Leadership and...
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Leadership and...
Leadership and Tebow Time...for the last time...at least for now...
This should be my last Leadership and... post about Tim Tebow (TT) for a while. His football season is now over, but it's never really over until we wrap it up and put a orange and blue ribbon on it with an uplifting blog post about his season.I feel it is important, as leaders, for us to look at TT the person as opposed to TT the quarterback. Whether you like him or hate him, the fact is he has many leadership skills that many of us, including myself, are lacking..both at home and in the workplace.
To prevent this from being a novella, I narrowed our TT leadership lessons down to three.
...and as a reminder, in the spirit of full disclosure, I am a graduate of the University of Florida. I may have a tinge of bias, but I will try to keep it real (as the kids say).
The three TT lessons that we, as leaders, need to work on are consistency, humility, and encouragement.
1. Consistency
Remember we are talking about leadership skills, not football skills. TT was very inconsistent at times on the field. However, his life is one big ball of consistency. He acts the same around his family that he does around his teammates. He talks the talk about Jesus Christ, and he tries to walk the walk.
Since college, he has been asked about his dating life, his family life, his mission work, his virginity, his football ability and more. Yet his answers are always worded professionally, his responses are always friendly, and his demeanor (even when asked the stupidest of questions) is always upbeat and positive.
As a leader, how consistent are you? Can you showcase your consistent leadership values at all times?
2. Humility
My wife Sherri was not a TT fan when he played at Florida. She did not like all the attention he received.
"It's always TT this and TT that - it's never the other players. I'm sure he does it all by himself."
I tried to tell her that he does not do any marketing, recruiting or stories on his own. If the media decided to pick him out and make him a superstar, that was beyond his control.
After watching the Broncos this year, she has come full circle. Most of it is due to his humble responses in the press conferences.
It's never "me" - it's always "we".
It's never "Tebow Time" - it's always "Broncos Time."
It's never "build myself up" - it's always "build my TEAM up."
She is now a big fan...and why shouldn't she be?
As a leader, how humble are you? Are you a "me" leader or a "we" leader?
3. Encouragement
Before every game, TT chooses a make-a-wish child to encourage. He greets them, talks with them, and then spends time with them after each game...
...win or lose.
He encourages his team. He was seen on the bench and in the huddle in a constant state of encouragement.
Players dropped passes. Children has multiple surgeries. TT still makes time to encourage others.
As a leader, do you encourage your employees - on your good days as well as your bad days?
I don't know how TT will fare as a quarterback next year. But I do know that his example of leadership will continue to inspire all of us - as the video below shows us.
Click this link HERE to see Tim Tebow's pre-game routine.
Leadership and Pete's Pet Peeve on Passion
Step 3 in our leadership statement deals with passion.
"Leaders need to find a need, know your gifts, and show your passion."
In previous posts, we talked about Step 1 (Finding a Need) and Step 2 (Know your gifts).
Step 3 is passion!
Sorry to come across so harsh, but I have no sympathy for people who have no passion for their jobs.
Assuming you work...
- 8 hours a day
- 40 hours a week
- 50 weeks a year
- 40 years of your life (age 25-65)
...you will work 640,000 hours, or 80,000 days of your life.
Can you imagine being unhappy for 80,000 days?
Neither can I.
If you have not passion for your current job, here is what I suggest -
1. Have a 1-1 with your manager and let them know where you stand. Tell them you feel like you are like a hampster in a wheel, just going around and around and around.
2. Ask for a new challenge. Tell your manager that you would like to volunteer for new projects or new teams. Better yet, find something you like to do and see if you can add it to your job (e.g. you are a creative person. See if you can help organize a team building day or redecorate the office).
3. Surround yourself with positive people. Spend time with happy employees and find out what makes them tick.
4. Quit. Leave. Please go. You are really bringing the rest of the office down.
Passion doesn't mean loving your job every day. It means coming to work each day with a renewed sense of optimism that you can have a positive impact on something or someone today.
Get passionate, or get gone...
"Leaders need to find a need, know your gifts, and show your passion."
In previous posts, we talked about Step 1 (Finding a Need) and Step 2 (Know your gifts).
Step 3 is passion!
Sorry to come across so harsh, but I have no sympathy for people who have no passion for their jobs.
Assuming you work...
- 8 hours a day
- 40 hours a week
- 50 weeks a year
- 40 years of your life (age 25-65)
...you will work 640,000 hours, or 80,000 days of your life.
Can you imagine being unhappy for 80,000 days?
Neither can I.
If you have not passion for your current job, here is what I suggest -
1. Have a 1-1 with your manager and let them know where you stand. Tell them you feel like you are like a hampster in a wheel, just going around and around and around.
2. Ask for a new challenge. Tell your manager that you would like to volunteer for new projects or new teams. Better yet, find something you like to do and see if you can add it to your job (e.g. you are a creative person. See if you can help organize a team building day or redecorate the office).
3. Surround yourself with positive people. Spend time with happy employees and find out what makes them tick.
4. Quit. Leave. Please go. You are really bringing the rest of the office down.
Passion doesn't mean loving your job every day. It means coming to work each day with a renewed sense of optimism that you can have a positive impact on something or someone today.
Get passionate, or get gone...
Leadership and Go DO that Voo-Doo that You DO So Well...
Happy 2012 to all "Leadership and..." readers!
Let's review where we left off last week - with the following Leadership Statement:
"Leaders need to find a need, know your gifts, and show your passion."
In a previous post, we talked about Step 1: "Finding a Need." Now we will look at Step 2: "Know your gifts."
As a leader, you should not struggle with this. If you do not know your gifts, just ask someone...
- a teacher
- a friend
- a spouse
- a peer
Sometimes our gifts are right in front of our faces, and we do not see them. Other times, we do something so often that we do not think of it as a gift - we end up rationalizing it as "something we do."
See if the examples below sound familiar to you:
"For the past 10 years, I set up communion at my church every Sunday. Someone has to do it, so I do it. I don't think of it as my gift...it's just something I do."
"For some reason, everyone at work always comes to me with their problems. I listen to them because no one else will, but I don't think of it as my gift...it's just something I do."
"Sure, I coach Little League because my son likes to play. It gets me up off the couch and gets me some fresh air. I don't think of it as my gift...it's just something I do."
Do you get the picture?
I love public speaking - it's just something I do. But the more I think about it, I believe it is my gift.
Many people don't like to speak in public. Some fear it more than death. Therefore, the mere fact that I like to do it means that I should do it to the best of my ability and with the right intentions.
Communion needs to be prepared, humans need others to listen, and 10 year old boys need to play Little League. Those who can perform these duties have gifts.
Gifts are a blessing.
We were not put here on earth to get married, have a family, collect things, go into debt, work hard, retire, and then die. We were all made for so much more than that.
In order to make that shift in thinking, you have to agree that you are here for a PURPOSE, and you have to validate that you were given gifts to use every day.
More than likely, you have a GIFT (step 1) that fills a NEED (step 2)!
Next week, we will share how to infuse PASSION into it (step 3).
Until then, search out your leadership gifts.
Find them, validate them, and use them...
That's what leaders DO...
Let's review where we left off last week - with the following Leadership Statement:
"Leaders need to find a need, know your gifts, and show your passion."
In a previous post, we talked about Step 1: "Finding a Need." Now we will look at Step 2: "Know your gifts."As a leader, you should not struggle with this. If you do not know your gifts, just ask someone...
- a teacher
- a friend
- a spouse
- a peer
Sometimes our gifts are right in front of our faces, and we do not see them. Other times, we do something so often that we do not think of it as a gift - we end up rationalizing it as "something we do."
See if the examples below sound familiar to you:
"For the past 10 years, I set up communion at my church every Sunday. Someone has to do it, so I do it. I don't think of it as my gift...it's just something I do."
"For some reason, everyone at work always comes to me with their problems. I listen to them because no one else will, but I don't think of it as my gift...it's just something I do."
"Sure, I coach Little League because my son likes to play. It gets me up off the couch and gets me some fresh air. I don't think of it as my gift...it's just something I do."
Do you get the picture?
I love public speaking - it's just something I do. But the more I think about it, I believe it is my gift.
Many people don't like to speak in public. Some fear it more than death. Therefore, the mere fact that I like to do it means that I should do it to the best of my ability and with the right intentions.
Communion needs to be prepared, humans need others to listen, and 10 year old boys need to play Little League. Those who can perform these duties have gifts.
Gifts are a blessing. We were not put here on earth to get married, have a family, collect things, go into debt, work hard, retire, and then die. We were all made for so much more than that.
In order to make that shift in thinking, you have to agree that you are here for a PURPOSE, and you have to validate that you were given gifts to use every day.
More than likely, you have a GIFT (step 1) that fills a NEED (step 2)!
Next week, we will share how to infuse PASSION into it (step 3).
Until then, search out your leadership gifts.
Find them, validate them, and use them...
That's what leaders DO...
Leadership and I Feel the Need...the Need for Speed
Sidebar...
I love Goose.
Anyhow, I received a great gift from Sherri for Christmas.
It is the Courageous Leadership Program from The John Maxwell Company. It is a facilitator's kit that came with two books, a workbook, participant guides, DVD clips and audio CD lessons. I hope to use it for an adult Sunday School class, or even a secular training program here at work.
But my main point today is what I heard on one of the audio CD's coming in to work today. The speaker talked of the following...
"Leaders need to find a need, know your gifts, and show your passion."
I'd like to take the next few blogs and talk about each of these individually - starting with Finding a Need.
Leaders do not walk around with their heads down. Leaders do not have a glazed over look. Leaders do not settle for the status quo. Leaders are always looking for ways to improve themselves, their families, and their organizations.
Working in local government, I see this a lot. We have lots of leaders, but some of them are content with the day to day operation. They are not looking - they are not seeking - they are not exploring.
As we approach 2012, this would be a great place for you to start as a leader. You should look around and see where there is a critical need! It could be...
- you family needs you to spend more time with them.
- your church needs someone to head up a committee.
- your organization needs a better employee recognition plan for their employees.
Now, don't overburden yourself.
Don't take on more than one need at a time.
It's best to start with "low hanging fruit", or needs that can be filled quickly. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and cement your brand as a leader.
So here's a good goal for the first month of 2012. Look around, open your eyes, and find a need that needs to be filled at home, at church, or at work.
Then fill that need.
That's what great leaders do...
I love Goose.Anyhow, I received a great gift from Sherri for Christmas.
It is the Courageous Leadership Program from The John Maxwell Company. It is a facilitator's kit that came with two books, a workbook, participant guides, DVD clips and audio CD lessons. I hope to use it for an adult Sunday School class, or even a secular training program here at work.
But my main point today is what I heard on one of the audio CD's coming in to work today. The speaker talked of the following...
"Leaders need to find a need, know your gifts, and show your passion."
I'd like to take the next few blogs and talk about each of these individually - starting with Finding a Need.
Leaders do not walk around with their heads down. Leaders do not have a glazed over look. Leaders do not settle for the status quo. Leaders are always looking for ways to improve themselves, their families, and their organizations.
Working in local government, I see this a lot. We have lots of leaders, but some of them are content with the day to day operation. They are not looking - they are not seeking - they are not exploring.
As we approach 2012, this would be a great place for you to start as a leader. You should look around and see where there is a critical need! It could be...- you family needs you to spend more time with them.
- your church needs someone to head up a committee.
- your organization needs a better employee recognition plan for their employees.
Now, don't overburden yourself.
Don't take on more than one need at a time.
It's best to start with "low hanging fruit", or needs that can be filled quickly. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and cement your brand as a leader.
So here's a good goal for the first month of 2012. Look around, open your eyes, and find a need that needs to be filled at home, at church, or at work.
Then fill that need.
That's what great leaders do...
Leadership and Giving him the Business!
Tis the season for giving.
It reminds me of one of the most famous referee quotes of all time during an NFL football game. Click here to see what he was "giving" him.
On the radio yesterday, I heard that an anonymous donor went into a Wal-Mart here in Birmingham and paid off over $6,000 of items on layaway. Imagine the surprise and smiles of those who came in to pick up their completely paid off gifts.
At my work, we had to move hundreds of chairs and tables out of our four training rooms for the carpets to be cleaned. This 4-5 hour project turned into a 20 minute event as 16 of my co-workers volunteered to help.
Leaders should give year round, not just during the holidays...
As a leader, you should be giving the following to your employees and teammates...
- recognition
- thanks
- coaching
- feedback
- work life balance
- an ethical work environment
and much more.
It's not easy being a leader...but it always seems easier this time of year. Enjoy this season knowing that you, as a leader, have made a difference in 2011.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
It reminds me of one of the most famous referee quotes of all time during an NFL football game. Click here to see what he was "giving" him.
On the radio yesterday, I heard that an anonymous donor went into a Wal-Mart here in Birmingham and paid off over $6,000 of items on layaway. Imagine the surprise and smiles of those who came in to pick up their completely paid off gifts.
At my work, we had to move hundreds of chairs and tables out of our four training rooms for the carpets to be cleaned. This 4-5 hour project turned into a 20 minute event as 16 of my co-workers volunteered to help.
Leaders should give year round, not just during the holidays...
As a leader, you should be giving the following to your employees and teammates...
- recognition
- thanks
- coaching
- feedback
- work life balance
- an ethical work environment
and much more.
It's not easy being a leader...but it always seems easier this time of year. Enjoy this season knowing that you, as a leader, have made a difference in 2011.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Leadership and Tim Tebow (Yes, another blog on Tim Tebow)!
Disclaimer: I am a University of Florida graduate, which is where Tim Tebow played his college football.
Google Tim Tebow today. You will have 194,000,000 million links from which to choose.
Here are a few of my favorites:
"Believers, critics, People magazine ... everyone's talking Tim Tebow" - The Sporting News
"Tebowing is so hot it's now a word" - NPR Blog
"The Ten Commandments of Tim Tebow: Explaining His Stunning Success" - Yahoo! Sports
There are so many ways to speak about Tim Tebow: Team Player, Humble, and so on...
But I want to focus on...you guessed it...his leadership skills. Here are 3 things you can do as a leader to be more like Tim Tebow.
1. Always share the credit
Watch any Tim Tebow press conference, and you will hear the press begging, clamoring and pleading for him to talk himself up...to share how he won the game for his team...to gloat...
and Tebow never bites. He continues to talk about team and togetherness and all for one and one for all.
He does not disparage his teammates if they make a mistake, and they reciprocate - which is good, since Tebow makes many more mistakes than his team.
2. Always believe until the end
I am a Tebow fan, and I still thought yesterday's win was impossible. But I watched, and saw the improbable. When you think your team is out of it, keep believing until the 5:00 whistle blows.
3. Always keep your priorities in order
I know, I know...God does not care about football. But he does care about people, and I know that he is a big fan of those of us who teach people about him and his son Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we are stressed out as a leader, and we are looking to the wrong things for help. Perhaps we should just go to the source when we are at a loss - and He will be there for us.
Those three ideas should help you be a better leader...and if they don't, then you can always try Tebowing after a big team meeting
Google Tim Tebow today. You will have 194,000,000 million links from which to choose.
Here are a few of my favorites:
"Believers, critics, People magazine ... everyone's talking Tim Tebow" - The Sporting News
"Tebowing is so hot it's now a word" - NPR Blog
"The Ten Commandments of Tim Tebow: Explaining His Stunning Success" - Yahoo! Sports
There are so many ways to speak about Tim Tebow: Team Player, Humble, and so on...
But I want to focus on...you guessed it...his leadership skills. Here are 3 things you can do as a leader to be more like Tim Tebow.
1. Always share the credit
Watch any Tim Tebow press conference, and you will hear the press begging, clamoring and pleading for him to talk himself up...to share how he won the game for his team...to gloat...
and Tebow never bites. He continues to talk about team and togetherness and all for one and one for all.
He does not disparage his teammates if they make a mistake, and they reciprocate - which is good, since Tebow makes many more mistakes than his team.
2. Always believe until the end
I am a Tebow fan, and I still thought yesterday's win was impossible. But I watched, and saw the improbable. When you think your team is out of it, keep believing until the 5:00 whistle blows.
3. Always keep your priorities in order
I know, I know...God does not care about football. But he does care about people, and I know that he is a big fan of those of us who teach people about him and his son Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we are stressed out as a leader, and we are looking to the wrong things for help. Perhaps we should just go to the source when we are at a loss - and He will be there for us.
Those three ideas should help you be a better leader...and if they don't, then you can always try Tebowing after a big team meeting
Leadership and Tim Tebow (Yes, another blog on Tim Tebow)!
Disclaimer: I am a University of Florida graduate, which is where Tim Tebow played his college football.
Google Tim Tebow today. You will have 194,000,000 million links from which to choose.
Here are a few of my favorites:
"Believers, critics, People magazine ... everyone's talking Tim Tebow" - The Sporting News
"Tebowing is so hot it's now a word" - NPR Blog
"The Ten Commandments of Tim Tebow: Explaining His Stunning Success" - Yahoo! Sports
There are so many ways to speak about Tim Tebow: Team Player, Humble, and so on...
But I want to focus on...you guessed it...his leadership skills. Here are 3 things you can do as a leader to be more like Tim Tebow.
1. Always share the credit
Watch any Tim Tebow press conference, and you will hear the press begging, clamoring and pleading for him to talk himself up...to share how he won the game for his team...to gloat...
and Tebow never bites. He continues to talk about team and togetherness and all for one and one for all.
He does not disparage his teammates if they make a mistake, and they reciprocate - which is good, since Tebow makes many more mistakes than his team.
2. Always believe until the end
I am a Tebow fan, and I still thought yesterday's win was impossible. But I watched, and saw the improbable. When you think your team is out of it, keep believing until the 5:00 whistle blows.
3. Always keep your priorities in order
I know, I know...God does not care about football. But he does care about people, and I know that he is a big fan of those of us who teach people about him and his son Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we are stressed out as a leader, and we are looking to the wrong things for help. Perhaps we should just go to the source when we are at a loss - and He will be there for us.
Those three ideas should help you be a better leader...and if they don't, then you can always try Tebowing after a big team meeting
Google Tim Tebow today. You will have 194,000,000 million links from which to choose.
Here are a few of my favorites:
"Believers, critics, People magazine ... everyone's talking Tim Tebow" - The Sporting News
"Tebowing is so hot it's now a word" - NPR Blog
"The Ten Commandments of Tim Tebow: Explaining His Stunning Success" - Yahoo! Sports
There are so many ways to speak about Tim Tebow: Team Player, Humble, and so on...
But I want to focus on...you guessed it...his leadership skills. Here are 3 things you can do as a leader to be more like Tim Tebow.
1. Always share the credit
Watch any Tim Tebow press conference, and you will hear the press begging, clamoring and pleading for him to talk himself up...to share how he won the game for his team...to gloat...
and Tebow never bites. He continues to talk about team and togetherness and all for one and one for all.
He does not disparage his teammates if they make a mistake, and they reciprocate - which is good, since Tebow makes many more mistakes than his team.
2. Always believe until the end
I am a Tebow fan, and I still thought yesterday's win was impossible. But I watched, and saw the improbable. When you think your team is out of it, keep believing until the 5:00 whistle blows.
3. Always keep your priorities in order
I know, I know...God does not care about football. But he does care about people, and I know that he is a big fan of those of us who teach people about him and his son Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we are stressed out as a leader, and we are looking to the wrong things for help. Perhaps we should just go to the source when we are at a loss - and He will be there for us.
Those three ideas should help you be a better leader...and if they don't, then you can always try Tebowing after a big team meeting
Leadership and Loyal Oil Come on Bubble and Boil
My apologies to the Mighty Mighty Bosstones for my witty, yet possibly lame blog post title.
We are loyal to certain brands and products.
I am loyal to Coke, Target, the University of Florida, my wife, the United States of America, and so on...
But am I loyal to my current employer?
There was an article in the November 2011 issue of Chief Learning Officer magazine. Titled "Whatever Happened to Employee Loyalty," the article shares the results of an internet poll conducted in July 2011 by KEYGroup.
The question was "What makes you loyal to your organization?" and the responses varied by generations. Disclaimer: Sample size was small (n=224).
- Mature generation (born 1922-1945): 100% said they believed in the MISSION of the organization
- Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964): 47% also chose MISSION and 41% chose CHALLENGING WORK
- Generation X (born 1965-1980): 53% chose CAREER ADVANCEMENT
- Millenials (born 1981-2000's): 58% chose LIKEABLE CO-WORKERS
The very idea of loyalty has taken on a whole new meaning since the recession began in 2007. Many employees will only be loyal until they can get another job. With few job transfer opportunities available, your employees may seem loyal when in fact they are not.
So what can you do during these times to keep employees loyal to you and your company?
1. If there was ever a time to lead, it is now. If you are treating your employees like dirt (i.e. more work, less recognition), they will leave as soon as the economy improves...and they will lower their productivity from now until then.
2. Make the work environment fun. Create competitions, include food, have fun contests (door decorating, ping pong, best chili cookoff, etc.) The workplace should be fun, not futile.
3. Be aware of the generational differences mentioned above. Make sure your millenials are surrounded by their peers. Make sure your boomers continue to be challenged on a daily basis.
This is one of the most challenging eras in which to lead. Now is the time for you, as a leader, to show that you are loyal to your employees!
Leadership and Happy Thanksgiving
It's my favorite week of the year.
I love the short work week, the slow pace of work, the food, the family, the football, and everything else that goes with Thanksgiving.
As leaders, we all have much to be thankful for. Thank you for indulging me once again as I post my annual "I am thankful" list...
I am thankful...
- for the ability to go to work every day and try and make a difference.
- that my job is fun and engaging.
- that Jeff, my leader, is a hands-off leader who allows us to be self-directed and creative.
- that we are allowed to hang umbrellas from our ceiling to show our creativity by proclaiming that it is always "raining ideas" in our office.
- that my wife, Sherri, is beautiful, smart, and funny.
- for Madison and Logan, my two great kids who are super smart and always put a smile on my face
- for managers and mentors who have made a huge impact in my work life like Lisa Downs and Wende Bendik.
- for spiritual mentors like Mark Smith and Wayne Kilpatrick.
- that when you take our trainers initials (Stephen Owens and Ayla Russell) and put them together that they spell "SOAR'
- that the love my wife has for me is inversely proportional to the amount of hair I have...and since I seem to be losing more hair every day, this is a good thing.
- that our PBJC training team likes to laugh, likes to work, and desires to make a difference.
- that I can see downtown Birmingham from my office window.
- that I can see downtown Birmingham from the men's room stall.
- that the Lord has provided my family with everything we need every day.
- that my patience is improving as I get older.
- I work in in an open work environment where my peers are able to give open and honest feebdack to me.
- that my wife makes me laugh.
- that my wife laughs with me.
- that my wife and I share life through movie quotes that no one else gets.
- that our dog Lulabelle talks in a human voice to us.
- that my wife makes me a better person.
- that you all read the "Leadership and..." blog.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
I love the short work week, the slow pace of work, the food, the family, the football, and everything else that goes with Thanksgiving.
As leaders, we all have much to be thankful for. Thank you for indulging me once again as I post my annual "I am thankful" list...
I am thankful...
- for the ability to go to work every day and try and make a difference.
- that my job is fun and engaging.
- that Jeff, my leader, is a hands-off leader who allows us to be self-directed and creative.
- that we are allowed to hang umbrellas from our ceiling to show our creativity by proclaiming that it is always "raining ideas" in our office.
- that my wife, Sherri, is beautiful, smart, and funny.
- for Madison and Logan, my two great kids who are super smart and always put a smile on my face
- for managers and mentors who have made a huge impact in my work life like Lisa Downs and Wende Bendik.
- for spiritual mentors like Mark Smith and Wayne Kilpatrick.
- that when you take our trainers initials (Stephen Owens and Ayla Russell) and put them together that they spell "SOAR'
- that the love my wife has for me is inversely proportional to the amount of hair I have...and since I seem to be losing more hair every day, this is a good thing.
- that our PBJC training team likes to laugh, likes to work, and desires to make a difference.
- that I can see downtown Birmingham from my office window.
- that I can see downtown Birmingham from the men's room stall.
- that the Lord has provided my family with everything we need every day.
- that my patience is improving as I get older.
- I work in in an open work environment where my peers are able to give open and honest feebdack to me.
- that my wife makes me laugh.
- that my wife laughs with me.
- that my wife and I share life through movie quotes that no one else gets.
- that our dog Lulabelle talks in a human voice to us.
- that my wife makes me a better person.
- that you all read the "Leadership and..." blog.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Leadership and If it's free, it's for ME!
As a government employee with a VERY small training budget, I am always on the lookout for free training resources that will assist me.Today, I led a session at the Greater Birmingham Chapter of ASTD on free resources available to trainers, speakers and consultants. I hope some of you leaders out there find them useful!
1. Webinars
www.anymeeting.com is a free site that offers almost as much as GoToMeeting, WebEx, or Adobe Connect. It is worth checking out.
2. E-Learning
www.brainshark.com is a neat site that allows you to upload your powerpoint slides and then use a microphone to voice over each one. It makes for a nice final product.
www.screenr.com is very similar to captive and articulate and other similar programs. It allows you to record your voice while showing someone step-by-step instructions on your computer.
3. Video
www.youtube.com is still the leader in video sharing. Here, you can keep all your favorite videos in a folder, make your own youtube channel, and even create and voice over small animation segments (www.youtube.com/create)
www.keepvid.com allows you to download youtube clips right onto your desktop in multiple formats.
If you can't download the video into a format you desire, then download it in any file type and then transfer it to your preferred file using www.super.com
I enjoy making training videos with Windows Movie Maker, but now I can also use www.wevideo.com, and it has just as many (if not more) features. You really can create a professional looking video for free.
4. Better PowerPoint Tools
If you are an Apple user, then you know how great Keynote can be. If you still use Windows (like me), you might want to look at www.sliderocket.com. It has a LOT of the great features of Keynote.
A new program called www.prezi.com is great if you want to really WOW your audience and make your slides move and turn.
Also, www.slideshare.net is a file sharing site where hundreds of professional PowerPoint presentations are uploaded each month. This is a great place to start if you are looking to build a class or present on a topic.
5. Classroom Enhancers
If you are looking for photos at no cost and with no restrictions, you may want to check out www.morguefile.com
www.toondoo.com allows you to create neat little 3 panel cartoons with your own words and characters. This might be useful for company newsletters or classroom examples.
All training classes need icebreakers, energizers and team building activities. You can find hundreds (yes, hundreds) of these at www.thiagi.com
If you are a fan of the NBC TV show "Minute to Win It", then you will love the games and explanations on their website at www.nbc.com.minute-to-win-it/how-to
And perhaps my favorite is www.polleverywhere.com. Why pay hundreds for classroom polling software when you can do the same thing via text and smart phones for free? Be sure to give this one a try.
So there you have it. Lots and lots of new and updated ideas for trainers, speakers and consultants - and they are all FREE!
Give them and try, and let me know what you think. Also, if you know of a great FREE resource that I have not mentioned, please post a reply to this blog, and we'll all learn from each other.
