Gratitude

While I’ve another post I’m meaning to write, it’s not the time ;). For now, it’s time to express gratitude. Research says actually listing the things you’re grateful for improves your mind! So, time to explore what I have to be grateful for. (And I’m being positive here. ;)

One of the good things happened in the first half of the year. I had the pleasure to continue my relationship with the folks at Upside Learning. Amit Garg continued to support learning science through his deeply grounded perspective, which led to a number of good things. One was the continual ideas from Isha Sood for marketing. There were a plethora of steps around publicizing the benefits of learning science. We did webinars, presentations, videos, and more, causing me to think afresh.  Another was working with Vidya Rajagopal to bake learning science into their design practices. She prodded me about the pragmatic constraints and we collaborated on generating new ideas about how to succeed.

Speaking of proselytizing learning science, I was engaged in many activities for the Learning Development Accelerator (LDA). With my co-director Matthew Richter, and the team, we ran a wide variety of activities. While some were members-only, others were publicly available or separate events. For instance, the Learning Science Conference was an opportunity to explore the underlying concepts and research results. We greatly benefitted from the excellent presenters, who we learned much from (as did I in particular!). Stay tuned for the followup!

I’m also grateful for those who participated in a couple of the programs the LDA ran. Both the Think Like A… and the You Oughta Know: Practitioner series drew upon folks who enlarged our perspectives on related fields and doing the work. Likewise with the debates. Of course, the LDA members are also always inquiring about the nuances. The lists are long, but you know who you are; heartfelt thanks!

I also had the chance to continue my involvement with Elevator 9. I learned a lot as the focus moved from a ‘no code’ developed-solution to a focus on developing a serious platform. A benefit was when David Grad’s passion and smart focus was coupled with Page Chen’s learning background and practical experience. It was a pleasure to work with both of them, and we plan to be able to tell you more early in the next year!

Of course, Quinnovation had its own work to do, and I had some really great experiences working with folks on their projects. We looked at the contexts and goals, and figured out steps to proceed along the path. I’m grateful, as I always learn a lot working with folks, and getting the chance to meld my background with their situations and expertise to craft viable solutions. Of course, I welcome hearing if I can assist you in the coming year!

I also did lots of interviews via podcasts, which are enlightening. The many smart hosts ask interesting questions, prompting me to think (and, regularly, rethink). These were coupled with articles for Upside, LDA, and more. I found out that one article back in January for Training Journal was their most read article of that month! Like my blogging here, these are further opportunities that cause me to reprocess my previous thinking.

I’m sure there’re more folks I’m forgetting. Mea culpa, and thanks!

In all, I’ve got a lot to be grateful for. As the research says, I find it boosting my mood as I write. So thanks to the folks above who helped me continue to explore the opportunities and solutions. I’ve much to have gratitude for, and that is the best thing of all. May you, too, have much to be grateful for, and may the holidays and the new year bring you more.