But February has a way of keeping us warm - Valentine's Day.
Thanks to St Valentine, and his determination to keep love alive in the third century in Rome, we have a wonderful tradition of setting aside a special day to tell that special someone we love her/him. So. whether you choose flowers, candy, cards, or a romantic dinner for two, the Beatles had it right - Love is all you need!
At The TEAM Approach our February also includes ideas and opportunities to enhance those important work relationships.
Developing and Coaching Others - Unique Program for Managers
For years now, training professionals have known the importance of manager support to the success of their classroom training events. Researchers such as Mary Broad and John Newstrom found that what the participant's manager does to set the tone before the event and what the manager does to reinforce the training after the event are probably the two most important pieces to the transfer of training puzzle. Now there is a program that not only helps you get the message out to managers but also provides support tools managers need to follow-up with coaching. Developing and Coaching Others-Senior Manager Version can be delivered in a half-day format or enhanced to become a one day management retreat. Used in conjunction with the Vital Learning Supervision Series it provides tools to help managers coach the skills you teach supervisors in the classroom. It is now a key module in our Team Leader Cafe' and can become a critical component of your supervisory training program. Contact us for further information on the product or to discuss an in-house program led by one of our facilitators.
360 Feedback - Key to Transfer of Training
Speaking of the Transfer of Training, another key to success is 360 feedback. Providing your participants with a baseline assessment of their behaviors (e.g. supervisory skills) before entering a training process will help you and them know how to best use the classroom time. Then, follow-up with a re-assessment 6-9months later to see how the skills are being used. In our Team Leader Cafe' approach 360 feedback is essential. And, the weekly follow-up messages for participant and manager keep the learning fresh. To ponder the value of 360 feedback in your training initiatives take 3-minutes to watch a short presentation. For more ideas on the subject, request a brief article written by Dr. Denny Coates entitled "The Ultimate Use for 36-degree Feedback:Measuring Individual Performance Improvement".
EPIC System Streamlines Profile Delivery
If you use behavioral instruments such as the DiSC Profile in your training you will want to explore the EPIC System (Electronic Profile Information Center). Participant completion of profiles prior to entering the classroom saves training time and errors. You control the printing and bring reports to the classroom or let the participants print and review reports ahead of time, thus using classroom time for discussion and application. Online delivery is a perfect match to online learning as well (last month we highlighted CRKI online courses). But EPIC isn't only DiSC. The system contains profiles you can use in Diversity Training, Listening, Time Management, Coaching, Team Development, Stress Management and more. Reports are purchased using EPIC Credits. With our discount structure a basic report can be produced for as little as $25. Ask for a complimentary report and a hands-on experience with this powerful technology tool.
Team Leader Cafe' Showcase - Webinar or Classroom February 14
If you haven't had a chance to experience the Team Leader Cafe' be sure to check our Coming Events schedule for both the Classroom and Webinar format. We continue to hold these events monthly to give you a chance to explore this powerful approach to building leadership skills. If this approach fits your organization we can conduct the process for you and train you to do it yourself. The February showcase will be held February 14. As momentum grows we expect to open Cafe' locations around the country and offer showcase events in other cities. Stay tuned.
Meet the Author - Rich Meiss February 22, 11:00 AM ET
This month our author interview features Rich Meiss, author of SCORE: Super Closers, Openers, Reviews, and Energizers for Enhanced Training Results. A long-time friend and super trainer, Rich has a wealth of experience he and his colleague David McCallum share in this new book. During the teleconference you will get an opportunity to ask questions and even experience a little of what the book has to offer. Register online.
Red Rose Learning Community Meets February 25
If you are in the Lancaster PA area and want to network with other training professionals, plan to join us February 25 at 8:00 AM in our training room as we look at the Buzz about Engagement. To get future announcements of Red Rose meetings sign up for the email list.
DiSC Certification March 11-12
Our next DiSC Certification is scheduled in Lancaster on March 11-12. With pre-work, classroom, post-evaluation and small class size, this program is the best value in DiSC Certification available today. Hear what others have said about it, review the details and pick a date to bring the power of DiSC into your organization.
February Online Special - Yearly DiSC Special
It's that time of year again when our thoughts turn to relationships. To support your training programs where relationships are highlighted (teambuilding, supervising, coaching, selling, customer service, etc.) we offer a special online discount on the paper version of the DiSC Profile. Order online and receive an additional 25% off our already low price. This gives you our high volume discount on any number of profiles you need. Just add the code love08 at checkout. Offer ends February 29 (an extra day this year).
Web Tour Highlight of the Month - idXready previews
If you fall into the category of harried-trainer, you may have thought about reviewing the new idXready programs from Inscape published. These ready-to-go programs include online prework using the EPIC system, synchronized leader guide and participant workbooks, personalized participant materials and contemporary video built into the professional PowerPoint presentation. But maybe you don't even have time to attend a showcase or ask for information. Try the online showcase on our web site where you can see samples of the presentation materials and download samples of the leader's guide and participant workbook.
Happy Valentine's Day. Don't forget - Love is All You Need! (Watch the video and see if you can spot Mick Jagger in the crowd)
For years now, training professionals have known the importance of manager support to the success of their classroom training events. Researchers such as 
Speaking of the Transfer of Training, another key to success is 360 feedback. Providing your participants with a baseline assessment of their behaviors (e.g. supervisory skills) before entering a training process will help you and them know how to best use the classroom time. Then, follow-up with a re-assessment 6-9months later to see how the skills are being used. In our 
Information Center). Participant completion of profiles prior to entering the classroom saves training time and errors. You control the printing and bring reports to the classroom or let the participants print and review reports ahead of time, thus using classroom time for discussion and application. Online delivery is a perfect match to online learning as well (last month we 
This month our author interview features Rich Meiss, author of SCORE: Super Closers, Openers, Reviews, and Energizers for Enhanced Training Results. A long-time friend and super trainer, Rich has a wealth of experience he and his colleague David McCallum share in this new book. During the teleconference you will get an opportunity to ask questions and even experience a little of what the book has to offer. 
If you fall into the category of harried-trainer, you may have thought about reviewing the new idXready programs from Inscape published. These ready-to-go programs include online prework using the EPIC system, synchronized leader guide and participant workbooks, personalized participant materials and contemporary video built into the professional PowerPoint presentation. But maybe you don't even have time to attend a showcase or ask for information.