Ravi Pratap Singh

Making The Impossible, Possible...

It wasn't impossible, but it sure was challenging... to find a name for the new awards we planned to initiate at C2. The whole process of creating a brand is nerve-wracking... but at the same time, exhilarating! 

It was in 2006 that C2 launched its annual Redwood Awards to honour individual employees who shone with the "right attitude". Now we wanted to introduce an award that would recognise teams who stuck together to not only successfully complete projects that seemed to be ridden with insurmountable obstacles (in terms of technologies, timelines, resources, etc), but also managed to deliver the WOW factor to the clients!

So what could we call the awards? It had to be something special, 'coz ít was meant for special people!

These were guys who walked the extra mile - day in and day out. Remained focussed even when the target was becoming a blur. Didn't give up pursuit even when the trail was cooling off. Believed that it was possible even when the world drummed into their ears that the task was IMPOSSIBLE.

Bingo!!! We got the name!!! It would be called...

"THE I'M POSSIBLE AWARDS"!!!

Because nothing is impossible... for the word itself says...

"I'm Possible". 

Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude

The Redwood Tree - A true marvel of nature!!!

Native to coastal California, the redwood is the tallest tree on earth, reaching up to 379 feet in height (equal to a 35-storey building!) and 26 feet in diameter. It has been around since the Jurassic era (160 million years) and lives for 2,500-3,000 years or more.

What's the secret behind the redwood's growth and longevity? Well, over the millions of years of it's evolution, the tree has slowly but surely developed built-in features that help it fight against its natural enemies such as insects and fire. While the high tannin content in its wood keeps it away from diseases and pests, its foliage protects itself from forest fires by resting high above the ground. The species being monoecious also gives the tree its unique ability to regenerate by itself - which means that new sprouts can grow directly from a stump or a downed tree's root system rather than rely solely on sexual reproduction.

But what is most inspiring about the Redwood Tree is that the tallest tree in the world starts its life from a seed which is the same size as that of a tomato seed!!! Only proves that where one starts in life has no bearing whatsoever on where one can ultimately reach!

The Redwood Tree is a giant not only in terms of size, but also in terms of character and spirit. It epitomises all that a winner stands for - passion to survive and grow, ability to adapt and innovate, capability to maximize potential, and the propensity to conquer weaknesses by focussing on core strengths!

C2 Workshop's annual "Redwood Awards" is inspired and named after the indefatigable Redwood Tree. The award recognizes employees who stand tall in terms of their ATTITUDE. This year's awards were presented on 18th June 2010, and the winners were Thanigaivel, Vijay Anand, Thamizh Selvi, Jayaprakash and Devendran. Congrats, guys! And thanks for inspiring the rest of us!!!

2009 CODiE Award Winners

Last week the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) announced the winners of its 24th Annual CODiE Awards - the only peer-reviewed awards within the software and content industries. At the awards ceremony in San Francisco, SIIA and industry partners recognized more than 70 winning products and several organizations that demonstrated innovation and leadership in 2008.

Awardees in the Education category included Best Corporate Learning Solution, Best Course Management Solution, Best Education Game or Solution and Best Education Technology Solution for Productivity/Creativity.

SIIA President Ken Wasch said “Now, more than ever, information technology is playing a vital role in fostering American innovation and providing a powerful economic engine. We should not only congratulate these winners, but we should keep a close eye on them. These are the products and businesses that will help ensure our country maintains its leadership in the global information economy.”

Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Awards

I just confirmed my participation as a judge for the 2009 Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Awards. This will be my fourth consecutive year on the panel of judges for these prestigious awards.

Currently in its 15th year, the Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Awards recognizes the best in innovative learning content, technology, and initiatives in workplace learning.

The 2009 Awards program has 12 categories:

1. Best Custom Content

2. Best Learning Game

3. Best Innovation in Learning Technology

4. Best Integration of Learning and Talent Management

5. Best Learning Team

6. Best Results of a Learning Program

7. Best Use of Blended Learning

8. Best Use of Games for Learning

9. Best Use of Mobile Learning

10. Best Use of Video for Learning

11. Best Use of Virtual Worlds for Learning

12. Best Use of Web 2.0 Tools for Learning

Entries can be made by:

1. Custom Content Provider

2. Software Vendor

3. Training Department

Look forward to some great entries this year.