We are at moment of learning overload. Many sites offer free or fairly low cost learning opportunities. How do we evaluate the value of these opportunities against our own time and money, which is our most valuable resource? Based on my knowledge of learning processes, here are some considerations.

Our family just returned from nine relaxing and energizing days away. Our older daughter was happy to see her toys and stuffed animals again, but she kept saying, “something feels funny. I don’t know what it is, but something feels funny.” This morning, our younger daughter stood at the front door and said, “I don’t want to go to camp.” And as I fired up my computer, something did feel funny.

This time of year especially, we hear a lot of about the benefits of taking a vacation. Clearing our minds with a change of scene makes us more productive when we return to work. But we hear less about moving through those transitional days back into our routine.

This month, I attended a two day workshop on Strategic Planning Facilitation using Technology of Participation (TOP) methods. TOP facilitation methods are inclusive, surface thinking, draw out the wisdom of the group and build collective engagement and buy-in. In using TOP facilitation methods to lead groups over the past few months, I have honestly been little bit awed by their effectiveness: Group members participate, they see that their opinions and perspectives matter, and the group comes together in inspiring and powerful ways that move work forward.