Learning Leaders
In this edition, we are honoured to feature Bob Dick - a very humble and highly respected author, change consultant, academic and learning professional. We asked Bob 10 questions to share some insight on his strategies for success. To see Bob's responses - go to Learning Leaders.

What Customers Want From L&D
by Geoff Rip - ChangeLever International
I recently read a report by the UK-based Institute for Employment Studies entitled: "What Customers Want From HR: The views of line managers, senior managers and employees on HR services and the HR function." (September 2008).

The study was conducted in five organisations (retail, electronics, local government, health and the civil service). More than 100 customers of HR (managers and employees) participated in face-to-face discussions and over 840 completed a survey questionnaire.

As I was reading the report, it struck me that the findings were especially pertinent to L&D professionals. Click here for the list of the six main findings with 'L&D' substituted for 'HR'. See if these statements ring true for you?

Blended Learning
by Declan Byrne, DACG Ltd
This article looks at all the elements of the latest buzzword in corporate training - 'Blended Learning' and outlines an approach to use, so that traditional training methods can be mixed with technical solutions. In addition, it also highlights some of the pitfalls to avoid to ensure that optimum benefits and results can be achieved. To find out more - go to Blended Learning.

The TOOLBOX for CHANGE: A Practical Approach
by Bill Synnot & Rose Fitzgerald ($53.90 + postage)
Do you want your group to function more productively?
Do you suffer from un-productive "busyness"?
Do you want to be more creative in developing fresh approaches to handling challenges?
Do you want to be more competitive?
If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, this user friendly book gives practical tools for achieving effective change on any scale. Book Reviews | Click here for an order form

Learning Impact Calculator TM (click here)
How Much is Learning Worth? This interactive calculator (source: Fort Hill Company) will help you answer the following questions:
- How Much Value is Your Program Delivering Today?
- How Much More Value is Possible?

Whiteboard Pens
One of our readers requested information on good whiteboard/flipchart markers that do not bleed through the paper. We recommend Mr Sketch Scented Markers (12 non-toxic brilliant coloured and chisel tip) - available from HRD Central (click here), or Sharpie® Flip ChartTM Markers - (water-based, non-toxic ink, bullet tip with low odour available in assorted bold colours) - available from My Presentation Products (click here). If any reader can recommend other flipchart pens - please contact us.

Brain Teaser - Client Decision Process
You have a really odd client who informs you that the following decision process will be used to determine whether you win or lose a large and highly profitable contract.

Two papers - one with WIN and one with LOSE typed on it - have been folded and placed in a hat. You have to pick out one of the papers (without looking). If you choose the one with WIN written on it, you get the contract. Otherwise, a nasty competitor of yours will.

On this occasion, the nasty competitor quietly informs you that he has substituted the WIN paper with one with LOSE typed on it. You are not permitted to speak to anyone about this misdeed, nor are you in a position to switch the papers or the hat. How will you avoid losing the contract? Click here for the solution.

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AIPF's UPCOMING NETWORKING EVENTS

Measuring and Reporting Learning ROI with Dennis Hall FAIPF
Sydney - Tues 10 Feb 09
Proving the value of learning initiatives is not an easy task. There's so much to consider - like return-on-expectation, employee retention, performance improvement, client engagement and improved fee income, to name a few. Dennis will give you some valuable tips for measuring and reporting your learning return of investment to internal or external clients.

Financial Smarts for Learning Professionals with Geoff Rip FAIPF (ChangeLever)
Brisbane - Wed 11 Feb 09
As L&D professionals we need to be able to 'talk the language of business' and we need to be financially literate. Lack of financial acumen undermines our communication, effectiveness and credibility.

During this session, Geoff Rip will explain a simple yet comprehensive model of financial productivity from one of his most successful programs, whilst showing that learning finance can be fun. You will walk out with a practical understanding of financial performance and the ability to ask meaningful questions about financial priorities and performance.

Getting Started in WA
Perth - Tues 17 Feb 09
Kerry Brocks (Founder AIPF) would like to invite WA learning professionals to a networking evening to determine how AIPF can support your learning network with delivering professional development events and a range of tailored benefits. Please contact us for more information.

AIPF Networking Events are great opportunities to network with other learning practitioners as well as receive practical professional development.

For more information on any events or to book - go to Events | Registration Form

Leverage Your Health

The Leverage Your Health program is a good example of the approach we take to manage and maximise learning transfer and training effectiveness.

Before participants attend the two-day workshop, they identify health concerns and issues that they would like to address.

During the workshop there is a strong emphasis on application. Participants continually relate the 'bio-logical approach' to themselves (and their families). Two of the six sessions focus on action planning and participants leave with a self-managed transfer strategy.

After the workshop, participants access an online support site, which contains a variety of resources to assist them in achieving optimal health. These include: exercise guidelines, nutritional worksheets, calorie calculators, and healthy recipes.

In addition, client companies can follow-up with a 'cook-n-learn' session, at which the participants' new 'culinary' skills are reinforced and extended.

Click here for more information.

Here is just a snapshot of new member benefits we will be introducing in 2009

• Just in Time Training - noticeboard for Members to advertise their public programs
• Online shop for learning materials and resources
• A range of customised website templates for learning professionals
• More resources and development opportunities for Coaches
• A series of short facilitation workshops:
  - Facilitating Strategic Planning
  - Facilitating with Stories
  - Facilitating Decision Making

All suggestions for benefits are most welcome - please Contact Us.

For more information - please go to Member Benefits or Member Categories.

Protecting Learning & Development Professionals with great premiums for Professional Indemnity & Public Liability. Check out our great rates!