Mindy Bogue

My Blog

MATC Group Inc •

From Fear to Focus: Don’t Wait to Conquer Procrastination

Procrastination is a common challenge, where we often find ourselves engaging in “busy work” instead of tackling more demanding tasks. In fact, Piers Steel, author of The Procrastination Equation, found that 95 percent of us admit to procrastinating some of the time, with 20 percent considering it chronic and a defining characteristic of their personalities. Another survey reveals the average person spends over two hours each day procrastinating, costing businesses over $27 billion annually. Let...
MATC Group Inc •

A Journey Through the Ages: Celebrating World Distance Learning Day

We just celebrated World Distance Learning Day—a day dedicated to the fine art of learning from the comfort of your own home, in your pajamas, possibly with a cup of coffee that’s more foam than actual caffeine. Before we revel in today’s digital marvels, let’s hop into our time machine and take a jaunt down memory lane to see how distance learning evolved from quill and ink to clicking “Join Meeting” on Zoom.

The Birth of Distance Learning: When Snail Mail Was Cutting-Edge
Our story begins in...
MATC Group Inc •

How a Disaster Recovery Plan Can Save Your Documents—and Your Company

Every day, businesses large and small face a multitude of threats that can disrupt their operations. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a cyberattack, or your hardware decides to quit on you unexpectedly, these events can cause real headaches if you’re not prepared. One key to managing and mitigating these threats is having a disaster recovery plan (DRP) in place, especially when it comes to your documentation. Sure, putting together a DRP might seem like a daunting task, but trust me, when disast...
MATC Group Inc •

Why Green is the New Gold Standard in Employee Training

Incorporating sustainability into training programs is no longer just a trend — it’s becoming a must for organizations looking to stay on the right side of history and business. In fact, 80 percent of workers around the world want to help their company operate sustainably. As global environmental goals get stricter and corporate responsibility becomes more than just a buzzword, companies are feeling the heat. And while it might seem like a daunting task, integrating sustainability into employee...
MATC Group Inc •

Knowledge Management and Workplace Transitions

This is the first post of a three-part series regarding Knowledge Management. The second post is Knowledge Management: The Process and Getting Buy-In, and the third is Choosing a KMS Tool: Which Way to Go?Knowledge Management. You’ve heard this term in meetings, in TED Talks, or when networking, but perhaps you really don’t understand what it means. Well, it’s time to learn because knowledge management (KM) significantly affects how companies operate, especially now that so many have transitione...
MATC Group Inc •

Why eLearning is the Future of Employee Development: Key Stats and Trends

The world of eLearning is rapidly transforming, offering unprecedented opportunities for organizations to improve employee engagement, productivity, and retention. As the eLearning market is projected to reach $319 billion by 20291, businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of personalized, flexible, and innovative learning solutions. Employees are eager to develop new skills, viewing training as a critical part of their career development. Let’s look at some key statistics that undersco...
MATC Group Inc •

Maximize Your Competitive Edge: Switch from Shared Drives to a KMS

Efficient knowledge sharing is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in business. For decades, shared drives have been a go-to solution for storing and sharing files within organizations. However, as businesses grow and the complexity of information management increases, shared drives reveal significant limitations. Let’s discuss why businesses should consider transitioning from shared drives to a knowledge management system (KMS).

Limitations of Shared Drives
Shared drives, often organize...
MATC Group Inc •

Transform Your Training Programs with an AI-Enhanced LMS

The success of any organization hinges on effective training and development. A learning management system (LMS) centralizes and delivers educational content, ensuring employees have the resources they need for continuous growth. By enhancing onboarding, engagement, personalized learning, and compliance, an LMS addresses modern business challenges head-on. With the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), these platforms are becoming indispensable tools for cultivating a knowledgeable and sk...
MATC Group Inc •

10 Tips to Ensure No One Uses Your Employee Handbook

The employee handbook: that sacred document designed to guide and inform your employees, creating a cohesive, knowledgeable, and harmonious workplace. But what if you don’t want that? What if your goal is to make sure your employee handbook is as useless as a screen door on a submarine? Look no further! Here’s your ultimate guide to creating an employee handbook that no one will ever use.

1. Make It Longer Than a Russian Novel
Tolstoy’s got nothin’ on your handbook! If War and Peace can fit int...
MATC Group Inc •

20 Expert and Inspirational Quotes about eLearning

As technology continues to transform our lives, eLearning emerges as a beacon of continuous growth and empowerment. In this collection, you’ll find insights and inspirations from leading experts who have shaped the landscape of digital education. Whether you’re an educator, learner, or simply curious about the future of learning, these quotes offer a glimpse into the constantly evolving world of eLearning.

“I see microlearning as being an approach to almost every part of continuous learning.” —...
MATC Group Inc •

How CrowdStrike’s Faulty Update Became a Worldwide Wake-Up Call

Imagine this: You’re having a peaceful day working at a global cybersecurity outfit. It’s Friday, after all, and the weekend is only a few hours away. Then, complaints start coming in from your partner businesses that important systems at airports, hospitals, and media outlets are down…and the complaints keep coming in. Suddenly, bam! That new update your company pushed this morning seems to be the cause of systems going down across the United States and in other countries.
This scenario recentl...
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
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