The above definition describes the most sought after item at ATD this year...and every year, in my humble opinion. That is an understanding of and ability to articulate shared, common experiences. The goal is future success.

To understand you and you to understand me. What more could we ask for?

So it was re-affirming to see the never ending demand for what Meaningful Trainings provides: communications skills development. However you slice it - ILT, F2F facilitated collaboration, coaching development, digital self-paced or old school analogue (creative writing anyone?) - the skills we bring determine the outcome.

How can we improve your outcomes today?

Meaningful Trainings set out on an investigative sojourn in May. One of the stops was Washington D.C. where we caught up with professional cohorts, shared meals & conversations (special shout-out to Sage Media!) while getting a refreshed perspective of the talent development world.

Any trade show floor seems to offer a magical diversion. What's new? What's exciting? Where are my established knowns and my unknown unknowns? Truly a box of chocolates. Blair & I thus began an archeological adventure. An exploration of enterprises and enticements. So what did we find? What are the words and phrases that dominated the banners and thinking amidst the gathering of professionals dedicated to human talent development? Our June posts for the 1st (&) 15th will offer our view from the "dirt", in keeping with the archeology metaphor. So...what did we find?

Recurring Words/Concepts

Like the picture at the top of the post, much of what we discovered was old. For us it confirms that which makes Meaningful Trainings meaningful is ancient. Ancient knowledge passed from one generation to another. Sometimes things get lost and forgotten. Through either happenstance or need we find them again.

The story (first word/concept) we found over and over again was about an elephant. No matter the product, service or area of expertise we found the same dynamic and a perplexity that confused even the most seasoned talent developer. What could possibly capture the ire or imagination of everyone? Digital distraction versus analogue engagement.

Let's pause for a moment. When was the last time virtually everyone you meet has the same opinion about anything? I'll include the weather in that just to make it interesting. For me, this was the first time - ever. Digital distraction versus analogue engagement. Who knew this would be the basis for universal agreement. Move over Love.

Which leads us to a question: How many minutes a day do you engage with a digital device vs. an analogue device. For this exercise consider another human an analogue interaction. From there, take a few minutes to consider and write out your reactions. While you do that, I'll finish mine and begin on a few comments of the the above words/concepts we culled from our 2019 ATD Expedition for the 15th post. Enjoy!