Fall is such an exciting season of the year. The crisp air in the morning is so refreshing and the colors of the leaves so beautiful. It’s a time of the year that we are reminded of changes all around us. The colors give way to leaves releasing and covering the ground and places once hidden by the thickness of the foliage becomes visible in a new way. When the changes catch our eye and we are intent on looking around at the ‘newness’ of the moment, we catch some pretty spectacular views that inspire, motivate, and inform us about our environment and how we may make the most of it.
It reminds me of our personal and professional development, of self and others. We face changes in seasons, both in work and life, where the environment and the needs of the environment become different. While reflecting on what is occurring, do we see the ‘newness’ waiting to be explored and the renewal of horizons that may bring spectacular futures? I find it important in these times to invest in the development of knowledge, skills, and abilities that create new possibilities in the new environment and strengthen overall effectiveness.
As learning and performance (training) professionals, we have a wonderful opportunity to guide the development of those we serve. Are we helping them catch a glimpse of the beautiful colors of hope and gain new insights about their performance to help them transition through their current season of work and life? For most, we don’t “fall” into meaningful learning during transitions; we need intentional and purposeful action, along with guidance and encouragement by our training colleagues.
Christopher Giles is the Manager of Development and Performance for ORAU in Oak Ridge, TN. In this position, he oversees the professional development and performance management for the Department of Energy’s ORISE contract, as well as ORAU Corporate. He has a BS degree in Human Resource Development from the University of Tennessee.
Amanda Smith, PHR, SHRM-CP, is the Senior HR Generalist at Centrus Energy Corp. She has over 10 years’ HR experience in the Oak Ridge area. Prior to moving to the East Tennessee area, Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Tennessee Technological University and a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. She has been an active member in local and national HR organization including service as a board member for the Oak Ridge HR Association. As a generalist, Amanda has developed training programs, conducted training sessions, and evaluated program effectiveness on HR related topics.
AJ Bussell is the Training Program Lead at Centrus Energy Corp. serving as a Senior Training and Development Leader with extensive experience working with all organizational levels creating, promoting, and delivering training solutions designed to support the organization’s business plan. AJ received a B.S. degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College, and since that time served in the United States Navy and the civilian sector. His background includes various leadership roles and management experiences in project management, operational planning, training, course development, and occupational health. AJ is a former Naval Instructor and currently certified as a DiSC trainer. Also, he currently serves as VP of Public Relations for TIC Talk Toastmasters Club located in Oak Ridge.
Beverly Pope is a SHRM certified professional. She has been a national member of the Society of Human Resources Management for nine years and is an active member of the local Tennessee Valley Chapter. In her most recent position, she was responsible for onboarding, training and development, performance management, employee retention, benefits management, and employee relations. Beverly holds a B.S in Sociology from Middle Tennessee University and a M.B.A. with an emphasis in Human Resources Management from the University of Phoenix. She currently resides in Maryville, TN.
In its second year, this spirited and fast-paced competition is your opportunity to claim your bragging rights as a skilled throw-down champion. Share your best tools and techniques while you present on the topic of ENGAGEMENT. The winner will be selected by chapter members and guests in attendance during this lunch meeting, December 18.
Last year’s title holder, Linda Blocksom, from the University of Tennessee, describes her experience, “The Throw-Down Competition at ATD last year was great fun! All of the presentations were creative and well done. I was honored to be chosen as the winner among such talented colleagues.”
|
Exciting things are happening at the Association for Talent Development (formerly ASTD) in the Smoky Mountain Chapter. We have just this year installed a new board of directors, changed our meeting schedule to accommodate more attendees, begun the initiative to involve students in the chapter, and conducted five programs that have been well attended by current, new, and returning members. We want you to come back to a revitalized ATD Chapter.
Our meetings are the 3rd Friday of each month at 11:30 at Rothchild's Banquet and Catering in West Knoxville (8807 Kingston Pike). We are typically done by 1:00 so you can get an early start on the weekend or get back to work with most of the afternoon to wrap up your week or get a head start on the next week. While our jobs are primarily focused on the development of others we cannot forget our own development. Engagement with ATD can revitalize you, give you access to premiere sources of training and development information, prospective employees, and learning events.
We look forward to seeing you at the next ATD meeting. |
In working in a struggling economy in the recent years, there has been the need for what I call “creative development”. The type of development that doesn’t require travel, an expense account, registration fees or per diem. Plainly put, this is development on a shoe-string budget. This is a challenging concept but one that OD professionals have adapted to in the recent past. So, how can you offer development to your entire team (fairness) at the same time (alignment) with minimum financial impact (cost)? Starting a staff book club may be the answer. For several years, I’ve had the pleasure of leading a team of professionals through the development phase of their career with this approach. Depending on the organizational goals of the company as well as the foundational competencies of the team, I compile a list of 4-5 book options and ask the team to vote. The book receiving the most votes wins. Each team member receives a copy along with a prescribed reading schedule for the next 8-12 weeks. 20 minutes is set aside each week for the team members to discuss their reactions, findings and observations to the assignment. At the end of the book, the team chooses one area, either personal or business, in need of improvement and applies a new concept from the book. Each team member then provides updates on their progress for the remainder of the year. Over the years, my team has covered a variety of topics ranging from the algorithms of technology to how love works in corporate America. In turn, I’ve been exposed to concepts and ideas that wouldn’t ordinarily interest me but have certainly broadened my perspective on business and increased my capacity for the unknown. As Plato once said, “Necessity is the mother of invention”. What development tools have you invented during these lean times?
Cindy’ is interested in your comments and responses. Please send responses toPresident@smokymountainATD.org
__________________________________________________________________
Join us for a dynamic discussion of Individual Development Plans on May 15! Linda Blocksom , of the University of Tennessee will present “The Wisdom and Tragedy of Individual Development Plans” during our next monthly meeting. Linda is the winner of the first ever Smoky Mountain Chapter Trainers Throw-Down!
Individual Development Plans (IDPs) have long been the trellis beneath which we plant the future with our employees, providing a framework to help them achieve professional growth. And then what? Once the document is complete, how do we ensure that the plan is carried out? Is it the employee's responsibility to follow-up, or is it yours? And more importantly, should we have even created a plan in the first place? In this compelling session, we'll discuss the wisdom that supports a great IDP and the tragedy that occurs when plans are created for employees who don't need them. Finally, some great examples of solid IDP templates will be shared.
Networking and lunch will be available, starting at 11:30 a.m., and the program begins promptly at noon. Let us know of any dietary restrictions upon check-in at the registration desk.
Register at http://www.astdsmokymountain.org/event-1910148
__________________________________________________________________________
ATD Memphis is proud to present two e-learning events in May!
Have you heard? We’re changing our name to ATD Smoky Mountain Chapter to align with ATD National, the Association for Talent Development. In May 2014, ATD National announced the decision to change to keep up with the growing global nature, expanding diversity, influence, and impact of our profession. ATD recognizes the training and development profession has transformed as T&D professionals’ roles have become much broader and deeper. Today’s T&D professionals are responsible for a wider scope and have a greater impact on talent development. Stay tuned for how the national association and our local chapter demonstrate how our work stretches far beyond training.
Have you checked out our Member Connections page? Business owner or consultant members can find new clients and grow their business by joining the Member Connections Network. We’re helping members connect with others who have training needs by offering advertising opportunities at no cost. Whether you have a training need or can offer services, check out the areas of expertise listed. ATD Smoky Mountain Chapter does not endorse or guarantee the work of any specific business.
Your Board of Directors is also available to you. Board members may be able to present at members’ organizations for up to one hour on specific topics, at no cost, based on their availability. Review the areas of expertise listed to determine which Board member(s) to contact regarding topical needs for your organization.
This year, we have been offering lunch as well as dinner meetings to better serve your needs for flexibility at our new location: Rothchild’s Catering and Conference Center. This variety has proven quite successful, with equal average attendance at both afternoon and evening sessions. Let us know what you think. Do you have a preference? Check out some of the upcoming programming options for the rest of the year, below.
Get ready for this year’s organizational visit to Dollywood! Slots are filling quickly and space is limited. The day promises to be full of information, including a behind-the-scenes look at how Dollywood does training and organizational development. Note, the park will be closed, so a private tour of some of the operations will be available for those able to stay a little longer after the main meeting and lunch. This is an additional option, included in the event for those who are interested and have time available.
October's session is a full-day workshop on cultivating high performance workplaces. Join Terry Crow, president of Starfish Performance Consultants, for a dynamic session. Learn how to inspire, motivate, and equip staff to help them contribute their best and develop their full potential.
Take advantage of Early Bird registration for the discounted rate. Hurry...the offer expires September 30 before the rates go up!
If so, get ready for the end-of-year Trainer Throw-down! The ATD Smoky Mountain Chapter is excited to host the first ever Smoky Mountain Trainer Throw-down. This December, we will have a fast-paced and fun competition for trainers during our evening program. Five trainers will be selected to compete and will have the opportunity to win a $100 VISA gift card. The winner will be selected by audience members based on originality, entertainment, learning value, and engagement.
We are in the final stages of planning a study group, just in time for the November/December testing window. Sessions will be led by seasoned Board Members who have all passed the certification exam. We will be reaching out by email to all who have expressed interest in participating, but it is not too late to let us know if you would like to join.
We encourage you to tweet during meetings, comment on Facebook or LinkedIn posts, or start a conversation like some already have! Frequent posters can win a gift card during a monthly meeting.
Evening Meetings Offered in 2014
March kicked off evening offerings of our monthly meetings. Several evening meetings will be offered throughout the year to provide more flexibility for you to attend a meeting. Joseph Bunch, ASTD Smoky Mountain Chapter President, was the speaker for the first evening meeting of the year. Joseph shared the 3 Bs of Management: Beauty, Brains, and Brawn and challenged the audience to think about our own "beauty, brains, and brawn."
|
Education Scholarship Going Strong Tusculum College President, Nancy Moody, thanked the ASTD Smoky Mountain Chapter last quarter for our commitment to support Tusculum College and higher education with an annual $1,000 scholarship. Scholarships are awarded to students in degree programs that concentrate on workplace learning and performance. Presentations by the Board of Directors Did you know members of the Board may be available to present at your organization for up to one hour on specific areas of expertise at no cost to you? Topics include:
|
Several Chapter members have expressed an interest in participating in a CPLP study group. The Board of Directors is evaluating the possibility of offering a study group soon. Stay tuned for more information! The exam and work product requirements have changed to align with the new ASTD competency model. If you are interested, contact the VP of Communications and Marketing.
|
|
Membership Renewal Extension Announced
ASTD has extended the deadline for chapter members to join or renew until March 31, 2014, at 2013 rates and to receive the automatic upgrade to Professional Plus membership. We are happy to continue to offer this upgrade to Professional Plus level at the Professional rate as long as a member renews before expiring. Beginning in 2014, national ASTD will offer members two expanded tiers of membership: Professional and Professional Plus. Professional and Professional Plus members will now receive access to even more online resources, including Infoline, e-books, and Community of Practice premium content. Members with an active national membership on January 1, 2014, will be upgraded to the top tier of membership (Professional Plus) at no additional cost. Members can maintain their Professional Plus level at the new Professional rate as long as they renew their membership before it expires. Additionally, discounted membership rates will continue to be offered to chapter members and chapter board members through March 31, 2014. |
Did you know Employee Learning Week (ELW) is this week? Training is more important now than ever before. The growing skills gap and increased need to compete in today's economy require organizations to develop a knowledgeable and highly skilled workforce. ASTD established ELW as an annual awareness campaign highlighting the important connection between learning and achieving organizational results. ASTD research shows that organizations continue to invest in growing the knowledge and skills of their workforce. “Increasingly, business leaders realize that the most important asset in our knowledge economy is talent, and a skilled workforce is the key to realizing results. We encourage all organizations to demonstrate their commitment to learning by recognizing Employee Learning Week,” says Tony Bingham, ASTD President and CEO. Let us know what your organization is doing!Featured ASTD Publication of the Month How to Animate E-Learning With PowerPoint--No, Really! Believe it or not, the next big revolutionary tool in e-learning is something you probably already haveundefinedPowerPoint. This tool has developed a bad rap from presenters and participants over the yearsundefinedbut the problem is that many of us have been using it all wrong. In the 2nd edition of the popular, Better Than Bullet Points, Jane Bozarth sheds light on how to use PowerPoint to create dynamic e-learning experiences, proving it's more than bullet points and a humdrum presentation tool.Learn More. |
New ASTD Learning System for CPLP Are you interested in participating in a CPLP study group? The exam and work product requirements have changed to align with the new ASTD competency model, and new learning materials are available for chapters that are forming study groups. If you are interested, contact the VP of Communications and Marketing. |
|
100 Likes! That is our goal. We're social, and we want you to know it! Help us spread the word and achieve our goal of 100 likes by Halloween...here's how: |
New National Membership Levels Are Coming
Beginning in 2014, national ASTD will offer members two expanded tiers of membership: Professional and Professional Plus. Professional and Professional Plus members will now receive access to even more online resources, including Infoline, e-books, and Community of Practice premium content. Members with an active national membership on January 1, 2014, will be upgraded to the top tier of membership (Professional Plus) at no additional cost. 2013 ASTD Board Chair further explains the membership changes in his letter to ASTD Members. ASTD brings you the latest content and trends in the field, designed to equip you to take your career to the next level. T+D magazine’s interviews and articles, professional development webcasts by leading experts, whitepapers on ASTD’s latest research, and targeted content in our Communities of Practice are member benefits. Ready to expand your knowledge and network? ASTD members receive huge discounts on learning events like ASTD TechKnowledge® and the ASTD International Conference & Exposition, as well as ASTD Education programs delivered face-to-face and online. |
Upcoming Webcasts Have you checked out ourASTD Education page lately? Loads of learning opportunities are available to members online. Welcome to Our New ASTD Baby! VP of Programs, Rebecca Alcorn, and her husband welcomed baby Catherine Louise on September 30. Mom and baby are doing well. |
Area Chapter Announces Day of Learning Conference The Charlotte Area Chapter is proud to announce their upcoming Day of Learning conference on December 4. The planning committee is working hard on their program to put together content that will highlight the important connection between learning and organizational results. |
Tuition Contest From Our Meeting Location Sponsor For the 4th year in a row, King University and WIVK are offering one person FREE tuition to complete a Bachelor degree. This is a great opportunity so please share it with your contacts. It’s that simple and someone’s life could be changed for the better.
The contest runs from October 1 - 27, 2013, and the winner will be announced at live radio remote at the Hardin Valley campus on November 7, 2013. To sign up or find more details, please visithttp://degreeofsuccess.king. |
ASTD Publication of the Month Looking for sage leadership advice? Leading With Wisdom draws on the experiences of more than 100 respected leaders, concentrating their advice into eight practices that underpin what it means to be a connected, engaged, and successful leader. Get insights from heavyweights, including Warren Bennis, Peter Senge, Stephen Covey, Marshall Goldsmith, Peter Block, and Margaret Wheatley. A great fit for anyone in a leadership role, this read gives leaders the tools to synthesize their best qualities into their tasks and roles as leaders. Visit online here to learn more about Leading With Wisdom, and to preview the first chapter. Use 4080, our unique Chapter Incentive Program (ChIP) code at checkout in the ASTD Store to earn money for our chapter! |
ASTD Student Scholarships Available ASTD is proud to offer students the opportunity to further their professional development by applying for a membership scholarship started by John W. Coné, former ASTD Board Chair.
Visit the ASTD Students webpage for eligibility criteria and online application.
|
Summer is almost over, and lots is happening at ASTD Smoky Mountain Chapter!
Beat the Heat Summer Sizzle Going Strong! Have you been thinking of how you're going to win some ASTD swag? From June to August, here's all you need to do for a chance to win:
The drawing will be held during the annual learning event in September! |
We're Gearing Up for Our Annual Event...
The Creative Trainer:
Make Your Learning Events Sizzle
Bob Lucas, of Robert W. Lucas Enterprises, Inc., is coming to town! September 11 will be a full day of learning with an internationally known author, trainer, and president of Creative Presentation Resources, Inc. Many trainers believe they are not creative and say things like, “I’m just not a creative person,” “I don’t know where to get creative ideas,” or “I’ve never been good at creative thinking.” If this sounds like you and you'd like to explore concepts related to creative training, come out to this interactive event! Get some advance tips from Mr. Lucas:
Did You Know? Chamber of Commerce Opportunities Members of the ASTD Smoky Mountain Chapter can take advantage of many networking opportunities available through the Oak Ridge and Knoxville Chambers of Commerce. Just mention your connection to the ASTD Smoky Mountain Chapter for discounts or special invitations to chamber events. |
News from Tusculum College The ASTD Smoky Mountain Chapter is proud to support Tusculum College with an annual scholarship for an eligible student in the Master of Arts in Education - Human Resource Development program studying at the Knoxville campus. The 2012-2013 recipient of this year's annual scholarship is Senior Master Sergeant Andrew Traugot of the U.S. Air Force! He is the Enlisted Professional Military Education Director of Education, Satellite Enlisted Professional Military Education, at the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base. Senior Master Sergeant Traugot is responsible for the management and supervision of the staff and students for the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy and Airmen Leadership School Curriculum for students participating in the satellite programs. We offer our congratulations to Senior Master Sergeant Andrew Traugot! Are You a National Member? Seven New Tools for You! Members have exclusive access to interactive job aids, checklists, and assessments, only available by logging in to the ASTD National website.
|
President's Corner![]() New Chapter Mission & Vision As of May 1, ASTD Smoky Mountain Chapter has new mission and vision statements. These statements were developed after a year of strategy discussions based on emerging trends in learning and performance. Many chapter members were involved in these strategy discussions, led by Past President Bryon Ownby. Using Bryon’s work, a small subgroup composed of Joseph Bunch, Amparo Atencio and myself, developed the new statements. The statements were then approved by the Board of Directors and presented to the membership in attendance at our April chapter meeting. The new mission and vision are better aligned with the ASTD National mission and vision and were strongly influenced by emerging trends in our industry as well as the statements developed by other ASTD chapters. I’m happy to announce the new statements: Chapter Vision: To create a community that champions workplace learning and performance in East Tennessee. Chapter Mission: To empower professionals to positively impact business results through exceptional workplace learning and performance. These statements will guide our chapter strategy and initiatives going forward. Our vision is the future state we’re driving toward – and our mission is how we intend to get there. We invite you to join us on this journey! Are there programs or initiatives you’d like to see? Contact me at president@astdsmokymountain. |
What IS the Backchannel? The backchannel is an excellent resource! Attendees at our monthly luncheon meetings can share learning points with their Twitter followers who are not able to attend the meeting. During the meeting, attendees can expand on the learning by tweeting their own reflections about what they have learned. The value of the backchannel is in the sharing. All that is needed is a smartphone, laptop, or tablet. Simply use the hashtag #astdsmoky or mention @astdsmokymtn in your tweet. |
Robert Lucas is Coming Save the date! September 11, 2013 This year's full-day workshop will feature Robert Lucas, a published author and spirited blogger. He will present a dynamic and interactive session on "The Creative Trainer: Brain-Based Strategies to Make Learning Events Sizzle." Get a sneak peak of Mr. Lucas' strategies for enhancing learning environments, or join his networks online.
More information will be announced soon!
|
The membership has spoken, and the new Board is seated. Say hello at any Chapter function, or send an email if you have any specific questions.
Read Chapter Leader biographies here.
Looking Ahead
Save the date! September 11, 2013 Plans are already underway for this year's full-day workshop, coming in September! Robert Lucas is a published author and spirited blogger. He will present a dynamic and interactive session on "The Creative Trainer: Brain-Based Strategies to Make Learning Events Sizzle." Join Mr. Lucas' networks online: |