Category: Employee

How Blended Learning will Help Your Career?

5/4/2014

According to a famous cliche, we have to innovate or stagnate. I always hear trainers say that still, the best learning method is the good-old classroom training. But it very expensive and time consuming for companies. With the present technological advancement in workplace learning, the blended learning is the emerging next best alternative, if not better.

A blended learning approach combines face to face classroom methods with computer-mediated activities to form an integrated instructional approach. (Kharbach).

According to dreambox, blended learning is constantly evolving. And most of the innovations and refinements have been developed to support student-centered learning. That means leveraging technology into learning activities, in and out of the classroom.

There is mounting evidence that complementing or replacing lectures with student-centric, technology-enabled active learning strategies and learning guidance—rather than memorization and repetition—improves learning, supports knowledge retention, and raises achievement. These new student-centered blended learning methods inspire engagement, and are a way to connect with every student right where they are while supporting progress toward grade level standards.

The future our children will inherit demands technological dexterity, the ability to think critically, and the development of flexible intelligence that will thrive in— and drive—change.

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What Qualities Make Your Work Satisfying?

12/27/2013

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A blessed Christmas and I wish good health for all of you this 2014!

Only 4 days to go before we end the year. Time really flies so fast. It has been a little over 6 months since I launched this blog, found Six Sigma Philippines, and started a Six Sigma independent consulting career full-time. It was a big risk. A path less traveled. It was never easy, choosing a high-risk work over a handsome and guaranteed monthly pay check, bountiful variable bonuses and benefits, and a gold plated title from a multinational company to boast with. Initially, I thought I'll have more free time to spend, but it was the exact opposite. I was burning the oil from midnight to noon to midnight. I thought working as an independent professional means having no boss, but it turns out, all my clients are my bosses- with different needs, wants, attitudes and expectations. Doing not just my expertise but also market research, business development, client management, supplier sourcing, finance and accounting and others are the main reason why only few dare to be in this situation.

Having the autonomy, the challenge of complexity, and the line of sight between effort and rewards, make it all worth it.

I'll end with a quote of M. Gladwell's best selling book- Outliers.

"Those 3 things- autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and rewards- are, most people agree, the 3 qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying. Not how much money we make that ultimately makes us happy between 8 to 5." ---Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell

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PS Do you experience the said 3 qualities at work: Autonomy, complexity and a direct connection between effort and rewards. If not, time to reflect and make the big move in 2014. Do you want to be a full time theater actor? A singer? Start a restaurant? An entrepreneur? Study law? Be a chef or a fashion designer? It is never too late. You are the master of your fate, the captain of your soul!

Our family's coat of arms.

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What is Your Animal Personality Type?

12/3/2013

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If you are really interested to become a Six Sigma practitioner, aside from the technical part of being expert in Six Sigma methodology and tools, mastering soft skills such as facilitation, presentation, conflict, and change management skills are very important. To be the positive key change agent of your company, understanding your personality is the first step before understanding others.

Few weeks ago, I shared the Tree personality type used by psychologists. This time, I'll share something I learned from my Organizational Behavior and Process class: Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, an expansion of Carl Jung’s ideas about personality types.

You may use this activity as a springboard if you deliver a training, or an ice breaker when you start a meeting or a six sigma work-out. Take note of the personality types of your project sponsors, green belts, and executives. This might help you understand how to flex with other people in your organization.

Although not as comprehensive as when you take it with a licensed practitioner, this test is a good place to start. Enjoy!

The four letters in the Myers Briggs test represent your tendencies when it comes to social behavior, decision-making, and lifestyle. Those dichotomies are:

Worldview: Extroversion (E) or Introversion (I)
i.e. would you rather play with your pals or hang out at home with a book?

Information: Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)
i.e. when taking in something new, do you prefer to take it simply, at face value or interpret / add meaning based on your gut?

Decisions: Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
i.e. when making up your mind about something, do you primarily rely on logic and structure, or do you gravitate towards emotion and empathy?

Structure: Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)
i.e. would you rather things in your life to be decided and set, or do you like to stay open to whatever options might come along?

The experts say that you are the best equipped to identify your own type, so for a quick analysis you can just choose your side of the above questions and string together those letters for your type. Then, find the species of animal who corresponds below and see if you can relate…

1. INTP- Owl

INTPs are analytical and thoughtful individuals who prefer to work alone and who are often ill at ease in social situations. They are impatient with hierarchies and politics and would prefer that leaders prove their worth with merit, rather than with charisma and influence. Although they are not particularly social, they do have razor sharp wit (and claws), and are often surprised to learn that people do enjoy their company.

2. ESTP- Fox

Dramatic, charismatic, and influential — ESTPs seek the best in life and want to share it with their friends. They are active, spontaneous, fun, and foxy. They are the most adept of any of the personality types at influencing and manipulating people, and they make great salesman and can be wonderful friends if you’re looking for a good time. Read Aesop’s Fables for more information.

3. ISFP- Sloth

Peaceful and easygoing, ISFPs take things at their own pace and live moment to moment. They are considerate, pleasant, caring, and mellow. Their values are important to them, but they are not ones who particularly care about defending or debating their views publicly. Don’t call them lazy — maybe they are just more relaxed than the rest of us.

4. ENTJ- Lion

Independent and logical thinkers who are also persuasive leaders, ENTJs are business-minded and ambitious. They refuse to allow any subjective emotion to enter into their decision-making process, and as a result they can be seen as callous and cold. But these fierce individuals tend to be highly effective, successful, and incredibly powerful. They are truly the kings of the proverbial jungle.

5. ISFJ- Deer

ISFJs are quiet, observant, and thoughtful. They are interested in maintaining order and harmony, avoiding fast-moving cars, and respecting everyone’s feelings. They are often described by the few people who know them deeply as being incredibly sensitive and trustworthy.

6. INTJ- Octopus

INTJs are independent types, wildly intelligent and creative — but rather un-interested in what anyone else is doing. They are often considered the most independent of all the personality types, and they work best when given freedom. They are acutely aware of their own intelligence, as well as what they don’t know, and their passion often lies in conceptualizing ideas and processing complex theories.

7. ISTP- Cat

ISTPs are an interesting study in contrasts: they are naturally quiet and analytic, often drawn to the field of engineering or trying to figure out how boxes work. But they are also explorers who can easily become bored with a single routin. ISTPs are often closet daredevils drawn to racing, bungee jumping, or jumping off of high countertops. They are “live and let live” types who are not particularly concerned with rules or regulations and would prefer that others not concern themselves with their behavior either. Some have even remarked that “don’t tread on me” is the perfect ISTP motto.

8. ESFP- Otter

ESFPs live in the moment and want to experience life at 100 mph. They are incredibly playful, generous, and optimistic. They love being social and having new experiences. Classroom learning is not their strong suit even though they are intelligent and creative — they would prefer to simply “go with the flow” and have a great time.

9. INFJ- Wolf

INFJs are value-driven individuals who tend to remain mysterious and complex even after you’ve become close to one. They are often creative and inspired individuals. They are good at perceiving emotions and are sensitive to the feelings of others, but they are not very prone to revealing much of themselves until they trust someone completely. That said, they are intensely interested in the well-being of others and are often seen as protectors as well as natural leaders.

10. ENFP- Dolphin

Creative and contagiously happy, ENFPs have boundless energy and an appetite for learning about new things and meeting new peope. They bring joy to others and are keenly perceptive to the needs of those around them. They are vivacious and popular enthusiasts. ENFPs tend to get bored easily, and they are always ready for the latest and the greatest in friends, relationships, experiences, and ocean jumping

11. ESTJ- Honey Bee

ESTJs are civic-minded workers who strive to improve society and like to be part of organizations and governments. They are often conservative and they are strong believers in the letter of the law, and the importance of procedures. They are practical and straight-forward, and have little use for “expanding their mind” or having new experiences. They are, however, outgoing, and they have no problem with clearly communicating their needs and desires to others.

12. ISTJ- Beaver

ISTJs are logical and word-working conservative types. They enjoy organization and regulation, and have a reputation for being serious individuals who take a practical approach to everything. They are dependable and thorough, sensible and earnest. Like a beaver hard at work on its dam, they are known for being incredibly dedicated workers who will do whatever is needed to get the job done. On the negative side, they have good intentions but can sometimes have a difficult time understanding the emotional needs of others.

13. ENFJ- Dog

ENFJs are social butterflies who are cheerleaders and supporters of a wide variety of friends and acquaintances. They hate bullying and they love to greet their loved ones with a face lick and a tail wag. They feel good when the people around them feel good, and they tend to adapt to the group that they are in very quickly, even adopting the values of whoever they are surrounded by. They are loyal and expect loyalty from others — think of them as the living embodiment of a “team player.”

14. INFP- Meerkat

INFPs are deeply ethical and idealistic, loyal to their family and closest friends, and guided by their desire to live a life according to their values. They are curious about those around them, but will not accept threats to the security of their adorable babies or their morals.

15. ENTP- Parrot

ENTPs prize intelligence and competence over all other things (both in themselves and in others). They are often described as witty, clever, cerebral, and resourceful. They are verbally inclined and they often have a perverse sense of humor. ENTPs like to analyze every side of an issue and are creative thinkers and workers. They sometimes chatter.

16. ESFJ- Elephant

ESFJs are genuine and authentic, and they care deeply about those around them. These are the kind of individuals who bring out the best in those around them, and they are serious about loyalty and responsibility to their families, friends, and co-workers. They are generous and they love to bring joy to others, but they are also sensitive and easily hurt. ESFJs are often blind to the flaws of those they love and they are incredibly trusting and full of love.

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It doesn't matter how many resources you have

9/25/2013

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Six Sigma is like a big toolbox- all quality, leadership, management, statistical, change management tools and methodologies.. The main responsibility of your Six Sigma Black Belt is to diagnose the situation and know what tool/s to use in a situation to fix your processes. If he/she doesn't know what tools to pick, that's a problem. If you don't have a toolbox, that's a BIGGER problem.

Processes tend to fail overtime, and you need Six Sigma to reduce your process delays, defects and variations or Cost of Poor Quality.

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What is VoE or Voice of the Employee?

9/17/2013

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In a company that uses Six Sigma as its process improvement initiative, you'll hear hundreds of jargons like DMAIC "dee-meyk" (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), VOC (Voice of the Customer), CTQ (Critical to Quality), VOP (Voice of the Process), SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers), and many more.

What is VoE and why is it important?

Voice of the Employee is the term used to describe the stated and unstated needs or requirements of the employees of your business.

It is no secret that employees who are satisfied in their jobs are more motivated, loyal, dedicated and productive

By asking your employees what they care about, you can understand motivations and perceptions to create and maintain a loyal and committed staff.

VoE is More than Just an Employee Survey

Doing employee survey is not the end but only the beginning. Doing feedback collection or employee survey is the first step to your VoE journey (See figure 1). What's important is you translate VoE, which are usually general statements, like "I want a cool boss", or "I want an attractive benefit", to CTQs (Critical to Quality), or measurable characteristics, like "I want a boss that gives feedback at the end of the day and not every 15 minutes", or "I want the flexibility to convert my unused Sick Leaves upgrade my health benefit plan".