Social Learning & Collaboration

Social Learning and Social collaboration is being explored by many. What real tangible value can individuals and organisations drive from this?

In order to drive any value we have to first understand what Social Learning is, or more importantly, what it is not. Social Networking is synonymous in organisations with the perception that employees are wasting time on sites such as facebook and twitter.

Social Learning, while still a network, is a closed network. One in which an organisation will set it up and invite the relevant employees, departments or third parties to collaborate. This is in a safe and focussed environment controlled by the organisation and used in alignment to the business objectives.

Individual v Group Brainstorming

Much has been documented regarding the pros and cons of group and individual brainstorming. Groups are said to be dominated by a few and therefore not allow everyone an equal chance to develop ideas. Individual brainstorming is said to provide a far more creative environment that allows the individual to explore concepts further without influence.

Surely this online environment provides the best of both, with individual concepts publicised in a concise manner for a group to develop?

Bridging ContinentsFurther to the concept of exploring ideas, an online collaboration like this would allow organisations to invite participants from all across the globe without fear of diary commitments and costs of travel.

Would this be realistic in a global organisation to pinpoint the talent globally and perfect concepts before being taken to an advanced stage of development?

This global collaboration, while bridging continents, will also give opportunity for further employee engagement. It would provide an open forum for the administration assistant in China to enter direct conversation with the CEO in America. Provided of course they are invited and have some common ideas to explore.

Learning through shared experience

Often Regional L&D Departments may come across a challenge that they need to explore. Who better to explore it with than another Regional L&D Department in the same organisation? Could a collaboration tool allow regional departments to share common challenges and most importantly successes that can be replicated in 2, 3 or even 4 other regions?

The potential for Social Learning and Social Collaboration tools is very exciting, but the main challenge any organisation will have is communicating the value of this internally. This is dependent on the organisation completely understanding what they want to achieve from using the tools available to them and really driving the value from it internally.

It is only as good as the content developed and ideas generated. If you have no strategy in place for it then you will not reap the benefits. To learn more about Social Learning see here.

Don't Mention the war - Vietnam

"There are amazing opportunities for British businesses; the Vietnamese like us and they are worthy of our trust – vital qualities for doing business here"

Phil Bailey, co-founder of OnTrack International on why Vietnam is open for business.

Don't mention the war. Well that's what I told myself on the plane from Singapore to Danang in South Vietnam! Vietnam is etched in my mind with the images of war. From Apocalypse Now, Hamburger Hill and the real images of the war which tore the country apart from 1955 to 1975! I was wrong though, they are proud to talk about the war! They won the last one with the USA and the one before with the French and the one before that with the Chinese!!

Arriving in Danang was a slight shock to the senses after the clean sophisticated architecture and environment of Singapore! The rather chaotic and dilapidated environment of Danang was soon balanced by the spirit, enthusiasm and overwhelming friendliness of the people.

Our SE Asia Regional Director, Cidi Wi based in Singapore was travelling with me. This gave me the opportunity to learn some valuable Vietnam basics.

Vietnam is politically stable and well governed. Since the mid 80's, there has been a move to a market economy and a strong drive to develop private enterprise. There is also a growing tourist industry as people recognise the attraction of the weather, stunning beaches, great food and the warm hospitality.

They have little respect for their past French rulers who they believe gave little and left them nothing! The Americans are also disliked, even though this is South Vietnam where the Americans were based and for whom they were fighting!!

The British are held in high esteem; perhaps because we haven't invaded or been at war with them!! This provides a great opportunity for UK businesses. They are naturally wary of foreigners and they mistrust people in the first instance, making it necessary to focus on winning their trust. The relationship is the key to successful business and they like to think they are doing business with a person of appropriate rank and integrity!

So, why is OnTrack interested in Vietnam?

Our international expansion has normally been driven by our clients. The USA, Middle East, India, Europe etc are all areas our clients have needed our services.

Vietnam was different. There are no corporate giants pushing OnTrack to develop their people here. Vietnam approached us! Cidi Wi, OnTrack's Regional Director had been getting excited about the potential for a base and began exploring options. He introduced us to Madame Nguyen Thi Anh Dao, the founder of Da-Nang University. She also has a string of commercial businesses including a brewery, a soft drinks company, property and land.

Phil Bailey, Madame Dao and Cidi Wi pose for the press as OnTrack Vietnam is inaugurated.

OnTrack Vietnam is a joint venture with Madame Dao, Cidi Wi at OnTrack Singapore and OnTrack in the UK. It has offices in Danang to serve the South and Hanoi to serve the North.

I attended an OnTrack Vietnam launch event with 500 guests from the private and public sector and included a speech from Madame Dao. She outlined her vision for OnTrack Vietnam and how they will serve the community to equip people with the skills and knowledge to optimise business success. It will in particular draw on her expertise in education and also as a leading Vietnam business owner. OnTrack International will bring over 20 years of expertise working with many of the world's leading businesses and their managers.

"We will bring new skills, new methods of development and new levels of success to the people of Vietnam". Phil Bailey OnTrack UK. Danang Launch Event April 2011.

Vietnamese people have a passionate work ethic and a determination to build their country. That's why they are growing and its why that growth will accelerate as the world recovers from recession. The Vietnam Government appreciates that its entrepreneurs will help create the wealth the country needs. It is creating the environment to drive this. The Vietnamese are driven by success and to create work for themselves, their families and others. They strive to achieve status and public recognition for their success.

The tourist trade is expanding and there are a number of global brands making substantial investments to bring their resorts to this region. This includes Hyatt Regency, Marriott and other leading Hotel brands. Vietnam has what most westerners like; great weather, great food and great places to see. The beaches in Danang are exceptional with the warm, crystal clear South China Sea cascading gently over golden sands. When I visited, they were empty! These resorts need people. They need people skilled in customer service and English skills. There will be a major need for up skilling staff when the resorts are completed!

The ancient city of Hoi An is a short distance from the main resort area. Once the largest harbour in SE Asia. It is now a very popular place for Westerners to visit with bags of character and atmospheric places to eat, drink and purchase high quality souvenirs.

Clearly, investors think there is considerable tourist growth in Vietnam and it's not difficult to see why. The challenge for those organisations will be finding skilled staff to meet the expectations of their customers.

OnTrack Vietnam is based in Danang and Hanoi. For enquiries or any help you require, please contact Phil Bailey on 01279 652255 or email phil.bailey@ontrackinternational.com.