Mindy Bogue

My Blog

MATC Group Inc •

The Critical Role of Policies and Procedures in Thriving Companies

Thriving companies in our fast-paced business world know that success isn’t just about innovative products or stellar customer service — it’s also about having a solid foundation of well-crafted policies and procedures. These essential frameworks aren’t merely administrative formalities; they are the pillars supporting operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, risk management, and a cohesive organizational culture. Employing policies and procedures offers workers a well-rounded view of thei...
MATC Group Inc •

10 Worst Training Practices: Ensuring Nobody Learns Anything

Training is a cornerstone of corporate success, but why aim for success when you can aim for spectacular failure? Here are some of the absolute worst corporate practices — the ones that guarantee your employees will leave more confused than when they arrived.
Nothing screams “learning opportunity” like a 200-slide PowerPoint presentation read word-for-word. Pack each slide with tiny text and unrelated clip art. The presenter should speak in a monotonous voice that could lull a caffeinated squirr...
MATC Group Inc •

From Newbie to Pro: Top Knowledge Management Practices

Joining a knowledge management team can be both exciting and challenging. Knowledge management (KM) is crucial for leveraging organizational knowledge to enhance performance, innovation, and competitive advantage. As a new member of a KM team, understanding best practices and tips can help you contribute effectively and integrate seamlessly into your role. Here are some key guidelines to help you get started.Before diving into your tasks, you must have a solid grasp of what KM entails. Familiari...
MATC Group Inc •

Instructional Design and ADDIE: An Overview

The ADDIE model is one of the first things that comes up when you search the words “instructional design models.” But what is it and where did it come from?ADDIE stands for Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate Each word refers to a phase of instructional design (the process of creating instructional materials to change behaviors, improve performance, and increase knowledge). The method was invented in 1975 at Florida State University as a better way to train the US military. Today,...
MATC Group Inc •

The Technical Writing Legacy of the Founding Fathers

The American Revolution was not only a war of weapons, but also a battle of ideas and communication. Among the founding fathers, several stood out for their ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, functioning in many ways as technical writers. They played a crucial role in shaping the ideological foundation of the United States and mobilizing public support for independence. Let’s explore the contributions of founding fathers who can be considered technical writers, examini...
MATC Group Inc •

Your Brain’s Best Friend: The Benefits of Personal Knowledge Management

The wealth of knowledge we can quickly – almost immediately – access today is astounding. I don’t know about you, but I’m a Gen Xer who grew up without cable TV and had to cross the vast shag carpeting to turn the knob if I wanted to watch something else on the one TV in the house. We had a set of encyclopedias that was probably outdated the second it was printed. Today, all we need to do is use a phone that fits in our back pocket to find information.However, that abundance of information comes...
MATC Group Inc •

Six-Month Milestone: How to Evaluate and Realign Your Goals

Reaching the six-month mark in annual professional goals is a significant milestone, and it’s an opportune time to evaluate progress, reassess strategies, and make necessary adjustments. Incorporating quarterly goals can enhance focus and productivity, ensuring everyone stays on track. Let’s look at why six-month check-ins are important, the benefits of integrating quarterly goals, and effective strategies for managing goals where someone might be falling behind.A mid-year review of professional...
MATC Group Inc •

"How AI Got Us Into Swordsmithing" and Other Tales of AI Mishaps

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of today’s biggest topics, the darling of tech conferences, and the star player in many a business strategy. But for every shining success, there’s a cautionary tale of AI gone hilariously wrong. Buckle up as we dive into some fun examples of how not to use AI in business.

The Chatbot That Cares (Too Much)

Meet Botty McBotface, the customer service chatbot set to revolutionize your business’s customer interactions. Programmed to be empathetic and engaging, B
MATC Group Inc •

From Learning to Leading: Building a Culture that Drives Success

In today’s fast-paced world, the key to long-term success lies not just in maintaining the status quo, but in fostering a culture of continuous learning. When businesses prioritize learning and development, they unlock numerous benefits that extend to both employees and the organization. However, there is a disconnect between what businesses claim is important and the actions they take: while 90 percent of organizations are concerned about employee retention and believe providing learning opport
MATC Group Inc •

The Phillips ROI Model: An Analysis

A constant challenge of Leadership and Development (L&D) teams is proving the effectiveness and overall worth of their training programs. Company leaders require hard numbers to justify investment in time-consuming and costly training. While one of the go-to training evaluation models is the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model, its fourth level (Business Impact) can be difficult to achieve. This is where Dr. Jack Phillips comes in with his Phillips ROI Model, presented in his 1980 book Return on Invest
MATC Group Inc •

Unlocking Potential: The Power of Personalized Training

Today’s businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance employee skills, boost productivity, and stay ahead of the competition. Combined with generative artificial intelligence (AI) personalized eLearning is a game-changer, offering tailored learning experiences that cater to the unique needs, preferences, and goals of employees. But what exactly is personalized eLearning? What are its advantages and disadvantages? Let’s explore these questions to gain an understanding of personalized training
MATC Group Inc •

Engagement Matters: Turning the Tide on Workforce Discontent

Employees who are fully engaged in their work produce better business outcomes than other workers. This is true across industries, company sizes, and nationality, in good or bad economic times. Without employee engagement there is not team engagement, making improvements to business outcomes difficult. However, employees in the US are not as engaged as we’d like. New research from Gallup, State of the Global Workplace: 2024 Report, shows that only 23 percent of US workers are engaged, 62 percent
MATC Group Inc •

Heroes in the Shadows: Technical Writers of WWII

World War II, one of the most devastating conflicts in human history, was marked by unprecedented technological and scientific advancements. Historical accounts usually focus on the scariest and most violent breakthroughs, such as the first use of rockets in V1 and V2 weapons or the atom bomb. However, there are others that have helped shape the modern world for the better. The art of technical writing exploded with the onslaught of innovative technology that a large number of people need to lea
MATC Group Inc •

Business Communication: The Lifeblood of Organizational Success

Effective business communication is the lifeblood of any successful organization. It is not merely about exchanging information but also about ensuring that the message is clear, understood, and leads to meaningful action. In today’s rapidly changing work environment, especially with the shifts brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of impactful communication has never been more critical. From building trust and clarity within teams to enhancing productivity and fostering a healt
MATC Group Inc •

AI-Powered Knowledge Management: Productivity and Innovation

The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various aspects of our work, particularly in knowledge management (KM). While AI won’t replace all human tasks, it offers significant enhancements by automating routine activities, thereby allowing employees to focus on more meaningful and strategic work. The integration of AI into KM systems has become increasingly transformative, providing powerful tools that boost efficiency and productivity. In 2022, 35 perce
MATC Group Inc •

The Transformative Role of User-Generated Content in eLearning

User-generated content (UGC) is the most time-honored method of training — informally spreading one’s personal knowledge of a subject to peers. In the workplace, it’s been delivered unofficially in the lunchroom or in random conversations. But, in our ever-evolving world of communication technology, the delivery of UGC and its relevance has become an important part of modern training programs. Internet-based apps and platforms are now available on laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Blogs, wikis,
MATC Group Inc •

Captivate Learners: The Power of Color

In our modern digital environment, capturing and maintaining learners’ attention is challenging. By using color strategically, instructional designers (IDs) and technical writers (TWs) can highlight crucial information, enhance engagement, and ensure content is accessible to all learners. Let’s explore how a thoughtful color palette profoundly impacts the effectiveness of your content.

Here are a few statistics about the importance of color:
• We read color ads up to 42 percent more often than
MATC Group Inc •

Smart Training, Smarter Workforce: Embracing AI in L&D

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a groundbreaking force reshaping Learning and Development (L&D) strategies. Artificial Intelligence encompasses a diverse range of technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. Recent research from LinkedIn shows that four in five people (80 percent) want to learn more about how to use AI in their profession. As organizations strive to remain competitive in an increasingly digital environment, implementing AI in L&D initiativ
MATC Group Inc •

Mastering Learning Objectives: Avoid These 6 Common Mistakes!

Learning objectives are the backbone of any training program, serving as the guiding force that directs instructional design and learner outcomes. Despite their crucial role, defining effective learning objectives can be a challenging task. From vague statements to unrealistic expectations, trainers and instructional designers must navigate numerous pitfalls. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some common mistakes made while defining learning objectives for training and explore strategies to av
MATC Group Inc •

Rediscovering the Joy of Reading in a Digital Age

It’s 2024 and May is Get Caught Reading Month. Sadly, the art of reading seems to be fading into obscurity. With the rise of social media, streaming services, and video games, we find ourselves spending less and less time engaged in the simple pleasure of reading (or listening to) a book. However, the benefits of reading, regardless of the format, remain as potent and essential as ever, and we can change our habits to reap reading’s benefits.

Over the past few decades, we’ve seen a noticeable d
MATC Group Inc •

Exploring the Role of Instructional Designers: Are They Teachers?

In the world of education and training, instructional designers play a pivotal role in shaping learning experiences. They are the architects behind the scenes, crafting materials and strategies to facilitate effective learning. But are instructional designers considered teachers? In honor of today (May 7), being National Teacher Day in the United States, let’s look at the similarities and differences between these two roles to help us decide.

First, let’s review the traditional responsibilities
MATC Group Inc •

Soft Skills: The Secret Weapon for Career Success

We’re witnessing a major shift in today’s work environment, and skills once overlooked are now seen as indispensable: soft skills. These interpersonal, communication, and emotional intelligence abilities shape how we work, collaborate, and lead. Technological and knowledge-based skills continue to contribute to one’s career potential, but soft skills have recently surged in significance. In fact, 91 percent of Learning and Development (L&D) professionals agree that soft skills are increasingly i
MATC Group Inc •

Innovative Training Solutions: The Rise of Rapid eLearning Development

Rapid eLearning development (REL) is transforming how organizations train their workforce. This innovative approach creates engaging, interactive, and customizable eLearning experiences in record time. But what is REL, and what sets it apart from traditional methods?

REL is the process of quickly developing and deploying digital learning content using authoring tools and templates. Traditional eLearning development often requires extensive resources and time. However, REL streamlines the creati
MATC Group Inc •

The Green Revolution: How eLearning Saves the Planet

Every action companies take holds the potential to either harm or heal the planet. While the phrase “corporate training” may not immediately conjure up images of sustainability, the rise of eLearning platforms within corporate settings is quietly revolutionizing how organizations approach training and positively impacting the environment. As sustainability has become a higher societal priority over the last decade, businesses are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the world and engage in
Load More