Many learning executives are concerned about visibility. They lament that they are not included early and sufficiently in the strategic work of the organization. Many seek appreciation and recognition for the learning enterprise, their learning enterprise. This long-standing concern has well-worn answers. I've offered some myself: align vigorously with the strategic purposes of the organization measure the learning enterprise against the metrics that matter most to the organization and leaders communicate with leadership through dashboards and stories riveted to high value metrics use data to continuously improve experiences and … [Read more...]
The Color Becomes Me: More Lessons from Larry
July 18, 2013 by
You met Larry, my hair color consultant, in my prior post. The big day arrived. The time had come for Larry to work on my hair. It had been eight days since our brief diagnostic meeting. I was concerned that he wouldn't remember me. But he did. Larry remembered my hair, my problem, and my goals. He urged us to review them together to make certain. He proposed to do something he called low lights. He asked me if that was OK. I started to nod and then stopped myself. I admitted that I had no idea what low lights were. His explanation was sufficient. I wanted whatever he said. Then I removed my earrings, sipped my water, and leaned … [Read more...]
Colorful Consulting: Lessons from Larry
July 10, 2013 by
Today I learned about consulting from a surprising source. It began at lunch yesterday, when my usually positive pal Ellie remarked that my hair wasn’t looking so great. I think the word she used was listless. The cut was fine. But she wondered about the color. What was up with the color? In order to tell this story I have to admit that I’ve been throwing color at my hair for years. Recently, I’ve encouraged my stylist to use a bit less color, to help me transition to a more real me, a salt and pepper me. But it has been a few steps forward and then about the same number of steps backwards. Just when I think I am ready to let the … [Read more...]
