Accomplishments
“Good job working through the ambiguity and bringing the product to fruition. Your efforts have laid the groundwork for future solutions.” - Al's client
Listed below are just a few examples of how Al helped organizations determine their business success!
Developed the change, communication and internal marketing strategies for a five-year, $60 million transformational initiative
A client brought Al in to develop comprehensive, integrated strategies to assist with a massive change effort. After discovering key leaders had different ideas of what the transformation would mean to the company, Al made sure their vision was aligned and expectations were managed. Then he developed plans to measure the company's readiness for change and and its accompanying strategies, devised a two-way communication plan so the leadership and line employees both receive messages and feedback throughout the project and internal marketing plans to "brand" the new way of doing business. For project metrics, Al used a Balanced Scorecard approach so the company has robust data that not only tells what it has already done but what to continue doing or modify as the project progresses.
Assisted 2 companies with achieving Level 2 of the Capability Maturity Model
The Capability Maturity Model is designed for improving software processes and Al helped two companies be externally assessed at Level 2. This represents a solid foundation of project management for software organizations to be able to provide consistent, predictable results. Al's efforts included overcoming resistance to change, mentoring and coaching project managers, facilitation, working with staff to insure implementation, training and development and reporting to senior leadership. One of his clients achieved its Level 2 goal three months ahead of schedule!
Founded the Performance Improvement Network
In the mid-1990's, the Twin Cities chapter of the Deming Quality Forum folded. Al disagreed with that decision so he took action. He enlisted the aid of a few colleagues and led strategic planning sessions to review the viability of continuing and, if so, how the new organization would be different. His leadership resulted in the birth of what is now the Performance Improvement Network (PIN) and a shift away from Deming-only content to encompass all of performance improvement. First as President and then as a member of the Board of Directors, Al led the organization through a difficult beginning but has seen his efforts rewarded as PIN has experienced seven-fold growth. PIN recently merged with the Minnesota Council for Quality and its growth is expected to continue.
Facilitated a positive, results-oriented strategic planning session
Al facilitated a strategic planning session for a client. The results? Al's client left the session with an action plan that contained agreed-upon accountabilities and an appreciation for the contribution of each individual member.
Created a comprehensive program to measure a company's training effectiveness
Al created a program for a company to measure the effectiveness of its training efforts, going well beyond the traditional end-of-training surveys. The program Al designed measures the impact of the training after the participants have had the opportunity to implement their learning and also asks the participants' managers about their satisfaction, too. But that's not all: Al realized the point of this program is not to merely generate high customer satisfaction numbers - the primary goal is to transfer knowledge! So Al developed value-added strategies and tactics for both before and after the training to ensure a successful knowledge transfer.
Coached a personal client who received two promotions in 13 months
One of Al's personal coaching clients recently received two promotions in only 13 months! For the first promotion, Al brought his leadership development and organizational behavior insights to this client who was able to separate himself from his competition when he began to display this knowledge. The other candidates for the position only talked about the tactical aspects of the position while Al's client could discuss those aspects along with a vision for the future and a way to achieve the departmental goals. The second promotion was a direct result of Al's client successfully implementing that vision and exceeding those goals. Al's client now has more pay, more perks, more visibility in his company and, as an added bonus, now works closer to his home giving him more time with his family and increasing his work/life balance.
"You have certainly changed how I look at my job and at my life" - Al's client
Wrote the survey questions for a 360° leadership development assessment
Al developed the questions for a 360° leadership development survey that will be accessed by over 600 employees every year. Instead of the "one size fits all" routine, Al tailored his work to the company's specific goals and objectives. As a result, the leaders will receive the type to feedback that is most helpful to them (and the company).
Created a 500-page process map that led to sustainable improvements
Al was brought into an organization with a nice issue - they exceeded their customer's expectations five-fold, which led to extraordinary growth and its accompanying confusion. Al was asked to provide a detailed flowchart of the client's primary process. He provided additional value by identifying and implementing numerous solutions that improved productivity.
Developed comprehensive change management plans for implementing a new technology at a company
The client was developing a new computer system, revolutionizing the way its large clerical staff performed. Al's plans allowed the client to smoothly transition over to the new system, insuring that the clerical staff had time to prepare, proper training and opportunities to communicate fears and concerns with management.
Developed workshops to improve communication and understanding between the business and technical parts of an organization
Al has developed two well-received workshops on teaching business people how to communicate and understand the technical staff and vice-versa. Having been on both sides of the issue, Al leverages his unique background to help companies reduce technical project cycle time and rework while increasing customer satisfaction and return on investment.
Designed and delivered training on diverse subjects
Noted for his use of experiential learning, Al has performed the instructional design and classroom delivery on a variety of topics. Al's classes are known for being fast-paced, interactive and engaging; he believes that everyone can learn from one another. Al's experience includes teaching at the collegiate level.
Designed the evaluation of a retail chain’s orientation training
A retail chain had developed an orientation for its new employees but it hadn't been reviewed in years. Al developed a comprehensive evaluation of this orientation training from both the employee and store manager perspectives. This provided the company with the information it needed to make positive changes.
Identified training and methodologies to build a positive business ethical culture
As part of his graduate studies, Al was selected to work for the prestigious Center for Ethical Business Cultures as the Ethical Leadership/Culture Change Intern. Al researched numerous trainings and methodologies that can help an organization develop and/or maintain a positive ethical business culture.
Improved the effectiveness of a non-profit’s Board of Directors
Al and a team of organization development consultants worked with a well meaning but fragmented Board of Directors for a faith-based school. They improved the Board's effectiveness through teambuilding exercises and helping them prioritize their numerous tasks, providing them with an action plan for moving forward.