The idea of HPI gets me in nerdy-giddy mode for several reasons starting with I feel like my MBA might be worth the two years I invested in it, two it reaffirms my LOVE for centralized processes, and three I steadies my belief that bringing together brilliant minds, money and four walls is not enough. Professionals endure years of education preaching the best in business management, human resources, learning systems and human development theories however the emergence and melding of these is often without the "bottom's" input. For example, in the workplace the current gap is a lack of motivation, innovation and general will to exceed expectations. In other words everyone is just brushing their teeth without flossing and mouthwash.
The possible solutions can range from evaluating staff for possible dismissal to re-organizational design to team building and incentives. My recommendation for this specific gap is to focus on the individuals and have the intervention effect each individual on a macro level. The bottom line is that people like to feel special and acknowledged. (I find this particularly true with Millennials, ask Facebook.) As a result time should be spent by supervisors to have "life chats" with employees creating an informal environment where the employee is less guarded to reveal their position's challenges, offer criticisms, discuss career goals and how the supervisor can support or coach the specific employee. I find with student employees they value this time and later reflect/act on the conversations. This action addresses more than just a "we listen, we care" mission but the time can be used to develop an evolving "safe space" for employees to communicate the next bug fix for software XYZ that may normally be out of their job scope, receive professional development or talk about the direction of the company. In the end it's not just investing the time but developing the time into something meaningful for the individual.
If you have time (about 10 minutes) the following is a video discussing what motivates us!
If you have time (about 10 minutes) the following is a video discussing what motivates us!
Electronic Performance Support Systems
This term was coined by Gloria Gery who also provides the most comprehensive definition of EPSS, in my opinion: "an integrated electronic environment that is available to and easily accessible by each employee and is structured to provide immediate, individualized on-line access to the full range of information, software, guidance, advice and assistance, data, images, tools, and assessment and monitoring systems to permit job performance with minimal support and intervention by others."
In comparison with other definitions Gery's creates an EPSS that offers a range or collection of solutions and troubleshooting abilities. To me this is the difference between a software package and a management system. The ability to merge the applications and streamline tasks is the big ticket. I feel as if other definitions would qualify Microsoft Office as an EPSS.
I think the potential of EPSS and their success are minimal today but are poised to be the bread and butter in the future. I am inclined to agree with the text in terms of why EPSS is not as prevalent in business today. The first being that people are not informed of the existence of EPSS and the second that potential buyers believe it is too expensive or an unnecessary cost. In addition to these issues, as a technology buyer and consultant I often run into EPSS designers who have not studied their potential buyers, do not have content experts or cannot keep up with initial client demands. This goes for those who are 3rd party or have a homegrown EPSS. Just like email vs. postal mail a culture change takes time. I believe as the younger workforce emerges into decision making roles you will see EPSS become more prominent because it will be a basic expectation of operations. The idea of doing business with 4+ software/management systems or having to wait for Paul to "fix" something is not only inconvenient but downright silly. (Especially if YouTube can show me in less than 5 minutes.
Knowledge Management
At my current workplace we have a great, by design, public knowledge repository. Some challenges we face are a lack of contributors, editors and users. Possible blended learning solutions include having each area/department designate a contributor and editor to manage their portion of the knowledge database with a regular update schedule. To train the designee in the classroom with the basics on how to use the system (add, delete, edit and navigate). Additionally, posing the designee to be an advocate of the system to use it regularly and reference it in their work outside of training. This could potentially encourage other area/department members to utilize the source as well leading the designee in a teaching role. The designee's role is ever changing with their knowledge of the system and familiarity expanding without extensive classes or training.
Informal Learning GOLD= #SAchat
One of my biggest sources of informal learning is #SAchat. This community is very important to me as I continue my journey working in higher education and student affairs. The purpose of #SAchat started as a structured weekly chat over a voted on topic via Twitter. You can visit the webpage to learn about the idea behind #SAchat and the week's topic. During the other hours and days of the week there are on going discussions using the hashtag to contribute to the body of knowledge within the profession or ask the community a question. This experience was very unique to me and has become my online home. It is a highly active community where I just lurked at first but as I learned the social etiquette I became more engaged and involved. #SAchat and one of it's spin-offs, #SAtech, offer in-real-life social opportunities at conferences by hosting Tweetups. My current role is both contributor and listener. There is a moderator for the structured chat however there is no designated "leader" or "instructor" for the premise of #SAchat. The idea is to decentralize learning and allow the community to guide the community (how occupy of us!). Though, by observing #SAchat you can quickly identify heavy hitters easily.
For a chuckle...blending learning at its finest!
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