Perspectives  Dallas Chapter of ASTD Membership Newsletter  -  November 2006  << Table of Contents <<

Thanksgiving Thoughts About Workplace Learning

by Jay Maxwell, President

 

 

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.   – Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

 

We’ve had cooler nights and days in North Texas lately, so many of us are thankful for the respite from summer’s heat – and for the little bit of rain we’ve had in recent weeks.   With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many of us may also be thinking of other things we especially appreciate.

 

As for me, I’m thankful for the relatively good health of my family, for old and new friends, and for the recent career transition to a role which provides sustenance for my family and motivating work for me.  

 

Regarding those old and new friends, many have been right here at Dallas ASTD, where I meet likeable people who have interests similar to mine – and with the opportunity to meet them regularly. 

 

What else might I and others be thankful for here?  Plenty! 

  • A true local community of workplace learning professionals

  • Opportunities for learning and leadership roles outside of daily employment

  • Recognition within the learning community

  • Exposure to new ideas

  • Affordable job postings and first-hand references to fill openings

  • Discounts for ASTD seminars and books (and both members and non-members can use chapter code CH7017, of course)

  • Previews of speakers who might be brought to the corporate workplace

  • Available consultants with specialized skills (and those who are Dallas ASTD members now get one free listing in the Dallas ASTD consultant directory)

  • Learning Summit vendors with a breadth and depth that I can tap when needed

  • A good feeling from contributing to a worthwhile not-for-profit organization

 

Being a Dallas ASTD member just makes my career better and easier.  Perhaps your experience with the chapter has been similar.  I hope so! 

 

While reflecting back over the past year at this time of thankfulness, I also hope that each of you has many aspects of life that might be appreciated – and wish you a happy, happy Thanksgiving! 

 

About the Author:  Jay Maxwell is the current President of Dallas ASTD and has been active as a chapter committee member or officer since 1997.  Jay’s broad business experience includes workplace learning, quality measurement, and process improvement.  At Mary Kay, Inc., he is Manager of International Employee and Organizational Development.  He can be reached at president@dallasastd.org.