September 2015 Issue

It’s ok to be a nerd for learning. If you are a lifelong learner and get a thrill helping people discover new skills, new depths of knowledge, and new ways to see the world, this is your tribe. It is a room full of people who are intensely passionate about the same thing you are. It’s rejuvenating to be around people who “get it,” and it’s inspiring to see all the different ways people implement that passion.

Talk about provocative topics. There is profound wisdom and experience in this group, and by engaging in rich dialogue we raise our collective awareness about what is going on in the field of leadership and L&D. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and it ushers our cultural intelligence to new heights. I always walk away with new insights and appreciation for the talent, creativity and heart in this field.

You are encouraged to be a leader. It’s not every day that people invite you to give yourself a promotion and take on new leadership roles! This is a community that wants you to succeed, to take risks, to have the courage to fail, and to advocate for each other. They want you to stretch your comfort zone, leap before you think you’re ready, and celebrate your wins.

Intimate access to the association’s leaders. The panel is an opportunity to listen to the hearts and minds of association leaders. They open up to about their trials, tribulations and triumphs around leadership. They exemplify compassionate leadership, servant leadership, and model vulnerability as strength in a professional setting.

This is the best kind of networking. At this event, you’re likely to hear roaring chatter, see good colleagues embracing with the joy of reconnecting, and feel that vibe of abundance. Rather than pushing business cards or elevator speeches, you witness people finding genuine connections to one another. Guests share not only what they do for work, but what they are passionate about, what they are looking forward to, and what they might need help with. New moms recognize their need to find a different work/life integration plan. People who are in the middle of moving open up about how they are managing their stress so it doesn’t impact their clients. Folks who have been in the field for 25+ years talk about what strategies they’ve used to stay inspired. Colleagues credit each other, and build each other up. People come as they are, and are welcomed.

Expanding Your Professional Development Opportunities

I’m fairly new to ATD as an organization. I started by joining our local Puget Sound chapter where I’ve enjoyed meeting and learning from local members. I loved learning from the amazing talent in different industries; I get a bigger picture of the challenges and great work our community does.

As someone who is always eager to learn, I’ve found that ATD National expands my development options by connecting me to talent development professionals and resources. If there’s something I’m curious about, I’ve often found a webinar, article, or research report that helps me dive deeper into area that are particularly important. It also makes the world feel just a little smaller and a lot more connected.

One of the things I learned from our 2014 annual survey was that many of our members are eager for development opportunities and the opportunity to network with others. If you’re keen on finding more resources for your own development, I’d like to invite you to check out all of the learning opportunities that are available from ATD National.

One great place to get started to check out one of the webcasts that ATD hosts every month that span a wide range of topics here.  Whether you’re looking at ways to develop your own career, or create more effective learning in your own organization, there’s likely a webinar where you’ll connect with an expert in the field. And after you do, you’ll likely have great information to explore with your colleagues in the Puget Sound. 

If you're still hunger for more local opportunities, please remember to share your feedback with us through our Annual Membership Survey, which will launch this September--a little sooner than I predicted last month. 

 Janet Williams Hepler 
 Director of Research
 research@atdpugetsound.org

   

     

“You teach me, I forget.  You show me, I remember.  
You involve me, I understand.” 

Edward O. Wilson

I consistently hear from our volunteers that getting involved has taken the value they get from ATD Puget Sound to the next level.  Professional relationships, best practices and career opportunities are all increased when you volunteer.

If you are interested in getting more involved, shoot me a line!

We look forward to hearing from you!

 Kyle McCurdy
 Director of Membership
 membership@atdpugetsound.org

No matter how well you design and deliver learning within your organization, you are probably experiencing increased demands to demonstrate how your learning programs impact business results.  Unfortunately many learning and development professionals struggle with this because they are simply uniformed in the art and science of evaluation design.  Now Phillips Associates fills that gap with this comprehensive, highly relevant seminar.

This in-depth, one-day workshop provides practical tips and specific guidelines for creating valid, scientifically sound Level 1, 2, 3, and 4 evaluations that produce data with high-perceived value.  These tips and guidelines are based on current education and behavioral science research findings in survey design and test creation methodology.

Power Membership offers members twice the support, twice the resources, and twice the networking than just one membership.

ATD membership provides the tools you need for success. Chapter membership applies those tools to your organization and community. Together you are a Power Member! 

Learn more about Power Member benefits here.