EdgeOhio - Past, Present & into the Future 

Passing the Edge Learning Torch

After almost 40 years in the business, Edge Learning Institute co-founder Dick Anderson is finally ready to pursue the next chapter in his life. Since the early 1970s, Dick has been a tireless advocate of the principles of self-efficacy, teamwork, accountability, respect and adaptability that have permeated our IHE process and all other Edge Learning curricula over the decades. Stepping into the role of Edge CEO effective April 1 was Chris Ihrig, formerly of the Brighton Group. Chris brings not only a rich experience in team building, change management and leadership development, but also tactical skills in business turnaround and talent management. This is a very exciting time for the entire Edge Learning family and I personally look forward to working with Chris as our new business partner. I know he'll be tremendously successful in his new position.

Respect is Our Future

The diversity & inclusion (D&I) conversation in North America has been sorely in need of a fresh approach for years and EdgeOhio's (and Edge Learning's) focus on RESPECT seems to be just what the doctor ordered. Over the past 12 months, the number of inquiries fielded through our RespectfulWorkplace web portal have nearly tripled from a year ago and now make up over 60% of all new client inquiries. As we prepare to help several new clients launch company-wide respect initiatives this year, we fully expect that our projects in this field will become our top, new business offerings within the next year. 

Measuring Success One Client at a Time

When EdgeOhio hired Aaron Ziff last September, I knew that it would only be a matter of time before his academic grooming in Industrial & Organizational Psychology bubbled to the top. And I was right! After months of preparation and collaboration with the University of Akron's Center for Organizational Research, Aaron led the charge as EdgeOhio released its e-Engage employee engagement survey tool this past month. With several new clients already deploying our survey, we are better equipped than ever to both help our clients enhance their employee engagement capabilities...and measure their progress.

The Shape of EdgeOhio to Come

Very few organizations in our industry reach their peak effectiveness by adopting a "go it alone" strategy. There are so many intelligent, talented, and dedicated professionals who do work in areas complimentary to EdgeOhio that, at some point, it makes sense to collaborate with some of the best. In 2010, we are proud to add Dave Cowen and Kim Langley to the growing list of OD and training partners whose services we will deploy as our clients needs dictate. Along with over 30 years experience in the manufacturing industry, Dave brings a strong background in people development focusing on safety and sustainability. Kim's infectiously upbeat personality and decades of expertise in emotional intelligence (including the science of optimism) similarly make her a welcome addition. Stay tuned for more announcements as EdgeOhio solidifies its talent and resource pool this year!

Lights, Camera…Action!

Have you ever done something so out-of-the box (for you, at least) that it just kind of made you giggle inside? After several - let's call them -"experiments", we made the decision in April to make a significant move into the digital realm by creating our own, in-house production studio at our Independence office. Equipped with a high-definition camera, a green screen and 600 watts of studio lighting, our intent is to create some truly unique support tools to enhance the impact and sustainability of both our engagement and respect offerings. While I'm not exactly sure just what we'll end up creating (suggestions are welcome), I know we'll be having fun.

Thanks for staying in touch with us this past decade. With the wind in our sails and sun in our eyes, the future looks pretty bright from where we sit!