25Aug 2010 by Melanie Wass No Comments

Are Older Workers Being Trained?

General
I was conducting a new program yesterday and in one of the sessions a common theme emerged from a number of the groups during an exercise. Ageism. In discussing the issue with a number of participants they firmly held the belief that their organisation discriminated (consciously or unconsiously) against older members of the team. I have had lots of anecdotal evidence like this but have rarely come across evidentiary support. Well, here it is: A labour force survey in the Europe demonstrates that older workers do not receive similar levels of training as their younger counterparts. The question is "why?".  Some reasons were given but the category of 21% "Other Reasons" begs further investigation. I know of a number of people who get called for interviews but regularly miss out…
Read More
13Jul 2010 by Melanie Wass No Comments

Motivating People

Productivity
Daniel Pink is brilliant in this exposition of what motivates people. And the graphic facilitation is way cool, too. So, if we know this stuff, why do we keep sticking to the old paradigms thinking they will work? We have to get the message out there. Use some of that strategic planning time to look at the proven research and work out how to apply it to our businesses rather than stick with what we think we know (and learned at uni twenty years ago based on what research said fifty years before that!). I agree with Pink. Obviously, as Herzberg said, remove money as a dissatisfier first. Then, how can we engage people by helping them to satisfy their sense of Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose?
Read More
12Jul 2010 by Melanie Wass No Comments

Grants and Scholarships And More

Newsletter
  Calling all Regional and Rural people.  Here is an outstanding opportunity to apply for a comprehensive and proven Leadership Development program. It’s run over 17 months and is not for the faint-hearted but looks like a brilliant program to enable you to build your leadership skills in ways which will benefit the rural and regional communities of Australia. Get all the info here: http://www.rural-leaders.com.au/ – click on the ad or the ‘Programs’ tab.  Hurry – applications close 31 July. Hint – see if you can contact past attendees for tips on applying  great way to network as well.   If you’re after something a little more environmental… Community Action Grants are open. They aim to help community groups take action to conserve and protect their natural environment.  Proposals are…
Read More
07Jul 2010 by Melanie Wass No Comments

Universal HR

General
These days, many of us are interacting on an international level. Sometimes that can provide challenges when the standard English translation dictionary doesn’t have  an equivalent for something like ‘learning curve’.   Problem now solved!   Here is a specific translator for Human Resources and Payroll terms.  It can be a godsend for those who are struggling to make sense of converting English.   You can even download the lexicon by alphabet letter if you need a physical reference at hand and can’t access the internet – may be handy to take on your next overseas jaunt.   http://www.lexicon.adp.com/
Read More