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

1. Small Department: Big ImpactASTD, San FranciscoJune 2, 1998Carol Prescott McCoy, Ph.D.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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