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Gower author, Ann Alder, looks at how the creation of REALs (Rich Environments for Active Learning) can provide learning opportunities in almost any situation, culture, organisation and for learners at any level of education, seniority and specialism. In a recent blog post she discusses how this worked on a major World Health Organisation Management Development Programme, designed specifically to support managers responsible for the implementation of the Global Polio Eradication Programme.
Ann is the author of :
As Iain Adams explains in his recent article on Jane Sparrow’s new book, The Culture Builders, the one subject ‘big bosses’ are asking internal communicators more about these days is how to achieve a high performing culture in the business. Iain praises Jane on her expertise, experience and the valuable information she puts forward in her book; relevant to all communicators in any organisation.
To read Iain’s full article visit http://www.simply-communicate.com/news/book-reviews/building-engagement-one-step-time
Whilst I am almost certainly exaggerating the point for dramatic effect, I do think that the influence a facilitator (good or bad) can have on the success of an action learning set is very considerable. I note that Rocket Consultancy are running an Executive Action Learning event for a maximum of 16 CEOs and other senior strategic leaders on 6th March in Oxford. Mike Pedler is one of the group facilitating the event. I can’t think of a better or more knowledgeable facilitator than Mike; he’s been the leading light in the research and application of action learning and management development for over 20 years. Worth checking out if you are considering AL as a tool for your top team. Mike Pedler is author of Action Learning for Managers and editor of The ABC of Action Learning and Action Learning in Practice.
Bob Says “I chat with Eric regarding this amazing business resource book. Eric helped organize and heard an assortment of business specialists that have done him proud. Not only is this book easy to read the ‘Solutions’ that business owners and managers will need on a daily bases are easy to find. This book is destined to become a key resource for business people who take their jobs seriously.” Listen to the interview here.
And the CMI agrees with him ‘Solutions’ has been shortlisted for a CMI Management Book of the Year Award (in the ‘New Managers’ section) the shortlisted and winning books are all considered ‘Management Gold’ by CMI. Winner to be announced in January 2013.
Philip Weiss’ presentation at a recent event in Brussels picks up a theme that has been around for a number of years but, one that I still think organizations have difficulty accommodating; even thought it is pretty much basic common sense. Innovation involves trial and error and innovation in the context of accelerating speeds of change involves plenty of opportunities for geting it wrong. Every organization needs to work out the dimensions of their own particular tightrope: play it too safe and you’re soon out of the game; overcomplicate the whole process or fail to learn from your failures and it’s also ‘game over’. Philip is author of the forthcoming book Hyperthinking: Creating a New Mindset for the Age of Networks.
Communicating complex information, possibly to various different audiences, can be a challenge for the best of us. In the first of four articles for the website Communique, John Clare offers some very helpful advice. Well worth checking out.
John is author of Gower Publishing’s Communicating Clearly About Science and Medicine.
The 11th – 14th October 2012 sees the 20th year of The World Open Space on Open Space (WOSonOS) coming to Stoke Newington Town Hall, in North East London.
Kerry Napuk, co-author of Gower’s The Large Group Facilitator’s Manual sits on the virtual planning team of WOSonOS which is chaired by Phelim McDermott, a founder of Improbable Theatre Company and convener of the Devoted and Disgruntled Open Space event which was started in 2005 and is travelling to scores of cities in the UK this year.
For more information and to book tickets visit www.wosonos2012.com.
Originated in the late 1960s by Tony Buzan, Mind Maps are now used by millions of people around the world – from the very young to the very old – whenever they wish to use their minds more effectively.
This page on Tony’s website gives 7 steps to using this powerful technique.
Tony has co-published several titles with Gower over time, the latest ‘Grass Roots Leaders’ is also available in ebook formats.
Win sets of David Hulett’s – Integrated Cost-Schedule Risk Analysis and Practical Schedule Risk Analysis (worth £99 each) at the Planning & Scheduling Awards & Symposium to be held on the 12th of July 2012 at The Brewery, London.
The event consists of a black-tie Gala Awards Dinner and Symposium: an exhibition and conference offering opportunities to meet other industry professionals and hear presentations on the challenges, best practices and latest technology advancements within the planning and scheduling environment.
There are 6 award categories and submissions can come either from you or your company/organisation. The judging panel is made up from the following organisations:
ACostE (Association of Cost Engineers)
APM (Association for Project Management)
CITB (ConstructionSkills)
ECI (European Construction Institute)
ECITB (Engineering Construction Industry Training Board)
London Organising Committee of the Olympic & Paralympic Games
ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers)
MPA (Major Projects Association)
The Engineering Project Academy at the University of Leeds
If you are a facilitator, a change manager … even a program manager, then check this out! The idea of Open Space (a form of large group facilitation) has been going for over 20 years. Michael Lindfield, one of the champions of the approach, described it as ”a simple and effective way of creating an environment where things are possible”. That may sound slightly pink and fluffy but, goodness me, doesn’t it also describe the kind of thing that most organizations need in the struggle to keep a head above the economic crisis and keep in touch with the breakneck speed of social, technological and business change? This year’s World Open Space event is in London, between 11th and 14th October. Gower’s contribution to the concept is Kerry Napuk and Eddy Palmer’s Large Group Facilitator’s Manual, which will be on show at the event.
