In this issue:

1. How to Run an Excuse Free Office
2. Business Training Library Hits the Road!
3. Review of A Real World Guide to Diversity in the Workplace
4. Welcome Aboard



1. How to Run an Excuse Free Office

Is excuse making a problem in your office? Excuses are really just defense mechanisms because employees fear blame, embarrassment, reprimands and firings. As a manager, it is your job to turn mistake making into a learning experience for your employees. Here are some suggestions to help you reduce the amount of excuse making that goes on under your command:

• Making sure your employees know your expectations. Clarify tasks and assignments that will be the responsibility of each employee. Explain how what the employee is doing fits into the big picture. This is often an oversight in many businesses and detaches the worker from feeling like he is performing meaningful work.
• Help the employee anticipate possible problems and how she will handle them.
• Make sure the employee knows where to go for help.
• After the task has been completed, discuss it. Was it a success or a failure? Did the employee meet expectations?
• Discuss with the employee what he or she learned from the work.
• Discuss with the employee what he or she could have done differently or more effectively during the course of the work. -Adapted from Nation's Business

Interested in learning more about this topic? Check out these training courses recommended by our Account Managers below:

That's Not My Problem (#038-017)
The Front of the Class (#045-003)
I Wish My Manager Would Just... (#039-003)
Empowering Others to Peak Performance (#022-082)



2. Business Training Library Hits the Road!

Attend Staffing World 2005

Come visit Business Training Library at Staffing World 2005, in Orlando, FL from October 19 - October 22, 2005.

Staffing World, the American Staffing Association's annual convention and expo, and the industry's premier event, comes to Orlando for three days and four nights of unparalleled education, expo, networking, and fun. Meet with your peers and learn from industry experts under a gleaming Florida sun in a city world-renowned for its resort-like atmosphere and good times.

Come meet our staff at booth #163.

27th Annual HR Florida Conference & Expo

Come visit Business Training Library at the 27th Annual HR Florida Conference & Expo, in Orlando, FL from September 19 - September 21, 2005.

As the largest conference of its type in Florida, HR Florida 27th Annual Conference & Expo offers renowned speakers and most comprehensive schedule of educational sessions, exciting networking forums, and a first-class venue for exposure to the newest HR products, techniques and services. Expand your horizons and plan on attending this premier event.

Come meet our staff at booth #425.

Training 2005 Fall Conference & Expo

Come visit Business Training Library at the Training 2005 Fall Conference & Expo, in Long Beach, CA from October 17 - October 19, 2005.

No other event brings together more resources, more expertise and more opportunities for you to accelerate your professional development and online learning curve. From the Expo hall, including 18+ educational stage and games and simulation stage sessions, to in-depth breakout sessions and case studies, you'll find everything you need to create, deliver and manage training and online learning in your organization at Training Fall Conference and Expo.

Come meet our staff at booth #521.



3. Review of A Real World Guide to Diversity in the Workplace

Course Title and Code
A Real World Guide to Diversity in the Workplace (#013-026)

Course Group
Business Skills Library

Course Overview
Educate your new and existing employees on the basics of today’s more pressing human resource topics with the Positive Prevention Series produced by GO Media and distributed by LearnCom, Inc. The secret is in capturing each employee’s attention with these engaging videos/DVDs that provide easy to grasp content and Q&A scenarios that assure employee understanding.

Review
by Valerie L. Smith

A Real World Guide to Diversity in the Workplace grabs the viewer’s attention immediately. The music is upbeat, as are the personalities of the narrators. I had immediate buy-in to the content of the video.

The initial narration discusses the fact that today’s market is encouraging more and more employers to create an inclusive environment in which each employee can do his or her best work. Achieving this goal involves understanding and valuing diversity. By embracing diversity, employees can foster new lines of communication and collaboration.

The hosts state that the video covers definitions, legal and demographic trends, and how to create an inclusive workplace. At first, this seemed to me too much content for a brief video. However, all topics are covered well. Diversity is defined in three dimensions: primary, secondary, and functional. Examples of each are given, using commonsense terminology. We’re told that a diverse workforce can also enhance ability to recruit and retain the best talent.

I am pleased with the program’s focus on knowledge and experience, rather than on placing blame. Change agents take action to address inappropriate behavior and listen when interacting with colleagues.

I was impressed with the hosts’ abilities to explain concepts in easy-to-understand language. The learning is fast paced, yet enjoyable. Quizzes are interspersed throughout the program to test understanding. A thorough discussion of stereotypes covers definitions and workplace impact. One part of the discussion centers on the fact that generalizations about groups of people can lead to unfair and inaccurate judgments about individuals and situations. We are also told that stereotypes can create barriers to relationships and that individuals should become aware of their stereotypes and expand their knowledge of other groups and cultures.

Recommendation

I recommend A Real World Guide to Diversity in the Workplace for any organization looking to increase awareness of diversity. The accompanying leader’s guide also does a fine job outlining topics for discussion in conjunction with the video. The video’s production quality is outstanding. The use of text and graphics gives it an interactive flavor. There is little chance viewers will be bored during this presentation Lending Library members can check out this title today by visiting our Member Login Page or by contacting their Account Manager. Prospective members can view select titles at no-charge by signing up for a free Trial Membership.

Valerie L. Smith, managing partner for the Organizational Development Group, is an experienced instructional designer, organizational development consultant, and facilitator. She has designed, developed, and facilitated training in sexual harassment prevention and awareness, diversity-inclusion, management and leadership development, and facilitation skills. She is an adjunct instructor for Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Based on our partnership with Training Media Review, we thought it would be helpful for you to see another review of a program available from Business Training Library. To see more reviews, go to www.tmreview.com or call 877-532-1838. Make sure to give your account code, BTL02, to ensure your Business Training Library special 10% discount.

Product Rating
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4. Welcome Aboard

Business Training Library would like to welcome its newest Lending Library clients! Your BTL team stands ready to support you throughout this new endeavor.

• Appliance Recycling Center of America, Minneapolis, MN
• Boeing Wichita Credit Union, Wichita, KS
• Capital Services & Supplies, Washington, DC
• City of Golden, Golden, CO
• Community First Bank, Corydon, IN
• Compupay Inc., Miami, FL
• Eagle Creek, Vista, CA
• GiftCertificates.com, Omaha, NE
• Health Delivery Inc., Saginaw, MI
• Heritage Homes of Nebraska, Wayne, NE
• KZ Inc., Shipshewana, IN
• Lawn America, Tulsa, OK
• Marshall Associates, Chicago, IL
• McCall Memorial Hospital, McCall, ID
• Mutual Benefit Group, Huntingdon, PA
• OCI, Wilmington, DE
• Oil-Dri Corporation, Chicago, IL
• Pier 39 Ltd Partnership, San Francisco, CA
• Premier Family Care, Midland, TX
• Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa, Fort Myers, FL
• TEKLab, Inc., Collinsville, IL

Business Training Library
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Chesterfield, MO 63005
(888) 432-3077
(636) 534-1001 (fax)
www.bizlibrary.com

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