January 2005

Question

I work in a company with about 600 employees. Recently, the Managing Director of Collections, who has a management team of five, wanted to build a "communication curriculum." At first, he wanted it for the 21 supervisors and then he changed his mind to start with the "top down" (which I agreed). The issue is he is very "negative" in terms of what he thinks we can do to effect some real change in communication styles and effectiveness. I am feeling like every option I present is shot down and he ultimately is talking himself out of any solution at all. Do you have any suggestions on how to create an appropriate communications curriculum and the right tools in reinforcing the content? Thank you.

Answer

I don’t think that your problem is creating an appropriate communication curriculum and finding the right tools to reinforce the content. I think your problem is the Managing Director of Collections. I suggest that you have a heart to heart discussion with this person. If he does not believe it will work, why is he expending time and money on the project? His negative attitude toward the project is unsettling. Try to get to the bottom of it before proceeding. As for content, one of the experts in communication is Kevin Daley, at Communispond. Check their Website at http://www.communispond.com/. Good luck!

Question

Hello, can you provide guidance on the best book to purchase when starting your consulting career? I desire to be a training consultant, specifically IT and Executive Assistants. I have a background in both areas. Please advise. Thank you very much!

Answer

Three books are a must for all start-up consultants. Flawless Consulting by Peter Block provides a process for what you do. The Consultant’s Calling by Geoff Bellman helps you think through why you want to be a consultant. And The Business of Consulting by Elaine Biech, shows you how to successfully master all the aspects of running a consulting business. In your case I also recommend that you read The IT Consultant by Rick Freedman.

Question

I have heard there is a professional certification process for consultants that is considered to be top notch. Can you fill me in as to where I could get more information on this? Thank you.

Answer

How wonderful that you are seeking certification! As a consultant who holds three different certifications, I can say that each was a fabulous learning experience. Each certification has its own strengths. You will need to determine your focus and your goal for obtaining certification so that you select the right one for you.

As a consultant, the premier certification is offered by the Institute of Management Consultants. The Certified Management Consultant (CMC) is a process that requires an extensive application/resume including education, work experience and professional association activities. You also submit five client evaluations. Once your application and client evaluations have been received, you are interviewed by three CMCs and take a written ethics exam. All of these materials/results are reviewed for approval. For more info on the CMC, see http://www.imcusa.org/members.cfm#Certification

As a facilitator, the premier certification is offered by the International Association of Facilitators. The Certified Professional Facilitator (CPF) also starts with an application that documents your education, work experience and professional association activities as well as a "white paper" to demonstrate your proficiency in the IAF competencies. Successful candidates are then invited to an "Assessment Day" for further testing and demonstration of their skills against the competencies. During the Assessment Day, you are interviewed by two CPF assessors, conduct a practical workshop on a pre-selected issue and are provided a final interview and feedback session. You are informed on the spot whether you receive the designation. For more information on the CPF Certification, see http://www.iaf-world.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3672

As a speaker, the premier certification is offered by the National Speakers Association. The Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) also requires an application includes education, work experience and professional association activities. You also submit twenty client testimonial letters and 20 client performance evaluations. There is no interview process. The key difference with the CSP is the level of detail required for "professional performance." The application must document five years of speaking engagements, with a minimum of twenty engagements per year. You must meet a minimum threshold for number of clients, presentations and income, depending on your business model. For more information on the CSP, see http://www.nsaspeaker.org/competencies/csp_desg.shtml

Finally, as a trainer, ASTD will soon offer a new designation. As a result of the recent Competency Study, ASTD has decided to launch a Pilot Certification in 2005 for trainers and those that work in the workplace learning arena.

Interestingly enough, each certification has a different focus and process. Ostensibly, you go through a certification to receive the designation; however, much learning comes from going through the process. I learned more from the CPF process than all the others because there is a case study, practice facilitation among your peers and feedback from the examiners. However, the CSP was the more rigorous of all the designations and harder to document and meet the minimum thresholds.

So, in answer to your question, it depends on your business model and what process works for you. Guess that's why I have three certifications!

Kristin J. Arnold, CMC, CPF, CSP
President, Quality Process Consultants, Inc.
Helping Teams To Be Extraordinary
karnold@qpcteam.com
800.589.4733 or 703.278.0892