http://www.usemets.orgThe METS Centeren-USLibertas Technologies, LLCThu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMTInfinity1440http://www.themetscenter.com/events/ptw122008Phil's Test WebcastMETS Center Eventhttp://www.themetscenter.com/resources/newsletters/December 2006 - ARS.pdfSurveys are used by many organizations as a means of gathering data from a large group of people in a relatively short amount of time.  They play an important role in the organization by helping managers and leaders obtain a clearer understanding of the behaviors, feelings and thoughts of their employees and customers, as well as how the organizational environment affects and influences them.If used effectively, surveys can be the driving force behind organizational change and ultimately create a more appealing, satisfying and productive work experience.  As such, corporate events represent a great opportunity to learn what’s on employees’ minds, and one of the best tools for surveying them as a group is the audience response polling system or ARS.ARS has been around for a number of years, but it seems many presenters view it as a novelty rather than an effective means of gathering relevant, insightful information from and about attendees.  It can be used to gather a variety of data, including demographic information about a group, which can then be applied in real time to any of the other questions being asked.   Virtually any demographic group can be recognized by an ARS, for example age brackets could be defined, organizational units could be requested, or counties of residence could be asked for.  Once this information has been stored by the ARS, it can then be applied to any future result to immediately see the distribution of that particular demographic with the current results.Using an ARS can also help increase the level of engagement for both presenters and attendees by making each group more aware of the material presented and enhancing how it is perceived and evaluated.  Participants are surveyed in real time during the program and the tabulated results are shown immediately.  Recent programs at The METS Center have shown that this type of activity greatly increases group interaction and discussion and can lead to better retention of the presented material.ARS can find a place in most any type of meeting or program, and can be used effectively to vote on organizational policy changes, elect board members, gauge understanding on any topic, roll out new corporate strategy, rank order any list, facilitate team building exercises – the uses are nearly limitless.Despite its many possible advantages, it is important that a clear purpose be defined for the ARS, and that the use of this type of interactive participation is linked to an educational objective.  Some examples might be to expose employee misconceptions, demonstrate diverse points of view held by audience members, or to gather input on how the program could be more effective or useful to participants while it is still in progress.Effective QuestionsThe polling system itself is just a piece of technology, so its value depends on whether the questions have been designed to effectively meet the goals of the program.  A question that relies strictly on testing a participant’s memory on a particular topic is far less useful than a question that, for example, uncovers disagreements or misconceptions.It’s always helpful to ask questions that evoke discussion among the participants. Presenters should try to anticipate which answers will be selected so they can be prepared to respond effectively in order to glean the full benefits of audience interaction.  But, half of the fun (i.e., stimulation and learning) is obtaining audience responses that could not have been anticipated.ARS Best PracticesMany organizations have used ARS technology because it’s there and have come away with no real gain from its use.  So, if you’re planning to use ARS at your next meeting, make the most of this great opportunity by following these best practices.Familiarize your audience with the system by asking a warm-up question or two and showing how the accumulated answers will be presented.  A light question or two can really help break the ice and prepare your group for the more important questions that follow.Demographic questions can be invaluable in qualifying results after a program.  They can also be a great way to enhance the discussion of a topic by displaying demographic comparisons in real time such as by gender or organizational level. Use questions sparingly within the program to highlight key points or get feedback on sticky subjects.  A one hour program should contain no more than four or five ARS questions.When it’s critical that participants understand a topic before proceeding to new content, use a question to help gauge how well the audience has grasped the current material before proceeding.Make sure to allow adequate discussion time for each slide by building in a minute or two to present the question and poll the participants, and another two or three minutes for discussion of the results.  Yet, presenters have to be prepared for the fact that the ARS results can activate participants and stimulate ideas and discussion that could eat major chunks of program time.Keep the questions short and succinct, with no more than five response choices, and avoid multiple correct answers.Use impromptu questions to help clarify topics that need additional input.  Most ARS systems allow questions to be added on-the-fly and can really help steer the group if needed.An ARS is capable of providing highly useful, real-time feedback on issues and topics of interest relevant to all levels of the organization and resulting in significant learning by attendees, presenters, and the broader management team.  So, if you have corporate events, meetings or training programs planned, remember how you can kick things up with the ARS easy button.Tech Experthttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=23Leading Fortune 500 companies continue to rave about the outstanding quality of The METS Center’s service, products and food quality. Penny Scudder, Marketing Specialist with Proctor & Gamble Household Care Division, said recently everything was outstanding..the meeting space, great food and exceptional service. I will definitely be back. Julie Burke, Broker Service Manager with Fifth Third Bank had this to say, Our training was a huge success. The METS Center provided the entire package…comfortable environment, state-of-the-art technology, friendly staff, and GREAT food. You deserve national acclaim for what you do.News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=219The fall session of the MBA Essentials Program concluded on November 26. Tom Dorgan, a store manager for The Kroger Company who participated in the Program reported The MBA Essentials Program is a MUST DO for any leaders looking to stretch themselves in thought and skills in order to reach a better understanding of the various functions of business. If you are looking to improve your organization, your people and your career, this program offers valuable insight into all aspects. I found the program, facility, atmosphere and instructors to be top notch for advanced learning. The MBA Essentials Program is a 12-week course designed for people who work full-time and who need to quickly broaden their understanding of all functional areas within a business. The next Program begins on February 14 at the METS Center. For information about this highly regarded Program, click the PROGRAMS tab on this website.News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=193Much of the employee development work in major corporations today is conducted by external instructional designers and trainers. Organizations can outsource this work, but they should never outsource the responsibility for its effectiveness. Needless to say, even many of the world’s top companies do what they never should. In her new book, Debbie Friedman provides field-tested strategies and tactics for managing and maximizing the effectiveness of outsourced training efforts of any magnitude. Debbie knows what she’s talking about and she should: She heads the Leadership Institute at FDS which has been nominated by Training Magazine as one of the nation’s leaders in training and development. Check out the book (and read the reviews by some of the nation’s training gurus) here News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=218Fifth Third Bank Investment Advisors Education department, held their Orientation Sessions at the METS Center the week of October 29. The Auditorium was used for the first time with this audience. The lead facilitator loved the two screens in the room. It was great for the audience view as well as the facilitator leading the class. She could see the powerpoint from any location in the room. The Mets facility makes a great first impression on the new hires for Fifth Third. Key executives attending the session raved about the room and technology. And, the food as always, received outstanding reviews. Thanks Mets staff for another successful week!News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=190According to the September issue of Training Magazine, which venue is selected to host your training is often the determining factor on the success of your program. Several facilities can host your program, but one that actually enhances employee development, is well worth it, according to Ellen Quint, leader of Deloitte & Touche’s Northeast Professional Development Program. "I am a big believer that the kind of environment you have has a real impact on the participants’ experience, and, therefore their learning." At The METS Center, we specialize in the "distraction free" environment which, Ms. Quint, and countless other training professionals’ site as essential to learning, development and retention. Meetings are our only business, so you won’t have to be concerned about your program being disturbed by nearby social or fraternal events. To see what several leading organizations thought about their training programs at The METS Center, click on our testimonial page to read their comments. For a link to the article, click here.News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=191The ability to draw upon the latest academic research on adult learning, coupled with the state-of-the-art technology, was cited as two of the primary reasons university conference centers are the ideal atmosphere for employee training and development, according to the October issue of Successful Meetings. The METS Center was one of three conference centers in the United States featured in the article, and was cited for its extraordinary facility, advanced technology and atmosphere designed to "spark creativity". For a link to the article, click here.News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=192The World Wide Web is rapidly becoming an essential tool for meeting planners in organizing, communicating, planning and promoting their events, according to the October issue of The Meeting Professional. Recent advancement in web-based technologies has greatly increased the ability to collaborate and share information among a multitude of users and a variety of platforms. One common feature of this second generation of the web (commonly referred to as Web 2.0), is that it enables remote participants to share and edit the same document. These online collaboration tools and other developments in virtual meetings and digital media (webcasting, video conferencing, collaborative meetings, podcasting) present tremendous opportunities for meeting planners to add significant value to the attendee experience.News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/events/ut4oc102708In this dynamic, hands-on, two-day workshop, you will learn to lead teams focused on jump-starting and sustaining innovational cultures built around core competencies. Overcome resistance, transition to more productive working environments, focus on innovation as an imperative, identify the components necessary to maintain a self-sustaining proactive culture, and audit and benchmark your progress externally. In the process, you'll work with cutting-edge innovation tools, practice internationally successful strategies, and learn how to avoid costly mistakes.METS Center Eventhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=214For the second consecutive year, Fifth Third Bank drew together the Company's top leaders for a two-day conference at the METS Center to share ideas and discuss initiatives that will drive the Bank forward. News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=212Lisa Barham, President of Hotel Resources, recently said about The METS Center, "I do trainings all over the United States and in Canada, The Mets Center is by far the nicest facility I’ve had the pleasure of training in thus far. Your staff were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Our needs were met even before we had to ask for them. This truly was a pleasurable experience and we wish you much success. I would think the facility sells itself once you get the organizations to do a site visit." Hotel Resources, in Southlake,TX provides Sales & Marketing Solutions for the Hospitality Industry News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=213Studies have shown that meetings and training programs are more effective when held in facilities designed specifically for those functions. There are many reasons for this finding. First, purpose-built facilities are more likely to include technology that will maximize information transmission. That extends even to invitees who cannot be physically present - think webcasting, for example. Second, dedicated meeting space generally facilitates greater interaction among presenters and participants - a real key to attention and learning with adult audiences. Finally, purpose-built properties are much more likely to have a variety of room sizes that can comfortably accommodate small, medium and larger breakout groups. The August issue of The Meeting Professional hits the nail on the head: “Meeting planners who choose conference centers are going to get an entire environment that has been designed to create an experience expressly to facilitate knowledge transfer.” Click here to read the full article from The Meeting Professional.News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/events/2iss&101510METS Center Eventhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=211P&G U.S. MDO held a National Ethnic Diversity Meeting at The METS Center on October 2 and 3. Over 300 employees attended the meeting. Their shared platform of "Everyone valued. Everyone included. Everyone Performing at their peak" was the cornerstone of the meeting.News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=210The METS Center is please to announce that hospitality industry veteran Carrie Moore is joining their staff on October 8th as Director of Business Development. Moore brings over 10 years of hotel sale and marketing experience to the METS team, with the last 5 in the Northern Kentucky market. She also has extensive knowledge of The METS Center’s staff, technologies, services and operations, and has existing relationships with many of METS’ clients. METS General Manager Mark Wallisa summed up Moore’s qualifications as follows: “Carrie is a customer-drive sales professional that shares our passion for exceeding clients’ expectations and finding solutions to their needs. She is the prefect fit for our culture, our customers, and our continued growth as an organization.” Carrie’s new contact information at The METS Center is as follows: Direct: 859-647-8982; Cell: 859-466-0694; email: carrie.moore@usemets.org News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/events/bis092210The summit will bring together higher education institutes and organizations with interest in business intelligence to collaborate on the possibilities of such tools improving academic or administrative operations in various systems - SAP, other ERPs, Business Warehouse, Business Objects, Crystal Reports, and more.METS Center Eventhttp://www.themetscenter.com/events/npasi092110METS Center Eventhttp://www.themetscenter.com/events/ad091710Learn how Agile project methodologies can impact your business through higher productivity, increased business value in your deliverables, and reduced time to market.See first-hand how Agile/Scrum practices can apply in your organization through interactive sessions presentations that feature real-world examples of Agile/Scrum in action.METS Center Eventhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=87According to the September issue of Training Magazine, not all meeting and conference facilities are created equal when it comes to delivering outstanding results for corporate training programs. The facility selected to host your training actually “enhances what you’re teaching..and therefore, their learning” according to leading industry professionals. The article stresses the importance of a distraction-free environment, without weddings and “Bar Mitzvah’s next door”, as “vital for your success” for employee training and development. The article also cites the necessity for comfortable chairs, and excellent food and beverage to enhance the training experience. A key advantage of programs held at conference centers was the all-inclusive pricing for training and presentation technologies, rather than the “a la carte pricing” and “surcharges and surprises” typical of other facilities. Read the entire article, and learn how your organization’s training program can benefit by “Selecting the Right Venue.”News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=88Book your evening event at the acclaimed METS Center and the banquet space is FREE with a minimum food and beverage guarantee. Call us for details, or click here to view our our full-page ad.News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/events/me-fs091009A sharply focused overview of the topics most commonly taught in premier MBA programs.METS Center Eventhttp://www.themetscenter.com/events/tnwot090110METS Center Eventhttp://www.themetscenter.com/events/tefmr083010METS Center Eventhttp://www.themetscenter.com/events/tse1080110testMETS Center Eventhttp://www.themetscenter.com/events/twe1080109testMETS Center Eventhttp://www.themetscenter.com/resources/newsletters/July 2006 - Rootkits.pdfA few years ago, news outlets peppered us with stories about the latest viruses and the Internet havoc they wreaked. Over the past year, however, coverage by the media has dwindled, and they seem less likely to sensationalize the danger of viruses. We still occasionally hear about new viruses such as Sober or Bagle, but attention has shifted to prevention (e.g., spyware detection) rather than the effect of computer-borne threats.So, is no news good news? Not necessarily. In fact, the complacency that comes from a lack of news coverage can lead to surprise outbreaks, especially now, when a major new method of infection is gaining ground – one that can go undetected on your computer system, even if you use the latest detection software. It’s the rootkit!What’s a rootkit? Well, the root part of the term rootkit comes from the venerable world of UNIX computing, in which the administrative account on a given machine or network is called the root account. Hackers who gain root access to systems become the supreme rulers of those systems, with the power to perform any task on them, regardless of the security settings. Kit comes from the arsenal of tools – or kit – that malicious programmers assemble to gain root access. Rootkits exist for just about every operating system including Microsoft® Windows™, UNIX, Linux, and Mac OS X, so rootkit-based threats aren’t limited to the more popular computing platforms.You may have recently seen news about a legitimate use of rootkits. Perhaps the most circulated story involved the discovery that Sony secretly put a rootkit on some of its multimedia audio CDs to help protect against illegal duplication. Maybe you’ve even seen one of the few stories labeling rootkits the new emerging computer threat. But most news stories fail to communicate just how dangerous these kits really are.It’s disconcerting to know someone could gain total control over your computer, but it’s the rootkit’s uncanny ability to hide from you, your computer’s operating system, and from virus and spyware detection programs that makes it so potentially harmful. Along with its undetectability, any number of other notably unsavory features could be included, such as stealing credit card and social security numbers or other personal information, infecting other computers with copies of itself, deleting important files and information, and flooding the Internet with spam email. Loaded with this much potential danger, it’s easy to see why rootkits are receiving very serious interest from anti-virus companies.Unfortunately, virus creators have access to the same technologies and programming methods as the companies that write detection software. Armed with an intimate knowledge of how anti-virus software works, they are able to continually craft stealthier software and further shield themselves from the detection methods being employed to catch them.As these new higher-level rootkits evolve, designers of detection and security software will be continuously fighting an uphill battle. You can participate in the fight by equipping your computer with a good piece of virus and spyware detection software, making sure it stays updated, and by installing a top-notch firewall to protect your Internet connection.Tech Experthttp://www.themetscenter.com/resources/newsletters/May 2007 - Software training.pdfRecently I (and many others on a large recipient list) received an email message intended to provide contact information for a colleague who had just joined this particular group.   As I created a new record in my Outlook address book and copied and pasted the contact information into it, I was struck by how inefficient this process was – how the sender’s lack of understanding of one of the most basic features of the productivity software being used had resulted in wasted time for everyone on the email recipient list.  If the sender had taken one minute to create an Outlook contact record and forward it, none of the recipients would have had to spend a minute creating a record and copying and pasting the information into it.  Well, you could say that it’s only a minute being wasted.  But, in reality, it’s a tradeoff of one minute on the front end, with one minute multiplied by the number of recipients on the other.  Let’s say that there were 30 recipients.  That means that the sender could spend one minute to save 30 minutes for the recipients.  Now imagine that this (or a similar) kind of thing is going on in your organization or division 20 times a day (and I’d say that is an EXTREMELY low estimate).  That means that 10 hours in the workday - or 2,640 hours in the work year - have been wasted.  And, that’s the equivalent of having one of your employees do absolutely nothing for 12 months.That’s why, as an employer, providing application training is one of the best business investments you can make.  In survey after survey, employees indicate that they need more application training to help them perform their jobs more efficiently.  Backing up these reported needs is a recent study by Microsoft showing that software issues head the list of biggest organizational time wasters.  And, the actual time being wasted is only one cost variable in the overall performance equation.  If software features are not understood, they’re not being used.  And, that means that the employer (by purchasing the software) has paid hard cash for productivity enhancement capability that is never realized.If you want to get a rough idea of how much time (i.e., potentially productive time not realized) is being wasted in your organization, have your IT people make a list of a number of efficiency-oriented features of your office software.  Then put together a survey asking your employees to report how many of these features they use on a regular basis.  I bet that you’ll be greatly surprised by how much of the software’s capabilities are being under utilized.The shame of this lack of use is that after taking a software applications course, nearly everyone is able to find new ways to improve functionality and cut considerable time spent doing basic computer tasks.  For example, employees receive an average of 57 emails per day, so teaching them to use even the simple archiving function and how to create mail rules can have a significant impact on time savings.  By expanding this savings across an entire office for an application such as email, a mass increase in efficiency can be realized. I’ve found that it is usually not the case that employees don’t want to learn about the software features that are available.  Rather, most of the time, they’re just not aware that features exist that can help them be more productive.  Given this lack of awareness and the fact that most businesses don’t offer or require application training, most employees are only using a very small percentage of the capabilities built into a given application.But the fix is as simple as the problem – train your employees.  Being in the digital age, there are a number of ways to bring training to employees and wake them up to the productivity potential hidden within the applications they use every day.  Whether it is provided at a dedicated training facility, taken on-line through self paced courses, or brought in-house using training pros, there is a program that will fit the needs of virtually any company and help regain some of that lost employee time.One of the best ways to encourage application users to learn about special features and therefore spend their time more productively is through the identification and use of exemplary performers.  If you can identify people in different parts of the organization who use efficiency functions on a regular basis, they can be incorporated into application training as show pieces.  That is, the exemplary performers [EPs] can show how it’s done as well as show how it saves time and effort.  [A by-product here is the recognition exemplary performers receive when chosen to participate!]  Be sure to look for a variety of exemplary performers [EPs].  You’re likely to find that different EPs use different features.  In this way, even EPs can benefit from application training because they’ll be exposed to the efficiency features that other EPs find helpful.Go on.  Schedule some application training right now.  You’ll be sure to sleep better if you do. Tech Experthttp://www.themetscenter.com/resources/newsletters/May 2006 - Videoconferencing.pdfHave you ever attended a meeting that wandered off topic, took more time than had been scheduled, or was a complete waste of resources?   Welcome to the club!  Time spent in out-of-control meetings can be a noisome experience, one we certainly (and usually unsuccessfully) try to avoid.On the other hand, if you‘ve ever participated in a video teleconference (VTC), you're more likely to have encountered a meeting that was not out-of-control. Why? Most companies don't own their own VTC equipment, or if they do it is usually only one or two conferencing units.  Because equipment availability is limited, the VTC suite - whether at the office or at the conference center across town - must be booked in advance for a specific amount of time.  Additionally, VTCs are unlikely to go over this time limit since other people might be waiting to use the system.  Given these constraints, VTCs usually start on time and are organized so that everything can be accomplished during the allotted time.  Discussions during the conference are often shorter, and decisions tend to be made more quickly.These inherent benefits can be further enhanced by following a few simple guidelines.  Here's what I usually suggest to my clients:Have an agenda with a timeline - While the effective meeting facilitator should have an agenda for every meeting, it is especially important that they be created for VTCs.   Most conferences involve people in other time zones or even other hemispheres, and you should respect that fact by creating an agenda, distributing it in advance to remote sites - and, most importantly - sticking to it.  If for no other reason, having an agenda in hand helps participants in distant locations feel more involved in, or more "present" at, the meeting.Assign a meeting moderator/facilitator specifically responsible for sticking to the agenda and timeline, and making sure that all groups are given an equal opportunity to participate.  While this is also recommended for regular face-to-face meetings, its importance is magnified in a VTC.  Participants in remote locations, whether down the street or around the world, have less tolerance for one-sided communication.  I remember a conference we hosted where people at one of the remote sites got bored and left the conference room.  When the oblivious moderator finally got around to asking for their participation an hour later, he found only an empty room.Learn to use the equipment - Most conferencing facilities have technicians available to operate the VTC equipment. But if you are speaking on a confidential subject, this probably isn't the best option.  Most conferencing equipment is fairly easy to operate, so taking the time to learn its features and functions can only help enhance the effectiveness of your meeting.  Ask your conference center staff for a tour of their system's features so that you can switch to the document camera, PC or video tape whenever you need it without having to wait for help.  That makes the meeting run smoother and you look smarter.The mute button is your friend and can save you a lot of embarrassment- If you're not talking to a remote site, or are having a public in-room discussion, make sure that your microphones are muted.  Having an in-group conversation while still broadcasting creates a distraction and confusion for the folks on the other end.  More importantly, any ill-advised or off-handed comments will stay on your side of the virtual conference table.Choose the right amount of bandwidth - Bandwidth (the size of the pipe you're using to connect to the remote locations) can play an important part in the quality of your conference.  If you plan on doing nothing more than audio and a camera shot, you can go with less.  128k provides decent quality audio and video for most conferences that have little or no rich media content.  Using a document camera, a PC or a video tape will require much more than that - usually 384k or more - in order for remote participants to clearly see the information you broadcast.Remember the value of face-to-face communication - If you plan to use VTC to replace a significant amount of travel, I recommend making an initial contact in person, then using conferencing for subsequent meetings.  Video conferencing - even with the world's best technology - is less "personal" than a face-to-face meeting.  So if you're starting work on something like a collaborative project, meet your team in person first and then introduce VTC for follow-up meetings and other collaboration.Using video teleconferencing wisely can dramatically reduce travel expenses, help you stay in touch with remote offices, keep everyone informed on a current project, and allow colleagues in remote locations to be involved in important decisions.  In addition, think how much more productive your week could be if you substituted a 20 minute drive to the nearest conference center for your next  20 hour flight to India!Tech Experthttp://www.themetscenter.com/events/cms042809METS Center Eventhttp://www.themetscenter.com/events/me-ss021209A sharply focused overview of the topics most commonly taught in premier MBA programs.METS Center Eventhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=29In the October issue of ConventionSouth magazine, the On the Move section focused on Northern Kentucky. Prominently featured in that article was The METS Center, described as a new technologically advanced meeting facility …(with) contemporary furnishings and technological enhancements that include three computer-based training rooms with 30 computer workstations, ergonomically designed chairs and state-of-the-art acoustics. …no detail was overlooked in the planning of the $12 million facility, which contains over $5 million in high-tech equipment. The distinct advantage The METS Center has to offer is best summed up by Executive Director, Rob Snyder, Regions with the best learning resources expand more rapidly and outperform the competition, and no region has a finer learning resource than The METS Center.   TestNews Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=30Thanks to the sophisticated telecommunications and video conferencing capabilities of The METS Center, National City Bank’s 2004 employee-recognition Excel awards were a rousing success. From their corporate office in Chicago, NCB was able to transmit their President and senior management team via The METS Center’s in-house high speed data lines, providing real-time voice and video transmission at 768 Kbps. The result of this flawless transmission produced a dynamic, meaningful employee event, which otherwise could not have occurred. According to Lee Pelletier of Act Proximity, a 3rd party production company hired by NCB, Your incredible support of this NCB program exceeded my wildest expectations and I can’t thank you enough! ...The result of your efforts was a flawless connection …and I certainly couldn’t ask for anything more.   asdfasdfNews Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=doc&id=12From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc."When we profile successful leaders of the future, several qualities grab our attention. One trait, attracting the attention of researchers, is resilience, defined as tough-mindedness and the ability to accept criticism. PsyMax Solutions, a human capital assessment firm, recently completed a study of more than 2,000 employees.The firm analyzed the profiles of district and regional managers, department or unit managers, and supervisors. The middle managers’ median tough-minded score was the highest of all groups. By comparison, the company presidents and CEOs ranked lowest for resiliency, followed by the executives, and professional, technical, and administrative employees."The study suggests that middle managers have the greatest ability to accept criticism," said PsyMax Solutions CEO Dr. Wayne Nemeroff. "Perhaps because of the nature of the middle management role they continuously get feedback from all directions, from above, below and sideways. Those at the center of the organizational structure demonstrate strength in being able to manage stress and to keep resilient in the face of frustration, disappointment or criticism."According to Nemeroff, resilience is an essential skill for middle managers. They provide leadership to front line supervisors. Middle managers plan, direct, and/or coordinate the day-to-day operations of companies. Sometimes, they are owners who head small businesses and require the ability "to handle frequent criticism or rejection, to work through tough negotiations, and to build credibility by remaining even-tempered."Problems can result when the resiliency skill is not developed, Nemeroff advised. Some common issues include allowing stress and frustration to show, becoming defensive in response to criticism, and having difficulty rebounding from setbacks.Nemeroff believes people who need to develop resilience should readily accept constructive criticism and seek to learn from it. These people should also share their thoughts or reactions, and not hold them in. In fact, too much emotional control sometimes causes others to shut down communication and forget about their listening skills. People who want to develop resilience should speak more openly and make themselves more vulnerable.Make sure people know where you’re coming from and that you’re really listening to them. What’s your resilience capacity-now and in the future?Articlehttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=194CONGRATULATIONS to Leigh Ann Schroeder of Perfetti van Melle, inaugural winner of our business card drawing! Leigh Ann will receive a 512Mb memory stick for her effort. Also, CONGRATULATIONS to Richard Beagle of P&G. He's the winner of a $25 gift card to Media Play. Next time you are at The METS Center, drop off your business card for a chance to be a monthly winner!News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/center/default.aspx?page=news&id=207METS and the NKU College of Business 12-week "MBA Essentials" program will begin on Thursday, February 14. Participants completing this program will understand how practioners in each functional area of business (marketing, accounting, etc.) typically think and what they focus on primarily, the principles or assumptions that guide their decision making, the language they actually use, and the measure of effectiveness that they should use. The program is offered twice yearly in February and in September. Select Featured Programs for an overview of the progam, description of modules, instructor bios and testimonials from previous participants. News Storyhttp://www.themetscenter.com/resources/newsletters/vol6num3-4.pdfNewsletterhttp://www.themetscenter.com/resources/newsletters/vol6num1-2.pdfNewsletter