Community Colleges: America’s Workforce Development Powerhouses
The American economy has always depended on skilled workers. Every hospital, manufacturing facility, construction project, technology company, logistics center, restaurant, and small business relies on people with practical knowledge and technical expertise. Yet the pathway to acquiring those skills has changed dramatically over the past several decades. Employers are placing greater emphasis on whether applicants […]
The Role of Workforce Investment Boards (WIB) in Workforce Development
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 established workforce development boards, also known as workforce investment boards (WIB), as the primary vehicle for planning and overseeing state and local workforce development funding. Their purpose is to ensure that workforce training is aligned with employers’ needs and regional economic priorities rather than operating independently […]
U.S. Workforce Development Report
This is the first in a new series of reports on the state of workforce training and development in the United States. This field has become a significant economic engine for the U.S. economy. U.S. organizations spend over $100 billion annually on direct investment in training and development. The Association for Talent Development (ATD) predicts […]
Review of the First Quarter of the 21st Century: World of Change
The first quarter of the 21st century, spanning from 2000 to 2025, has been a period marked by rapid change fueling armed conflict and further integration of the entire globe. The world entered this century with much hope for the future. We were largely at peace, the long Cold War ended and the USA standing […]
2025 Year in Review: Trump 2.0 = Plutocracy
History rarely unfolds politely. Some years may arrive with a whisper, incremental changes that only become important in hindsight. Others arrive like a siren, blaring so loudly that even those who try to ignore it feel the vibration. For Americans, 2025 was unmistakably loud and unruly. Destroying Government in Order to “Save” It The […]
What Every Manager Should Know About Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Managers who follow current events are wondering if they should still be promoting DEI in the workplace after it has come under harsh political attacks from those who view it as a negative influence on America. The media has been full of stories about conservative politicians railing against DEI and “woke” cultural initiatives, painting it […]
What Every Manager Should Know About Human Performance Improvement (HPI)
Introduction Imagine a typical work scenario where a manager witnesses lots of team effort but not the desired results. Maybe it’s a new initiative or a stretch goal. It could be something routine that eludes easy resolution. What can the manager do to change this situation? Traditionally, managers in this circumstance turn to punitive methods. […]
What Every Manager Should Know About AI’s Role in the Workplace
AI-Human Interface Artificial intelligence has emerged as the latest technology driving a shift in the way work gets done. Managers should understand several key aspects of AI in the workplace to effectively lead teams, make strategic decisions, and ensure responsible use of technology. Those who master AI will have the competitive advantage going forward. AI’s […]
What Every Manager Needs To Know About Employee Motivation
Why Motivation Matters Perhaps no human attitude is more important and less understood than motivation. It is the driving force behind human action; the spark that lights all human endeavor. In the workplace, motivation impacts productivity, engagement and retention. Managers who successfully tap into their employees’ motivation enjoy higher levels of achievement and satisfaction in […]
2024 Year in Review: The Gilded Age Redux
Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it. George Santayana, Historian/Philosopher This year will always be remembered in the U.S. as the moment Donald J. Trump staged one of the biggest comebacks in American history. After being soundly defeated (despite his false claims) in 2020, Trump incredibly ran for the […]
What Every Manager Needs to Know about Group Problem Solving
Effective problem solving is the cornerstone of a successful business. As organizations become more complex and interconnected, the challenges they face grow in complexity too. Managers are increasingly relying on teams to solve problems collaboratively. But group problem solving is not without its challenges. Miscommunication, conflicting opinions, and poor leadership can derail even the best […]
What Every Manager Should Know About Conflict Resolution
Why Resolving Conflict Matters Since conflicts inevitably arise whenever two or more people work together, managers need to master the art of conflict resolution. This blog covers key points that managers should know about conflict, including what causes it and strategies to resolve conflicts successfully. Understand the Nature of Conflict Conflict is a natural […]
What Every Manager Should Know About Progressive Discipline
One of the biggest management headaches is dealing with employees who are not meeting minimum expectations for their jobs. No matter how carefully we select and hire employees, managers will inevitably encounter employees who are not living up to the organization’s expectations. Managing these matters with success is critical […]
People Management: What Every Manager Needs to Know About Coaching Employees
Of all the tasks that managers perform, few are as transformative and rewarding as coaching employees. While traditional managers often rely on issuing directives and evaluating performance, coaching transcends these boundaries by fostering growth, empowerment, and a culture of continuous improvement within the workplace. In today’s dynamic and competitive business environment, effective coaching has become […]
2023 Year in Review: Death Becomes Us
Rest in peace, live in toil Death has always been the inevitable end of life, but 2023 brought us a gluttony of death from war, disease, crime and natural disasters. Coming out of the global COVID pandemic, we might have expected a more peaceful transition back to “normal” […]
What Every Manager Should Know About Delegation
Effective delegation is a critical skill for managers at all levels. Yet, it is often misunderstood and underutilized. Delegation is not just divvying and assigning tasks to subordinates; it’s a strategic process that can improve productivity, foster growth, and maximize the talents of a team. In this blog, we’ll […]
People Management: What Every Manager Needs to Know about Recruiting and Hiring
In today’s competitive business landscape, recruiting and hiring top talent is more critical than ever. As a manager, your ability to build a high-performing team can significantly impact your own and your organization’s success. To excel in this endeavor, it’s essential to understand the nuances of recruitment and hiring. […]
People Management: Mastering the Art of Giving and Receiving Performance Feedback
Performance feedback is a critical component of any successful workplace. It is a tool that helps individuals and teams grow, develop, and achieve their full potential. Managers play a pivotal role in this process, as they are responsible for both giving and receiving feedback. However, providing feedback can be a […]
People Management: A Manager’s Guide to Helping Employees Set Effective Work Goals
As a manager, one of your key responsibilities is to guide and support your team members in achieving their best performance. An essential aspect of this role is helping your employees set clear and impactful work goals. Well-defined goals provide a roadmap for success, enhance motivation, and foster a sense of accomplishment. In this blog, […]
2022 Year in Review: Democracy Fights Back
Key Events: Democracy has been on the defensive lately. The forces of autocratic authoritarianism have ascended across the globe, backed by the immense wealth concentrated in the upper 1/10th of one percent who collectively own more than the rest of the 8 billion people currently crowded on planet Earth. It is all too easy for […]
