One recent LinkedIN discussion that drew a lot of interest asked “Why do we use Training Games?” So many people liked and commented, that I wanted to synthesize the conversation and pull out the highlights. Whether you’re using games to improve communication and listening skills,...
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As a designer of conversation starter tools, which I’m proud to say have been wonderfully received, I have some strong feelings about what makes a good icebreaker question and what simply fails to inspire sharing. If you’re hoping to weed through the millions of discussion-starter questi...
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On a recent LinkedIN Conversation in the Effective and Fun Training Techniques group, Jason Hughes asked for some recommended icebreakers, energizers, tips or tools for the face-to-face training of his small team, who generally already know each other. Often, he trains just a couple people at a time...
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Stress management is a frequent topic on LinkedIn and so many have shared their wonderful exercises and activities. Here are some that stood out as most “liked.” Stress Management Activities Stress for Success Straw Activity Start Talking! Stress Management Thumball Consider the Conseque...
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Those of us who are conflict-averse hate difficult conversations. It’s no wonder that experts have started calling them “Courageous Conversations.” What makes them hard is: Uncertainty about how others will react Fear of it getting out of control Discomfort about opening a can of worms with no...
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As the mother of a Middle-School boy, I keenly appreciate the need of students to be able to move around during class — especially with so many schools doing away with recess and cutting lunch short. Kim Marshall who edits the Marshall Memo, summarized this great article “Get Your Studen...
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Last week, as a member of the National E-tailing and Mailing Organization of America (NEMOA), I conducted a breakfast roundtable for a group of small business owners. Typically at breakfast roundtables, you sit with one table of eight to ten people and stay there for the duration of the event. You...
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I’m surprised when I talk to college students and professors these days and hear that lectures are still a common method of instruction. This week, however, I came across two sources that challenge the old tradition. The first was a study of Astro 101 (that is, Introductory Astrology) ...
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Although Trainers Warehouse doesn’t focus on many content-specific board games, I’ve come across a few really good ones recently. I’ll continue to add to this list as I learn of more. Admittedly, these aren’t all “Board” games, but they’re off-the-shelf, r...
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Many years ago, I taught Negotiation and Conflict Resolution with a group called “Conflict Management, Inc.” They were an offshoot of the Harvard Negotiation Project. Every so often I’m asked, “can you recommend an activity or icebreaker that will help launch a soft-skills ...
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