training – Nathan Magnuson

9 Ways Learning Events Can Flop

February 6, 2017 Learning

As a talent development professional, I’ve been privileged to lead, observe and participate in many types of learning and training events. I’m often invited by vendors to sit in on their training in the hopes I’ll make a purchase. I can say firsthand there are some amazing learning events out…

What You Need to Understand About Adult Learning Theory

August 1, 2016 Learning Organizational Effectiveness

Picture yourself attending two training sessions. In the first, you sit quietly in your row as the instructor lectures on the benefits, nuances and applications of the topic. In the second session, you sit at a table with a group of peers as a facilitator introduces the topic, elicits several responses…

How to Host a Productive Generational Conversation

July 4, 2016 Human Resources Organizational Effectiveness

A decade ago, American organizations were largely unaware of the predicament they faced. The initial wave of Baby Boomers (many of whom occupied senior leadership roles) was set to begin a mass retirement. Many organizations were completely unprepared. Then something curious happened. The recession hit and many would-be retirees stuck around. In one…

How to Deliver a Leadership Event that Sticks

May 2, 2016 Human Resources Learning Organizational Effectiveness

I’m constantly surprised at what passes for “leadership training” these days. Then I remember that most leaders work in business operations and their involvement is often extracurricular. I’ve also noted how easily many business operators are impressed with the leadership development support that comes their way. It’s almost as if the simple fact that…

The 5 SOF Truths of Leadership

July 22, 2013 Leadership Learning Organizational Effectiveness Personal Effectiveness

When I joined the military in my early twenties, I wasn’t quite sure what “Special Operations Forces” (SOF) meant, but it didn’t take long for my new community to educate me. Some of our hardcore “green beret” colleagues operated as independent four man teams conducting unconventional warfare operations. My role in Civil Affairs…

Powerful Question #2

February 6, 2013 Powerful Questions

Everyone has development experiences throughout their life and career outside of formal training programs (school, professional certifications, etc.) that impact the way they perform as a person, professional, and a leader. What’s one of the richest leadership development experiences you’ve ever had and how has it helped shape your leadership…

Leadership Profile: Dale Carnegie

February 4, 2013 Influence Inspiration Leadership Leadership Profiles Personal Effectiveness

I don’t have too many claims to fame, but occasionally I like to tell people that I grew up in the same town as Dale Carnegie: Belton, MO. Ironically, I had to travel to the opposite side of the globe before I invested the time to read what I have since considered…

New Employee Onboarding: The Honeymoon Phase

October 8, 2012 Human Resources Organizational Effectiveness

Dan Miller estimates that the average job lasts about 3.7 years. If your career experience has been at all typical, this means you’ve probably gotten the chance to “onboard” as a new employee many times. The new employee onboarding process can be an adventure, for sure. On one end of…