September 2006
Question
I work with various clients on various topics. I have implemented new pay systems, have conducted team building, worked with a merger situation, and most recently helped an organization revamp how it processes work. I find that each of these falls in the category of change management. Currently I find myself creating systems and tools as I go along and I cannot find a book that tells me how I should be doing what I am doing. Do you know of any classes for change management?
Answer
Yes, I can recommend a great class. ASTD is introducing its newest certificate class: Facilitating Organizational Change. It will take you through a six-step CHANGE approach, provide you with the tools to use when you return to your client such as an organizational readiness assessment, and teach you how to deal with resistance. You are right about one thing. Since every change implementation is different, you will find yourself inventing processes as you move through the change effort. This class will share many of those processes, but you will still need to rely on everything that makes you a good consultant!
Question
I attended the ASTD Training Certificate Program that you taught last year for our company. I really enjoyed the class and getting an opportunity to work with you. We are now in the planning stages for our 2006 offsite. I wanted to know if you have any recommendations for a follow-up program for our trainers. We have had some staff turnover, but the team is largely in tact. I'd like to offer something that would help further our skill development. Ideally, the program would be 2 to 4 days in length. Can you also include what you would estimate each would cost?
Answer
Nice to hear from you. Congratulations on your plans to continue to learn and grow as a team. I have three suggestions.
1. Contact ASTD and find out about one of their HPI certificate programs or the new training design certificate program. Any of these would be great follow-on to the certificate program you took last year. Cost about $25,000.
2. Contact a consultant who could custom design a course for you that would:
- Build your team.
- Assess your team for specific needs.
- Address the specific needs.
- Even accomplish some of the tasks you have ton your "to do" lists by using them as the "team building" activities. Cost about $20,000.
3. Contact Peter Block or Geoff Bellman or Jim Kouses (or someone else who embodies your principles and needs) to come in for one day. Then have a facilitator work your group through their concepts for the next two days to determine how you might implement them at your company. Cost about $30,000.
