Community Colleges: America’s Workforce Development Powerhouses

Engines of Workforce Development

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 […]

What Every Manager Should Know About Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

The workforce is diverse

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)

People Management

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

Face of AI

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 […]

People Management: What Every Manager Needs to Know About Coaching Employees

CLEAR coaching model

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 […]

What Every Manager Should Know About Delegation

People Management

            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

People Management

            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. […]