Yesterday I had a discussion with a few individuals in education.  They represented the business component of the education system – working in the HR and financial departments.  The managers brought up an interesting point:  Much emphasis is put on employees' “hard skills” such as IT training, understanding the usage of cutting edge software and staying up to speed with today's e-Learning tools – whereas emphasis on the “soft skills” side was completely left to the wayside.  It seems a bit hypocritical that an entire system based on continuing education and strengthening knowledge and skill-sets – would neglect nurturing the relationships and environment in which the employees work. 

Kind of sad.

With budget cuts (specifically in education) money must be allocated strategically.  Although it is crucial to allocate money toward technology and latest trends, we cannot forget about the employees and the workforce behind the diplomas.  I'm not even talking about the faculty – I'm talking about the administrative workforce behind the school system. 

Interpersonal relationships are key within this industry.  Employees and managers should be encouraged to interact positively so they can create a harmonious work environment that promotes creative thinking and streamlining the business component of student education.  Furthermore, younger, less experienced individuals are moving into managerial positions and need the guidance and support for effective decision making, managerial skills, and innovative thinking.  Due to budget cuts, layoffs, and other stressful financial and interpersonal issues, some establishments unfortunately have problems with ineffective, fearful leaders and the way employees treat one another.

Hello??

Conflict Management Anyone??

Leadership?  Accountability?  Oral Communications?

The need for soft skills training is more pertinent than ever.  Regardless of your industry – it is imperative to nurture a professional work environment and ensure that all employees are respectful, engaged, and effective. 

Don't let the need for IT training blindside the importance of human relations and interpersonal skills.  We can't have one without the other.  A strong education system can only come from a strong workforce behind the scenes.    

We need to train the trainers.  And those who work on the business side of training.  Our school systems need a strong foundation – in order to produce effective results – our students.  

Men are from Mars – women are from Venus.  We've heard this line before.  Sure, men and women are different in many ways – we express ourselves differently, communicate differently, and react to situations differently.  But if we'd all be a little more honest, patient, and understanding (ahem, ladies) – I think we'd expose some secrets about gender roles we may not have recognized before.

Gentleman – you're about to be exposed.   Here are top 10 secrets guys wished you knew (according to a group of psychologists studying gender roles, of course.)

1.  Men Say “I Love You” with actions:  For the men of few words – actions speak louder than words.  Instead of actually verbalizing his love, your guy may take out the trash, fix the leaky sink, or set the table – just to show you he cares. 

2.  Contrary to popular belief – men take commitment seriously:  It may take them longer to build trust and feel comfortable, but once they are committed – most men are in it for the long run.  In fact, a recent study showed that 90% of married men claim they would marry the same woman again.

3.  He REALLY is listening:  Women often respond with “yes” or “I see” while listening to someone else talk.  Often times, men prefer to listen quietly – but don't worry, they're still listening - most of time ;)

4. Shared activities form bonds:  Men strengthen their relationship through activities rather than expressing or verbalizing their feelings.  Physical interaction like sports and intimacy make men feel closer to their loved one.

5.  Men need time to themselves:  Call it nurturing his individuality or blowing off steam.  Regardless, guys need time to themselves.  Encourage your man to pursue his hobbies – and give him the space he needs.

6.  Men learn from their fathers:  The good, the bad, and the ugly – guys learn a lot from their dads.  Whether they choose to follow in their footsteps or go the opposite direction – men are influenced by their father's relationships. 

7.  Men let go faster than women:  Women tend to dwell on negative experiences or arguments longer than men do.  If a woman wants to discuss last night's argument, the guy may have already put it behind him. On the positive side – here's to forgiving and forgetting!

8.  Men don't pick up on subtle hints:  When it comes to communicating with men – it's best to be direct.  Chances are, they won't pick up on cues like tone of voice or facial expressions.

9.  Men respond positively to appreciation:  Compliment him, validate him, and appreciate him.  Men are more responsive and more willing to help when they feel competent and needed.

10.  Men stray when their needs aren't met:  Although men are committed – they need to be appreciated and assured that their needs are met.  If not – they will seek satisfaction from other sources.  That's why it's important to communicate and make sure that both yours and his needs are met.

What do the guys think?  True?  Untrue?

Rebuttals welcome... (be nice)

Ladies…Opinions?  Speak now before YOUR relationship secrets are revealed:) 

They call me...the plant killer. 

Although my relationship with plants can be likened to a killer shark preying on its helpless victim, I find gardening to be an intriguing, beautiful, and rewarding experience (when done correctly, which I have yet to accomplish). 

Any green thumbs out there?  Here are some front yard landscaping ideas from Better Homes & Gardens that are sure to give your yard a makeover and your gardening confidence a boost. 

• Try Pebbles & Plantings:  Lay dark gray pebbles surrounded by paving stones for a no-mow, easy-care landscape accent.  Placing a series of irregularly placed, large-scale pavers offers a minimalist, artistic path
• Design a Bountiful Bed:  Wondering how to deal with a narrow flowerbed?  Try a grouping of perennials and annuals, which provide pops of color and easy maintenance
• Create a Zen Oasis:  Build an Asian-inspired garden with design ornaments, mulch, and evergreens
• Paint a Brilliant Canvas:  Mix ornamental grasses with beautiful maple trees.  These choices offer beautiful foliage, little care, and can withstand harsh weather
• Go Beyond the Garden Gate:  A simple, elegant fence not only contains a beautiful garden, but it separates single rows of daylilies and more diverse plantings closer to the house
• Fuse Elements for a Low-Key Setup:  Try mixing a solid surface with loose gravel.  If plants and trees provide overwhelming bolts of color -   let sleekly styled lawn chairs serve as a focal point
• Reach for Grand and Graceful:  A combination of shrubs and trees, specifically willows, help create a striking and vibrant color pallet.  Shrubs can be formally shaped or left to grow in its own form
• Make a Little Nook in the Woods:  Transition between tall plants and groundcovers for diversity and beauty -  add solar-powered landscape lighting for a peaceful, warm feel

While I'll personally stick to the pre-grown planters from Home Depot and cross my fingers to keep even those alive – I hope you true gardeners will take these tips to heart and create the beautiful yards and spaces I enjoy seeing – and in truth, wish I could create myself :)

While we're on the subject of greenery, check out the 3Leaf Group titles on healthy eating, green living, and environmental concerns.  Don't forget, an audiobook makes a great gardening companion…

How do you REALLY feel about the government targeting travel and conference costs in efforts to cut insufficient federal spending?    In May 2012, The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced that starting in October, federal travel expenses will be cut by 30% and the government will prohibit more than $50,000 to be spent on conferences.   

Good move?  Bad move?

On the positive side, agencies are projected to spend 30% less funding on travel expenses from FY 2012 through FY 2016.  Conferences will be monitored by senior-level to ensure appropriate levels of funding match the participation and training requirements for the meeting.  In the words of Jeffrey Zients, Acting Director of OMB, "These are all common sense steps that will save taxpayer dollars by eliminating waste and improving government operations — all while maintaining the core government functions that the American people count on.”

Fair enough. 

We all agree budget cuts are necessary in making strides to cut federal spending and increase effectiveness in both management and performance.  But why target training?  Does this cut imply the government is putting employee training and education on a lower rung on the priority ladder? 

Absolutely not. 

Training is as important as ever.  The method and delivery of training, however – is what's questionable.  It seems as though the OMB is discovering a concept 3LG markets every day:  Let's cut training costs and use more effective, streamlined methods that reduce time, travel, and monetary expenses.

It's true.  Even the U.S Government is realizing that training can be maximized by using other forms of media – audiobooks, mobile downloadable devices, video conferences, online training tutorials.  There are numerous modes to choose from – for all levels of technical proficiencies.  For those traditionalists concerned with losing human interaction - - follow up review sessions can be scheduled after technical training  to ensure all requirements are met and all questions answered.     Cross-training on a local scale can be implemented to encourage face-to-face interaction and to supplement independent tutorials. 

Bottom line – there is a world of training beyond the need for physical travel and in-person conferences.  There are plenty of opportunities in digital training that can be securely and effectively implemented – even in the federal space. 

The time has come – time to cut travel plans, time spent, and budget restrictions when it comes to training.  There is a multitude of areas in which these savings can be allocated.  Not to mention, salvaging a deep federal deficit. 

We're glad the U.S. Government hopped on our band-wagon for “the pros of mobile, digital, and audio training”. 

Not to toot our own horn, but – we told you so :)