Learning Rebels Podcast

Coaching and Mentoring Yourself and Others

It all started with the BIG question on the table.
How can L&D maximize the value of working with a coach or mentor for their own professional growth and development, and what are some effective strategies for building a coaching or mentoring program that can be sustainable within an organization?
 
This was an interesting conversation. When considering coaching and mentoring programs, we take many things for granted - we assume people know where to go and what to do.
 
Do we know the difference between coaching and mentoring?
What baggage can a potential mentee may bring to formal mentoring situations, and are mentors trained for that?
What about reverse mentoring in the workplace?
How good are WE at creating connections that may be potential mentors or coaches?
 
There was a lot to consider and absorb. One particular point of discussion was remembering that many people are assigned “coaching” as a punitive action. They’ve done something wrong, now they must be “coached”. Honestly, a perspective I had overlooked.
 
I hope you find other A-HA moments too!
 
View the full Coffee Chat Video here
View the Transcript here here
 
This chat calls back to this Learning Rebels Blog Post: Everyone Needs a Coach or Mentor
Additional reading:
Mentoring Best Practices
The Differences Between Coaching and Mentoring
The Odyssey’s Millennia-Old Model of Mentorship
 
 
Read these!
 
10 Steps to Successful Mentoring (10 Steps Series) by Wendy Axelrod
Mentoring Manual by Julie Starr
The Mentoring Guide: Helping Mentors and Mentees Succeed by Vineet Chopra, Valerie Vaughn, Sanjay Saint
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts by Brene Brown
 
 
Be part of the Community.
Continue the conversation while building connections and capability. Learn more here.
 
Join the conversation 
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Hire Learning Rebels 
When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen.Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more
 
Host: Shannon Tipton 
Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions

Unexpected Discoveries: Encouraging Serendipitous Learning

It all started with the BIG question on the table.
How can we help create momentum around looking for and “seeing” the unexpected? How can we encourage employees to take the time and explore resources to see new topics for learning and discover new ideas outside their immediate job responsibilities?
 
This was a fun conversation with many ideas. I found that many of the ideas could also be applied to our Coffee Chat about Creative Debriefing.
 
Debriefing Video here
Debriefing Podcast Episode here
 
I like how the conversation included thoughts about our responsibility as L&D people. How are we embracing serendipity? Are we present and aware? If we aren't exploring the environment around us, how can we expect others to do the same?
 
Here are some quick ideas to encourage exploration:
Let go of control and allow people to explore. This means deviating from the script.
Put up guardrails to help the thinking process. Provide learners with themes to search and discover.
Help to connect discovery to application. Ask deeper questions.
Learn how to uncover stories and then to how to share them. Share this knowledge with participants.
Help participants connect to their surroundings. Promote observational skills.
But it all begins with trust. Sharing unexpected moments requires that the participants trust us with their thoughts and ideas. If we haven't bridged the trust issue, engaging and encouraging deeper learning will be hard.
 
 
Get chat video recording here
Get your copy of the chat message box here
Get the transcript here
 
Download these!
 
New Conceptualizations of Practice: Common Principles in Three Paradigms Suggest New Concepts for Training - Schmidt, R. A., & Bjork, R. A. (1992)
 
5 Questions to Help You Explore Serendipity
 
 
Read these!
 
The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck by Christian Busch
Think Again by Adam Grant
Through the Lens of Serendipity: Helping Others Discover the Best in Themselves--Even if Life has Shown Them Its Worst by Allyson Apsey
Serendipitous Discoveries from the Bookshelf by Alexander Atkins
 
Be part of the Community
Continue the conversation while building connections and capability. Learn more here.
 
Join the conversation 
Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.  
 
Hire Learning Rebels 
When you need learning that sticks, we’ll fight to make performance results happen.Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more
 
Host: Shannon Tipton 

Learning Rebels in 15: Debunking Learning Myths

Your weekly double shot is “Debunking Learning Myths: What is Our Responsibility?”
 
 
You can find the full live video conversation here.
Find the full podcast here
 
It all started with the question: How does Learning and Development (L&D) handle learning myths? Not about how to bust them but how to address them when they appear in the wild. When a colleague or manager states a myth as truth - now what? How can we handle this with grace and patience? Without making others feel inferior or stupid?
 
In this Learning Rebels in 15 we are hearing from:
 
Bob E.
Evelien V.
Maureen F.
Renee M.
John W.
Betsy
Erica B.
 
As they discuss these main points:
 
Point #1: Understand that people don’t know what they don’t know. That goes for L&D professionals too.
 
Point #2: It’s tough to let go of sacred cows. We have to have conversations with grace, patience, and science!
 
Point #3: Experience can misinform. Just because we’ve done a thing, doesn’t mean we’ve done the thing correctly.
 
Point #4: Always start with data and research.
 
Point #5: Sometimes good design is the solution.
 
I’ll leave you with this thought:
 
Handling learning myths can be tricky and must be handled with care and sensitivity. Being condescending, patronizing, or just plain rude and mean doesn't get the results we need - it doesn't move the needle. What does move the needle is knowing our audience. Where are they in their career? Are they SMEs turned trainers? Are they new to the industry? Do they work alone and depend on tribal knowledge?  
 
Remember the words from the great Stephen Covey, “Seek for to Understand”. This is the only way to affect change.
 
Stay curious & take over the world!
Shannon
 
 
View the original  video recording here
 
 
Join the conversation
You can have an opportunity to be part of the original live coffee chats! Sign up here. 
 
Join the community!
Join the Learning Community, build capability, and continue to be inspired by your peers! Join here
 
Hire Learning Rebels
Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more about how Learning Rebels can help you reimagine workplace learning. 
 
Host: Shannon Tipton

Learning from Others, Building a Collaborative Learning Culture

How meta was this episode? People collaborating about collaboration.
 
So many great ideas were shared in this episode. In particular, it was an ah-ha moment for me to attribute the “Fight, Flight or Freeze” reflex into a learning situation. And it’s true! If people are scared, worried, or fearful, solid collaboration simply won’t occur.
 
There was also mention of recognizing the difference between cooperative and collaborative learning.
 
Cooperative learning involves a group of individuals working together to achieve a common goal or complete a task. In contrast, collaborative learning focuses on group members sharing knowledge, skills, and resources to achieve a shared outcome.
 
Cooperative learning is more structured and goal-oriented, whereas collaborative learning is more flexible and emphasizes peer-to-peer interaction.
 
While it is a nuanced difference, it’s important to recognize how to use one versus the other.
 
There was also a lot of discussion about “words.” How are we communicating collaboration? Are we being encouraging and thoughtful? It would be easy to trigger someone who suffers from imposter syndrome or might have an inferiority complex.
 
Some key positive phrases:
 
"Your input is valuable to our team's success."
"I appreciate your willingness to collaborate."
"Let's pool our resources and come up with a solution together."
"I think we could benefit from everyone's unique perspectives."
"We can build on each other's strengths and make something great."
"I'm excited to see what we can create as a team."
 
This thoughtful conversation was a great follow-up to our “Creating a Safe Haven” chat. I encourage you to listen and compare notes.
 
Get the video here.
Get the podcast episode here
 
All the resources mentioned in this chat
 
Get the live recording here
Get the LIVE video transcript here
 
Read these!
 
Broaden and Build Theory of Positive Emotions:
A Historical Review of Collaborative Learning and Cooperative Learning
 
Be part of the Community
Build connections and capability. Learning more here.
Join the conversation 
Be part of the live chat! Sign up here.  
 
Hire Learning Rebels 
Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more about how Learning Rebels can help you make your training stick!
Host: Shannon Tipton 

Learning Rebels in 15: Creative Ways to Debrief and Add Reflection to Learning

Your weekly double shot is “Creative Ways to Debrief and Add Reflection to Learning”
 
 
You can find the full live conversation here.
 
It all started with the question: What are your creative solutions for debriefing and reflection, and how can we incorporate these ideas into virtual and online learning experiences? Let's face it, if you want to make learning stick, proper debriefing and allowing for reflection is critical.
 
In this Learning Rebels in 15 we are hearing from:
 
Andrew J.
Maureen F.
Todd L
Dr. Lori
Ericca B
Evelien R
Micheal B
 
As they discuss these main points:
 
Point #1: Ensure debrief and reflection always tie back to application
 
Point #2: Know your audience. Andrew shared that to get greater engagement the data points to having women speak first.
 
Point #3: Use different techniques to inspire thought
 
Point #4: Activate the managers!
 
Point #5: Run from the “conspiracy of convenience” don’t just tick the box. Be purposeful.
 
I’ll leave you with this thought:
 
Debriefing and reflection take on many forms. But we do know that without it, learning will fail. We spend a lot time and money trying to get the content “just right” - don’t waste your efforts by not creating a reflection and debriefing strategy.
 
Stay curious & take over the world!
Shannon
 
 
View the original  video recording here
 
 
Join the conversation
You can have an opportunity to be part of the original live coffee chats! Sign up here. 
 
Join the community!
Join the Learning Community, build capability and continue to be inspired by your peers! Join here
 
Hire Learning Rebels
Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more about how Learning Rebels can help you reimagine workplace learning. 
 
Host: Shannon Tipton

Learning Rebels Live with Rachel Burnham

Going LIVE with Rachel Burnham!
 
Rachel has the type of energy that beckons everyone to be a part of it. When she tells a story, all you want to do is lean in, listen, and be enveloped in the message.
 
Rachel’s journey
 
I have been lucky enough to be connected with Rachel for a few years, and she just recently hosted a Learning Rebels “Learn Something New Wednesday” about the art of sketchnoting (the link is below). However, I wanted to know how she got there from here, what was her story?
 
Rachel does not disappoint - through the serendipitous event of a kitchen fire, she is able to connect us to her story through the fire and valuable time spent with her father.
 
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
 
All the Resources!
 
Watch the live video on LinkedIn:
Connect with Rachel here:
Learn more about her new podcast partnership, Not Just a Podcast, Podcast with Andrew Jacobs
View our Learn Something New Session about sketchnoting with Rachel here
 
Build capabilities all while building relationships! Be part of the Learning Rebels Community! Learn more here.
 
Join the conversation 
Be part of the live Learning Rebels coffee chat community! Sign up here.  
 
Hire Learning Rebels 
Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more about how Learning Rebels can help you make your training stick!
 
Host: Shannon Tipton 

Creating a Safe Haven for Learning

It all started with the question on the table: How can we create a safe environment for people to shake off training baggage? Where they feel safe to contribute experiences and stories?
 
So many wonderful ideas to try!
 
This was clearly a topic that resonated with everyone. The chat was a high-traffic area!
 
This is what I love about our community. We are a group that shares gracefully and discusses ideas with the intention of learning from each other - a very real representation of creating a safe haven for discussions.
 
And in true Coffee Chat style, questions begat questions.
We discussed that most trainers have a ground rule around expecting everyone to speak up and participate, but what does that mean?
What about those who don’t feel comfortable?
Have we prepared alternative methods of participation that don’t put people in the limelight?
Then we moved from setting expectations for participants, to setting expectations for ourselves. How do we model behaviors we want to see? Are we accessible, visible, open?
Heather had a great point, about trying to do away with the negative stigma about asking questions = I'm not as smart/good.
I hope you enjoy the conversation!
 
All the Resources!
 
Get the Coffee Chat video recording here
Get your copy of the chat message box here
Get the full transcript here
 
Additional Resources
Using a Trauma Informe Approach job aid, by Girls Inc
The Fearless Organization Presentation by Amy C. Edmondson, PhD Harvard Business School (for the Lean Summit 2016)
Research Paper: Learning Behaviours in the Workplace: The Role of High-quality Interpersonal Relationships and Psychological Safety by Abraham Carmeli, Daphna Brueller and Jane E Dutton
 
 
Join the conversation 
Join the live chat! Sign up here.  
Join the Learning Community and continue to be inspired by your peers! Join here
 
Hire Learning Rebels 
Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more about how Learning Rebels can help you make your training stick!
Host: Shannon Tipton 

Creative Ways to Debrief and Add Reflection to Learning

#AllTheIdeas!
 
It all started with the question on the table: What are your creative solutions for debriefing and learning reflection?
 
Participants develop insight into their growth by reflecting on and recognizing the knowledge and skills shared in sessions or workshops. A well-moderated debrief session also makes learners aware of future learning requirements to lift current learning to a new level.
 
This chat offered some stellar ideas - but as usual, it all begins with the person in the front of the room. Are we setting aside our egos to allow for proper questioning and constructive challenges?
 
How are we creating a safe place to ask questions - no one wants to be seen as “the only one who doesn’t understand.” Therefore creating a space for anonymity, as Jason suggested, is a bright idea.
 
There will always be someone who doesn’t feel comfortable contributing and those who take over the conversations - the key is balancing both to allow everyone’s voice to be heard during the debriefing process.
 
 
Get your recording here
Get your copy of the chat message box here
Get the transcript here
 
 
Download these!
Stepping Up to the Mic: Gender Gaps in Participation in Live Question-and-Answer Sessions at Academic Conferences by Shoshana N. Jarvis, Charles R. Ebersole, Christine Q. Nguyen, Minwan Zhu, and Laura J. Kray
Creating a memorable Debrief, Trainers Warehouse
Debriefing the Debrief: y Ellen E. Deason, Yael Efron, Ranse Howell, Sanda Kaufman, Joel Lee & Sharon Press
 
 
Read these!
Debrief and Feedback Strategies: A trainer's toolkit for maximizing learning activities by Catherine Mattiske
Reflection: Turning Experience into Learning by David Boud
 
Join the conversation 
Join the live chat! Sign up here.  
Join the Learning Community and continue to be inspired by your peers! Join here
 
Hire Learning Rebels 
Visit the Learning Rebels website to learn more about how Learning Rebels can help you make your training stick!
Host: Shannon Tipton