Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 9, 2012.#736 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.55,788 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com 1. Social & Collaborative Learning Designs Infographic.2. Josh Bersin at Learning 2012 - Cooperating Organization.3. At-Home Workers & Learning: Are They Different? 1. Social & Collaborative Learning Designs Infographic: The conversation about "Social Learning" is way too fuzzy. Many groups think that Social Learning is about leveraging external Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook) or pointing people to a SharePoint site. We need a richer, broader and more in-depth conversation about this emerging arena. The MASIE Center has produced a Social & Collaborative Learning Designs infographic, highlighting multiple avenues and pathways organizations are pursuing to reach the goal of "Working Together". View and download our Social & Collaborative Learning Design at: http://www.learning2012.com/item/socialcollaborative-learning.html 2. Josh Bersin at Learning 2012 - Cooperating Organization: We are pleased to bring together a rich and diverse set of Thought Leaders at Learning 2012. It has been years since we have worked together and I am looking forward to Josh Bersin joining me in Orlando to discuss key trends and futures in Learning and Talent.  "This is a very exciting time in the corporate learning industry and I look forward to sharing and collaborating with Elliott Masie at Learning 2012", said Josh Bersin, who will present a research perspective and join me in a General Session dialogue on key factors our field faces. Bersin & Associates will be a Cooperating Organization at Learning 2012, along with ASTD, ISPI, MPI and other key groups in our industry. Info at http://www.learning2012.com/item/josh-bersin-elliott-masie-dialgoue.html 3. At-Home Workers and Learning: Are They Different? More or Less Learning Activities? Here is a quick question for Learning TRENDS readers: In your organization, are "at-home" based workers participating in learning and training differently than "at-office" workers? Do they do more or less eLearning, webinars or classroom? And, do they "need" classroom events more, as it provides face-to-face time?  Send me a quick note to emasie@masie.com  I’ll print a summary next week. Elliott Masieemail: emasie@masie.com MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - August 15, 2012.#737 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.55,788 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host, Learning 2012 - Oct 21 to 24, Orlando, FL - www.learning2012.com 1. Watch The Midtown Men on Good Morning America on Thursday!2. The "e" in e-Learning, Vanishing? 1. Watch The Midtown Men on Good Morning America on Thursday! Exciting news. Thursday morning on ABC’s Good Morning America, our friends from the original Jersey Boys cast, The Midtown Men, will be performing.  And, The Midtown Men will be entertaining at our Learning 2012 party. Check them out at http://www.learning2012.com/item/midtown-men-good-morning-america.html 2. The "e" in e-Learning, Vanishing? One of my habits it to look for shifts in the language of learning. What terms are organizations using more, using differently or even dropping?  Lately, The MASIE Center has noticed a marked DECREASE in the use of "e" in e-Learning. Here are some indicators that we are tracking: * Fewer "e"-Learning positions in organizations. As we analyze several databases of learning professionals in the United States, we are seeing more than a 20% decrease in the number of titles that have e-Learning included.  e-Learning Developers are now more likely to be called Learning Developers or Designers. Even in the world of external consultants or designers, there are fewer pure e-Learning job roles.* Fewer organizations are labeling their digital learning programs or modules as e-Learning. We see a slight increase in the use of "online", a decrease in the use of "virtual" and many are just labeling them as Learning or Training programs, with reference to the delivery being via webinar, distributed or on their learning portal.* Webinars are growing but not referenced as e-Learning. In fact, almost all of the more engaged, social or collaborative learning formats have drifted away from using the term e-Learning as their primary category.* Video Segments, ala Knowledge You-Tube elements, are growing in popularity and are rarely called e-Learning.* "User Supplied Content" is rarely called e-Learning, though it is more often than not in digital format.* Mixed and Blended Learning is also using the phrase e-Leaning less frequently.* Mobile and Device friendly learning programs are more likely to refer to the mobility platform rather than e-Learning.* In many organizations, e-Learning has become associated with compliance-based, required "check-off" programs. Some learners may like the time flexibility for the online program but many do not associate e-Learning with performance outcomes. Interestingly, terms like e-commerce and e-business have morphed as the e is dropped. When I order a book on Amazon, I don’t talk about it as an e-commerce experience. I just order it. Let’s assume that all learning - as we go forward - will use a MIX of on-demand and live content, context and collaboration. Some will be highly designed and some will be real-time. Some will be digitally connected and some will be face-to-face. At Learning 2012, we will be chatting about the changing language of learning. From career paths to college programs to labeling our learning offerings, it is time to shift the use of the "e" as electronic and instead understand the embedded "e" in Learning to mean: * Everywhere.* Everyone.* Evolving.* Effective.* Efficient.* Every time.* Embedded.* Engaging. Yours in learning, Elliott Masieemail: emasie@masie.com MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning 2012 - Oct 21 - 24, 2012 - Orlando, Florida.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - December 20, 2012.#758 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.55,873 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Video for Learning LAB & Seminar - Jan. 2013 1. 3D Printer Works! Watch the Video.2. Planning for 2013 - 2 Development Options.3. Holiday Greetings from The MASIE Center. 1. 3D Printer Works! Watch the Video: I am an early experimenter with emerging technology. I had the first laptop, first laser printer, first video conferencing suite and more. Now, we are deeply intrigued by the rise of 3D Printing. Basically, we can take a 3D diagram and "print" an object using heated plastic and a robotic platform. Early 3D printers were exciting but didn’t really work. But, this has radically changed with a new printer called Cubify thatm, for $1,300, easily, quickly and expertly prints objects for you, including your own adaptions of these diagrams. We have been printing small toys, iPhone covers and other early elements. Soon we will be able to use these in manufacturing and for retailing. And, they are powerful technologies to show learners how something is really made. Here is a 4 minute video from our Learning LAB of the Cubify in action: http://www.masie.com/Research-and-Articles/3dprinter2.html 2. Planning for 2013 - 2 Development Options: Two upcoming options to put on your calendar for learning professional development in 2013: * Video for Learning LAB & Seminar - January 14 to 16 - Saratoga Springs, NY.* Learning 2013 - November 3 to 6 - Orlando, FL. Details and online registration at http://www.masie.com 3. Holiday Greetings from The MASIE Center: Our very best Holiday and New Year’s greetings to our Learning TRENDS colleagues around the world. In these ever changing and often quite challenging times, it is exciting to be in the world of learning. More and more, our societies and employees will need creative resources to continue to learn and find solutions to new challenges. We are so proud to have Learning TRENDS colleagues as partners in the continuing exploration of learning directions and changes. Best wishes to you, your colleagues, family and neighbors. Yours in learning, Elliott Masieemail: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Video for Learning LAB & Seminar - January 14 to 16 - Saratoga Springs, NY.* Learning 2013 - November 2013 - Orlando, Florida.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

TO: Learning, Training and Performance ColleaguesFROM: Elliott Masie, The MASIE Center RE: Video and Learning As we monitor changes in workplace learning, almost every scan indicates increased roles for Video.  Organizations are adding video to their learning offerings via: * Video in Webinars.* User Created Video Segments & Stories.* Evolving Video in eLearning Content Modules.* Video in Classroom Content.* Video Chat & Video Conferencing.* Video Expertise & Coaching.* Classrooms Shift with Live & Streamed Video. In two weeks, you and your colleagues are invited to participate in The MASIE Center’s most popular professional development program for learning colleagues: Video for Learning LAB & Seminar.January 14 to 16, 2013 - Saratoga Springs, NY. Complete details and online registration at http://www.masie.com  There are several spaces available and we would love to have you join us at the Video for Learning LAB! Looking forward to working and learning with you! Yours in learning, Elliott Masieemail: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning 2013 - November 2013 - Orlando, Florida.* Video for Learning LAB & Seminar - January 2013.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

TO: Learning TRENDS ReadersFROM: Elliott Masie Special: Volunteers, Interns & Jobs at The MASIE Center! The MASIE Center is expanding several programs in 2013 and we are seeking learning professionals interested in a remote volunteer assignment, an internship at our LAB in Saratoga or a role on our team. Here are a few of "openings" and opportunities that we are considering for the near future: Volunteer Assignments:* LearningTown will be a new online community for learning professionals worldwide.  We are looking for individuals interested in being editors and community hosts.* Teleworking will be a key topic for us in 2013.  We are looking for individuals interested in being online editors and collaborators on the topics of teleworking and telecommuting. Research Internships:* Learning LAB: We are seeking recent graduates or current students intrigued with learning and technology who can spend several months in Saratoga Springs in our LAB.  Honorariums are awarded to help defray expenses. Positions Available (Part or Full Time in Saratoga Springs or Remote):* Meeting Designer: Help design and implement new and creative meetings and conferences with The MASIE Center.  * Learning Technology Experimenter: Help design learning experiments with new technologies and methodologies in our Learning LAB.* Writer/Editor: Canvas learning colleagues worldwide for case studies for learning and workforce performance. If you are interested in any of these roles, please send a note to jobs@masie.com and share a bit about your interests, background and excitement about the world of learning.  Yours in learning, Elliott Masieemail: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Video for Learning LAB & Seminar - January 14 to 16 - Saratoga Springs, NY.* Learning 2013 - November 2013 - Orlando, Florida.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

TO: Learning, Training and Performance ColleaguesFROM: Elliott Masie, The MASIE Center RE: Learning Directions - An Invitation! You and your colleagues are invited to participate in our Learning Directions briefing, focused on what is Up, Down, Changing or Hype in the world of workplace learning: Learning Directions - Led by Elliott Masie.* New York City - March 11th.* Seattle - March 26th.* Chicago - April 2nd.* London, UK - April 16th.* Washington, DC - April 19th.* Minneapolis - May 1st.Details and Registration: http://www.masie.com I will lead this interactive, blended briefing as we focus on how major organizations are evolving (or not changing) workplace learning in each of these key areas: * Social & Collaborative Learning?* User Content?* eLearning Trends in 2012!* Personalization of Learning?* Video: Stories and On-Demand Clips?* Mobile, Tablets and BYOD Learning?* eBooks - Directions & Futures!* The Agile & Refreshed Classroom?* Massive and Open Learning Content?* Big Learning Data? Registration in each city is limited. Details and registration at http://www.masie.com Yours in learning, Elliott Masieemail: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning 2013 - November 2013 - Orlando, Florida.* Learning Directions in Six Cities.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - January 30, 2013.#759 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.55,879 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning Directions Blended Seminars 1. Mini-Tablet Usability Soars.2. Sleep and Memory Evidence.3. Learning Directions Seminar. 1. Mini-Tablet Usability Soars: My full-sized tablets are getting very lonely! Over the past six months, I have migrated to the small, mini-sized form factor for my tablets. First, I fell in love with the Amazon Kindle Fire - shifting from the full-sized to a palm-ready version. Then, when the iPad Mini came out, it was "so long" to the full-sized tablet. In fact, although I have six different tablets at The MASIE Center Lab and at home, I have not put a finger on a full-sized device in 3 months! Why? It is a clear case of Usability. In fact, as I travel around the country I am watching this size format shift in action. Here is what makes the smaller format a winner for me: * Less Disruptive Visually: I can set it up at a restaurant while eating, at a meeting while using notes and viewing documents, and on my lap while watching TV or a movie - and it is less disruptive! It fits into the scene and into other activities easier and with fewer space and visual conflicts. * Fits into Pockets, Purses and Lab Coats: The mini goes simply into the inner pocket of my winter coat. I have seen women place it in purses and a team of doctors/nurses slip it into the pockets of their white lab coats. The "wearability" adds to the use and acceptance. * Fingers Fit Typing Naturally: My typing is easier, either using 2 thumbs from the side, or all fingers for traditional use. Add the voice recognition element and I have no trouble responding to emails or creating new documents. * One-Handed Video: I am using the video camera for shoots with the great advantage of one-handed holding that’s not tiring. This makes it easier to use for even longer shoots. * Hold While Speaking: At the TedX Broadway conference in New York City on Monday, the keynote host used his iPad Mini for all notes and introductions. It fit into his hand and was a digital set of note cards that made the day. We think that the smaller sizes will rapidly challenge the larger tablet format. My one concern was that reading larger forms on the Mini would be impossible. But, almost all forms are either in PDF, eBook or Browser formats, which can be resized and shaped easily. It has not been a problem to access and use all size forms and documents. What is next for the smaller tablets? * I’d love my iPad Mini to also allow for telephone calling with a Bluetooth earpiece. It would replace much of the need for my phone.* More inputs and outputs. I’d love to see all tablets have a USB input and easier HDMI and other media outputs.* Better Lens. I would pay an extra fee to have a top-end camera lens to facilitate great photo and video capture. Watch for this form factor ahead! 2. Sleep and Memory Evidence: Here is a great article to read about the role of Sleep and Memory from a summary in the New York Times: "Scientists have known for decades that the ability to remember newly learned information declines with age, but it was not clear why. A new study may provide part of the answer. The report, posted online on Sunday by the journal Nature Neuroscience, suggests that structural brain changes occurring naturally over time interfere with sleep quality, which in turn blunts the ability to store memories for the long term." Check it out at: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/28/health/brain-aging-linked-to-sleep-related-memory-decline.html 3. Learning Directions Seminar: There are seats available in our Learning Directions seminars, focused on what is up, down, hype and opportunity in our learning field. I will be leading this in six cities around the globe. Check it out at http://www.masie.com Yours in learning, Elliott Masieemail: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning Directions Seminar: Blended and in 6 Cities Globally.* Learning 2013 - November 2013 - Orlando, Florida.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - February 1, 2013.#760 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.55,887 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning Directions Blended Seminars 1. OK, I Binge! - Shifts in Media Consumption.2. Logitech Business Camera - Skype for the Classroom!3. Learning CONSORTIUM Memberships Available. 1. OK, I Binge! - Shifts in Media Consumption: Yes, I will publicly admit that I binge! I binge view TV shows. In the "old days" I would wait each week for the next episode of a favorite TV show and watch it at the designated time. I have fond memories of anticipating the arrival of the next "West Wing", "Hill Street Blues" or "Mary Tyler Moore Show". It was both fun and frustrating when the show had a deep mystery element  and there was at least a week to ponder who did it or what was next. Now, I binge! Using on-demand video, I will consume an entire season of a TV series in a very short time frame.  Once, when I was home alone for the weekend, I watched an entire season of 24 with just occasional breaks for food. Or, my binging might be stretched over a few days or weeks, but the compression factor is sometimes very attractive to me as a viewer. The TV series becomes a 15 hour marathon that the compulsive Elliott thrives upon. I have even gone back and done a binge consumption of an entire season of "Car 54 Where Are You", a goofy comedy that I watched as a kid. It is fascinating to see how binge viewing is growing. At the same time as we are consuming 3 minute short video spots on YouTube, there is also an occasional appetite for binge viewing. Just today, Netflix, which has started to produce TV shows as well as stream them, announced a binge viewing decision. In a departure from television tradition, the entire season of "House of Cards" — all 13 episodes, nearly 13 hours of tense Capitol Hill drama — will be available at once, with the click of a button. There may be an impact on the world of corporate learning as well. A number of longer online programs have been historically offered over a "semester" or at least a few weeks. The assumption was that the learner would stretch his or her engagement over time. We are now seeing the trend of learners who want to take a more "binge learning" model, transforming the intensive weekend boot camp type experience into a 15 to 20 hour binge learning experience. This is not for everyone or for every topic, but part of "Learning Personalization" will be increased demand and delivery of agile schedules. As we explore the concept of "binging", or perhaps it’s better to say "intensity", of learning, our designs have to adapt for learning processing, focusing time, assessment, feedback, social/collaborative interaction and more. We have never called 3 days in a management classroom a binge so why not see a learner take 3 days in a cafe or home-based office for a highly intensive, digitally connected learning experience? We can’t lower the competency bar, but this will be an interesting arena for design innovation. As you try out video binging (from on-demand or a DVD) for entertainment, start to consider when an intensive 10 to 12 hours of learning might also be attractive, enhancing and extending your knowledge gain. The MASIE Center’s Learning LAB, in association with our Learning CONSORTIUM, will be conducting experiments in the coming months on "knowledge binges". Stay tuned! 2. Logitech Business Camera - Skype for the Classroom! I almost never endorse or highlight a product, as Learning TRENDS is vendor-neutral, but we have been on a quest for a simple technology that has finally arrived. We wanted a camera with High Definition capability that could be remotely Pointed, Titled and Zoomed (PTZ) and also work perfectly with Skype and Gmail Video as well as be a capture camera for content.  Why? In all of our classrooms, we have multiple large Plasma/LCD Screens and want to add cameras for video conferencing, class capture and knowledge clips. While we could mount a nice single-focus camera, the PTZ capability was missing. Logitech BCC950 Conference Cam Video Conferencing Camera is perfect! We have tested it in multiple settings and are delighted with the focus, quality and ease of use in a classroom or meeting room. It has extensions that allow it to be mounted apart from the base and it would be ideal to add video capacity to a classroom - in our effort to evolve to the "connected classroom". The price is around $220 and we have purchased several for our Center. Here is one supplier: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/877890-REG/Logitech_960_000866_BCC950_ConferenceCam_Video_Conferencing.html 3. Learning CONSORTIUM Memberships Available: We have several spots available for membership in the MASIE Center’s Learning CONSORTIUM. Join over 230 global companies in ongoing Learning LAB experiments, work on emerging learning issues and participate in a collaborative to design the future of workplace learning. Currently we have LAB’s underway in "Big" Learning Data, Kiosks as Learning Resources, eBooks and other key topics. Details at http://www.masie.com Yours in learning, Elliott Masieemail: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning Directions Seminar: Blended and in 6 Cities Globally.* Learning 2013 - November 2013 - Orlando, Florida.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - February 15, 2013.#761 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.55,889 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning Directions Blended Seminars 1. TeleWork 2013 Announced by MASIE Center.2. Arch Lustberg Passes - Great Motivator.3. McKinley Belle Boughton Arrives - Congrats to Lauren. 1. TeleWork 2013 Announced by MASIE Center: We are proud to announce a new global event, sponsored by The MASIE Center, focused on the growing phenomena of workers working from home: TeleWork 2013.Focus: TeleWork & HR, Talent, Technology, Legal, Learning and Lifestyles.June 23 to June 25, 2013.Saratoga Springs, New York, USA.http://www.telework2013.com Increasingly, when we hire someone new, the conversation is shifting from "When can you move?" to "When can you start from your home?" We are very excited about this new event, co-hosted by The Learning CONSORTIUM and facilitated by Elliott Masie and Hunter Arnold. Check it out at: http://www.telework2013.com 2. Arch Lustberg Passes - Great Motivator: One of my favorite speakers, who keynoted at several of our Learning events, passed away - Arch Lustberg. He taught thousands the art of presenting and communicating in an authentic and persuasive manner. Here is a video of me interviewing Arch about facial expressions of political candidates: http://www.masie.com/Videos/arch-lustberg.html Arch Lustberg lived every year with passion and he will be sorely missed! 3. McKinley Belle Boughton Arrives - Congrats to Lauren: Life has a balance. This morning, Lauren Boughton, the Producer of The MASIE Center (along with her husband Luke) brought their first daughter, McKinley Belle Boughton, into the world. I guarantee McKinley will be hiking mountains and designing on her iPad before she is 1. Congrats! Yours in learning, Elliott Masieemail: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning Directions Seminar: Blended and in 6 Cities Globally.* TeleWork 2013 - June 23 to 25 - Saratoga Springs, NY.* Learning 2013 - November 2013 - Orlando, Florida.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

 Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - Feb. 28, 2014.#816 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.56,384 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium & Lab. 1. Internal "Google Ads" with Expertise.2. Badges Conversation Growing.3. Baby Horse Born Thursday - Hello Video! 1. Internal "Google Ads" with Expertise:  We are quite accustomed to having Google or Bing or Yahoo "ads" pop up as we do a web search, linking us to a site, vendor or content collection.  But, what about an internal "ad" that links us to a person with expertise within our organization? Imagine if an employee is conducting a search on compliance issues on your internal search engine and the results page included 2 or 3 small boxes with the name of a key fellow employee who has relevant experience or expertise on the topic. Much of the knowledge base of your organization is in the minds and experiences of current employees, who are often unknown to the rest of the workforce. Let’s experiment with appropriate and non-disruptive ways of building personalized "ads" that would link employees to other employees with sharable expertise. 2. Badges Conversation Growing:  Are there any fellow Girl or Boy Scouts out there as Learning TRENDS colleagues?  I have deep and powerful memories of the various Boy Scout "badges" that I earned in my teen years.  I even earned one in group leadership techniques.  The badges required Scouts to demonstrate a skill or competency and often successfully complete a project. There is a growing conversation in the world of learning and higher education about bringing back the badge model for workforce competencies.  The badge might be smaller in scope than a certification.  And, it might not imply instant readiness to do a job.  But, it could be one of many badges that a worker would gather/earn over time - visible to others in the workplace and an input to future deployment decisions.  Many of my colleagues are looking towards industry-wide recognition of badges that are used and valued by a larger group of employers.  Let’s imagine a badge in Customer Complaint Handling earned by an employee of a fast service restaurant that would also be honored when he/she applies or is hired by another food service employer.  The MASIE Learning CONSORTIUM and Learning 2014 will be focusing on badges and some of the opportunities and hurdles with adapting this model to our workplaces. If you are interested in being part of this conversation, please send a note to me at emasie@masie.com 3. Baby Horse Born Thursday - Hello Video! As many of you may know, MASIE Stables owns several thoroughbred horses.  Yesterday morning, we got a great phone call.  At 6 am, Miss Matzo gave birth to a healthy and cute female (filly) baby horse.  Four hours later, this video was taken in the barn where she is with her mom.  Note how long the legs of a baby horse are, which were important when they were born on the wild "range".  Watch her at https://vimeo.com/masie/babyhorse UPDATE: We are quickly filling spaces in the upcoming MOOCs & Corporate Learning event to be held in Saratoga Springs from April 2 to 4th.  Info and online registration are available at http://www.learningmoocs.com Yours in learning, Elliott MasieHost, Learning 2014 email: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.* Learning Directions Briefings.* MOOCs and Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.* Video & Learning LAB.* On-The-Job Learning LAB.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - March 20, 2014.#818 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.56,419 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium & Lab. 1. Learning Budget Survey Results - A Shift in 2014.2. MOOCs Lab Draws Colleagues from US, Canada, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, UK and More.3. Melinda Doolittle - Update from Learning 2007 & American Idol. 1. Learning Budget Survey Results:  Our Learning Pulse survey for 2014 is underway and we already have over 400 responses from organizations throughout the world.  In a few weeks, we will publish the complete results.  But, I wanted to share the responses to a question about the sizing of budgets for Learning in 2014: Overall Learning Spending/Budget Direction in Your Organization: (Based on 430 Responses)-  5.5% Increasing Significantly.- 27.7% Increasing Modestly.- 37.3% Staying Stable.- 14.6% Decreasing Modestly.-  6.3% Decreasing Significantly.-  8.5% Did Not Respond or Do Not Know. While there is usually a fairly even "bell curve" of increasing, stable or decreasing, we did notice a real shift this year.  There are more organizations that are increasing their learning budgets modestly (27.7%).  When we sorted by size of organization, this trend was similar from organizations with over a million employees to ones with a workforce under 5,000.  We will continue to gather data and have a full report in several weeks.  There is still time to take our 9 minute confidential survey at:  http://www.masie.com/2014pulsesurvey 2. MOOCs Lab Draws Colleagues from US, Canada, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, UK and More:  We are honored to report that our upcoming MOOCs & Corporate Learning event (April 2-4) has drawn learning colleagues from across the globe. Participants from major corporations and government agencies in the US, Canada, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Netherlands, UK and other countries are coming to Saratoga Springs, NY for a robust and highly interactive exploration of how MOOCs might be adapted or evolved for use with Corporate Learning.  There is space for about 15 more participants. Registration at http://www.learningmoocs.com 3. Melinda Doolittle - Update from Learning 2007 & American Idol:  Last night, I had an incredible time at 54 Below, a concert club in New York City, where I reconnected with one of my favorite singers, Melinda Doolittle. Many will remember that she was the 3rd finalist on American Idol in 2007 and I then featured her for her first commercial singing gig at Learning 2007.  Melinda has a golden voice, a stage presence and an honest and warm spirit that is incredible.  Last night, I spent time with her before and after her concert and we chatted about Learning 2007 and her father, who works in the learning industry. I brought along a friend who is a Broadway Director and we hope to see Melinda starring in a show before too long. Check out her site and listen to a few of her songs. She sings magically: http://www.melindadoolittle.com/ Yours in learning, Elliott MasieHost, Learning 2014 email: emasie@masie.comtwitter: @emasie MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:* Learning 2014 - October 2014 - Orlando, Florida.* Learning Directions Briefings.* MOOCs and Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.* Video & Learning LAB.* On-The-Job Learning LAB.* Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUMInfo and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

TO: Corporate Learning, Training and Higher Education ColleaguesFROM: Elliott Masie, Editor - Learning TRENDSDATE: March 26, 2014RE: Can Learning Go Massive? Dear Colleague, In just 7 days, we invite you to join a unique gathering of 75 global learning professionals exploring the future of truly "Massive" learning programs at: MOOCs & Corporate Learning: Symposium and LAB.April 2 to 4, 2014 - Saratoga Springs, NY.Host & Curator: Elliott Masie.Info: http://www.learningmoocs.com . MOOCs are an experimental model, gaining traction, hype and innovation in Higher Education.  We will explore if a workplace can adapt the MOOC to offer a Massive, Open, Online Course (with Collaboration). We are honored to have participants attending from Fortune 1000 companies, government agencies and countries like the U.S., Canada, Russia, Netherlands, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and others to consider these questions: M is for MASSIVE: Can we scale learning activities to hundreds, thousands or even tens of thousands of workers?O is for OPEN: Can we leverage and adapt Open content from TED, Universities and User-Created Sources?O is for ONLINE: Can we design and structure Online Delivery, Community and Support for massive programs?C is for ???: Does the C stand for Credit, Certification, Cost, Competency or Compliance? I will lead this program and include perspectives from corporate MOOC implementers, technology platforms and Higher Education partners. Although the event is only a week away, there are still a dozen spaces available.  Space is limited. Details and online registration are available at http://www.learningmoocs.com Yours in learning, Elliott MasieThe MASIE Center & Learning CONSORTIUM

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - May 13, 2015.#875 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.56,919 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning Directions in Dallas, Seattle, Chicago & New York City. Elliott’s 65th Birthday Today! I am so excited that I turn the young age of 65 today, May 13th.  It puts me in the middle of my career and probably in the middle of my life.  I want to deeply thank my colleagues and friends from the world of learning.  Over the past 40 years, you have supported and enabled me to stretch my thinking, advocate for innovation in our field and provide me with connection and feedback to learning in the workplaces of thousands of organizations. I am grateful for what technology - when combined with creativity, design and collaboration - can accomplish.  Every day, my inbox is filled with cool comments and thoughts from learning colleagues around the world. I am excited to continue my exploration of the worlds of learning and technology.  On this birthday, I wanted to be the one to say Thank You!  Thank you and let’s continue our exploration of the ever changing world of learning globally together. Would love to hear from you - drop me a note at emasie@masie.com Yours in learning, Elliott MasieHost, Learning 2015 MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM- Learning Directions - Dallas, Seattle, Chicago and NYC in June.- Gamification & Learning LAB - Led by Elliott Masie - June 23-25 - Saratoga Springs, NY.- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4 - Orlando, Florida. Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - May 14, 2015.#876 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.56,922 Readers - www.masie.com - twitter: emasie - The MASIE Center.Host: Learning Directions in Dallas, Seattle, Chicago & New York City. 1. Learning Entrepreneur Killed in Amtrak Crash.2. Video Segments vs. Video Programs.3. Going to ATD in Florida? Let’s MeetUp! 1. Learning Entrepreneur Killed in Amtrak Crash: Sadly, one of the Learning Entrepreneurs in our field was killed in the Amtrak Crash outside of Philadelphia on Tuesday night. Rachel Jacobs, the recently-hired chief executive officer of online training startup ApprenNet LLC, died on the train at the age of 39. Jacobs, a Columbia Business School graduate, joined Philadelphia-based ApprenNet in March. The company produces Web-based educational video tools and markets them to customers including Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Kaplan Inc.’s Open College at Kaplan University, and Newark Public Schools in New Jersey. A resident of New York, Jacobs commuted twice a week to Philadelphia and planned to move to the city after completing a round of financing for the company and expanding its seven-person staff. ApprenNet was founded in 2011. Jacobs, a native of a Detroit suburb, helped found Detroit Nation in 2009. The organization brings expatriate residents of the city together with current residents for mentorship and support. Her path to ApprenNet included four years at McGraw-Hill Cos. From 2007 to 2009, she was a director of strategy and planning. From 2009 to 2011, she was a director of education services at McGraw-Hill education. Jacobs’s survivors include a husband and two-year-old son. Here is an article about Rachel Jacobs: http://tinyurl.com/pe269ou 2. Video Segments vs. Video Programs: Learners and Producers are wanting to access, deploy, view or forward smaller segments of larger videos. For example, a company might have a 20 minute video program detailing all of the steps in setting up a key piece of equipment. Yet, learners might want to "mark" a much smaller segment - perhaps just the key content from 1 minute 20 seconds to 1 minute 59 seconds. So, how do they do it? Some systems have a timecode for each video program - and the learner can then create a link to just that segment. For example, it might be something like name-of-program: View 01:20 Step 01:59. As instructional producers, we need to prepare for more and more segmentation of larger video programs. This will require agility of our LMS, Video Systems and even our coding of internal links - that will start and stop as required.  I am intrigued if learners could create their own smaller segments and forward the links on a personal basis.  3. Going to ATD in Florida? Let’s MeetUp! If you are planning on attending the ATD Conference next week in Florida, I’d love to meet up with colleagues. Send me an email to emasie@masie.com or stop by the Learning 2015 Booth #1030.  I will be in Florida from Sunday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. Yours in learning, Elliott MasieHost, Learning 2015 MASIE Center Seminars, Events and Services:- Membership in The Learning CONSORTIUM- Learning Directions - Dallas, Seattle, Chicago and NYC in June.- Gamification & Learning LAB - Led by Elliott Masie - June 23-25 - Saratoga Springs, NY.- Learning 2015 - Nov 1 to 4 - Orlando, Florida. Info and Registration: http://www.masie.com - twitter: emasie  

I'm thinking a lot lately about how we get in our own way. It's easy to look around at this economy and to just want to give up. So many barriers and challenges--makes you want to stay in bed with the covers over your head. I get it. But even in the midst of challenge there is opportunity. We have to go after it though, creating possibilities where others only see the barriers.  One way we keep ourselves stuck is by keeping our dreams and ideas to ourselves. Interestingly, I find that people are willing to talk all day about what's wrong, but they have a much harder time talking about their aspirations and what they'd like to have happening in their lives instead.  I know all the reasons we keep our dreams to ourselves, but there are bigger reasons to start sharing them with others.  1. Others might be able to help.  When you start talking about your aspirations to other people (rather than your problems) you will usually find that the first thing they want to do is give you some help. They may know a good connection or have some information or resources that could help you further your dreams. Putting it out there might just invite what you need to get moving on a more positive path. If you keep thing to yourself, there's no way anyone else can help.  2. Others might share your dreams and want to join in. In the past few months, I've had some amazing conversations with people when I tell them what I'd really like to see in the world. Turns out they want to see the same things and have some ideas of their own about how we could make our dreams happen.  It can be hard to create positive momentum on your own. But when you are working with other people who share your vision and beliefs, the load gets a lot lighter. And the ideas get a lot brighter.  3. Talking to other people can help you get clearer about what you really want. If you're like most people, you can get caught in the echo chamber of your own mind, where the more you think about something, the less clear you become.  Talking to someone else about what you want in your life can help you get a lot clearer, especially in the beginning stages. You hear yourself saying things that give you that deep "aha." Or they ask a simple question and suddenly everything shifts into place.  Talking about what you want is a powerful clarifier. And the clearer you are, the more likely you are to start taking action.  This is partly a post about being more positive--talking about what you want, rather than problems and what you don't want. And it's partly a post about connecting with people on the basis of your dreams and aspirations, rather than based on your problems and anxieties. There's a negative energy we create in our lives when we're focused on what needs to be fixed. If we want to create more positive connections and energy in our work, we need to start talking with people about our dreams, not our problems. 

  At the end of July, my husband said to me, "We need to take off the last two weeks of next month." I immediately felt two things.  Panic--how the hell could I "afford" to take off two weeks? Desire--OH I want to do this! I sat with these two feelings for awhile. They represented the two aspects of myself that are always at war with each other it seems.  The panic came from the person inside who believes that I must always be "productive"--doing, accomplishing, making shit happen in the world. She fits in well with dominant culture, especially in the US, where it's all about the disease of being chronically busy. The desire came from that other person inside me--the one who knows that sometimes we need to just BE. The one who recognizes that the purposeful, centered DOING that is what I really seek can only come about when I allow myself the time and space to breathe.  I ended up taking off the two weeks. We didn't go anywhere--it was the classic staycation. Instead, I took time to make art, to write in my journal, to read novels and re-read some personal development books that had been calling to me from the shelves. With our neighbors, we hosted a dance party, where we invited friends over for drinks and dancing to Pandora on our tiny patio. Days unfolded with no particular plans and no need to "accomplish" anything. It was incredibly replenishing for my spirit.  I know that I've written in the past about the need for slow times and retreat to rejuvenate. But like most people, I still struggle with honoring these in myself. I can tell YOU that you need this, but it's harder for me to take my own advice.  Slowly, though, I'm recognizing how absolutely critical it is for me to start with myself. It's the old "put on your oxygen mask first before trying to help someone else." So I'm claiming this need and already looking forward to scheduling two more intentional weeks in December. This is as necessary to my "productivity" as my to do lists. It's also essential to the other parts of my life--the relationships I value, my own creativity, my spiritual and emotional self who does not thrive on daily accomplishments.  I keep spiraling back into this essential knowledge--of the need for stretches of time where we stop pushing ourselves and just revel in where we are now. As I return to the "real world" this week, I'm  trying to bring with me some of the peace and centeredness I felt with time off, restructuring my days to focus more on what really matters and less on all the stuff that feeds a frantic, anxious pace. I do my best work when I do it from my calm center. The more I can feed this place in myself, the better I am for myself and for the world. 

  This is the next in an ongoing series of posts  I'm doing about how to use design thinking in your career.  When we last left off in the Designing Your Career series, we had entered the Ideation phase where we talked about how to brainstorm potential ideas for experimentation. In this post we're going to discuss how to do a "reality check" on your ideas and how to begin evolving your thoughts for the next phase, Experimentation.  Reality Check As you look at the promising ideas you've developed in your initial brainstorming, you'll want to do some "reality checks" on these ideas in order to further evolve your thinking. Remember, we're brainstorming and exploring ideas that will help you grow your career and design a work life for yourself that meets your criteria for success.  For each promising idea you've identified, explore these questions: What's at the heart of this idea? What values is it expressing for you? What real needs or issues is your idea addressing? Let's say that you're exploring the possibility of starting a "side gig." What's attractive to you about this idea? Is it a need for freedom and independence? Is it about being able to utilize and express different aspects of yourself? The more you understand what's underneath your idea, the more open to all possiblities you become.  What are the constraints on your idea? What are the challenges and barriers you may face in implementing your idea? Who in your life might oppose what you're thinking? Remember, constraints or limitations don't have to be insurmountable. They merely give you a sense of where you may have to be more persistent or creative in your thinking.   Brainstorm new solutions. First look at the underlying values you identified previously. Are there other ways that you could express or connect to these values? Then brainstorm ways that you might address the challenges you identified. It can be helpful if you go back to the core group of people you were working with in your initial brainstorming session. They can often offer different perspectives or ideas for how to address these issues.  Work with each of the ideas you came up with in your initial session in this same way. Once you're finished, take a step back and see which ones feel most "do-able" at this time. Which of your ideas has the most juice and energy for you? Those are the ideas you'll want to experiment with, at least initially.  Make sure to archive any ideas you don't want to work with at this time. It may be that at a later point, you decide you want to go back to them. I have entire notebooks of ideas that I've been playing around with for years. Sometimes it's a matter of the right time and people coming together for an idea to take on some new life.    Summarize Your Idea(s) At this point, your ideas will have gone through several iterations. It can be helpful to summarize and refine it as you prepare to go into the Experimentation phase.  Take a look at your notes and field research and then try to capture your current understanding of your idea.  Give it a title--try something playful or inspiring.  Write a one-sentence summary--what's the heart of your idea?  Describe how your idea would work--what would you be doing? What needs and opportunities do you see in your idea? Who are other people involved in this and how can you get their support? What value and benefits for yourself and others do you see in your idea? How will this address your career and life aspirations?  What questions do you have? What is still open or uncertain for you?  Again, it can be helpful to share this next write-up with your brainstorming team. They may provide you with additional ideas and information or point out holes in your thinking.    In the next post in this series, we're going to look at how you play with your ideas in the Experimentation phase. This will be all about testing and trying out, pushing the edges of your comfort zone and being open to what you learn in the process. Stay tuned!    

As a career coach, I've found that I'm most likely to be working with people in some kind of career crisis. Either they are unemployed and trying to find a new job or they have reached some kind of difficult tipping point in their careers where their unhappiness drives them to take action.  When people are in these situations, they tend to focus on practical things: How do I write a resume? How do I do a good job during an interview? How can I network more effectively? How do I make a career change? How do I start my own business? But in focusing on these practical "next steps," they often neglect to deal with the negative thoughts and feelings they are having related to their current circumstances. This is emotional baggage that can really weigh them down. For example, many people who are unemployed have a lot of unresolved anger and resentment about how they were treated by their previous company or organization both before and after their layoff. They can also have feelings of anxiety, fear, stress and even shame. These negative feelings often come across to potential employers and to networking contacts and can make it much harder for people to find a new job.  I also see a lot of people in really toxic work environments. They are stressed out by the demands of their jobs and dealing with a never-ending series of office dramas, petty politics and even bullying. This type of situation creates its own emotional baggage that can have wide-reaching impacts on people both in their work and personal lives. Work performance starts to suffer and if the person tries to job search in this mode, potential employers will definitely know that something is going on and tend to react negatively.  The Symptoms of Difficult Circumstances Regardless of the cause--unemployment, a toxic workplace--these people tend to share some similar symptoms: Feeling more negative emotions--finding it harder to laugh, feeling irritable, anxious or despairing. Greater difficulty with sleep, including problems falling asleep and/or staying asleep. More aches and pains, including headaches, stomach aches and other physical symptoms related to stress. Problems in  personal relationships with family and friends. They may have more frequent arguments or feel more irritated with people in their lives, both at home and at work. Feelings of isolation and loneliness and a desire to withdraw from their usual social activities. Obsessing about their situation, dwelling on worst case scenarios and/or anger with the situation and the people they feel have contributed to it.  Often what is going on is that people are trying to block their emotions around their difficult circumstances, afraid to really confront and deal with the negative thoughts and feelings that plague them. But emotions will not be denied. They may go underground for a bit, but they always come out and demand that we do something to address them. That's when these kinds of symptoms start to show up. Writing Through Your Negative Thoughts and Feelings Dealing with our emotional baggage is one of the greatest things we can do to get ourselves unstuck and re-energized. Surprisingly, one of the most effective ways for dealing with these situations is to use what's called "expressive writing"--a research-backed approach to writing about the thoughts and feelings we are having related to difficult circumstances in our lives.  While there are a number of different types of writing activities that can produce benefits, the core approach, pioneered by Dr. James Pennebaker of the University of Texas, consists of 4 days of writing in response to some specific prompts.  The idea is that through the exploration of your deepest thoughts and feelings as they relate to a core traumatic experience or situation, you can begin to construct a more meaningful story for yourself of what has happened and its impact on you and your life. This helps you develop new insight into the situation and how it may have not only shaped your experience and your life, but also how it may have even benefited you and helped you grow.  Here's Dr. Pennebaker's basic prompt: Benefits of Expressive Writing Dr. Pennebaker's research with a number of different populations has indicated that most people who use  expressive writing strategies to address challenging situations experience some important changes. They have seen: An increase in positive moods and a reduction in negative thoughts and feelings. Improved physical health, including improved sleep patterns, lower blood pressure and lower heart rates. Improved relationships with family, friends and co-workers. Reduced feelings of stress. Improved focus. Further, they have also found that people find new jobs faster and improve their academic performance.  Interestingly, the people who tend to benefit most are those who are less likely to talk about their problems with someone else--especially men.  Writing for Recovery Although you can use Dr. Pennebaker's basic prompt to try out the expressive writing concept, I wanted to help people go a little deeper in the context of their careers. So I've developed two online writing programs specifically for people who are in a toxic work environment and people who are unemployed.  In each course, I help you set up for success, and then have you go through 4 days of writing with prompts that are specific to dealing with either toxic work or being unemployed. Each day, you also complete a pre-writing emotional check-in and a post-writing evaluation of how the process went for you.  At the end of the course, we evaluate your progress, looking not only at how your stress symptoms may be changing, but also at how your writing may provide you with some additional insight into what's going on with you. I also share "next steps" ideas and resources so that you can build on what you've started and begin to move forward again.  Each module includes audio, worksheets and other resources to guide you through the process. There are also discussion questions for some of the modules.  You can learn more about the course for the toxic workplace here and the course for recovering from unemployment here.  I'm limiting enrollment to 20 people per course because I want to evaluate how this works in an online, self-guided format. So if you're interested, I encourage you to sign up quickly! I'd also love to hear if you've ever used expressive writing techniques to deal with difficult circumstances. How has this worked for you? Leave me a note in comments!

One of my favorite quotes of all time comes from Peter Drucker: Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things.  As I work with people in thinking about their careers, what I notice is that people spend a lot of time thinking about how to manage themselves and their work. They are focused on doing things right for their current job. They focus on: Responding  to the needs of their current employer so they get great performance reviews and advance in their careers. Meeting (or preferably exceeding) the performance objectives that their employers have set for them.  Networking with the right people (from their employer's perspective) so they achieve their employer's organizational goals.  Developing the skills that their employer tells them that they need to do their current jobs well.  There's nothing wrong with this, of course. To keep your job, you need to be good at it. But what happens is that  in our focus on career management, we lose sight of career leadership.  In other words, while we are worrying about doing things right, we aren't taking the time to question if we are doing the right things. Too often what I find is that while people were focused on dotting all the "i's" and crossing all the "t's," the landscape around them was changing.  Suddenly, they are doing work that doesn't play to their strengths.  Or the requirements and demands of their occupation or industry have drastically changed and they haven't been keeping up. Or their organization closes and they find themselves adrift in a crappy job market. Or they wake up one morning, look around, and ask "Is this really all there is for me with work?" Career management doesn't cut it in today's economy. We need to become  leaders in our own lives.  Stop asking "Am I Doing Things Right?" and start asking "Am I Doing the Right Things?"  See how life begins to shift . . .  _______________________________________________________________________ Are you feeling burnt out and pissed off with work? This is one sign that you may be stuck in a toxic work environment. Check out my online course on Recovering from the Toxic Workplace: A 7-Day Course to Let Go and and Move On. 

I've been doing a lot of work around using design-thinking to improve career services and one of the things we've been talking about  is the need to understand how people are FEELING in order to help them figure out what they need next. Our emotional states are a powerful indicator of what we need.  In our careers, I've found that people tend to think that any concerns, issues, etc. they are having about their work is a sign that they need new, better or more information.  But that's not true. In fact, information is often not what we need at all. At least not initially.  Take a look at these core emotional states that we often feel in our work lives and the corresponding needs that they indicate. You'll see that in most cases, you need something other than information!   Core Emotion-->Stalled Are you feeling stuck, like you just can't move ahead? Does your job feel like Groundhog Day?  Core Need-->Inspiration For folks who are feeling stuck, inspiration is your core need. How can you get inspired to take action? Often, we need exposure to new people, new thinking, new environments. How can you stretch your wings and try something new? Maybe you could do a 30-Day Challenge with yourself? Or take on a stretch assignment? Maybe you need to start thinking about multiple income streams.  Look for ways to inspire yourself.   Core Emotion-->Discouraged Have you lost enthusiasm for your job? Maybe you're losing confidence in yourself or in your skills? Core Need--> Emotional Support When we're discouraged, we need emotional support to help us get back on our feet again. We need to be around people who can bear witness to what we're feeling, who can listen, acknowledge our feelings and remind us of our greatness and of our ability to resolve whatever may be causing us to feel discouraged.    Core Emotion-->Panicked Sometimes we're in a panic about our careers. This usually happens if we've been laid off or we are worried that we will be laid off.    Core Need-->Address "Emergency" Needs If you're in panic mode, it can help to deal with the basics. If you are just worried about a layoff, now's the time to work on your Layoff Plan. There are things you can do now to get prepared, just in case.  If a layoff has already happened, focus on the basics. Here's some good advice from Forbes on setting yourself up right as you make your exit. And here's a great list of very practical things to pay attention to.    Core Emotion-->Elated Sometimes we're on a high when it comes to our careers. Things are going really well and we just feel great. That doesn't mean that we do nothing. This can actually be a clue that we need to. . .  Core Need-->Channel Momentum This is where we may need to look at how we use that excitement we're feeling to take some serious action. How do we channel that positive emotion into making the right moves or building the skills we need to take on a new, exciting challenge? Enjoy the moment, for sure, but also use it to propel you forward.    Core Emotion-->Exploring Sometimes we just start to feel curious about other possibilities. What would happen if we made a career change? Or started our own business? Or got serious about developing ourselves in a particular area?  Core Need-->Structure and Guidance When you're in the exploration phase, this is when you are most in need of information. If you're thinking about starting up a business, for example, you'll want to understand more about what's involved, what you would need to do to get started, etc.  Structure can also be helpful--a plan, participating in a coaching or accountability group, giving yourself deadlines to make things happen. How can you pull together what you need to make a decision and move ahead? More Than One Emotion. . .  Most of us feel more than one emotion at a time. It's entirely possible to be both panicked at losing a job AND a little bit elated. In fact, this is fairly common. You can use these ideas, though, to get a feel for what kinds of help and support you might seek in combination. If you're feeling both panicked and elated, then make sure you deal with whatever your concerns are AND that you give yourself a way to channel your positive emotions into some forward action and movement.    The important point here is that our emotions can provide us with powerful clues about what it is we need when it comes to career support and guidance. Try tuning into how you're feeling and then coming up with strategies based on the core needs above to help you make the right moves at the right time! _______________________________________________________________________ If you're struggling with the emotional fallout of being laid off, you may want to check out my new online course, Recovering from Unemployment: A 7-Day Course to Help You Let Go and Move On. Only $9.99, this course is self-guided and can give you the emotional boost you need to get back on track with your job search!      

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