By Laurie Ferrari
“It is possible to have too much of a good thing.” – Aesop – Years ago, my son was telling my niece a funny – but somewhat long – story. He suddenly stopped and asked, “Are you even listening to me?” And she responded quite simply, “I’ve lost interest.” I think this is how many people feel about a lot of mandatory employee training and professional development. With training, I think two issues are “too” common:
The solution is simple:
Many businesses invest in employee training because it can increase staff motivation and enhance their skills. But it’s only worthwhile if the employees see the value. And if they “lose interest?” The potential gain becomes a loss. When it comes to training, it’s quality that counts – not quantity. “Less is more only when more is too much.” – Frank Lloyd Wright – By Laurie Ferrari
“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” – Confucius – Though I now work as an Instructional Designer, I spent nearly 30 years teaching high school mathematics. As cliché-ish as it might sound, it really was a rewarding career. But at some point every year, one of my students would ask, “When will I ever have to know this?” To be fair, quite often this question would arise during our unit on “imaginary numbers.” And if you’re not planning to be an electrical engineer, a quantum physicist, or a math teacher, I guess the real answer is, “Maybe never.” But each year when this question was posed, I would talk about learning with my students and how we should value the opportunity to learn – relatively easily, I might add – what our predecessors and ancient mathematicians discovered. Is “knowledge for the sake of knowledge” a bad thing? These are the four possibilities:
And just because something is not enjoyable doesn’t mean it’s not good for you. I mean, you might not like going to the dentist, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. So even if learning – or the training your employer provides – doesn’t seem gratifying at the time, at least appreciate the opportunity. “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” – Aristotle – July is filled with festivities – parades, barbeques, and fireworks galore! With $1.09 billion spent on fireworks in 2015 –$755 million dollars was spent in the consumer firework market (according to the American Pyrotechnics Association).
So what are consumer fireworks? Consumer fireworks are those that average citizens use. Examples include Sparklers, Bottle Rockets, Firecrackers, Roman Candles, etc. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, in 2015, the United States consumer fireworks market used 260.7 million pounds. That’s A LOT of fireworks! Did you know… Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year? These fires cause an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and $43 million in direct property damage (National Fire Protection Agency). In 2015, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 11,900 people in the U.S. were treated at hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries? 51% of those injuries were to the extremities and 41% to the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for one-quarter (26%) of the estimated 2015 injuries. More fires are reported on July 4 than any other day of the year? What can you do to stay safe? It is important to practice safety measures when using fireworks. Here are some recommended safety tips from the National Council for Firework Safety:
Summertime in the state of Michigan is the best time of the year to get out and ride your bike! Rather it be for commuting to work, staying in shape, sightseeing or joyriding, nearly 66.5 million cyclists and bike riders hit the road in the United States in 2016 (according to statista.com).
While biking can be one of the most enjoyable recreational activities of summer it is important to take precautions when you ride. According to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA), 840 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2016. Even if you are a veteran cyclist, it’s always good to review the fundamentals. In order to ensure cyclists, bike riders, and automobile drivers have a safe and happy summer here are 5 tips for bicycle safety this summer!
For more information on how to find a helmet that fits and other bicycle safety topics – check out the resources below!
As a 50-something HR and training professional, who’s worked as an instructional systems designer for the past 20 years, I love giving career advice. Actually, I love giving all sorts of advice to people. I mean, I’ve been around the block a time or two and pretty much have life figured out. Right. Whatever. So, allow me to share what life has taught me about the role of instructional systems design. You ready? Wait for it…here it comes…instructional design may not be for you! Can you believe it?! What kind of article is this? Who spends 20 years of their life in a career and then openly writes to tell people that they may want to avoid it? What kind of kooky logic is that? I’m not sure, but I do know that you’re going to want to steer clear of the ISD field if you don’t want to…
So there you have it - reasons to avoid the field of ISD. Or not. If nothing else, I’ve given you some food for thought. Tongue-in-cheek aside, the next time you’re contemplating a career choice or a job change, consider the world of instructional design. You may be surprised at how rewarding and personally fulfilling it is. |
AuthorJulie Gieraltowski Archives
August 2023
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