A Fire Hose or a Sprinkler?
Ever feel like this in training? I’ve been noodling on this analogy for months – I need some data to really verify the point but the premise is there…
At a basic level, the purpose of a sprinkler and a fire hose is essentially the same: distribute water. The manner in which each accomplishes this task, though, is vastly different. Because of their respective designs it may take a sprinkler a month to distribute the same amount of water that a fire hose can unleash in an hour (this is where I need some data).
Training is often designed to function like a fire hose – expelling the maximum amount of information in a constrained amount of time. The challenge with this design is that fire hoses are meant to douse…they are not intended for things that will absorb the water they distribute.
I feel that learning/development design needs to better align with the analogy of a sprinkler. Choosing instead to distribute the same amount of information but over a longer period and in smaller chunks so that participants can truly absorb it.
This philosophy can be used to extend new-hire integration programs beyond one (or a few days), incorporate communities of practice in learning strategies or leveraging action learning for leadership development efforts.
I urge readers to take an unbiased looked at their learning portfolio and ask themselves if they more resemble a sprinkler or a fire hose…
September 15th, 2008 No Comments »
TRANSFORM 2008 The Future of Enterprise Learning Conference
TRANSFORM 2008 The Future of Enterprise Learning Conference
| When: | Tuesday, November 11 – Wednesday, November 12, 2008 |
| Where: | Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel 30 Pitt St Sydney NSW Australia |
| Event type: | Symposium/Conference |
| Additional Information: | see web link for more details |
| Event Type: | Conference |
| Sponsoring Organization: | TrainingIndustry.com |
| Registration Link: | www.conferenceonline.com… |
| Note: |
The Learning Factor and Training Industry Inc. have crafted an intriguing program of some of the most talented speakers available in the world! Don’t miss this 5 star event where you can meet and network with global thought leaders from the USA, Asia and Australia. The agenda has been carefully crafted to provide HR and Learning executives with ground-breaking information, research and tools they require to allow them to consider new ways they can make the transition from support service to strategic business partner. |
| Link: | www.trainingindustry.com… |
September 12th, 2008 No Comments »
The 18th Annual Pegasus Conference – Synergy at Work: Gathering Momentum for Meaningful Performance
| When: | Monday, November 17 – Wednesday, November 19, 2008 |
| Where: | Sheraton Boston Hotel 39 Dalton Street Boston, Massachusetts |
| Event type: | Symposium/Conference |
| Additional Information: | please see web link for more details |
| Event Type: | Conference |
| Sponsoring Organization: | Pegasus Communications, Inc. |
| Registration Link: | www.pegasuscom.com… |
| Note: |
From launching a new operations center in record time to eliminating polio worldwide, how can groups come together to create new realities rather than replicate the status quo? What shifts do we need to make to move from hopelessness and conflict to commitment and action in the face of such daunting challenges? Systems thinking and the disciplines of organizational learning provide both a way of being and a practical toolset for understanding and leveraging the dynamic relationships of which we are a part. At this year’s conference, we’ll build on the themes of interdependence and collaboration to explore what distinguishes a transcendent performance from a merely excellent one—and how we can work together to produce an outcome greater than the sum of our individual contributions. |
| Link: | www.pegasuscom.com… |
September 12th, 2008 No Comments »
ASTD – Telling Ain’t Training Conference
ASTD – Telling Ain’t Training Conference
| When: | Thursday, November 6 – Friday, November 7, 2008 |
| Where: | Marriott Crystal Gateway Arlington, VA |
| Event type: | Symposium/Conference |
| Price: | 795.00 |
| Additional Information: | see web link for more details |
| Event Type: | conference |
| Sponsoring Organization: | ASTD |
| Registration Link: | store.astd.org… |
| Note: |
Based on the hot selling book of the same name, this conference offers an experiential approach to transforming “telling” into activities that result in long-term retention and behavior change. Despite the irreverent title, this conference tackles universal and persistent questions: How do learners learn? Why do learners learn? How do you make sure that learning sticks? The Telling Ain’t Training Conference shows you interactive, practical techniques that can be implemented immediately to improve your training programs. You’ll come away with solid answers, backed by research and real-world experience, presented by the pros. |
| Link: | www.astd.org… |
September 12th, 2008 No Comments »
Elliott Masie’s Learning 2008 Conference
Elliott Masie’s Learning 2008 Conference
| When: | Sunday, October 26 – Wednesday, October 29, 2008 |
| Where: | Disney’s Coronado Springs Convention Ctr Orlando, FL |
| Event type: | Symposium/Conference |
| Price: | 1295.00 |
| Additional Information: | please see web link for more details |
| Event Type: | Conference |
| Sponsoring Organization: | ASTD |
| Registration Link: | register.masie.com… |
| Note: |
Learning 2008 is designed by and for learning implementers. Let’s embrace the future, while being realistic about the difference between “hype” and effectiveness. Learning 2008 is “All About Learning”. Classroom, e-Learning, Gaming, Coaching and even Reading Books. Learning 2008 is also a lot of fun. In these challenging times, it is great to be able to learn, laugh and network our way to solutions for our organizations and careers |
| Link: | www.learning2008.com |
September 12th, 2008 No Comments »
ASTD – Telling Ain’t Training Conference
ASTD – Telling Ain’t Training Conference
| When: | Tuesday, October 21 – Wednesday, October 22, 2008 |
| Where: | University Center Chicago, IL |
| Event type: | Symposium/Conference |
| Price: | 795.00 |
| Additional Information: | see web link for more details |
| Event Type: | conference |
| Sponsoring Organization: | ASTD |
| Registration Link: | store.astd.org… |
| Note: |
Based on the hot selling book of the same name, this conference offers an experiential approach to transforming “telling” into activities that result in long-term retention and behavior change. Despite the irreverent title, this conference tackles universal and persistent questions: How do learners learn? Why do learners learn? How do you make sure that learning sticks? The Telling Ain’t Training Conference shows you interactive, practical techniques that can be implemented immediately to improve your training programs. You’ll come away with solid answers, backed by research and real-world experience, presented by the pros. |
| Link: | www.astd.org… |
September 12th, 2008 No Comments »
AME Toronto 2008 – From Good to Great
AME Toronto 2008 – From Good to Great
| When: | Monday, October 20 – Thursday, October 23, 2008 |
| Where: | Sheraton Centre , 123 Queen St. West Toronto, Ontario M5H 2M9 Canada |
| Event type: | Symposium/Conference |
| Additional Information: | see web link for details |
| Event Type: | conference |
| Sponsoring Organization: | AME |
| Registration Link: | ameconference.org… |
| Note: |
Our future lies in taking action and learning how to go from good to great. We need to engage in battle with mediocrity. Thousands of our industry colleagues are excelling in this global marketplace because they’re going beyond the norm. They have learned the secret that disciplined people, thinking disciplined thoughts, taking disciplined action, is the winning combination you need to succeed. |
| Link: | www.apqc.org… |
September 12th, 2008 No Comments »
Organizational Development Network Conference 2008
| When: | Sunday, October 19 – Wednesday, October 22, 2008 |
| Where: | Renaissance Austin Hotel Austin, Texas |
| Event type: | Symposium/Conference |
| Additional Information: | Please see web link for more details |
| Sponsoring Organization: | Organizational Development Network |
| Registration Link: | www.odnetwork.org… |
| Note: |
Discover and develop the tools and strategies necessary to advance your own career as well as your client’s interests. OD Network Conference 2008 offers something for everyone. Take advantage of the learning sessions that are most relevant to your practice or that will help you hone particular skill sets. With more than 60 learning sessions, you’ll have opportunities you won’t find elsewhere. Arrive ready to take new ideas in different directions and to directly and immediately apply those innovations and insights in your OD practice. |
| Link: | www.odnetwork.org… |
September 12th, 2008 No Comments »
Training Industry Webinar: Skills to Perfect Your Online Presentations
Training Industry Webinar: Skills to Perfect Your Online Presentations
| When: | Wednesday, October 8, 2008 |
| Where: | Online |
| Event type: | Webinar |
| Sponsoring Organization: | TrainingIndustry, Inc. / Adobe |
| Event Type: | Webinar |
| Additional Information: | please see web link for more details |
| Registration Link: | register.trainingindustry.com… |
| Note: |
Dramatically improve your customer relationships, staff engagement and training effectiveness by increasing your interaction in an online environment! |
| Link: | www.trainingindustry.com… |
September 12th, 2008 No Comments »
ASTD – Learn from the BEST workshop
| When: | Friday, October 3, 2008 |
| Where: | Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Regan Nat’l Airport 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway Arlington, VA 22202 Phone: 703.418.1234 or 800.233.1234 |
| Event type: | Certificate Programs / Workshops |
| Presenter: | 2008 ASTD BEST award winners |
| Price: | 370.00 |
| Additional Information: | see web link for more details |
| Event Type: | one day workshop |
| Sponsoring Organization: | ASTD |
| Registration Link: | store.astd.org… |
| Note: |
Spend a day with the winners of the 2008 BEST Awards at ASTD’s Learn from the BEST—a one-day workshop where you can learn the secrets to success of the organizations that set the benchmark for workplace learning and performance. ASTD’s BEST Awards recognize organizations for achieving enterprise-wide success through learning. They are BEST at Building talent Enterprise-wide, Supported by the organization’s leaders fostering a Thorough learning culture. On October 3, learn how the BEST organizations: |
| Link: | www.astd.org… |
September 12th, 2008 No Comments »

