The King’s Speech: Presentation Skills 101

The film opens as the Prince prepares to speak before a crowd. The Prince, Bertie, struggles with his stammer in front of thousands of listeners.  It is painful for both Bertie and the listeners.

I am reminded of this excellent movie every Sunday when watching pre and post- game interviews with college and professional football players. The overuse of “uhs and ums”, “ya know” and “at the end of the day” is so painful.

The King’s Speech teaches us many lessons about public speaking including: ask for help when you need it, have faith in your own voice and confidence in your message, and practice, practice, practice.

As dear Bertie knows, how you speak is a huge component of the impression you make on others, and thus your potential influence on them. People will form judgments about your education, intelligence, background, and personality simply based on the sound of your voice and the language you use to express yourself.

I have the fortunate role of being a mentor to one of my colleagues who has the interest and self- discipline to tackle public speaking.  I offer her, and you, a few “nevers” of public speaking and one “must.”

Nevers:

1. The Uh’s and Um’s have got to Go’s.    Many orators call these fillers.
 

* Filler Sounds: um, uh, ah, mm
* Filler Words: basically, actually, literally, and again, like
* Filler Phrases: “I think that”, “you know”, “what I’m trying to say is”, “ya know what I’m sayin’?”, “ya know like”

Use of, especially over use of, these words may be perceived as lack of preparation, lack of knowledge, or lack of passion. All of these perceptions are bad for you.  These sounds, words and phrases are inserted when our brains need time to catch up with our mouths.  I have two simple suggestions to let go of the oh’s. First, use graphics, cartoons, videos and slides with music. To allow your brain to catch up with your mouth, insert slides into your presentation deck that allow you to rest your mouth while the audience reads a cartoon, or watches a <1 minute video. This will do wonders for your presentations. It will add variety, cleverness, sounds and most importantly, should allow you to relax periodically throughout your speech so there will be no need to um.  Embrace the pause.

Second, prepare and practice. You audience knows when you are ill prepared. Ah, umm, again. Enough said.

2. Whatever

‘Whatever' is voted the most irritating word in the English language. In second place, came 'you know' followed by 'it is what it is' and ' anyway'. 'At the end of the day' completed the top-five most hated words and phrases.   The slang use of 'whatever' originated in the U.S. and was made popular-in teen movies such as Clueless in 1995.  Now, I think there are many words more offensive than whatever. Pudgy or yolk for example. But, as a speaker, the use of whatever shows a disinterest or a dismissal of the points you are attempting to articulate. It calls attention to your lack of passion.  There are no suggestions here. Stop it!

3. Stuff Like That
 

The ultimate phase for unpreparedness is ‘and stuff like that’.  Do tell… what stuff? Either you have stuff to say or you don’t.  Prepare your lists when making examples. Remember the rule of three.  People remember points in threes. Prepare your “stuff” in a list of three. And, if a list of three isn’t enough, use acronyms to drive the point and make it easier for you to remember.  If you know your stuff…you will never need ‘and stuff like that’.

S              Schedule a practice session… even if it is with yourself

T              Time your presentations

U             Use graphics, videos, cartoons

F              Fix a thread to link your content

F              Find your pace… embrace the pause

Must:

Give a hoot. Use your voice!

Public speaking is not about diplomas, public speaking is not about titles, public speaking is about authenticity- be yourself! Bertie, The King, was a human being with his own pain and fears. But, he cared how he was perceived and demonstrated that through a combination of perseverance, practice, a sense of humor and compassion.  He cared about his people. He cared about the crisis the world was in. He was passionate.

There will be times when your presentation falls short of your expectations. It happens. Be resilient -- bounce back and be stronger as the result. Not everyone is an exceptional orator, but if you stand in front of your audience with passion for your content, confidence in yourself and courage of your conviction, your message will inspire. No, not everyone is an orator, but we all have a voice.  Use it!

Rush… For Lifelong Learning

I rushed off to see Rush simply because Ron Howard is the director.  Formula One racing was not the appeal. The two real-life protagonists were unknown to me. The movie was decent – not extraordinary.  BUT the story of the two racing rivals was so compelling, that when I left the theater, I went straight to my computer to research the story of competitors James Hunt and Niki Lauda.

Niki Lauda is disciplined and deliberate, while James Hunt is careless and causal. Both experience highs and lows professionally and personally. Both were passionate about their careers and both followed their own hearts.

While healthcare may not be as glamorous as racing, in all our careers we encounter dramatically different personalities and approaches to the way we do our jobs.  There is no one best approach to a successful career, and whatever path you take will have its ups and downs and wet slippery tracks. But the key is to embrace the uniqueness of those you meet along the way and to pave your own path. There is always more than one way to achieve a goal. Find all the ways you can. Focus on your strengths.  And never stop learning. Take every opportunity to learn something new or refresh a current skill.  Continuing education is part of any road to success.

As your career moves forward it will change, as you will. You may be tempted, at times, to take shortcuts or to follow an approach that isn’t quite right for you. You may even try to sway decisions or propose a solution that seems desperate. Stay true to your values, so that regardless of the outcome, you won’t second-guess yourself or carry regrets.

For me, the story of Rush has five important business lessons: (1) you don’t’ have to like everyone you work with; (2) with great likeability comes great responsibility; (3) things are not always as they appear; (4) hard work does pay off; and (5) competition is a great motivator.

You don’t’ have to like everyone! James and Niki had a competitive relationship. The movie tells a story of almost personal dislike. While my research into the real Hunt and Lauda found that the two men were, at least at times, friends.  Either way, the relationship teaches us that you don’t have to love your boss, you don’t have to love your colleagues, and you don’t have to love your employees. But, you must respect your boss, your colleagues and your employees as human beings. You just need to recognize when good work is being done, and take what learning or inspiration you can from that.

With great likeability comes great responsibility!  (Rush + Spiderman).  I actually liked both racing characters in the movie.  I did not view the story from a “team Hunt” vs. “team Lauda” perspective. I liked the style of both men and wanted both of them to win.  There is no doubt that James is well liked, fun, attractive, and a people person. Niki is standoffish, blunt, and sometimes even harsh. It does help in all business initiatives to be likeable; especially, when there is a goal to influence others. 

In a pivotal scene in the movie, Lauda lobbies for a race change and doesn’t get it mainly because the charismatic Hunt disagrees. What we soon learn is that Lauda’s argument was arguably the correct one, but his brash, unlikeable coldness didn’t adequately influence his fellow drivers. Hunt’s likeability won the day to disastrous consequences.

A great lesson learned from Rush is that if you are lucky enough to be likeable and charismatic, use your gift with responsibility. Will you use that trait for your own growth and to assist with the growth and mentoring of others? Or, will you use that trait for personal gain and manipulation?  Your likeability can and will influence others. That is a great responsibility. All responsibility comes with consequences. Reflect on this. It is worth a lap around the track of your mind.

Things are not always as they appear. In my favorite scene of the movie, Hunt defends Lauda when a reporter make a hurtful inappropriate comment in a press conference.  However, no one but the audience sees it. Lauda does not witness Hunt’s noble act. Be alert of your team members, peer, and competitors. Those who “have your back” may not be totally sincere all the time. And, those who you believe are securely in your pit crew, may be a silent friend and supporter. After all, even a competitor can respect your work, passion and perseverance.    

Hard work does pay off. Hunt has all the fun. He does not, seemingly, work nearly as hard as Lauda and yet enjoys great success. However, at the end of the movie we learn that Lauda had the longer, more consistent career, the longer marriage, and the longer life. When managing for career and life success, you want to plan for longevity and sustainability, not just the quick but short-lived success.  Hard work will be part of that plan. Lifelong learning pays off.

Competition is a great motivator! The haunting scenes of Lauda’s recovery after the accident at the crux of the movie are true depictions of competition as a motivator.   Lauda struggles through recovery procedure while, all the time, watching Hunt win races.  As Hunt wins, Lauda strives harder for a speedy recovery. Lauda and Hunt were rivals whose competitive animosity for each other propelled each to loftier heights. Yes… rival who absolutely benefited each other professionally.  Healthy competition is a great motivator – all the way to the finish line.

So may you, too, “Rush” to your own successful endeavors! 

How Do We Thank Thee? From Inquisit

How do we thank thee? Let me count the ways.

We thank thee now and over all the days
We thank thee for your participation and support
Our programs have reach, to you we transport 
For the ends to CE and ideal contact hours earned,

And for all we teach and all we learned
We thank thee to the level of being your private tutor 
Most convenient need, by phone and by computer.
We thank thee freely, as we strive for quality.
We thank thee purely, as we deliver to our best ability.
We thank thee with the passion we put to use
In our drive to bring you the education we have introduced
We thank thee with a gratitude we want you to know
With our pledge to bring you more, we thank thee wrapped up with a bow
Our efforts are brought to your with smiles – all sincere
We shall but thank thee each and every year.

Healthcare Education: Live Long and Prosper

Yes, I am a Star Trek fan. One of my favorite presentation topics is to outline the difference in the leadership styles of Kirk and Packard. Fascinating! 

But it is Mr. Spock who is my most beloved Star Trek character. He embraces his uniqueness and the constant changes of his environment with calm action and logical thought processes.  Oh how I envy that:  Reaction void of emotion – now that is a skill worth learning.

“Change is the essential process of all existence.”
       --SPOCK

In healthcare, change is not only a given --- it is a constant. As a healthcare education provider, Inquisit strives to keep up with the changes so we can assist you in navigating the vast galaxy of healthcare regulations and reform now in 2013 and in the future.

Change in healthcare today is like seeking out new life forms.  Star Trek has explored an ever-expanding definition of "life." Today, healthcare will explore the ever-expanding definition of caring for life… or health. Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, had a vision for the future of peace, tolerance and wellbeing for all.  Does Obamacare have the same vision?


Some people are turned off by Spock's robotic indifference but I AM inspired by his reliance on reason. Always peddling the use of logic, he is truly the brains of the Enterprise. His example has influenced my personal valuation of critical thinking. Critical thinking is a tool that I use to reach conclusions based on a reasoned process. This process incorporates passion and creativity but guides it with discipline, practicality and common sense.  Critical thinking is knowing your point of view and your reasons for supporting this point of view. It is asking why do you think that and are there different perspectives on the issue?  As we go where no one has gone before in the world of healthcare, do we have the facts needed to cement our own point of view?  Is the one word that anchors our point of view confidence or consequences? 

“Insufficient facts always invite danger.”
       -SPOCK

“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few or the one” is the philosophy that sums up Spock’s experience.  There are usually so many problems that you could solve but the key is solving the problems that yield the most value to the most people. Anyone thinking healthcare?

“Fascinating!”
       -- SPOCK (Right eye-brow raised!) 

 

Wherever healthcare takes us in 2014, rational critical thinking processes by humans (and some people who act like aliens) is clearly needed. Open mindedness, healthy debate and remembering that the team on deck is more important than any single crew member, will help us find our way out of the black hole and back to earth.

As for me – one to beam up, Scotty!

Healthcare Education: 3.14159265359

Life of Pi! Wow… what to say. If you have not read the book and/or seen the movie - do so.  You may love it. You may hate it. But…it will make you think.

Life of Pi is a story about struggling to survive through seemingly insurmountable odds.

Life of Pi shows us that all of us often do extraordinary, unexpected, and sometimes heroic things to survive, in life, in our chosen careers, and in business.  We all make bad decisions and may do inappropriate things if pressured or stressed. But, life’s lesson is to learn by our mistakes and move on.

I loved the book and the movie. Here are the lessons I took away:

The Importance of Telling your Story

The CEO of my company is an extraordinary man… a mentor and a teacher. He always tells me to “tell the Inquisit story”.  This is my #1 lesson learned from Life of Pi.

Storytelling is a means of survival.  If you don’t tell your own story… who will? So tell it.  The “true” events of Pi’s sea voyage are horrible and as a young man, Pi tells a different version of his story that eases the truth… if only for himself. 

I equate “telling your story” to going on an interview for the dream job. It is your story to tell and to sell.

There are Two Sides to Every Story

The stories Pi tells his investigators drives home that old adage “there are two sides to every story” like no other example of the cliché. In our daily job in healthcare, there is always the other side to our own viewpoint – always another side to any story. It is our jobs as a professional to be aware of the two sides, especially if we manage a team.  We should keep an alert eye on and an alert nose up for any hidden information, any organizational politics that may be hindering or inhibiting our work and any hidden agendas of a member of the group.

Always Have a Resource Toolkit

As healthcare professionals, we are faced with regulations, new technology, constant changes, and countless different patient scenarios and needs. We need to learn to be innovative by coming up with resources to make our job as easy as possible.  We do not have time for as a massive whale to do a backflip in the water and send a crashing wave into our already packed day.

Finding the resources you trust, like Inquisit for your continuing education needs is a clear advantage to keep afloat. And remember, putting all of our fish in one "tool or technique" basket is not a good idea. The tools or techniques that we currently use could be overthrown by that slashing whale at any time. You must continually expand your toolkit and seek the horizons.

Get a Grip 

When Pi is tossed out of the sinking ship into the wild ocean, he cried like there is no tomorrow.  (well…. at that point….there may not have been). However, he quickly recovered and does not allow his grief to overcome him. He gets a grip on the reality of the situation and plans the next steps to stay alive.

With the pace of change today, it is easy to lose sight of reality.  As healthcare professionals, we should always be on the lookout for keeping it real – with the patient at the center.   Instead of whining, it is better to get a grip on the reality which enables you to respond in a positive manner sooner.

Things are Not Always as They Seem

During his ordeal, Pi reaches a wonderful island. It is an oasis with food, fresh water, and shelter. However, as night approaches, he quickly realizes that the island is dangerous.

We often become part of such a project in our healthcare roles.  Things seem wonderful and everything looks perfect. However, if we don't pause and take the time to realistically look into ourselves or where the project is headed, we may end up sinking into a very deep ocean.

Lifelong Learning

You may think that being in the middle of the ocean with a hungry wild animal is not the best place to learn. Pi has a different strategy. One of the ways Pi keeps his sanity is by keeping a journal. He reads books and has a "continuing education plan".

Healthcare professionals have wonderful excuses to not invest in learning. We often cite ‘too busy’, ‘no budget’, and so forth, as examples to avoid learning, to stall becoming certified, or even to avoid engaging in easy and convenient learning activities like listening to audio podcasts.  Learn everything you can. It may come in handy someday. Participate. Be engaged.

I hope you think of Pi when faced with an excuse to not learn. And, like Pi, always remember that you are the heart of your own success story. The lessons that you learn from every success and failure that you endure during your career become part of your character. These valuable lessons, some as deep as an ocean and as lonely as darkness, define your heart, wisdom, courage and resilience.  As we grow and learn we recognize that to be our best as a human, a healthcare professional, and team member, or leader, we must draw from the head, heart, courage, and spirit. We must not give up. And, we must believe, above all, in ourselves.

007 Health Care Education: Shaken AND Stirred

Obamacare, Meaningful Use, ICD-10 transition, Readmissions, Value Based Purchasing, HCAHPS, Dr. No or Dr. Yes and I hope we all Live Twice.

Health care in 2013 is both shaken and stirred!

As a health care education company, Inquisit takes many lessons from the mysterious, resourceful and creative 007.

#1.  Pick a good theme song or in our case a good brand/logo.   The "James Bond Theme" is the main signature theme of the James Bond films and has been featured in every Eon Productions Bond film since Dr. No, released in 1962. When you hear those famous first few notes you know it is Bond. It is tradition.  It is recognizable. Our Inquisit theme sets the tone for our adventure and compliments the vitality of Inquisit. Just like the Bond standard with which we are all familiar.  Inquisit is a standard you will and should come to know. Inquisit…just Inquisit.

#2. Be creative. 007 has never been above using a pen as a gun or using dental floss as a trip wire. His creativity has saved his life and the lives of many women over the years. Well, Inquisit may not save your life (even though we would like to do so), we certainly give creativity a shot.  We write this fun blog, use colorful icons, partner with outstanding education partners, and find easy ways to work with each of you. 

#3.  Be Professional. Bond rarely lets things get personal. For the most part, Bond remains cool and professional, even in the most dangerous situations. What has Inquisit learned from this? To cool our jets.  Not our creative jets…just our emotional jets.  Being professional includes being accountable. Inquisit takes our mission very seriously.  We provide quality educational content for healthcare professionals.  We are accountable to you, our customers, to be just as professional. 

#4. Take Advantage of the Latest Gadgets. Every Bond film has numerous gadgets to aid Bond in his adventures. It is great fun to guess which gadgets will prove to be the most useful as the Bond plot develops. Yes, technology can be a wonderful thing.  Or not!  Inquisit has the great fortune to work with a technology team that listens and occasionally, just like Q, delivers tools that we didn’t even know we needed.  How’s that for shaken, not stirred?  Yes, “gadgets” or IT software is great but the lesson learned from Bond, James Bond, is: you may have a large array of gadgets, but you have to use the right tool for the right job.  The biggest mistake I see, is hoping technology solves the problem without clearly understanding the problem at hand. 007 always knows his mission and which gadget will help him achieve success.  Think about it…over a martini!

#5. Never Give Up. Bond is trapped in a pool full of sharks, but does that stop him? No way! He simply looks for a way out. All of us, in whatever business we do, may find ourselves is a proverbial shark tank now and then.  Inquisit says… smile and smack that shark right on the head.   We have tenacity and courage to believe in our company and our ideas and we will continue to bring you the best healthcare continuing education we can.

 

Bond’s family motto is “The World is not Enough” and so is our motto here at Inquisit where the world, of health care education, as it is, is never enough so we continue to offer chic, stylish, debonair services that are  forever reminiscent of Bond, James Bond.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

Education online and education on phones

Bright knowledgeable speakers that reach to all time zones

Colorful e-invitations tied up with zing

These are Inquisit’s favorite things

CMS, TJC, and OSHA content is ready

Nursing CE and Pharmacy CE and CE for all is steady

Adult educators that fly and treat you like kings

These are Inquisit’s favorite things

The best faculty with impeccable recommendations

Easy registration makes attendance a sensation

Cost effective education is what we bring

These are Inquisit’s favorite things

When the job drags

When the days lag

When you start to forget

I simply remember to learn some new things

And think of Inquiiiiisit!

Ode to Yoda

Ah yes. One of my favorite characters of all time… Master Yoda. Yoda was one of the most renowned and powerful Jedi Masters in galactic history, who was known for his legendary wisdom, mastery of the Force and skills in light saber combat.  Sounds like modern day health care education to me.

The need for wisdom and knowledge.

Mastery of regulations.

Skills with technology.

The Jedi are considered keepers of the peace and justice in the galaxy (healthcare), with Jedi Masters (educators) often working together on missions with their respective apprentices in order to pass their knowledge and employ their abilities on the field.

A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind.

                                                                -Yoda

Fear Not.  As educators, Inquisit’s goal is to find the topics your need and want and bring that education to you. We understand what subjects are your pain points or even scare you. We package them for you so you can increase your knowledge of them and you can overcome them. No need to sidestep an issue or ignore a topic. Knowledge is the best way to confront and overcome the fears.

Named must your fear be before banish it you can.

-Yoda

Size matters not. I often say Inquisit is small but mighty. Our team is successful because we have the Force with us… you. Our valued customers who inspire us to deliver the education you need and want. You are our Force.

Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hmm? Hmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is.

-Yoda

Just do it. I love Yoda’s just do it attitude and this quote teaches us to believe in ourselves and our own abilities. It is a confidence boosting quote that encourages us to go beyond “trying” to the point where you just do it. It gets rid of all sense of hesitation and doubt. To me it pushes the point that you must have conviction in everything you do.  For those of you who know Inquisit…enough said.

Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.

-Yoda

Learn new things. There is nothing magical about learning new things. All lifelong learners should know that learning is hard work, and knowledge combined with practice may make you excellent at something. There are no shortcuts and no books you can read to have the secrets of a skill simply cast upon you. You have to do the thing you want to be better at…over and over and over again.

Much to learn you still have. This is just the beginning!

-Yoda

Learn. Teach. When many of us went to school, it was the strategy to keep everything you learned close to the chest. If you knew it, and no one else did, you were superior. The tables have turned now—information is freely available. Now, the strategy is to divulge your knowledge base, so others “know that you know.”

Share your knowledge. Pass it on. Mentor another.  If you don’t someone else will and you’ll look like Jar Jar Binks. Messuh sorry. Messuh does not want to share. Messuh want to keep all the space-junk.

Always pass on what you have learned.

-Yoda

May the Force Be With You!

Yo ho, yo ho, a learner's life for me! Educate-up me hearties, yo ho!

I can’t say the Pirates of the Caribbean movies are among my all-time favorites. I can, however, say that Captain Jack Sparrow is a character that stands above many.

Captain Jack brings real pirates like Bartholomew Roberts to life.  His nickname was Black Bart and he is said to be the most successful raider in the history of piracy. From the late 1600’s, he took prisoner an astounding 470 vessels, and so renowned was his ferocity, that many of those ships were surrendered to him without a fight.  Wouldn’t you love to achieve one of your goals without the battle behind it?

Roberts was said to have been reluctant at first to be forced into piracy - but he soon saw the point of it! A contemporary quotes Roberts as saying: "In an honest service, there is thin victuals, low wages and hard labour. In piracy, plenty and satiety, pleasure and ease, liberty and power...”

As a self-proclaimed work-alcoholic and life-long learner, I see no redeeming qualities in piracy and laziness and am a true believer in hard work.  

But, I do learn something from everything, so I even found lessons from the intriguing Captain Jack Sparrow:

It’s All About Character and Charisma

I once had a colleague who told me charisma wasn’t everything. I totally disagree. Character and charisma are everything. They create likability!  Then there’s Jack. What a fascinating character study. Is he good or bad? He’s never totally bad–he doesn’t kill or maim like the other pirates, but he’s never totally good either–his schemes always have his ultimate interests in mind. He is intriguing to watch and interesting to follow. Jack Sparrow is an innovator, a survivor and challenges the status quo at all times. However, this boldness eventually comes with a price: you’ll upset people in the process. Innovation involves change and the status quo hates change. Be charismatic. Be innovative. Be original! Yo ho days will be yours for the taking.

The Code
Aye, the Code.

The Code is a long list of rules on how a pirate should behave. Yes, even as adults, we follow a code of civility to each other. Our code is not much different from the Pirate Code:

• Rule one, befriend others wisely. Surround yourself with those who support you.
• The Right to Parley!   A parley, or "talk", is a meeting held between kings and their Chief Retainers. Talking! What a novel idea.  Use your right to parley and talk to your boss, to your peers, to your team. Imagine the possibilities of a good parley.
• Sharing of the spoils.  When teams work together with common goals and clear strategies to achieve those goals, they all share the spoils of the hard work.
• Whoever spots a treasure-laden ship first, could choose the best pistol for themselves. Well, I don’t know about a pistol.  But innovators, those who go the extra mile and focus on the goal, deserve the best prize.
• Every crew member is to have a share in any treasure found. Team work, team success. Enough said.
• Any person who refuses to serve aboard a pirate's ship must die. Now, let’s not get nuts here. I think this is the business saying “get on the bus”.  Not all of us belong on a specific pirate ship. The mission of that ship may not be our passion. It’s okay. Find the ship that lets your passion soar.

The Code also contained strict regulations on eye patch color and peg leg size (organization dress code).

Keep to the code! Aye.

Focus the Crew
You don’t need the perfect ship. You don’t need the perfect weather at sea. What you do need is for the crew to respect each other and work to the common goals. Not every pirate on the ship will befriend each other. But, mutual respect and equal share…well, it’s the Code.

Be true to yourself. No matter what you do. No matter how good your “product/service” is, you can’t make everybody happy. And that’s OK! If you try to please everybody, you’ll destroy what makes you different!

Jack Sparrow is not worried about finding the perfect ship, the perfect crew and the perfect opportunity. He’s even less worried about what others think about him. However, he’s extremely focused on achieving his goals! And, you and your crew should be too.

Have you Lost That Lovin’ Feeling?  Get Passion Back for your Job
Jack Sparrow had one very special tool with him at all times: a broken compass. What’s the use for a compass that doesn’t point North? It doesn’t matter if you are not trying to find North. Jack Sparrow’s compass pointed to the thing he wants most! It pointed to his passion!

It’s very hard to work day-in and day-out at something that you’re not passionate about. This is true because exceptional results come with a lot of hard work. You need determination, heart and discipline to do all the hard work before you begin to see the final results. Passion is the main motivator behind the drive for success.  Not money. Of course, no one is in business to lose money. Money exists to measure the applause you get by the results you create.

Yo ho, yo ho, a learner's life for me.

Have you any learned any life lessons from Jack Sparrow? I hope you will share them with me in the comment section below.

If We Were Wizards

“It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
      -Albus Dumbledore

In the Harry Potter series many characters judge others by good or bad blood (pure-bloods, half-bloods, and mud-bloods). Other, well-developed and imaginative characters define themselves by their magical abilities or financial situations. Professor Dumbledore reminds us that who we are and the direction of our lives does not depend on our past, the amount of money we make, our parents, our ability to sing, our mental capacity to learn, our looks, or our athletic ability. Rather, it is our choices, whether large or small, that determines our character, personality, and the satisfaction we derive from life.

Now that is what I call a value lesson learned from a famous professor! 

I loved the Harry Potter books and movies – the creativity, the imagination, the cleverness, the character development, the fantasy, the charm, and the many lessons learned.

I have five favorite lessons from the phenom of the wizardry world of Harry Potter.

1. Decisions and Consequences

The good Harry and evil Voldemort are both extraordinary wizards. But their respective life paths are not determined by their skills and capabilities as wizards, but by the choices they make along the way. From his first day at Hogwarts, it is made clear by the Sorting Hat that Harry could be a successful Slytherin, should he so choose.
      
“You could be great, you know, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that.”
       -Sorting Hat

However, Harry’s heart is set on Gryffindor.  This choice is just one of many occasions in which the series star takes a different path from the one chosen by his adversary.

Yes, there are many pressures on all of us, but it is ultimately our own choice to pave the way to our success. It is the choices we make and more importantly, the awareness of consequences, that builds our character and virtue.  And, character and virtue are not determined by ability, but by choices.

2. Team Effort

Throughout the saga, Harry often feels as though he must face his destiny alone, only to learn over and over that his friends and colleagues are invaluable. One sequence in the first film proves this better than any other, with Ron and Hermione using their chess-playing skills and keen sense of logic to open the path for Harry to retrieve the Philosopher’s Stone.

We all, at times, feel we are on our own. Working in healthcare is stressful. Protocols, guidelines, regulations, technology, constant change and patient needs are constant pressure. But, we are not alone. Our teams are there to help because sometimes you can’t make it on your own.

“Ah, Harry, how often this happens, even between the best of friends! Each of us believes that what he has to say is much more important than anything the other might have to contribute."
       -Albus Dumbledore

3. Take on the Troll

Harry and Ron have been bickering with Hermione, only to patch things up when they band together to outwit a troll.  As Rowling puts it, “there are some things you can’t share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them.”

Moral of this mini story...take on a huge project with others and at the end you will conquer both your project and your working relationships. There’s no better way of bonding than taking on a massive troll and succeeding.

4. Self-Confidence is the Crux to Your Success

Throughout the films, confidence is presented as a key component of magical proficiency. Hermione is an excellent witch because not only does she study hard, but she believes in herself. Neville Longbottom is initially very down on himself, and as a consequence is a hopeless wizard. However, as he grows older and begins to believe in himself, he matures into one of the most important figures in the battle against evil.

You can achieve anything with self-belief.

5. An invisibility cloak really would be brilliant!

Enough said!
Health Care Education: If We Were Wizards.
“It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
      -Albus Dumbledore

 

 

Online Education: If You Build it…Will They Come?

We’re half way thru 2013!  It is hard to believe Inquisit has offered online education programs for over 12 years.

Distance education has emerged as a viable alternative for providing educational opportunities for working health professionals [1]. Flexibility in scheduling, elimination of travel expenses, and improved access to the Internet are attracting adult learners who might not otherwise be engaged in lifelong learning activities.

After September 11, 2001, participation in Inquisit’s live, in-person, classroom programs began a very swift decline.  But, we were ready. We had our Learning Management System built, tested, and populated with 5 excellent opening day courses.

We built it and yes… we waited for all of you to come. We turned on the lights so you can attend at night as in this famous scene:

Shoeless Joe Jackson: What's with the lights?
Ray Kinsella: Oh, all the stadiums have them now. Even Wrigley Field.
Shoeless Joe Jackson: Makes it harder to see the ball.
Ray Kinsella: Yeah, well, the owners found that more people can attend night games.
Shoeless Joe Jackson: [Shakes his head] Owners.

Our 5 course starting line-up is now a full season of over 130 courses. The game tickets are $0-$10 per seat. The materials are all-star caliber. In cyberspace, there is always more room at our stadium.

Many of you have already attended our Learning-On-Demand ballpark: 1,993 learners in 2010, 3,623 participants in 2011 and 3,012 valued customers in 2012. You found the programs you wanted. You participated at the time best for your own schedule. You earned your needed CE. You improved your knowledge. And, all for a low affordable rate. 

Online education offers a convenient, self-paced alternative to classroom-based courses, and is far more engaging than correspondence courses. It is often more economical than either of these traditional options as well. Online education is ideal for busy professionals who need to obtain continuing education units.  Anywhere you’ve got a computer and an Internet connection, (even in a field in Iowa) you can work on your CEUs. The advantage of getting your continuing education units online is that you can do the work whenever you have some free time, imagine the possibilities. Perhaps you are a morning person but cannot seem to find a class that meets your schedule. What if your schedule is so hectic that it seems impossible to find time to attend a traditional classroom based lecture?  Sometimes your busy life makes traditional brick and mortar style learning too difficult to schedule. This is where online learning excels.

Most education-trend watchers agree that online education will continue to expand. Technology continues to improve, along with fasted connections and wireless access. People everywhere are becoming more comfortable with and dependent on technology to pass information back and forth. Hardware and software with better interactivity are expected to make the virtual classroom experience more "real."  Online activities are expected to become a bigger part of the continuing education movement. So, give it a try now!

For those who haven’t made it to our Learning-On-Demand ballpark. Come on in! Give us a try!  No, it isn’t heaven and it isn’t Iowa.  But, it is a one stop e-commerce site for quality, convenient and cost effective continuing education for health care professionals on all teams. www.inquisit.org/lod

But, that’s not all! Every great arena has “other” attractions for the loyal fan.  Inquisit is no different. While you are perusing our on-demand line up, step into our Now Featuring Box for monthly offerings.  Inquisit’s website has Resources Centers, Valuable Partners,  a complete season schedule, and of course, the Continuing Education (CE) accreditations you need and want.

“You know we just don't recognize the most significant moments of our lives while they're happening. Back then I thought, well, there'll be other days. I didn't realize that that was the only day. “

-Dr. Archibald "Moonlight" Graham

Go the distance with Inquisit.

I welcome your responses, comments and any questions or requests for additional information because “We built it. Please come!”

Register with www.inquisit.org and be the first to correctly guess this movie reference to be rewarded with Inquisit IQCards for free education.

1Ryan D, Waterston R. Transforming continuing education materials for on-line learning. J Telemed Telecare. 2000.  Aug; 6(Suppl.2):S64–6. [PubMed]