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August 7, 2020 by Chris Daily Leave a Comment

HHB: Head Heart and Briefcase

You’ve been there.  The VP announces a new initiative.  The organization is going to become “Agile.”  It’s going to revolutionize the way work is getting done.  It’s going to fix all the problems the organization currently have and any new ones that come up in the future.  You roll your eyes signifying “here we go again.” The first thought that pops in your head is “If I just hang on, I can wait this out.  Things will go back to normal.”

This is common in large change initiatives.  Some folks with passive-aggressive tendencies portray that they are in favor of the new vision, appearing to be helpful.  Yet it seems like every sentence starts with “That’s great in theory, but that won’t work here……”  Others are more direct and say “that’s not the way we do things here.”  Finally, there are the meek who don’t say anything.  They just go along waiting for the leaders to focus on something else so they can go back to the way it was before.

Resistance comes in many forms.  Why do people resist?  Some are just against change and will tell you such.  For the rest, the fear of change rules the day and has its roots in VUCA.  VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity.  Throw in the differences each person has in cognitive ability, affecting how quickly people learn and how much they can retain.  Does anybody wonder why 70% of change initiatives ultimately fail?

There are only three constants in life:  Death, Taxes, and Change.  Leaders often believe they are unicorns.  They believe they are smarter than everyone else and can use their gut feelings to determine what is going on in the minds of those they are supposed to lead.  Using their gut feelings, they can guide the organization by focusing on the masses, rather than realizing the masses are really a collection of individuals.

The problem with leaders using their gut is that they are using 1/3 of the information available.  Leaders make a majority of their decisions based on the limited data that is available.  That limited data is mostly based on fictional generalizations of the collective experiences, education, and knowledge that is estimated across their team rather than considering what is going on inside of each individual.

To be successful, leaders need to consider the other 2/3 as well.  The life skills and cognitive capabilities of each individual either inhibit or supercharge the performance of each individual.

Rather than just addressing 1/3 of each individual, we prefer a holistic approach we refer to collectively the Head, Heart, and Briefcase (HHB) Approach.

The Head, Heart, and Briefcase approach has its origins in the core principles of Predictive Index’s concept of Talent Optimization.  Let’s talk about each component.

Head

The Head component of HHB consists of the drives and behaviors of the individual.  Using business assessments, such as Predictive Index, Pairin, or Kolbe, provides an objective view of the individual and if they have the soft skills and emotional intelligence to succeed as the change is adopted.

Heart

The Heart components of HHB consists of the values & culture inside the individual.  Core values, principles, morals, work ethic, and your “WHY” are part of your heart. To evaluate heart, assessment results can be used to identify areas to explore to determine if the individual’s values and culture align to what is required by their role.

Briefcase

The briefcase is what is most often looked at with respect to the individual.   Previous knowledge, skills, certifications, and experience are part of the briefcase.  Another way to think about the briefcase is to consider it as the resume or LinkedIn profile.  This is often the main criterion for recruiting and hiring yet is proven not to be a good indicator of success.

The Whole Person Shows up to Everyday

Every day, the person who shows up to work brings all three components with them.  Organizations should consider changing the way they hire, but also create a work environment where leaders can lead and manage easily knowing they have an understanding of the what the individual’s core values and skills so they can create an environment for great work.

At beLithe, we firmly believe in the concept of Head, Heart, and Briefcase.  Moving forward, we are going to start taking into account the HHB approach in everything we do.  We will indicate how our workshops, blogs, and social media posts support the HHB approach.

As you continue on your personal journey, don’t just consider your briefcase.  Consider the whole you:  Head, Heart, and Briefcase.

More to come!

Chris

Filed Under: Uncategorized

November 9, 2021 by Chris Daily 1 Comment

5 VR Training Examples That Can Help Build Soft Skills

Research suggests the American skills gap is real. Before the pandemic, employers left 7 million jobs unfilled. Managers set the standard high for candidates. But then, they don’t find someone they like. So instead, they don’t hire. The pandemic has exasperated this issue.

Yet, data suggests companies should invest in training their employees rather than waiting for the perfect candidate. Today, many businesses use virtual reality (VR) technology to train new hires. If you’re wondering how to use VR in business training, this article is for you.

Let’s look at some VR training examples businesses use to build their employees’ soft skills.

What are Soft Skills?

Soft skills are personal attributes that relate to how you work. They are crucial to your success at any job. Some other terms that relate to soft skills are:

  • Interpersonal (people) skills
  • Communication skills
  • Non-technical skills
  • Non-cognitive skills
  • Transferable skills
  • Listening skills
  • Empathy

Employers desire soft skills because they aren’t related to a specific job. A candidate with soft skills makes them adaptable. Additionally, almost all jobs require employees to engage with others in some way.

Soft skills determine how well one can work with others. Common soft skills examples include:

  • Communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Creative and critical thinking
  • Dependability
  • Motivation
  • Positivity
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Work ethic

Employers look for both soft and hard skills when hiring. But they stress soft skills because they are less defined and apply to all jobs. Plus, they are harder to learn. On the other hand, employers can teach hard skills through schooling or on-the-job training and measure them with specific tasks.

VR Training Examples

Businesses are starting to catch onto the idea of using VR technology for soft skills training. Companies already use VR to teach hard skills and job skills simulations. A typical example is using flight simulators to train pilots.

But there are plenty of VR training examples for soft skills too.

Coaching and Employee Evaluation

Employees can use VR technology to learn about coaching. In the activity, an employee observes their coworker handle a stressful activity. After, the employee calls the coworker into their office and chooses a response based on their behavior.

The activity is great for management and leaders. They need strong, soft skills and confidence to effectively lead their teams. In addition, managers can observe how employees react to their responses for the best learning outcomes.

The activity can even use actors at the office to make the experience more realistic.

Further, VR can help managers evaluate employees. It teaches them how to engage in the evaluation and ask the right questions. Then, managers can better allocate training resources and match skill profiles to jobs in the company.

Diversity and Inclusion Training

Diversity and inclusion training is a must for every business. Recognizing unconscious biases in the workplace and creating equitable systems is something you should already be doing. Using VR to train employees on the matter is excellent.

Here is one scenario. The employee sits at a conference table with other coworkers and observes their conversations. The employee notices one coworker make a derogatory comment toward another coworker. The employee in the simulation needs to decide how to respond to the comment.

The situation teaches employees empathy towards others. But, more importantly, it teaches how to develop racial awareness, and how to handle microaggressions.

Retail Training and Customer Service

Using a VR activity, retail employees can practice interacting with customers. For example, they can practice processing returns, answering customer questions, and handling upset customers virtually before taking on real customers.

The activity lets employees practice their customer service skills and not feel embarrassed to make mistakes. This also helps the reputation of the company. In addition, after the training, employees will feel more confident addressing customers on their first day on the job.

Any customer service skills are great to practice using VR. People can be rude! Learning how to listen actively, remain calm, and resolve problems under stress is vital. With VR, employees can practice these skills comfortably before being thrust in front of real customers.

Advantages of Using VR

Training employees with VR technology has several benefits for businesses. A comprehensive study by PwC in June 2021 showed employees were:

  • Four times faster to train than in the classroom
  • 275% more confident applying the new skills
  • Almost four times more emotionally connected to the content
  • Four times more focused than other e-learning peers

While these numbers may come as a surprise, they aren’t! Researchers have been publishing positive reports on VR training for years now.

A 2017 Stanford study found using VR technology makes people more empathetic to each other. The study let participants experience not being able to afford their home. They interacted with the environment to try to save their home but often ended up homeless.

It was so successful that they made a film about it called “Becoming Homeless.”

When meeting in person isn’t always possible, VR is an excellent solution to keep employees’ soft skills sharp. It’s practical but also cost-effective at scale. Larger companies will save money using VR for employee training.

The best benefit of using VR technology is eliminating the fear of making mistakes. The VR learning environment feels real but doesn’t have any consequences when employees mess up. As a result, no one is negatively affected by the training.

This makes learning outcomes much more substantial than in the classroom or through other e-learning platforms. And, as some of the topics using VR learning are sensitive, it’s an excellent way to ensure employees completely understand what employers expect of them.

Use VR Training In Your Business

After seeing these VR training examples, VR technology is the new normal for soft skills training. The benefits far outway the costs of using these simulations. VR training is quickly becoming the standard for businesses in any industry.

To get started with training solutions for your employees, call us at beLithe. We offer unique training and coaching tools to help your employees succeed at their maximum ability.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

November 8, 2021 by Chris Daily 2 Comments

How to Improve Communication Skills with VR: A Guide

Due to the pandemic, virtual reality has been pushed into mainstream reality. This merging of technology with reality would have naturally happened. But, the pandemic seemed to escalate things.

In five years, the AI industry is set to expand from an $829 million industry to a $4.26 billion industry.

In the workplace, companies may be wondering how to improve communication skills among team members while using VR to assist with that. Many common workplace issues aren’t because business premises are poor, but are due to workers lacking in soft skills – particularly effective communication.

To find out how VR can help with ways to improve communication skills, keep reading.

How to Improve Communication Skills With VR Customer Service Training Simulations

One way in which a company can learn how to improve workplace communication is by using VR simulations. VR creates scenarios in which employees get practice with their customer service skills.

The pressures of having a customer react emotionally to a situation can leave employees questioning how to respond. Many people do not have the skills of remaining calm under pressure, diffusing situations, or active listening. Being able to find a solution to a problem while remaining calm in a heated moment is essential.

VR comes into play here. Employees can practice engaging with difficult clients through a VR headset or laptop. It allows them to role-play different scenarios. Employees learn how to engage personably with fictional avatars without risking real-life clients.

These training programs provide tips for better communication for employees. They gain a similar learning experience as a real scenario would offer.

This type of training leads to increased customer satisfaction. It helps decrease handling times and with significant conflict resolution improvement.

VR for Public Speaking

The idea of making a presentation or giving a speech brings people back to high school speech class. The fear of what your peers will think and if you’ll make your talking points creeps over before a presentation.

With VR simulations, employees can face their fears without judgment. Different simulators put you in a situation where you’ll present to an office or crowd of people. You can adjust the settings to where the audience reacts based on the performance the employee gives.

Avatars enthuse or look bored from your speech. The assignment given may be to collect data and from that come up with a story or explain a product. This is a sure way to gain the confidence needed to present a business proposal, speech, or pitch an idea.

Different things like keywords, body language, and tone are analyzed by AI to offer comprehensive feedback. This lets employees think on their feet. It nudges them to be confident in their professional abilities with tangible feedback offered to them.

Using VR for Increased Employee Communication

A major flaw of companies is that communication between employees is rather low. This is even more so the case when people have to rely on remote communication rather than in person. VR provides tangible communication tips for employees to use.

VR simulators can bring up common workplace situations that can only be resolved through effective communication. Employees can understand what kind of communication determines the success or failure of a business deal.

Many types of companies could enjoy this. For example, you don’t have to work in an office to take advantage of AI. Service industry workers know how much communicating between the kitchen and front of house staff determines the success of a shift.

With VR, conditions can be arranged to where a customer will present a problem that can only be resolved if the manager takes action. It’s up to the employee to react to the customer in a pleasant way. They should then get information from other employees and bosses to relay the pertinent information back to the customer.

Using this tool advances communication. It emphasizes how important it is for a functioning workplace. This is one of the best ways to improve communication skills between employees at work.

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence

Someone can be the most qualified person to fill a position, but their efforts be futile if lacking emotional intelligence. Business leaders are the most fortunate when displaying the ability to perceive other people’s emotions. Beyond this, they pick up on others’ feelings while remaining stoic with their own.

Having this skill acts as a trickle-effect in the office place. If one employee, especially a leader, displays high emotional intelligence, the rest of the employees are likely to respond in a positive way. Rapport is boosted from having a high EQ.

EQ is a natural skill, but can also be learned. AI can help build EQ by promoting people to be self-aware. Self-awareness translates in actions as making confident, rational decisions.

It allows people to learn how to communicate their needs. This leads to reduced stress and more camaraderie among employees.

Higher Quality of Business

Though AI is still a newer technology and expensive, the initial investment is not only in the technology, but in your employees. The multifaceted uses of VR technology teach workers how to improve communication skills even when under stressful conditions. This increases the quality of your business.

Active listening, learning communication styles, and advancing emotional intelligence builds strong leaders. A team of innovators awaits from taking advantage of the potential VR has to offer.

Reap the benefits of AI courses for your employees. To see the different courses to improve team development, visit beLithe’s team training page here.

Filed Under: VR in Training

November 7, 2021 by Chris Daily Leave a Comment

All About the History of Virtual Reality in Education

Projected to reach over $84 billion by 2028, the virtual reality market is one of the fastest-growing in the world. These technologies are blowing up industries like business, entertainment, healthcare, and, yes, education.

Since it’s difficult to pinpoint where a solution is headed without looking into its past, we’re going to dive into VR’s history today, Here, we’re going to talk about the history of virtual reality specifically in the education sector. Read on to learn about VR’s development… and to understand where these platforms are headed in 2022 and beyond.

The History of Virtual Reality in the Early Days

The foundation of virtual reality dates back to 1956. Morton Heilig, who had a heavy background in the film industry, designed a Sensorama machine to help people feel like they were inside the movie. This 3D picture allowed people in the theater to simulate a motorcycle ride through a city, complete with multisensory experiences.

This paved the way for Ivan Sutherland to build a head-mounted device that immersed people inside a picture in 1965. This device was a sort of prototype for the VR headsets that later became popular in schools and other educational settings.

In the 80s, NASA developed a Virtual Interface Environment Workstation (VIEW) that allowed astronomers to move through a virtual version of space. These workstations used head-mounted devices in addition to gloves for tactile immersion.

As you can imagine, this wasn’t just groundbreaking for research. It also gave educators a look into what VR systems could do for students. They could examine new environments such as space, faraway locations, art galleries, and even historical settings.

In the beginning, these were just dreams. However, they later did become a reality.

VR’s Foray Into Education

In the early days of virtual reality, the technologies weren’t just limited. They were also extremely expensive. They couldn’t immediately become mainstream in educational settings for both practical and financial reasons.

However, researchers and educators still wanted to shift classrooms to the use of virtual reality for some applications. While there were (and still are) practical limitations on what augmented reality is capable of, it can simulate environments that students otherwise would not have access to.

In 2000, a mainstream study by researcher Alessandro Antonietti and his team proved that VI could benefit learning. Children were given a virtual tour of a complex painting and, after being allowed to examine all aspects of it, were better able to describe it than the non-VR-using control group.

In 2010, when contemporary virtual reality devices began to emerge, their integration in schools became more widespread. PC-connected headsets allowed students to zoom in on parts of a desktop screen and “immerse” themselves in an image. This interactive learning method was similar to a film but allowed learners to click on and explore an image on their own terms.

From there, educational VR continued to develop into today’s augmented reality technologies. 2014-2017 saw the progression of PC headsets to console and mobile-tethered alternatives. Eventually, VR was made into the independent platform that it is today.

The Present and Future of Educational VR

In 2021, virtual reality is used in a ton of different settings. Experts can receive training in how to improve their businesses with these technologies. Educators can come up with new ways to integrate them into classrooms regardless of the subject that they teach.

Some applications that educators currently use virtual reality for include:

  • Training people in new skills
  • Letting people explore places they couldn’t practically visit (virtual field trips)
  • Language and cultural immersion
  • Interaction with virtual people within the augmented setting
  • Teaching architecture, art, design, and other visually-based fields
  • The ability to collaborate long-distance with teachers and other students
  • Learning by playing engaging and interactive virtual reality games

Because augmented realities have been increasingly normalized in educational settings, it seems likely that there will be huge leaps in the next few years. Smart learning is sure to become more common, especially with distance learning.

The Power of Immersion

Currently, there are a few problems with the education system that virtual reality can solve. Fact retention isn’t conducive to learning skills with applications, making this common classroom format ineffective. Additionally, since students can become overwhelmed with boring information, students often become disengaged.

Virtual reality relies on experience-based learning to teach students. This allows all learners to remain engaged and interested, whether they’re visual learners or go-getters. The full sensory experiences emerging in virtual reality also give learners something to remember when trying to recall and apply their teachings later.

Students who learn things by doing them also allow them to more easily understand how to use the skills that they’re developing. Active learning inspires them to discover various aspects of the world around them and to take action within that world. After someone learns something in a VR and applies the knowledge there, they’ll have an easier time with related real-life tasks.

All of these factors mean that virtual reality is one of the best advancements in education. Its history switched up the way that learning works today, and its present is bound to make the future even brighter.

Get Agile Training Today

Now that you know the history of virtual reality in education, it’s time to begin reaping its many benefits. Agile certification can help to make your team more productive, scalable, and adaptable in their project management.

We’re committed to training experts in how to integrate VR into their existing frameworks with Agile systems and mindsets. Contact us with any remaining inquiries about how you can make your educational organization more efficient and effective with Agile training and virtual reality technologies.

Filed Under: VR in Training

November 4, 2021 by Chris Daily Leave a Comment

How Virtual Reality Affects Skills Training

When you think of virtual reality (VR), do you mainly picture gaming applications? VR is now proving to be a valuable tool for employee skills training.

In fact, one study showed that lVR earners had a 75 percent information retention rate. This outpaced audio-visual (20 percent), reading (10 percent), and lecture (five percent) formats. VR gave participants more confidence in performing the new task.

Are you searching for a more effective method to train your staff? Keep reading to learn more about incorporating VR into your tool kit.

Future Uptick in New Skills Training

The workforce now faces many new demands. Experts predict a new division of labor between humans and machines by 2025. This will change 85 million jobs across the world.

This survey also shows that 43 percent of companies plan to integrate technology. At the same time, they will reduce their staff.

Yet, 34 percent say they will hire more workers to manage technology integration. Another 41 percent will use more contractors for specific tasks.

Overall, these changes will generate 97 million new roles. Individuals proficient in decision-making, communications, and management will excel. Fifty percent of people keeping their current job will need reskilling in five years.

What Is Skills Training via VR?

VR training uses lifelike digital simulations to create a 360-degree active learning environment. The headset and controller let learners see and hear “real-life” sights and sounds. They’re able to interact with tools and machinery and “experience” the results.

In some situations, mistakes can have fatal consequences. Or the learning task may involve sensitive scenarios. Instructors provide feedback as learners practice in a risk-free space.

The following describes examples of industries that benefit from VR training.

  • Aerospace
  • Aviation
  • Construction
  • Disaster preparedness
  • Engineering
  • Enterprise
  • First responders
  • Hazardous material spills
  • Healthcare
  • Heights training
  • Highway
  • Rail
  • Recruitment
  • Transportation

VR training improves learning retention, team collaboration, job performance and satisfaction.

Investing in Virtual Reality Skills Training

Developing VR environments can present a more expensive option compared to other e-learning. Yet, VR training offers a risk-free, effective, multi-user environment to optimize learning. Your return on investment (ROI) improves with shorter learning curves and fewer mistakes.

When evaluating your VR ROI, consider several factors. What is the current ratio of trainers to employees in your company? How much do you pay to train one worker? How much do you spend on buying training equipment?

What is your current staff’s level of satisfaction and your turnover rate? How much does it cost to advertise, hire, and onboard new employees?

These metrics often represent “invisible” reductions in the company’s ROI. VR is a faster and more effective avenue for training than other e-training formats. It also increases employee satisfaction since they have a higher level of confidence.

This leads to increased employee engagement (EE). One study examined the impact of high EE on staff members’ work performance.

They reported that EE generates higher job satisfaction. At the same time, it reduced the potential for staff turnover.

Also, worker errors can lead to injuries, data breaches, customer dissatisfaction, and more. Reducing staff mistakes reduces your costs to resolve the problem.

This means a safe environment for customers and workers. You’ll also improve your business’s reputation. At the end of the day, VR training can generate a positive ROI compared to current methods.

Benefits of VR in Skills Training

Safety is a significant benefit of VR training. Learners can repeat the skill as many times as needed until it’s mastered. Adult Learning Theory says optimal learning occurs when students find answers to questions.

Each time they make a mistake, it generates a question and they search for the answer. The adult uses their past experiences, intuition, knowledge, and instructor feedback. The workers integrate all of this input until they reach a high level of comfort with the skill.

VR facilitates a responsive learning environment to teach needed information. This reduces the time it takes for staff members to master new tasks.

How to Improve the Skills Training Experience

If this approach to training interests you, it’s key to optimize the implementation. Generate specific objectives and learning goals. Consult a VR expert to replicate the real-world environment, tools, and physical “experiences”.

In theory, this may seem straightforward, but in practice, it can become challenging. This highlights the importance of using an expert or buying available VR programs.

VR offers one of the most cost-effective training solutions at scale. With in-person training, you often need to buy extra equipment for teaching. Training in live experiences increases stress on the learner as well as risks.

Some staff members won’t be familiar with the VR experience. Quality programs are user-friendly and provide clear instructions for using the equipment. If the participant needs to move around, show them the space and safety barriers.

Providing time for the learners to become comfortable with the technology enhances outcomes. Now they’re ready to participate in a safe learning environment to gain and hone new skills.

Are You Looking for a Top-Level Agile and Lean Training Expert?

Many employees will need new skills training in the next five years. This means companies must find the best teaching approaches that benefit their ROI. beLithe offers coaching, community, training, and certifications to improve business outcomes.

We offer certification and training for Agile, Scrum Master, and Product Owner. Our team also works with companies to enhance team development.

Our virtual reality school courses provide “real-life” experiences in a safe environment. Multiple users can participate at the same time to optimize the learning setting. Get started today by choosing courses to improve your employees’ skill set.

Filed Under: VR in Training

November 3, 2021 by Chris Daily Leave a Comment

6 Benefits of Virtual Reality in Training

Decades ago, virtual reality technology was something that was relegated to science fiction. In fact, many people assume that we would never see this innovation come to life.

As time goes on, however, VR is becoming more and more prominent throughout different industries. It’s even begun to make its way into educational environments.

There’s a large number of benefits associated with virtual reality in education, particularly for adult learners. Let’s take a look at the most notable benefits of VR in training.

1. Enhanced Training Opportunities

In conventional training courses, instructors are often limited by their environment.

Depending on the topic at hand, learners might not be able to place themselves within the appropriate context for what they are learning. For example, virtual reality can be used by medical students to become familiar with specific settings.

In this case, surgery would be one of the most valuable to focus on. The same can be said about other complicated fields, such as engineering. Having access to this type of training will help ensure that learners retain information much more efficiently.

It will also instill additional confidence that they might not have otherwise. In many cases, this can easily lead to better performance outside of the classroom.

2. Increased Engagement

For a large percentage of learners, learning often feels like a chore.

This can become increasingly true if the topic they are studying is not inherently interesting. To clarify, most of us can remember a time in our lives during a history class where we certainly didn’t feel 100% engaged in what we were learning. Through virtual reality, you can immerse yourself in the appropriate environment and become fully attentive.

This will substantially increase the level of engagement that learners have in the classroom. As previously mentioned, a scenario like this will also lead to increased knowledge retention. Having a sufficient level of engagement is critical for many fields.

Unfortunately, it’s often possible to pass a course by simply going through the motions. This will not prepare you for a professional environment, and learners in this situation may struggle.

3. Overcoming Language Barriers

One of the most notable issues that learners face is language barriers. This is true even for learners that have previous knowledge of a specific language.

By using VR in training, learners can seamlessly overcome these problems. This type of technology can help international learners ease into their new learning environment.

It can also help businesses conduct training overseas. If you find language barriers are a problem at your facility, this could be the best available solution.

4. Provides a Unique Experience

Different people learn best in different ways.

Some individuals prefer to read textbooks in order to learn information. Others might need to see/hear new information in order to retain it. VR in training provides a unique experience that can be optimal for those who do not learn best through conventional methods.

In fact, it may even prove to be highly superior for learners that do not have issues with other forms of learning. This is simply due to the fact that there is no other learning experience that can stimulate the brain in this way except for hands-on learning.

Of course, this isn’t always possible or convenient without the use of VR.

5. It Fosters Creativity

When you have access to virtual reality, you have far more potential when it comes to how you express yourself creatively. More often than not, you will be able to virtually place yourself within any type of setting. You aren’t limited by tools at your disposal or factors like lighting.

This makes VR an ideal type of learning for creative fields. However, it can also help foster creativity in other fields, as well. To clarify, let’s assume someone was pursuing an education in architecture.

Virtual reality technology could allow them to seamlessly create their own design before viewing it in context. They would be able to gain insight into how their creation looks in different environments, such as day or night. As you might guess, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to the ways you can leverage VR in the classroom.

It should also come as no surprise that it is ideal for digital art.

6. It Will Familiarize People With This Type of Technology

As time goes on, this type of technology will only become more popular. It may even become the standard in professional environments for employee training.

The more familiar you are with it, the easier it will be for you to make use of it if necessary. It wouldn’t be unlikely for a company to require certain teams to undergo VR training for specific tasks. If you have previous experience in doing so, you shouldn’t have any issues completing this training seamlessly.

This could easily result in you having more access to opportunities at your place of employment. It’s also worth noting that the popularity of this technology outside of learning environments will also grow.

As long as you give this information in mind, you will be able to avoid complications that you would have otherwise encountered.

Virtual Reality in Training Could Be Game-Changing

So, it’s important to consider the above information when deciding whether or not integrating it is right for you.

Virtual reality in training can easily resolve many of the most common issues associated with learning. Be sure to take advantage of it when you can.

Want to learn more about what we have to offer? Feel free to get in touch with us today and see how we can help.

Filed Under: VR in Training

October 5, 2021 by Chris Daily Leave a Comment

Top 10 Essential Leadership Skills

It’s all about skills in the modern world. It’s never been more challenging to be a leader than it is today. Markets and entire industries are changing rapidly. For any leader to be successful, it’s important to have the proper skills.

Many of these skills are evergreen. For example, leaders will always need to be able to communicate well and delegate tasks. Take heart that your leadership skills will be valuable for a long time!

Shore up these leadership skills and protect your future:

  1. The ability to motivate others. Great leaders are great motivators. Think about how you motivate yourself. It’s not that much different to motivate someone else.
  2. Communication skills. Leaders must be excellent communicators. This includes public speaking, addressing small groups, and one-on-one. Remember to practice good listening skills. Fortunately, educational materials abound and there are plenty of willing victims to practice your skills upon.
  3. Delegation skills. You can’t do it all alone. Many high-achievers have trouble letting go and giving up control. You must be able to trust others and use them in the most effective way possible. It’s not enough to just delegate, you must delegate assignments to the those who will excel in that particular task.
  4. Create the proper culture. Leaders must create a culture that matches the industry and the employees. A Wall Street investment bank has a different culture than an elementary school or a pharmaceutical company. Even departments may have their own unique culture.
  5. Adaptability. The challenges facing leaders change regularly. Industries change. Customers change. Economic conditions change. Technology is rapidly changing the way organizations do business. Leaders have to be able to evolve to meet the changing landscape.
  6. Time management. Leaders are busy. There’s always more to do than there are hours in the day. Choosing the most important tasks and making the time to complete them is paramount. Time management skills are easily learned, but don’t come naturally to many people.
  7. Relationship management. Great leaders have strong relationships with their direct reports, hourly employees, executives, and customers. The stronger your relationships, the more you can accomplish. During great challenges, your relationships can make you or break you.
  8. Change management. Leading an organization or department through change is a valuable skill to develop. As companies add technology and reduce workforces, change comes more rapidly.
  9. Be a good follower. Leaders have to follow, too. Leaders that don’t follow are considered dictators. Once you inspire a team, they become largely self-sufficient. It is then your job to follow and provide occasional guidance.
  10. Poise. Leaders face challenges. Poise is a necessary trait for a leader to possess. Without poise, small challenges become bigger, and employees lose faith. When you’re stressed and panicked, your employees are uncomfortable. Build your poise if you want to excel as a leader.

How do your skills measure up? You can try to predict your success as a manager from this list of skills.

Build your skills and your results will be enhanced.  Even with all the big changes in modern businesses, leadership skills continue to be highly valued in the workplace. Great leaders are always in high demand.

Want to take your leadership to the next level?  Check out our Leading with Agility Training and become a Certified Agile Leader (ICP-LEA). 

 

Learn More

Filed Under: Leadership

October 5, 2021 by Chris Daily Leave a Comment

beLithe partners with Agile Meridian.

I am excited to announce that beLithe and Agile Meridian are partnering to create new offerings for both companies. Click here to see the announcement.

Over the last few months, I have been working collaboratively with the members of Agile Meridian, and have come to realize that our values are similar and our skills align and complement each other.

While some of the opportunities offered will be branded as Agile Meridian, know that I will be collaborating, supporting, and participating.

As you progress on your own journey, I am looking forward to collaborating with you on your journey.

Chris

Chris Daily
beLithe & beLithe Studios | Managing Director
m: 317.989.8630 | o: 317.983.2459 | e: cdaily@belithe.com
www.beLithe.com
www.beLitheStudios.com

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Filed Under: Announcements

October 5, 2021 by Chris Daily Leave a Comment

4 Steps to Increase Your Leadership Skills

When most of us hear the word leadership, we usually think of political officials, CEOs, military commanders, or even athletes. While it’s true that you need good leadership skills to excel at these occupations, leadership is a valuable skill that everyone from any vocation or background can use for their benefit and the benefit of others. 

Effective leadership doesn’t come naturally for most of us. Luckily, there are several methods that you can use to build and refine your leadership skills. 

Discover the leader in you! Try these techniques to boost your leadership skills: 

  1. Strive for excellence. Part of being a successful leader is your ability to set the bar for others. You can be a good role model by constantly seeking ways to improve yourself and aspire to excellence.
    1. A hallmark of leadership is excellence. Work on honing your existing skills and developing new ones.
  2. Focus on your vision and set goals. Consider what you want to accomplish in different areas of your life. Set goals that will help you to achieve your vision.
    1. Set goals where you are able to periodically measure your performance and progress.
    2. Break up larger goals into smaller ones so that you can celebrate your successes and maintain your motivation.
  3. Learn to identify and use all of your resources in the pursuit of your goals. When making plans to reach your goal, always work with the resources you have in your current circumstances, rather than developing plans based on resources and circumstances that you wish were reality.
    • Be willing to refine your plans and ultimate goals based on your progress as well as your dreams.
  4. Develop your people skills. Leaders are known for their ability to inspire others to work towards a common goal. To be successful at inspiring others to work with you, it’s important to develop your people skills and emotional intelligence.
    • Learn how to listen. Doing so helps to establish a connection and build camaraderie and trust, so others are more likely to follow your lead and help you.
    • Help others to be their best. Part of being a good leader is motivating others towards positive change.
    • Seek input from others when discussing goals and plans to reach your objectives. Give others a stake in the results by seeking their opinion. They’ll be more motivated to help you.
  5. Be passionate and maintain a positive attitude. Most of us take cues from others in social situations, so you can teach others to have a positive attitude and to be passionate in their efforts by doing so yourself.
    • Maintaining an upbeat attitude and giving your best effort help to energize the entire team so everyone is able to accomplish more, regardless of the circumstances.

Taking the time to develop your leadership skills can radically increase the amount of success that you experience in all areas of your life. These tips can help you to hone your leadership skills so that you can achieve your goals and enjoy a more satisfying life.

Want to take your leadership to the next level?  Check out our Leading with Agility Training and become a Certified Agile Leader (ICP-LEA). 

Learn More

 

Filed Under: Leadership

April 11, 2021 by Chris Daily Leave a Comment

5 Things You May Be Doing to Damage Your Business Relationships

Relationships are hard to build and maintain and this makes them even more precious. If you’ve worked hard to establish your business relationships, you need to do everything you can to protect them. However, there are many things you may be doing to ruin these precious relationships without being aware of it.

Taking Before Giving

Relationships are based on reciprocity. You give and you take. Each party feels that they’re getting something valuable from the other side. This is obvious to most business people, but what is the ratio of your giving and taking?

You should never make the other party feel like you’re doing something expecting something in return. Instead, pay it forward, be overly generous and wow the other person with all of the value you can, especially in the beginning stages of the relationship.

One-Way Communication

Does it appear to the other person that you talk and never listen? This produces a one-sided relationship that’s really not much of a relationship at all. Picture this situation in a personal context and it’s easy to see. Most of us avoid people who dominate every conversation in our personal lives.

In a good relationship, there’s always a dialog. You should always strive to listen more than you talk. This not only maintains a strong relationship, but you’ll also learn a great deal about your partner that you may not have noticed if you were talking.

Secrecy

Secrecy is a major relationship killer. Of course, in business there are always things that must be kept secret. But you should keep your confidentiality to a minimum. Hiding things makes you appear dishonest, and openness is essential for establishing trust in a relationship.

Try to be as transparent as possible without giving out secrets or too much information. Make sure the other party knows everything they need to know about what’s going on. Give the other person plenty of opportunities to ask questions if they need to.

No Rapport

A business relationship is about business and both parties know it. But if you’re all about the business and nothing else, this isn’t going to feel much like a relationship, but rather an exchange of commodities. 

You need to establish rapport. This means establishing a baseline of comfort on a personal level. Find things that you share in common and rely on these things to strengthen your bond. When you start by establishing rapport, you create a strong relationship for the long-term.

Hard to Say Sorry

Do you have trouble apologizing? This could be damaging your important business relationships. When you do something wrong or make a mistake, own up to it quickly and sincerely. Even major mistakes can be mended if you’re willing to apologize. The apology starts you on the path to reconciliation. 

 

Want to learn more about how you can _________? Head over here:

 

[YOUR SALES PAGE URL and CTA]

 

Filed Under: Emotional Intelligence

April 1, 2021 by Chris Daily Leave a Comment

6 months down, 30 years to go

There was a time when, six months ago, I never would have thought that I would see April 2nd.

Guess what?  I made it.

It has been an interesting ride over the last 6 months.  April 2 is the 6-month anniversary of my heart transplant.

Every day is another challenge.  I have aches and pains that never seem to go away.

  • I get winded going up the stairs.
  • My arms feel like a pin cushion due to all the times I have been stuck.
  • There are days I just want to stay in bed and sleep all day.

Why am I having a pity party for myself?

My self-pity party demonstrates my message.  Compared to the alternative, all of my complaints are insignificant.

Really.  They are insignificant.  At any point, whining can take over my life if I let them.  Yet hope is what gets me out of bed.  It’s what makes me ignore the pain and go to rehab even though I feel like crap.

I am thankful to have this opportunity.  I realize that I have been given a second chance and it is up to me on what the rest of my life becomes.  Perspective is everything, right?

I haven’t figured out what my purpose is or why I am still here.  I am continuing to move forward, believing there is something I’ve got to do.

The next time you’re having a bad day, remember the alternative is not all that appealing.

Thanks for coming in.

Chris

Filed Under: Heart

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