Every Donut Has A Hole

When you receive requests for the same training in half the time, I’ll suggest that you focus on the donut—not the hole (unrealistic expectations, limited resources, misguided requests, and so on). Even small shifts count when moving the finish line on these requests. Focus less on how far the line gets moved and more on moving it. This will build momentum for bigger shifts on future projects. 

Moving the finish line means adjusting expectations. That may translate to reining in the deliverables. It may mean distributing the workload in new or creative ways. Perhaps it will mean finding middle ground regarding the duration of training, or allocating more time for building the training. It may even mean developing an entirely different vision of the end result (for example, instead of an instructor-led training—ILT—course, the final product may be a series of leader-led activities that are embedded in existing staff meetings). Adjusting your sponsor’s expectations can be minor or major—and in either case will be critical.

​Here are just three ways to move the finish line…
…an inch:

• Take a phased approach to the project. Deliverables may not change, but the implementation schedule can.

…50 yards:

• Instead of squeezing too much into a single e-learning event, divide course components into three categories and allow learners to select their participation level:
  • core (required)
  • critical (highly recommended)
  • complementary (optional)

…a mile:

• Convert a request for an instructor-led training to a series of leader-led activities embedded in existing staff meetings.

How have you moved the finish line in response to requests you have received? Tell us in the comments.
 
For more on moving the finish line, read Chapter 1 of Same Training, Half the Time.  

​©2018 Kimberly Devlin, All rights reserved