This week I experienced the vicarious power of learning.

Does this sound familiar, “times are tough, we had to let people go, we had to cut our training budgets, morale has taken the inevitable dive, staff engagement is low” and, people are stressed. These are almost the exact words a client of mine told me about their business after I finished facilitating an introductory presentation skills workshop. This was the third workshop in a series of four over a two month period. I’ve been encouraged by the enthusiasm and participation of the people attending.

I learned from the client that there has been positive feedback about the program; participants are learning skills and enjoying the experience. The client also commented that the program is providing benefits beyond the skills that they are learning. Benefits that they did not anticipate. Participants are demonstrating renewed energy in the workplace, increased communication and connection across the business, and a general lifting of the mood. Needless to say a very happy client.

So the message here is that in ‘downtimes’, even the smallest investment in learning and development can deliver returns beyond expectations.

Food for thought?

With all the negative business sentiment out there at the moment, starting on the “To Do” list can sometimes be a challenge in itself. Here is a simple technique that will elevate your mood to tackle what is in front of you for the day. Be grateful. Based on empirical research, people that write down 3 things they were grateful  for each day (Martin Seligman), or once a week (Sonja Lyobomirsky) for 6 weeks, not only boost their mood for that period, but
up to 6 months later. So here is how you can turbo charge your “To Do” list. Prior to completing your list of things to do, spend a couple Things I am grateful for of minutes reflecting on things you are grateful for right now. Write them down on your list. Now complete the list and get on with it. Trust me it works. Have a great day.