# data[].attributes.body
Achieving higher proficiency in problem-solving skills in Technology-Rich Environments
J. M. Galliart’s (2020) on problem-solving skills in tech-rich environments for baby boomers, which prompted me to consider this focus for research.

# data[].attributes.body
Preparing Individuals for the Work Force and Beyond!
Answering my research question will help me support those I seek to grow and leave a legacy that can be built on and further developed to continue impacting employees and those entering the workforce.

# data[].attributes.body
Workforce Difference in Technology Exposure, Understanding, and Proficiency Levels
This short clip highlights the differences between the generations regarding technology.  This clip also can lead us to consider the different learning and development needs the generations need to solve successfully in a technology-rich environment.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
'Baby Boomer vs. Millennial': Analog vs. Digital

# data[].attributes.body
Best Learning Environment
In order to prepare all generations, we need to understand and develop learning programs that are the most effective.  This is the focus of my research question.

# data[].attributes.body
Preparing for a Twilight Career
I have a 30-year career in Human Resources Management; however, for all these years, I have also taught as an adjunct instructor.  As I transition to my twilight career, I want to prepare for a career in teaching and consulting.  As I transition,  I also want to ensure the workforce is prepared for future needs.  Working in HR, I see the challenges that currently exist in meeting workforce needs.  My research interest will align with this goal as I seek to leave a legacy and help prepare for the workforce of the future, as well as create better learning environments for different generations and learning styles that may develop more successfully in different learning environments.

# data[].attributes.headline
RESEARCH INTEREST:  Leave a Legacy!  Preparing for Future Workforce Needs!

# data[].attributes.subject
RESEARCH INTEREST:  Leave a Legacy!  Preparing for Future Workforce Needs!

# data[].attributes.body
About My Research Interest
Society must prepare the future workforce to meet significant technological skills and other skill sets.  Rainer Strack talks about the mismatch of skills in Germany that must be addressed; however, those needs are also global.  Preparing the workforce to address these needs while also enhancing their lives is the focus of my research question, which in its current rendition reads:

How do factors such as the availability of resources, support systems, and organizational culture impact the success of different workplace learning approaches for various generations, such as Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1963-1980), Millennials (1981-1996), and GenZ (1997-2012), in achieving higher proficiency in their problem-solving skills in Technology-Rich Environments and how might organizations best strategically align resources to address the needs of multiple generations?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Rainer Strack: The workforce crisis of 2030 -- and how to start solving it now | TED Talk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It sounds counterintuitive, but by 2030, many of the world’s largest economies will have more jobs than adult citizens to do those jobs. In this data-filled -- and quite charming -- talk, human resources expert Rainer Strack suggests that countries ought to look across borders for mobile and willing job seekers. But to do that, they need to start by changing the culture in their businesses.

# data[].attributes.body
Staying Engaged in the Workforce with Flexible Employment Opportunity - Teaching and Consulting
Many individuals on the tail end of the Baby Boomer generation may want to stay engaged in the workplace but desire more flexible employment.  I want to position myself to continue working more as an adjunct instructor (which I have done for 30 years) and consultant as I transition toward retirement.  This plan will help me transition not only myself for my personal needs but also help my work environment and professions as other individuals are developed in the profession.  It will also help with labor shortage issues.

# data[].attributes.body
Skills Mismatch
We must learn how to provide appropriate development opportunities in the work world to help address the skills mismatch or gap that exists and will continue to exist with our workforce needs.  This situation is particularly true in the area of technology and problem-solving.

# data[].attributes.body
Bachelor of Arts Music
My undergraduate studies focused on vocal music at the University of Arkansas.  Without financial support or family appreciation of education to support me, I could not find a way to student teach, so I received a BA and started working at an arts park.  There, I started working with people and volunteers.  Later, my career continued on a people-focused path in human resources management.  Because I did not have the support I needed to complete my original path, I have always wanted to help others succeed on their path, including their entry into the work world and their growth and development in the workplace.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The Many Aspects of Human Resources Development

# data[].attributes.body
Masters Human Resources Development
My work world navigated to an opportunity to develop as an HR practitioner, and I was encourage to complete a Masters program in Human Resources Development at Webster University.

# data[].attributes.body
Post Masters Graduate Certificate in Educational Statistics and Research Methods
While completing my doctorate coursework at the University of Arkansas, I got sidetracked and completed a graduate certificate in educational statistics and research methods because several courses were in both programs, and I was labeled a Quant.  It is important to note that I am not confident with the label and am interested in qualitative work too.  I was successful in this program because I work extremely hard, and the field of total rewards is quantitative in many ways, so my work world had prepared me for the challenge.

# data[].attributes.body
Volunteer Leader
I have been blessed to have the opportunity to learn so much from my profession and, in turn, help develop other HR professionals.  The spotlight above is outdated; however, it shares my passion for the world of human resources and, in turn, human resources development.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
HR Magazine

Director of Classification and Compensation, University of Arkansas

Michele Burns was a music education major in college, but a part-time job sparked her interest in business. When she took on HR duties at a manufacturing company, she realized she had found her niche. She was attracted to HR because it enabled her to work with an organization's most important asset-its people. Plus, it allowed her to flex her analytical skills.

Burns is the director of the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM's) Arkansas State Council. She previously served as president and certification chair, among other positions, with SHRM's Western Arkansas chapter.

Even as she works on a doctorate in human resource management, she continues to educate others. She teaches a college class to help students set career goals and conducts workshops at SHRM conferences.

What has been your greatest challenge?

When I worked for an organization that was being acquired years ago, the new management left our HR team without the needed computer systems to maintain employee data. I was working about 100 hours a week. I was exhausted, but I did it for the employees. Morale was understandably terrible, and it was difficult for me to remain positive. I survived, and it was rewarding to see things fall into place at the end.

Although I consider this my most challenging situation, it's also my greatest achievement. Many individuals would have left under those conditions. I hope my staying power makes me a champion in the face of change.

What are you passionate about?

As HR professionals, we have a vested interest in helping prepare high school and college students for their future work life. We need to reach out to encourage young people to consider HR as a career.

Why are you active with SHRM?

The No. 1 reason is networking. I have met individuals from all over the country who encourage me, challenge me intellectually and strengthen the profession. I hope my legacy will be evident in the lives of the HR practitioners I encounter.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Member Spotlight: Michele Burns, SHRM-SCP

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Michele Burns was a music education major in college, but a part-time job sparked her interest in business. When she took on HR duties at a manufacturing company, she realized she had...

# data[].attributes.body
EdD Dissertation Completion
While my doctoral program was sidetracked due to health issues and my committee leaving the institution during the same time, I am pleased to be back on my journey of EdD Dissertation Completion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
EdD Dissertation Completion (ABD Option)

If you've achieved All But Dissertation (ABD) status, Alverno offers you the EdD dissertation completion support you need to complete your doctoral work. In as few as two years of study, you can be ready to add "EdD" to your list of accomplishments and advance your career.

Our Doctoral Completion program provides immediate access to an advisor and a structure for progressing your research and writing - all in a flexible and convenient format that blends online coursework with two weekend residencies in Milwaukee.

How the ABD Program Works

Alverno faculty will work with you to conduct a comprehensive prior learning assessment (PLA) that reviews your previous coursework, experience and scholarship. You may earn advanced standing of up to 30 credits through your PLA.

Upon enrollment in the program, you'll be immediately matched with a faculty advisor. We choose our faculty members for their professional achievements, experience and commitment to student success.

Your advisor will guide you through seven planned dissertation courses so you make consistent progress on your project.

You'll also complete nine credits of coursework for our Teaching and Learning in Higher Education concentration so you will graduate qualified to teach at the post-secondary level.

Most ABD completion students can finish their programs in six semesters, or about two calendar years.

Curriculum: EdD Dissertation Completion (ABD) Program

Dissertation and Research Courses
EDD 800: Dissertation Advisory I
In this first dissertation course, you will identify a potential area for study, identify members of your dissertation committee, develop your initial research question and complete a draft literature review.
EDD 801: Principles of Responsive and Transformational Leadership
Explore the conceptual models, theories and frameworks that will empower you as an educator and leader. Analyze and define your professional practice by applying principles of responsive and transformational leadership.
EDD 802: Research in Educational Contexts
Define your areas of interest in relation to existing research by reading broadly and deeply from a variety of scholarly sources. Begin the framework for your literature review by developing a bibliography in APA format.
EDD 810: Dissertation Advisory II
Complete the introduction and literature review and begin development of the methodology section of your dissertation.
EDD 820: Dissertation Advisory III
Complete and defend your research proposal. Compile, receive feedback on, revise and submit your Institutional Review Board (IRB) documents.
EDD 830: Dissertation Advisory IV
Engage in data gathering and analysis and begin write-up of your dissertation.
EDD 840: Dissertation Defense and Dissemination
Defend your dissertation, receive feedback and make any needed revisions.

Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Concentration Courses
EDD 832: Higher Education Curriculum and Assessment
Demonstrate your ability to work effectively and collaboratively with key higher education stakeholders and faculty. Examine and evaluate curricula, explore strategies for board and trustee engagement and identify methods for effectively addressing student and faculty concerns and grievances.
EDD 838 Instructional Design: Fundamentals
In this course, you will develop and apply deep understanding of theories and practices of instructional design and assessment-as-learning related to your discipline/content and contexts in higher education institutions.
EDD 839 Instruction for Different Populations
Develop deep understandings of the lived experiences, cultural knowledge and prior learning of the students you will encounter in higher education contexts. Incorporate these understandings into engaging, inspiring and authentic learning experiences in your content area(s) and related academic programs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
ABD Option | EdD Dissertation Completion | Alverno College

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you've achieved All But Dissertation (ABD) status, Alverno College offers you the EdD dissertation completion support you need.

# data[].attributes.headline
HOW I WILL STAY HEALTHY AND WELL ROUNDED DURING MY JOURNEY:

# data[].attributes.subject
HOW I WILL STAY HEALTHY AND WELL ROUNDED DURING MY JOURNEY:

# data[].attributes.body
Healthy Work and Student Life Balance
I will keep from burning out by enjoying activities like going to a touring Broadway Show.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Broadway Guide helps customers find the best show for their Broadway experience, provides insider tips for choosing seats and prepares them for enjoying the Times Square area before and after the theater.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The most comprehensive source for Broadway Shows, Broadway Tickets, Off-Broadway, London theater information, Tickets, Gift Certificates, Videos, News & Features, Reviews, Photos.

# data[].attributes.body
Adjunct Instructor
For approximately 30 years, I have had a side career as an adjunct instructor, which has allowed me to help grow individuals as they seek to develop skills to help them enter or grow in the work world.  Most often, my courses have been related to human resources.

# data[].attributes.body
TOTAL REWARDS
A professor of mine reached out to me to recruit and grow my career, developing me into a specialist in Total Rewards and Human Resources Development.  While I have worked as an internal practitioner in organizations, I have also, more recently, had the opportunity to work as a consultant to organizations, helping them with their total rewards strategies and needs.  One strategy relates to employee's desires to have learning and development growth opportunities within the organization.

# data[].attributes.body
Ideation
Like Connectedness, Ideation will help me generate ideas as I conduct my literature review and potentially uncover variables that may have been overlooked.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn the definition of Ideation and how to use it to succeed. Get a detailed description of this theme made popular in StrengthsFinder 2.0.

# data[].attributes.body
INPUT
Research naturally requires the ability to sift through a lot of data. I will use this strength to obtain, understand, and organize my research.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Looking to learn more about Input? Whether you want to know more about how to use your Input theme to succeed, or how to help someone harness theirs, you've come to the right place.

You'll find definitions and descriptions made popular in the international bestseller StrengthsFinder 2.0, plus ideas for how to better understand and use this CliftonStrengths theme.

Close banner

View Leaders

What Is the Definition of Input?

Input and the rest of the CliftonStrengths themes are comprised of natural talents that Gallup has identified through decades of research.

People exceptionally talented in the Input theme have a need to collect and archive. They may accumulate information, ideas, artifacts or even relationships.

People complete the CliftonStrengths assessment to learn which of the 34 themes, like Input, are strongest in them.

The following theme description highlights the thoughts, feelings and behaviors you are likely to experience if you have strong Input:

You are inquisitive. You collect things. You might collect information -- words, facts, books, and quotations -- or you might collect tangible objects such as butterflies, baseball cards, porcelain dolls, or sepia photographs.

Whatever you collect, you collect it because it interests you. And yours is the kind of mind that finds so many things interesting. The world is exciting precisely because of its infinite variety and complexity.

If you read a great deal, it is not necessarily to refine your theories but, rather, to add more information to your archives. If you like to travel, it is because each new location offers novel artifacts and facts. These can be acquired and then stored away. Why are they worth storing? At the time of storing, it is often hard to say exactly when or why you might need them, but who knows when they might become useful?

With all those possible uses in mind, you really don't feel comfortable throwing anything away. So you keep acquiring and compiling and filing stuff away. It's interesting. It keeps your mind fresh. And perhaps one day some of it will prove valuable.

Input is a theme in the Strategic Thinking domain of CliftonStrengths.

People with dominant Strategic Thinking themes like Input absorb and analyze information that informs better decisions.

Each of the 34 CliftonStrengths sort to one of four domains -- Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building and Strategic Thinking. These domains help you understand how to use individual CliftonStrengths to succeed when you join, create or lead a team.

Making the most of your Input talents starts with gaining valuable insights into what you naturally do best.

How to Apply Your Input to Succeed

The most successful people invest in their strongest talents. The only way to develop your Input talents is to use them every day -- at work, at home and everywhere else. The following are a few ideas for how to apply your Input to achieve your goals:

Work With Input: Remember that you must be more than just a collector of information. At some point, you'll need to leverage this knowledge and turn it into action. Make a point of identifying the facts and data that would be most valuable to others, and use this information to their advantage.

Lead With Input: You might naturally be an exceptional repository of facts, data, and ideas. If that's the case, don't be afraid to position yourself as an expert. By simply following your Input talents, you could become known as the authority in your field.

Live With Input: Schedule time to read books and articles that stimulate you. Deliberately increase your vocabulary. Collect new words, and learn the meaning of each of them.

Check out our in-depth videos from Gallup experts for more ways to use Input to make the most of your potential.

Input:

If You're a Manager With Input

Your Input talent makes you stronger. Lead with your strengths so both you and your team can succeed. A strengths-based approach to management will lead to:

better conversations

stronger partnerships

higher team engagement

greater collaboration

For manager-specific insights and strategies, check out your CliftonStrengths for Managers report and explore your top 10 themes and how you can use them to reach your goals.

Managing Team Members With Strong Input Talents

Discovering the collective talents of your team using the CliftonStrengths assessment is just the first step.

To successfully manage or lead others, you must individualize your approach. You must understand what makes each of your team members unique. And you must lead meaningful conversations about performance that focus on what each person naturally does best.

An Example of Managing Team Members With Input

Coach them to accept that they will never feel they know enough. A sense of when to stop seeking information is just as valuable as their thirst for knowledge. When these employees set out to collect information about a product or customer, help them set a time limit on their research so they and their team can act on their findings.

Use the CliftonStrengths Assessment to Discover More About Input

How Strong Are Your Input Talents?

Purchase CliftonStrengths 34 to reveal your complete unique talent profile and learn just how strong your Input talents are. You'll get personalized insights into your CliftonStrengths results and ideas for maximizing your potential.

How to Work With Others With Strong Input Talents

Gallup offers resources and products you can use to help others succeed by developing their Input theme and all their CliftonStrengths.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn the definition of Input and how to use it to succeed. Get a detailed description of this theme made popular in StrengthsFinder 2.0.

# data[].attributes.body
Intellection
As I go through my doctoral journey, I need to lean into the theme of intellection and set aside time each day to organize and direct my thoughts productively and efficiently.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Looking to learn more about Intellection? Whether you want to know more about how to use your Intellection theme to succeed, or how to help someone harness theirs, you've come to the right place.

You'll find definitions and descriptions made popular in the international bestseller StrengthsFinder 2.0, plus ideas for how to better understand and use this CliftonStrengths theme.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn the definition of Intellection and how to use it to succeed. Get a detailed description of this theme made popular in StrengthsFinder 2.0.

# data[].attributes.body
Connectedness
I can lean on my Connectedness strength to help make connections with data and those I am endeavoring to help with my research.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Looking to learn more about Connectedness? Whether you want to know more about how to use your Connectedness theme to succeed, or how to help someone harness theirs, you've come to the right place.

You'll find definitions and descriptions made popular in the international bestseller StrengthsFinder 2.0, plus ideas for how to better understand and use this CliftonStrengths theme.

Close banner

View Leaders

What Is the Definition of Connectedness?

Connectedness and the rest of the CliftonStrengths themes are comprised of natural talents that Gallup has identified through decades of research.

People exceptionally talented in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links among all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has meaning.

People complete the CliftonStrengths assessment to learn which of the 34 themes, like Connectedness, are strongest in them.

The following theme description highlights the thoughts, feelings and behaviors you are likely to experience if you have strong Connectedness:

Things happen for a reason. You are sure of it. You are sure of it because in your soul, you know that we are all connected. Yes, we are individuals, responsible for our own judgments and in possession of our own free will, but nonetheless, we are part of something larger.

Some may call it the collective unconscious. Others may label it spirit or life force. But whatever your word of choice, you gain confidence from knowing that we are not isolated from one another or from the earth and the life on it. This feeling of Connectedness implies certain responsibilities.

If we are all part of a larger picture, then we must not harm others because we will be harming ourselves. We must not exploit because we will be exploiting ourselves. Your awareness of these responsibilities creates your value system. You are considerate, caring, and accepting.

Certain of the unity of humankind, you are a bridge builder for people of different cultures. Sensitive to the invisible hand, you can give others comfort that there is a purpose beyond our humdrum lives. The exact articles of your faith will depend on your upbringing and your culture, but your faith is strong. It sustains you and your close friends in the face of life's mysteries.

Connectedness is a theme in the Relationship Building domain of CliftonStrengths.

People with dominant Relationship Building themes like Connectedness build strong relationships that hold a team together and make it greater than the sum of its parts.

Each of the 34 CliftonStrengths sort to one of four domains -- Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building and Strategic Thinking. These domains help you understand how to use individual CliftonStrengths to succeed when you join, create or lead a team.

Making the most of your Connectedness talents starts with gaining valuable insights into what you naturally do best.

How to Apply Your Connectedness to Succeed

The most successful people invest in their strongest talents. The only way to develop your Connectedness talents is to use them every day -- at work, at home and everywhere else.

The following are a few ideas for how to apply your Connectedness to achieve your goals:

Work With Connectedness: Within your organization, help your colleagues understand how their efforts fit in the larger picture. You can be a leader in building teams and helping people feel important.

Lead With Connectedness: Your philosophy in life compels you to move beyond your own self-interests and the interests of your immediate constituency and sphere of influence. As such, you see the broader implications for your community and the world. Explore ways to communicate these insights to others.

Live With Connectedness: Help people see the connections among their talents, their actions, their mission, and their successes. When people believe in what they are doing and feel like they are part of something bigger, commitment to achievement is enhanced.

Check out our in-depth videos from Gallup experts for more ways to use Connectedness to make the most of your potential.

Connectedness:

If You're a Manager With Connectedness

Your Connectedness talent makes you stronger. Lead with your strengths so both you and your team can succeed. A strengths-based approach to management will lead to:

better conversations

stronger partnerships

higher team engagement

greater collaboration

For manager-specific insights and strategies, check out your CliftonStrengths for Managers report and explore your top 10 themes and how you can use them to reach your goals.

Managing Team Members With Strong Connectedness Talents

Discovering the collective talents of your team using the CliftonStrengths assessment is just the first step.

To successfully manage or lead others, you must individualize your approach. You must understand what makes each of your team members unique. And you must lead meaningful conversations about performance that focus on what each person naturally does best.

An Example of Managing Team Members With Connectedness

Encourage them to build bridges to different groups in the organization. They naturally think about how things connect, so they should excel at showing different people how each relies on the others. Properly positioned, they can be a team builder.

Use the CliftonStrengths Assessment to Discover More About Connectedness

How Strong Are Your Connectedness Talents?

Purchase CliftonStrengths 34 to reveal your complete unique talent profile and learn just how strong your Connectedness talents are. You'll get personalized insights into your CliftonStrengths results and ideas for maximizing your potential.

How to Work With Others With Strong Connectedness Talents

Gallup offers resources and products you can use to help others succeed by developing their Connectedness theme and all their CliftonStrengths.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn the definition of Connectedness and how to use it to succeed. Get a detailed description of this theme made popular in StrengthsFinder 2.0.

# data[].attributes.body
INDIVIDUALIZATION
My strength of Individualization will help me as I research the most effective learning environments for various generations and subgroups within the workforce while remembering that everyone has unique needs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Looking to learn more about Individualization? Whether you want to know more about how to use your Individualization theme to succeed, or how to help someone harness theirs, you've come to the right place.

You'll find definitions and descriptions made popular in the international bestseller StrengthsFinder 2.0, plus ideas for how to better understand and use this CliftonStrengths theme.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn the definition of Individualization and how to use it to succeed. Get a detailed description of this theme made popular in StrengthsFinder 2.0.

# data[].attributes.body
Baby Boomers and Technology
As someone born in 1963 and at the tale end of the baby boomers, although I have been exposed to technology since college, I can relate to not having the privilege of growing up with technology.  While I am considering expanding my research to other generations, I am particularly interested in baby boomers and the workforce's need to retain their talent as long as possible.

# data[].attributes.body
Generations and Technology
We are at a unique time where numerous generations in the workforce have different experiences and exposure to technology.  This situation is significant as our world continues to depend on fast technological change and needs a skilled workforce that is effective at problem-solving in a technology-rich environment.

# data[].attributes.headline
HOW I WILL STAY HEALTHY AND WELL ROUNDED DURING MY JOURNEY:

# data[].attributes.subject
HOW I WILL STAY HEALTHY AND WELL ROUNDED DURING MY JOURNEY:

# data[].attributes.body
Healthy Work and Student Life Balance
I will keep from burning out by enjoying activities like painting.

# data[].attributes.headline
HOW I WILL STAY HEALTHY AND WELL ROUNDED DURING MY JOURNEY:

# data[].attributes.subject
HOW I WILL STAY HEALTHY AND WELL ROUNDED DURING MY JOURNEY:

# data[].attributes.body
Healthy Work and Student Life Balance
I will keep from burning out by enjoying activities like an occasional get-a-way.

# data[].attributes.headline
HOW I WILL STAY HEALTHY AND WELL ROUNDED DURING MY JOURNEY:

# data[].attributes.subject
HOW I WILL STAY HEALTHY AND WELL ROUNDED DURING MY JOURNEY:

# data[].attributes.body
Healthy Work and Student Life Balance
I will make time for family.

# data[].attributes.body
Once my doctoral journey is complete, I will have only just begun!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Carpenters "We've Only Just Begun" on The Ed Sullivan Show