyday. I have numerous RSS feeds (You can get my RSS Feed OPML file here.) You can also see my Trainer’s Essential Library (at this link). Finally, I read a ton for both work and school (see my About page). What I don’t do is write as often as I should. Not because I don’t want to write, but because I have so much to read.

So, I thought I’d start summarizing what I read on the web, specifically my RSS feeds. This might help you, the reader, by point out some useful resources and ideas you might have otherwise missed. And it will definitely help me out by forcing me to write more often. So, here goes.

Storytelling is an essential skill for Workplace Learning and Performance professionals. Yet, almost everyone overlooks it. I really appreciate Anecdote. These folks know storytelling, and how to put it to good work. Summarizing some input points from their work are the following stories.

1. Who Am I / Why Am I Here Stories - Who Am I stories reveal character, and Why Am I Here stories reveal motivation. Together the two stories give insight into who you are. (MORE ON THIS)
2. Cooperation - This article demonstrated the “Tragedy of the Commons” concept, and is an essential point to understanding the values of long-term thinking and the dangers of short-term thinking. (MORE ON THIS)
3. ASTD in their Workplace Learning and Performance definition called the Competency Model lists Knowledge Management as 1 of 9 Areas of Expertise required for the profession. The Anecdote folks have a spectacular whitepaper on Knowledge Management. (GET THE WHITEPAPER)
4. ASTD’s Competency Model also lists Facilitating Organization Change as a core Area of Expertise. Here is an excellent whitepaper on Organization Change. (GET THE WHITEPAPER)

All in all, these folks are people you want to listen to and on a regular basis. Visit their website. Subscribe to their newsletter. You will learn from them, and that is my highest praise.

(My Rating Scale - 5 Socrates)

Note: I think Socrates was a tremendous teacher. I don’t agree with a lot of his opinions, but I always learned by reading about him and his methods. So, he is the golden measure by which all teachers should be measured.

• 0 Socrates = Bring on the hemlock!
• 1 Socrates = A trial is in your future!
• 2 Socrates = Does the word gadfly mean anything to you?
• 3 Socrates = Nearly virtuous. At least good enough to talk yourself out of some debts!
• 4 Socrates = Virtuous.
• 5 Socrates = You stand side-by-side with the likes of Plato and Aristotle. Considered exile lately?
• 6 Socrates = You are the ideal of Socrates himself. Bring on the hemlock!