Small Department: Big Impact ASTD, San Francisco June 2, 1998 Carol Prescott McCoy, Ph.D.

Small Department: Big Impact Using Training Resources Wisely ä Identifying resources who can help you ä Selecting your resource strategy ä Working with external resources ä Working with subject-matter-experts (SMEs) ä Overcoming pitfalls

Resources Who Can Help with Training ä External consultants ä Internal subject-matter-experts (SMEs) ä Internal resources who want to learn about training ä Programs from local colleges and universities ä The internet ä American Society for Training and Development ä Graduate or undergraduate students who want an internship experience in training ä Low cost programs from your local chamber of commerce ä Share programs with other local organizations

Determining Your Resource Strategy Use External Resources When? ä You need outside expertise ä They will have more credibility ä You don’t have the time and the deadline is tight ä You can get funding ä You want an outside perspective ä Outside resources can produce more professional materials Use Internal Resources When? ä You have expertise in house ä Mistrust if “not invented here” ä You have time for design and delivery ä Your budget is limited ä You want to be personally close to the project ä You can live with bare bones training materials

Selecting External Resources ä Create a resource and candidate list ä Determine your selection criteria ä Do an initial phone screen for interest, availability, fit ä Consider having a selection committee to gain support Create a request for proposal (if needed) ä Review proposals and work samples ä Check references ä Meet with finalists to make final selection

Managing Consultants and Vendors-- Keys to Success ä Discuss and negotiate expectations up front. Clarify standards for any deliverables. ä Identify what success would look like and clarify key success factors ä Clarify the consultant’s and your role in the project ä Create a project plan with milestones ä Introduce consultants to your organization ä Maintain open communication. Acknowledge what’s going well and what needs to be improved. ä Follow up if deadlines are missed

Criteria for Selecting SMEs--more than just a “warm body” ä Expertise in the needed areas ä Credibility with the target audience ä Willingness/enthusiasm for the subject ä Desire to develop or deliver training ä Facilitation skills ä Openness to learning ä Presentation skills ä Flexibility

Working with SMEs-- Keys to Success ä Have selection criteria and use them to select SMEs ä Ensure that they have their manager’s support ä Provide needed train-the-trainer support in design or delivery ä Have clear design specifications ä Have a project plan ä Clarify roles and expectations ä Provide feedback and encouragement ä Follow up if deadlines are missed ä Acknowledge and recognize contributions Certified Trainer!

Avoiding Pitfalls Pitfalls ä Doing everything yourself ä Getting overwhelmed with urgent needs ä Getting discouraged about what you can accomplish ä Getting overwhelmed with administrative details How to Avoid ä Build a resource network. Use internal & external resources. ä Set clear business priorities. Negotiate realistically with your sponsor. ä Have a clear vision; focus on what’s important; create a support network ä Buy or borrow an administrative assistant or use temporary help for logistics