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In This Issue
Latest News & Events
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Letter from a Leader
Happy New Year and welcome to the January, 2012 issue of CARA's newsletter, Eolas!
When we launched Eolas in 2010, our objective then was the same as it is today. The CARA team strives to offer thought leadership you'll find valuable in your business. We include timely tips, relevant content, links to industry resources, commentary on industry trends, case studies that outline how companies like yours have improved their bottom-line, and even a peek behind the scenes at CARA.
Some bright news as we move into 2012, the unemployment rate fell to 8.5% in December—lowest since February 2009—and is expected to continue the trend. So, what does this mean for our industry? Employers seemed more confident investing in their employees' growth and development, manifesting in a 13.6% increase in learning expenditures per employee (2011 ASTD State of the Industry Report). From the same report, we see that 34% of learning efforts are focused on leadership development, professional development and specialty skills enhancement. Learning technologies for content delivery continue to advance with the proliferation of mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets.
Are we finally emerging from the volatility of the global financial crisis with optimism for an economic recovery? Not so fast. Chief Learning Officer (CLO) magazine reports a more cautious outlook for 2012. The IDC survey results from CLO magazine's Business Intelligence Board indicates mixed reviews from CLOs, some anticipating more cuts while others see the need to address skills shortages. The survey also projects "leadership development, self-paced e-learning and competencies as the most impactful activities in 2012" reinforcing ASTD's assessment of the market. Both sources cite emerging trends that indicate continued focus on collaboration with the business unit to strategically support the organization's performance goals.
In this issue we take a look at assessments as a critical tool for measuring performance in our organizations in our feature article, Myth Busters: The Assessment Episode, by CARA's Executive Director of Strategic Services, Michelle Reid-Powell.
We also invite you to take a look at how Career Education Corporation (CEC) accomplished a customized, company-wide leadership development initiative in our featured case study. And speaking of professional development, our latest news and events section highlights opportunities for continuing education, productivity and growth.
Whether the new year brings you a new organizational development challenge, a new career or project, or a brand new lease on life, we hope our latest issue of Eolas helps you navigate the seas of change to a successful result. We encourage you to share your feedback and look forward to continuing to provide our respected clients and colleagues with value-added knowledge and information.
Best,
Jane Ehrenstrom
Co-founder and Senior Vice President
The CARA Group, Inc.
[email protected]
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CARA Kudos
Fran White
CARA’s circle of Friends continues to grow. We invite you to “Like” us on Facebook and be a part of the conversation. We offer information about upcoming events, links to industry-related articles, and perspectives of experts in the field of workplace learning, change management and performance support. Join us. |
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Contact Us Call 630.574.2272 or email us today to learn more about CARA. |
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