David Kelly’s Curated L&D Content for the Week of 11/12/18

This week’s curated content includes links exploring the following:

  • A great example of using a tool beyond its assumed intent
  • Why the systems of culture of an organization can overpower any training program
  • Why stories may be the key to changing people’s behaviors about the flu shot
  • How China is using AI to create digital news anchors, and why we should be concerned
  • The key change management question that we need to ask about learning
  • Research about “heavy learning” and what it means for your own professional development

How I built a conference app using Articulate Storyline by Tracy Parish
I share this post for a few reasons. First, it’s a pretty cool project. Second, it’s a great example of someone working out loud and sharing how they built something. Last, and most important for me, is that this is a great example of someone looking past the perceived constraints of what a tool is for and exploring what it can really do.

The System Always Wins by Mark Britz
L&D professionals often live in a world of “training”, which can easily alter the lens through which we see our work. The reality is that our work is just on force that can impact and influence a change in behavior in those we support. This post explores one of the more powerful forces that can affect the outcomes of a change initiative: the system of the organization itself.

The Flu Shot Needs Fewer Stats and More Stories by Maryn McKenna
This story is worthy of a read based solely on the merits of its content, especially as we enter another flu season. But I don’t share the article here to encourage you to get a flu shot (though you should); I share it as a case study of a basic principle that can be applied to your approach to building learning programs. People don’t generally connect with data; they connect with stories. This article explores that concept within the context of why people do not get a flu shot every season.

China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency debuts ‘AI anchor’ to read the news by Matt Binder
Artificial intelligence is a rapidly emerging and evolving technology. The possibilities of AI can be both exciting and frightening. This post exists at that intersection. The ability for AI to create a lifelike avatar that can read the news is amazing. however, it also brings up ethical questions. As AI continues to emerge into more areas (including L&D), we must ask ourselves not just the technical questions on how, but also the ethical questions about how it should be used.

If You Want to Get Better at Something, Ask Yourself These Two Questions by Peter Bregman
Learning is, from a simplified point of view, change. We’re shifting from one place of knowledge or skills to a place where that knowledge and skill set is deeper. In order to change, there’s a degree of pain needed as we move into an uncomfortable space. This discomfort is needed in learning as well, as the story of this post explores.

New Research Shows “Heavy Learners” More Confident, Successful, and Happy at Work by Josh Bersin
This post provides takeaways from research exploring the relationship between how much time someone dedicates to learning, and how engaged they are in their work. The results themselves aren’t overly surprising, but as you read this article and look at the data, ask yourself a simple question: Do YOU qualify as a heavy learner based on the criteria being shared?

How to help those in California…

Over the past week catastrophic wildfires have devastated parts of California, with thousands of homes and buildings destroyed, and dozens of people losing their lives. While some progress has been made in fighting these fires, the effects of this disaster will be with those affected for weeks, months, and years to come. Thousands of people lost everything and will need help.

There are a number of ways that people can provide assistance; a comprehensive list of options is available in this article from The New York Times.

If we all help a little, we can make a big difference.

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