Archive for category: Virginia Cooper

Perpetual Growth of Leaders Through Lifelong Learning #MondayBlogs

April 22, 2024/in #MondayBlogs, Guest Bloggers, Virginia Cooper/by Caroline Slee-Poulos

Perpetual Growth of Leaders Through Lifelong Learning #MondayBlogs

Guest writer Virginia Cooper returns this week with another look at ongoing education in “Perpetual Growth of Leaders Through Lifelong Learning,” our contribution to #MondayBlogs.

In an ever-evolving world, the concept of lifelong learning stands as a cornerstone for community leaders. It’s not merely about the accumulation of knowledge but rather a continuous journey of personal and professional development. This article from Learning Without Scars aims to underscore the significance of lifelong learning for community leaders, focusing on how it can shape their skills, perspectives, and effectiveness. By embracing a culture of perpetual growth, leaders can better serve their communities and foster environments of innovation and resilience.

Enhancing Leadership Abilities

Strong leadership is not an innate trait but a skill honed over time. Lifelong learning plays a pivotal role in this process.

Adopting New Leadership Styles: Exposure to diverse perspectives encourages leaders to adapt their leadership style to different situations and individuals.
Strategic Decision-Making: Continual learning fosters the ability to make informed, strategic decisions in the face of complex community challenges.
Emphasis on Self-Discipline: The essence of leadership lies in self-discipline. It enables leaders to model the values and work ethic they wish to see in their community.
Conflict-Resolution Skills: Learning about and experiencing various conflict-resolution strategies equips leaders to handle disagreements constructively.

Furthering Your Education

The pursuit of formal education, at any stage of life, can significantly enhance a leader’s expertise and credibility.

Online Computer Science Degree: When a person works to complete your online computer science degree, leaders are empowered with digital literacy, which is crucial in today’s technology-driven world.
Interdisciplinary Studies: Engaging in interdisciplinary studies broadens a leader’s understanding of various sectors, promoting a holistic approach to community development.
Cultural and Ethical Understanding: Courses in cultural studies and ethics enhance a leader’s ability to navigate and respect diverse viewpoints and moral considerations.

Networking and Collaborative Learning

Lifelong learning often involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone to connect with others, fostering a network of collaboration and support.

Joining Professional Groups: Engaging with professional networks offers opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning.
Attending Workshops and Conferences: These gatherings provide a platform for exchanging ideas and staying abreast of current trends and challenges.
Community Engagement: Participating in community events and projects helps leaders understand the real-time needs and dynamics of their constituents.

Staying Abreast of Technological Advancements

In a rapidly changing technological landscape, staying updated is key for effective leadership.

Regularly Attending Tech Webinars: This keeps leaders informed about emerging technologies and potential applications in community development.
Hands-on Experience with New Technologies: Experimenting with new tools and platforms enhances a leader’s ability to integrate technology into community initiatives.
Promoting Digital Literacy in the Community: Leaders can advocate for and implement programs that increase the community’s engagement with technology.

Personal Development and Wellness

A leader’s personal well-being is integral to their effectiveness and resilience.

Mindfulness and Stress Management: Learning and practicing mindfulness techniques can help leaders manage stress and maintain clarity of thought.
Physical Fitness: Regular physical activity contributes to overall health, energy levels, and mental sharpness.
Lifelong Reading Habit: A habit of reading not only expands knowledge but also promotes empathy, imagination, and cognitive flexibility.

Lifelong learning is an indispensable tool for community leaders. It equips them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and perspective to navigate the complexities of leadership effectively. By committing to continuous personal and professional development and furthering their education, leaders can inspire change, foster community growth, and create a lasting impact. In this journey, the pursuit of knowledge becomes not just a professional obligation but a personal mantra for growth and resilience.

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Effective and Affordable Lifelong Learning Strategies

April 2, 2024/in Guest Bloggers, Virginia Cooper/by Caroline Slee-Poulos

Effective and Affordable Lifelong Learning Strategies

Learning Without Scars is pleased to introduce a new guest writer and fellow educator this week. Virginia Cooper is a retired community college instructor. She always encouraged her students to see the real-world value in their education, and now, she wants to spread that message as wide as possible. Her hope is that Learn a Living will be a go-to resource for adult learners embarking on starting, continuing, or finishing their education. Her first blog post for LWS is this week’s “Effective and Affordable Lifelong Learning Strategies.”

As we grow older, learning new things can fuel fulfillment, boost cognitive agility, and ensure lively social connections. This guide, courtesy of Learning Without Scars, delves into cost-effective approaches for integrating continuous learning into daily life, thus paving the way for sustained success and personal enrichment.

A Gateway to Adaptability and Progress

Lifelong learning transcends acquiring new abilities; it’s a mindset that nurtures adaptability and resilience. It not only facilitates career enhancement and intellectual growth but also enriches personal life, fostering a sense of achievement and adaptability in an ever-changing world. By embracing this mindset, individuals position themselves to navigate the complexities of modern life with agility and confidence.

Embrace Online Learning

The digital era has transformed the landscape of education, presenting an abundance of online learning platforms. With these available programs, individuals can delve into new areas of study and enhance their skill sets without a hefty financial burden. Their flexible and user-friendly nature accommodates varying schedules and learning styles, making education more accessible. For example, if you wish to become well-versed in IT, you can explore this further by pursuing an online degree that provides deep knowledge of programming, coding, and cybersecurity.

Open Educational Resources

The realm of Open Educational Resources (OER) presents a cost-free avenue for accessing a tremendous range of educational materials. From comprehensive textbooks to in-depth lectures and interactive modules, these resources offer a no-cost solution to high-quality education. They cater to diverse learning needs and interests, facilitating the exploration of new academic territories without financial constraints.

Libraries and Workshops

Public libraries and community centers are unsung heroes in the world of lifelong learning. Beyond their traditional roles, they offer a plethora of free learning materials, workshops, and educational programs. These community resources are pivotal in providing accessible learning opportunities, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and community-driven education.

Free Webinars and E-Resources

Webinars and other electronic resources, often shaped by industry experts, are a treasure trove of knowledge and insights available at no cost. For everything from proper welding techniques to how to code, they offer perspectives and information that can be pivotal for both personal and professional development. These options, accessible in various formats, are a testament to the accessibility of quality education in the modern age.

Listen and Learn

Podcasts have revolutionized the way we consume information, offering a convenient medium for learning during otherwise occupied moments like commuting or exercising. They cover a diverse range of subjects, providing insights on everything from historical or scientific research and findings to learning how to diversify your portfolio through real estate investments. This format makes it possible to stay informed and inspired, turning routine activities into opportunities for intellectual enrichment.

YouTube: A Visual Learning Adventure

YouTube has emerged as a powerful educational resource, highlighting a vast array of channels dedicated to topics ranging from science to the humanities. These channels provide compelling and educational content, appealing to learners of all ages and backgrounds.

By regularly tuning into these channels, Sophie Pomme notes individuals can continuously enrich their knowledge base, effortlessly blending education into their daily digital routine. This practice not only enhances learning but also encourages a culture of curiosity and lifelong education in an easily accessible format.

In today’s dynamic world, a commitment to lifelong learning is indispensable. By leveraging these affordable and accessible strategies, continuous growth and development become an attainable goal for everyone. Whether through digital platforms, open resources, community involvement, or multimedia content, the learning opportunities are limitless. Embracing lifelong learning as a lifestyle choice opens doors to a world of personal and professional fulfillment.

For training solutions for heavy equipment dealerships, visit Learning Without Scars today!

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TESTIMONIALS

The Importance of “Professionalism” in Recruiting and Retaining Excellent Technicians

Guest writer Steve Johnson addresses the important issue of hiring and retaining employees in this week's post, "The Importance of 'Professionalism' in Recruiting and Retaining Excellent Technicians."

Finding good people and employee retention have for years been tough, relevant issues in the equipment industry, especially with regard to technicians. This also applies to other jobs at your dealership. The “great resignation” has brought the issue of retention to even greater prominence. Now, some might say, “aw, they’re just lazy, want a handout, have had it too easy,” etc.

I don’t buy it.

I’ve seen too many motivated young people at career and technical colleges, at Skills USA and other venues to buy that. I’ve seen too many great employees and great employers who show me a different story to buy that. There are too many young people out there who make great employees at companies that re far-sighted enough to educate them well and provide great career opportunities. There are too many companies out there that manage their retention rates well through expert and informed “professional” human resource management. Here I am not just referring to the human resources department, but the entire organization’s management.

I remember once asking an equipment dealership owner what he pays beginning techs and mentioned what I thought was an average number. His reply? “Absolutely not, nobody can live on that! In a different mid-career job, I worked for a training organization, and one business owner was angry at me because he had trained all his people and they had all quit and moved on. He said it was my fault. In reality, it was because his shop was far less than desirable as a workplace. Another said he couldn’t find any good techs. Then he told me he was paying them a way below market rate at $8.50 / hour. Seriously? Which of the above was the more professional reaction?

There have been many articles I’ve read over the years as to why people want to leave their jobs and do leave their jobs. It seems to me that the reasons are not that different today from those years ago… an unlivable wage, no upward mobility, poor leadership, a negative company culture, below standard benefits, a chronically overworked staff, and so forth. I would never expect employees in today’s labor market to stand for that, and apparently many are not. In my opinion, the “great resignation” is largely more an issue of employer human resource management professionalism than an employee issue.

In summary, my belief is that running a professional organization has everything to do with dealer professionals treating people like the human professionals they are in a professional environment. What does that mean operationally? Here are some thoughts on employees staying or leaving.

Fair and equitable pay is an important factor; everyone wants to do their best supporting themselves and their families. Fair and equitable benefits are also important; ask anyone who has had medical issues and did not or couldn’t afford to have health insurance.

Is there anyone out there who doesn’t feel burned out at times; needs some personal or family time; or some vacation time to be with their families? How about providing on average a good balance of work/personal life.

Not all, but most “motivated and productive” employees do want to have continuous learning opportunities, both OTJ and more formal learning, to help them move along in their career into better paying, more responsible jobs. There are other ways to enable this than just “climbing the company management ladder.”

Most employees would like to know that their employers are paying attention to them and their near- and long-range personal and professional goals. Consider that the costs of not paying attention to such things continue to go up.

See #4 above. This is particularly true for all leaders and managers, from parts and service managers all the way to the top management.

Does your company have an employee feedback mechanism to take the company pulse. For example, does management “walk around” the company often to be accessible and get the pulse? What if you found that half your company wouldn’t recommend employment there to a friend? I know of that happening at one company. Does management make an honest effort to find out why people are leaving? Do they act on the collective information results?

Does management set a good professional “work ethic” example to employees; what about employees to other employees. Do the rules apply to everyone? Are honesty, good character, integrity, mutual respect and fairness words that apply to actual practice at the company and are at the top of the company’s value list?

When you hire a new, qualified technician, or even an intern or apprentice, do you have them on the wash bay, or make sure they are working and gaining new experience at the highest level they are qualified for?

Does your shop appear as a professional environment should, or does it hearken back to memories of years ago that preserve the old “grease monkeys” image. Are your employees proud of where they work? Does your employee dress code reflect professionalism or something less desirable? Yes, even maybe uniforms in the shop.

Are up-down and down-up company communication’s what they should be? Does staff communicate well to all concerned parties? This includes any performance reviews… “If we’re doing our job as leaders, a performance review should only be two columns: Column A is what you do great and Column B is what you do not-so-great. Now, here’s how we move things from Column B to Column A.” (Story by Carly Guthrie, Guthrie HR Consulting, San Francisco, CA)

My goal here is to urge you to think about “company professionalism” and how that impacts your companies’ human resource management as you develop a hopefully successful recruitment and retention plan. Yes, the above over-simplifies the issues greatly. However, I believe that if companies work to manage the career interests of new and experienced employees continuously and professionally and give them challenging and rewarding work opportunities in a professional environment, those employees will thrive. So will those companies.

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August 30, 2022

Swap Stress for Serenity

Founder and managing member Ron Slee writes today about the need for greater calm in our daily lives, and trying to find a way to swap stress for serenity.

It has long been a goal of mine: to find serenity in my life.

As time has passed and that goal of serenity continues to be elusive, I am adjusting and adapting my outlook. Serenity just isn’t in the cards for me. I have much too busy a mind. Perhaps it is a reflection of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), or some other acronym that I can blame or use as an excuse. It really doesn’t matter.

As many of you who follow me know I am taken by a book titled “Indistractable” by Nir Eyal. I am learning, yes at long last, how to better manage my time and accomplish things. I was being much too precise in how I managed my To Do List. Now I have assigned “Time Blocks” to my life and it seems to be working better for me.

Can I really move from stress to serenity? Putting the two words together like that has helped all by itself. There is stress, for me, associated with a specific goal and a specific time allocation. I suspect the same is true for you as well. How does that become stressful? Our minds seem to work on deadlines. When we are up against a deadline, our To Do List, we feel stress. It seems that this is all very normal. We get interruptions all the time and those get in the way of our To Do List. More Stress. As a result of that realization, I went to time blocks. I assign the work I want to accomplish a block of time. No goal just a block of time. I have been trying to assign eight hours of time to work and sixteen hours or time to life. Imagine that?

It seemed weird looking at it. I had assigned all of the work elements I needed to get done in my work day.

One hour of email and social media

One hour on product development for LWS

One hour for sales calls for LWS

Half an hour to work on the quarterly newsletter

Half an hour working on advisory boards

One hour communication with the LWS team

One hour of Zoom meetings

Total Eight Hours

Seems pretty simple yet rather strange looking at it, doesn’t it? Gone are finite goals with specific time lines. And after two or more weeks my level of stress has become much less problematic. I am calmer. Perhaps, dare I say it our loud, more serene.

The other sixteen hours are simple as well. Two hours for personal time. Exercise or reading or whatever it is that I want to do. Fourteen hours of living with my family and friends and sleeping.

When I look at it, I am stunned that it took me so long to come to this type of approach. It took a Behavioral Scientist to penetrate my thick head. I have been on this pursuit for most of my life. Finding easier ways to do things. Find my effectiveness or efficiency. My Industrial Engineering roots are showing. I was involved with Continuous Improvement as a teenager. I called it laziness. It wasn’t really. I was just trying to find a more effective way to do things. In fact, everything. It is in my genetic makeup.

At the same time many of you know I have been pushing a book called Ikigai. Which is the Japanese Pursuit of Happiness.

After all the only real goal to have in life is to be happy. To seek happiness. It has taken me a long time to get here but I am here now. The word “happy” dates back to the 14th Century when it was used to describe luck; someone who was “happy” was prosperous or favored by fortune. But as with many of you I had trouble and still do have trouble defining my understanding of my happiness. This concept can be very imprecise and perhaps that is what bothers me. There needs to be clarity and precision in things. Yet it turns out that there is no proven way to determine the factors of happiness or increase significantly a person’s level of happiness. That sounds like Don Quixote “tilting at windmills.” Perhaps that is why I have not achieved it. Don’t get me wrong I am a happy person. The glass is always more than half full. No matter what the problem is in my life or my work I can handle it. Nothing is too great an issue that it can’t be dealt with properly.

And yet… What do you think?

Care to join with me and swap some of your stress for more serenity?

The Time is Now.

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July 19, 2022