1. Required Annual Training - Due December 31

Have you completed your annual required training? December 31 will be here before you know it. 

All courses are online and can be completed in the Learning Management System (ELM), accessed through the MN Self Service Portal. Please see the FY23 Required Training Checklist for complete details.

2. Upcoming Continuous Improvement Green Belt Training, Information session 12/20

Enrollment is opening soon for a Green Belt cohort starting at the end of January and ending early May.

Who? This training is for employees at any level.

Why? We all work with processes all day long and we can all help to make our work more efficient and more effective. Employees who have a passion for making things better and improving morale seem to particularly enjoy this training. Employees will learn the DMAIC method, a structured approach to process improvement and problem solving that can be applied to simple or complex process challenges and can be applied endlessly throughout a career.

What? Green Belt training prepares employees to lead process improvement projects. Trainees apply the training concepts to a project as they progress through the training and create a process map, measure a process, and analyze it to identify challenges, facilitate root cause analysis discussion, and lead a team through identifying and implementing solutions.

When? The ten training days (about 40 hours total) will occur on Thursday and Friday mornings across five weeks between January and May, with another day for the certification exam and presentations in early May. Specific dates will be available soon.

Where? Training will be delivered live, through interactive sessions on Microsoft Teams, and led by Tom Moore, an instructor with St. Cloud State University.

How? Supervisor support and financial approval is needed to enroll. Join us at 11:30 next Tuesday for a no-obligation info session to learn more about the training and tips on identifying a project. Click here to ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR.

Questions? Contact Laura Grunloh. Read a summary of one of our 2022 cohorts on the intranet: DNR employees complete Lean Six Sigma Green Belt training.

3. DNR New Employee Orientation

Are you a new employee to the DNR? If so, you need to attend our next New Employee Orientation (NEO), which will be held in the new year.

Enrollment deadline is January 3, 2023, but we strongly encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. For more information about how to enroll, check out the "New Employee Training Instructions" document on the Learning and Development Home webpage under the heading, "DNR Orientation."

You will need to attend both half-day sessions. 

New date and time:

January 2023 - (Enrollment Deadline: January 3, 2023)
Class Code: R29DNRHRONEOVC-011023

• Tuesday, January 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, January 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Contact:  If questions, email DNRLearning.DNR@state.mn.us.

4.  Training, Tools and Resources for the New World of Work

All employees can benefit from training to help make the transition to our new world of work as smooth as possible. Our Learning and Development team developed the Training, Tools, and Resources for the New World of Work webpage. On this page, you will find a collection of resources that have been selected by the Learning and Development team, sorted by relevant topic area.

A new year is a good time for a fresh start!

In her 2021 book How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, award-winning Wharton professor and Choiceology podcast host Katy Milkman offers an invaluable, science-based blueprint for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. Tune into this audiobook summary from Next Big Idea Club to hear Katy Milkman share five key insights from How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. (shared link from LinkedIn Learning, approximately 15m audio).

For more information on how to join the LinkedIn Learning Program, contact us at DNRLearning.DNR@state.mn.us.

How to Prioritize Tasks Effectively

Watch this 3-minute video, How to Prioritize Tasks Effectively: GET THINGS DONE ✔, to learn how to manage your tasks effectively for school, work, social and life - so you know how to be productive with your time. By knowing how get things done effectively you can improve your time management skills and become more productive. 

These resources have been selected because they may provide some good information and ideas. Not every example may be applicable to state government service or your situation; use your best judgement when implementing these resources.

5. Learning Management System Tip of the Month

When is the last time you cleared your browser history? A new year is a good time to start making this a regular practice.

Clear Browser History 

Many Learning Management issues can be resolved by clearing the browser’s history. When you are online, your browser is saving information on your activities. This can cause issues with eLearning, such as the system thinking you are in-progress on a training when it has been completed. For the best eLearning experience, clear your history every time before taking training. The State’s Learning Management System is only supported when using Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. 

6. Learning Pathways by MNIT

Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) offers numerous online resources, general tips, a Training Events & Meetings calendar and more. In fact, MNIT offers trainings for all Microsoft 365 products including how to get started with Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Softphones, and Streams.

Find out about upcoming MNIT training, office hours and meetups by visiting the Learning Pathways website. 

Here's just a few of MNIT upcoming trainings in January 2023:

Customize Microsoft Teams with Apps
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Tasks in Microsoft 365 (Planner & To Do)
Thursday, January 19, 2023
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Microsoft Lists & Approvals
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Microsoft Forms
Monday, January 30, 2023
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

7.  Enterprise Talent Development Courses

Develop current strengths and build news kills by participating in a course through Enterprise Talent Development (ETD). Many have a fee, if so, you'll need to ensure funding prior to attending.

Upcoming January courses:

Championing Change
Course Date: January 11, 2023, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Cost: $95

Better Communication, Better Teams
Course Date: January 12, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Cost: $175

Recruit and Retain for Equity
Course Date: January 26, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Cost: $175

For more information, visit ETD Upcoming Courses.