“She works on learning and technology
in a way that is creative, concrete and quirky”

Invisibilizing Workplace Learning

Many learning executives are concerned about visibility. They lament that they are not included early and sufficiently in the strategic work of the organization. Many seek appreciation and recognition for the learning enterprise, their learning enterprise. This long-standing concern has well-worn answers. I've offered some myself: align vigorously with the strategic purposes of the organization measure the learning enterprise against the metrics that matter most to the organization and leaders communicate with leadership through dashboards and stories riveted to high value metrics use data to continuously improve experiences and … [Read more...]

The Color Becomes Me: More Lessons from Larry

You met Larry, my hair color consultant, in my prior post. The big day arrived. The time had come for Larry to work on my hair. It had been eight days since our brief diagnostic meeting. I was concerned that he wouldn't remember me. But he did. Larry remembered my hair, my problem, and my goals. He urged us to review them together to make certain. He proposed to do something he called low lights. He asked me if that was OK. I started to nod and then stopped myself. I admitted that I had no idea what low lights were. His explanation was sufficient. I wanted whatever he said. Then I removed my earrings, sipped my water, and leaned … [Read more...]

Colorful Consulting: Lessons from Larry

Today I learned about consulting from a surprising source. It began at lunch yesterday, when my usually positive pal Ellie remarked that my hair wasn’t looking so great. I think the word she used was listless. The cut was fine. But she wondered about the color. What was up with the color? In order to tell this story I have to admit that I’ve been throwing color at my hair for years. Recently, I’ve encouraged my stylist to use a bit less color, to help me transition to a more real me, a salt and pepper me. But it has been a few steps forward and then about the same number of steps backwards. Just when I think I am ready to let the … [Read more...]