For the Duke Realty, Briljent, and Lam Research A.L. Certificate Program Graduates, Indianapolis IN, May 2008

Congratulations to YOU! I was honored to spend these three days learning and growing with you. Here are a few reminders as you teach others what they need to know to make positive changes in their jobs and their lives:

1. Take baby steps. Try out one new training tool, and then another, and then another, until you're comfortable with a variety of ways to engage your learners in the learning.

2. Nothing works all the time. If you hit a "bump" with one training tool, try something else. Then try that tool another way and another time, and see if it works then.

3. Be patient with yourself, with others, and with your company. Change takes time. Reward yourself when you use a new instructional strategy you haven't tried before.

4. Educate others. Let them know why you are using these new instructional tools. Better yet, let your learners know why, as well.

5. Learning is messy stuff. So relax, learn, and have fun with it all!

Cheers to you all - MeChelle, Debbie, Mary, Andrea, Lisa, Shannon, Laurie, David, Miriam, and our special Lam friend and humorist, Sabir!

Carry on! Sharon (5-22-08)