Here's our latest Bunko Breakfast dispatch, which comes from Heather Villars and Curtis Takahashi in the great State of Washington:

Workforce Development Council Snohomish County (just a few miles north of Seattle) hosted a Bunko Breakfast on the morning of October 13th. A tasty spread of organic fruit, coffee cake, granola, and yogurt greeted over fifty (yes FIFTY) participants from area employment centers, community based organizations, chambers of commerce, businesses, community colleges, and high schools. The morning began with a screening of the “Johnny Bunko” trailer from the Bunko website.

Daniel Pink himself welcomed everyone from a northern Virginia coffee shop via a live TokBox connection. He shared how he came up with the concept of Johnny Bunko, fielded a few questions and even drew the raffle tickets (we had previously sent him) for Bunko book prizes. (The winner of the first book was Diana – a career advisor – how á propos…)

Curtis Takahashi (WDCSC) shared a Johnny Bunko PowerPoint presentation he uses in trainings throughout the state explaining the concepts of Bunko and their practical application in career development. “It’s amazing how the people I’ve presented this to; especially high school students; embrace these lessons,” remarks Curtis.

An intriguing discussion followed including the question, posed by Dan Pink earlier in the event, “How does Johnny Bunko apply to today’s volatile economy and job market?” Group discussion concluded that the six lessons are valuable for today’s job seekers who struggle to keep current jobs or find their next opportunities.

Another topic discussed by the group was the impact of Bunko’s lessons on tomorrow’s workforce, often referred to as Gen Y. “Leave an imprint” becomes an important lesson to them as they ponder global sustainability because, after all, “it’s not about them.”

A business representative in attendance mentioned how the lessons are relevant for young entrepreneurs and small business owners entering the world of business.

One of the more common comments heard as people were leaving (and from other trainings): “I’m going to get one of these books for my kids.”

In closing, we must mention that, if you haven’t already realized, that Workforce Development Council Snohomish County loves Johnny Bunko.

Our goal is a workforce development system that is 100% globally competitive; able to meet industry needs by filling 100% of jobs with qualified candidates; able to help 100% of job candidates obtain and retain employment; and able to help 100% of business and job candidates to continuously enhance their productivity and prosperity.

We understand the value of these six lessons and the impact they can make in workforce development. To this end, we have integrated the six lessons into our career pathway product www.CareerTrees.org. We purchased 250 books for students in five regional school districts through a dropout prevention grant; one of these districts is currently integrating the Bunko lessons into its career curriculum.

We’re excited to be part of the Bunko Brigade!