January 12th, 2010
There is no question that the demographics of the Canadian workplace are changing - in fact this is a world-wide phenomenon, not just a national one. As we move forward and our birth rate declines, our workplaces will be more and more dependent on non-traditional workers.
Check out the 6-minute video podcast that I just posted on this very topic - it’s on my YouTube Channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/janetstewartlussier
Enjoy!
PS: I’d love to hear your comments about how the demographics in YOUR workplace are changing!
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January 3rd, 2010
Check out the video podcast posted on my YouTube Channel - this one is on Communication Skills and walks you through the three typical styles of communication.
http://www.youtube.com/user/janetstewartlussier
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December 21st, 2009
Another great report published by the Canadian Council on Learning …
The authors of this report believe the concept of Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) has benefits ranging from promoting a society of learners to alleviating future labour shortages caused by Canada’s shrinking population.
This research report demonstrates how PLAR encourages the practice of lifelong learning, in particular among disadvantaged groups, including those with low levels of formal education.
Using composite narratives, the author explores the experiences of recent PLAR users as well as public educators, government, career counsellors and human resource personnel, and make recommendations for improved PLAR practices and policies.
Read the full report on the CCL website…
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December 18th, 2009
I’ve posted a “Better Customer Service” video podcast on YouTube - this one looks at the importance of both internal and external customer relationships and how to improve overall service in an organization. Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/janetstewartlussier
If you like this video, check out our one-day “Customer Service 101″ Workshop at http://www.letstalkteambuilding.com/workshops/customer_service_101.php
Enjoy!
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December 13th, 2009
I just launched a YouTube Channel and posted my first video podcast - check it out and let me know what you think! This one is on Communication Skills…
http://www.youtube.com/janetstewartlussier
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December 13th, 2009
So I’ve been to Alberta and I am back - and while I was there I received some exciting news…I’ve been elected by my peers to serve on the National Board of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers!
This is a huge honour…one that comes with a lot of work, but one that is also a terrific learning opportunity. CAPS is the “association of choice for experts who speak professionally”. I’ve been involved in my local (Ottawa) Chapter for years - having served as the Programming Director, President-Elect, President and Past-President over the past 4 years, but this move to the National Board is one that I think will really take my learning to a whole new level.
I’ll get the chance to be part of a dynamic team of colleagues from across Canada and my role, as the director of “Member Value” is sure to be one that will provide countless opportunities to connect with speakers, trainers and authors with a wide variety of topic expertise and experiences.
I want to launch a big “shout out of thanks” to everyone who has contributed to my career along the way. I’ve been priviledged to work at something that feels more like play than work for more than 22 years and I have absolutely NO intention of retiring - ever!
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November 26th, 2009
You might already know that I am a BIG proponent of vacationing! In fact, I try to turn just about every business trip into a family vacation. I can manage to do so because I also homeschool my son which gives us complete freedom to travel the world as we wish…and because I have the support of my Mum who always has her suitcase packed and is ready to go along for the ride!
So what’s my point? Take time to enjoy your life!
It’s easy to get so tied up in your work and the myriad of tasks that must be completed every day that it is easy to forget to live. You don’t have to book a cabin in the rockies just to enjoy time with your family - it could be as simple as going out for ice cream or taking time to go for a bicycle ride with your child. Whatever it is and whatever you can fit into your schedule - do it…you don’t get a second chance to live your life!
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November 23rd, 2009
You may remember that (in addition to my existing businesses) I have recently taken over as the Business Manager of my long-standing family business, Brian Stewart Racing. For years, my Dad has taken a very traditional approach to hiring drivers for the team - he waited for an interested person to come along and ask (and pay) to drive one of our high-performance Indy Lights racing cars.
Well now that I am at the helm of the business, we are taking a new approach and last weekend, he and I conducted behaviour based interviews with three potential drivers. Doing so allowed us to reveal and evaluate important information about each of them - their driving skills, the quality of their communication and teamwork skills which are critical in working with mechanics, engineers and driving coaches, as well as their “saleability” to sponsors. It was a first for our team, but a highly successful approach that I am certain will yield a high return. As a result, we made an offer to one of the drivers we interviewed - I’ll let you know how it goes - you might just see him on the grid of the Firestone Indy Lights series in 2010!
Posted in Skills and Tools, Uncategorized | No Comments »
November 18th, 2009
I recently came across this report by Lillie Lum of York University…
Overview
Recent research suggests that internationally educated professionals (IEPs) continue to experience high levels of underemployment and unemployment, a situation which will not alleviate the growing demand for skilled professionals in Canada. IEPs represent a multidisciplinary group of skilled immigrants who received their professional licensure outside of Canada. Bridging education programs were developed with a view to assisting IEPs in overcoming knowledge and skills gaps in order to facilitate access to professional employment. Although these programs have been operational for a number of years in Canada, they have been less successful than anticipated.
There has been little research exploring the learning experiences of IEPs enrolled in professional bridging education programs. This research identified effective educational approaches and strategies which complement IEP learner styles and preferences and promote academic success and successful employment.
Read the Executive Summary on the CCL website.
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October 28th, 2009
Canadian workers with disabilities have a particularly challenging time accessing training and education in the workplace. According to Statistics Canada, more than 14% of Canadians live with a disability.
The Canadian Council on Learning recently released a report called Strategies for Overcoming Barriers to Training and Education for Canadians with Disabilities.
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