Author: Seniye Groff

A Critical Eye on Coaching

Posted on by Seniye Groff

CLO’s April 2012 magazine had a great article on the benefits of coaching as a leadership development tool. There is a difference between general performance based coaching which happens on a daily basis and executive coaching which is tied to a senior leader’s strategic goals.  Either way, both types of coaching is focused on changing behavior and skill development and requires a committed partnership mindset.

According to Edwards, there is a “six step process for effective executive coaching engagements:

  1. Business need evaluation
  2. Engagement scope, strategy and approach
  3. Coachee assessment
  4. Goal setting/action planning
  5. Coaching engagement delivery
  6. Evaluation and measurement.”

  Read the entire article and additional info:  http://www.smsepub.com/publication/frame.php?i=103474

Teaching Senior Citizens

Posted on by Seniye Groff

I recently met with some business owners that are interested in developing training for senior citizens in retirement communities.  They wanted insight on how “best” to teach senior citizens computer skills.  I have taught lots of older folks computer skills while developing and delivering technology training for the Multnomah County Library system.   A few things I learned were to create large-type handouts.  It is important that your older learners can see and read the handouts.  Additionally, increase the font size on the computer screen if possible.  And make sure you have handouts the are detailed and descriptive so that your learners can practice their new skills when they get back to their rooms.

At the beginning of each session, I explain that they “cannot break the computer”.  I think one of the most important things you can do, as the facilitator to ensure success in your classroom, is to dispel the fear that people have with computers.  Patience, on your part, is a critical skill to have, also.  You might have to repeat yourself several times and remember to speak slowly.  I found an online article with a few more tips.  Read it here.

What other tips and tricks can you share about teaching seniors?  What other accommodations have you made to ensure success in your classroom for your older learners?

The Written Word and Conciseness

Posted on by Seniye Groff

In this world of high drama and quick turnarounds, we are asked to write a lot of documents with all sorts of information.  I, too, write on a daily basis and have taught technical writing in a college classroom setting.  One of the biggest challenges for writers seems to be conciseness.  We want to fill the page with every word we know.   So here is a little quiz.  Email me if you want the answers!

Change the phrases below to make them more concise.

  1. at this point and time
  2. a substantial segment of the population
  3. basic essentials
  4. arrived at the conclusion
  5.  the situation as it stands now
  6. in close proximity
  7. past history

Quick Poll About Newsletter vs. Blogs

Posted on by Seniye Groff

Do you prefer receiving an email newsletter in your mailbox or to subscribe to a blog and get updates? I am trying to decide if I should get rid of the newsletter and a colleague I greatly respect says, “Don’t get rid of the newsletter”!  So far, I have seen little return for the gigantic effort the newsletter involves.  On the other hand, the newsletter keeps me in front of people and demonstrates my expertise (I hope!).  So I am asking you for your insight.  Post a comment with your answer:

Newsletter Only

Blog Only

Keep Both

Tofu Curry

Posted on by Seniye Groff

In the February 2012  issue of “Sunset Magazine” there is a recipe for fresh herb and tofu curry.  I have never made curry, and the picture looked so appetizing, so I thought I would give it a shot.  Although there are a lot of steps, this recipe is worth it.  My four- year- old entered the kitchen as I was cooking it and said, “Oh my god, that smells good!  Yum, yum,  yum.”  If that is not an endorsement, then I don’t know what it.    It did end up being delicious!  I took a photo of my end result…

Begin with the Business in Mind

Posted on by Seniye Groff

It is no secret that the “training department” is often viewed as an expense rather than a revenue-generating partner.  So how can the training group change the perception and be viewed as a partner in running the business?  “Begin With the Business in Mind” by Matt Donovan shares some ideas.

Donovan suggests that the training organization “should be able to effectively describe the organization’s competitive position in terms of:

  • Industry and key features
  • Range of products and services provided
  • Customers and their affinity for the company’s products and services
  • External partners in the value chain
  • Competitive strategy
  • Competitive advantage
  • Current and emerging competitors.”

Once the training organization understands the company’s competitive advantage, it should then understand how the company structures itself to execute its strategy.  The PARC model in the book “Strategic Management” is mentioned as an ideal framework.  The PARC model is comprised of People, Architecture, Routines and Culture.  Only after the learning team has mastered their understanding of the company’s competitive position and its competitive advantage can they move forward to  being a true business partner rather than just an order-taker.  Trainers will be much better at assessing the business challenge, the cost of the training solution and ultimately the cost of the problem.  When trainers begin to use the language of “business problem” and “cost of the problem” rather than just cost of trainee per hour or smile sheet evaluation results, they demonstrate their position as a true business person.  Now that will be music to any leader’s ears!