Linking In with Matt

Matthew Richter posts daily comments in LinkedIn—well, almost daily. You can follow him and join the conversation by going to http://linkedin.com/in/matthew-richter-0738b84.

For the benefit of our readers, we decide to compile and reprint some of his provocative pieces from the past. Let us know what you think.

Irresponsible Resources

Using evidence-based, research-based, tools and resources in L&D is essential. Assessments and models that lack validity and reliability, but “feel” good, or “seem” right, is irresponsible and does our clients and the industry a disservice. To knowingly do so in the face of data and studies that invalidate these tools is bordering on fraudulent. If one cannot tell the difference, one should either ask someone who does or not use that specific resource at all. Some will respond to this post possibly with “research in the social sciences is subjective and can be interpreted in many ways.” This is a misunderstanding of good research methodology. Yes, as more information becomes available, we evolve. But often the studies that support bad stuff are biased in that the marketers and the owners of the tool conduct the study. Good, sound studies start with an unbiased research team. Anyway... just a few random, not-so-valid, and unreliable thoughts for the day.

Games and Simulations

Always good to repeat. All games have some form of conflict, control, closure, and contrivance. Conflict can be cooperative against a common foe, team based, or individual based. Control equals rules and structure. While philosophically, we could argue for games without ending, for our purposes, a good game eventually ends. Finally, contrivance refers to the fact that games are not natural. They have components in them to not take life too seriously. A simulation is an activity that corresponds to some real-world idea, concept, or task. Instruction, or training, associates with developing competencies. You can have training simulations (flight simulators), simulation games (Monopoly), training games (Thiagi’s Hello Game), or training simulation games (Jolts). Be intentional about what you want to use. If you want the book that talks about this... buy it at https://lnkd.in/eM7MZRM 

Oversimplified Memes

Have we overdone the “meme?” Whether it is the inspirational quote on the wall, the cool image with profound or emotionally captivating sayings on it, or the 16 word or less mantra... we are dangerously close to oversimplifying the world. Most ideas and concepts are more complex than a few short words or images can convey. By short shrifting an idea, making it too simple, we add to the pervasive notion that complexity and textured thought are bad. Or, we perpetuate the ridiculous idea that nuance is too hard and elitist. Most pablum we see on Facebook, LinkedIn, classroom walls, and in guidance counsellor offices began with a more sophisticated and significant thought. Why dumb it down? Speed? We don’t have the time to ponder a deeper thought? In training, we risk the same dangerous path. Personality or difference reduced to four simple boxes. Design thinking reduced to a set of simple procedural steps. Leadership, a core set of traits. Einstein’s famous quote was ironically simplified to “things should be as simple as possible... but no simpler.” Deep.