WILLIAM G. SMITH & ASSOCIATES INFORMATION RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SEMINARS AND CONSULTING "CLEANING UP THE WORLD'S DATA MESSES"

SUCCESSFUL FACILITATION OF MODELING SESSIONS

Most forms of model used in the IRM environment are constructed in a group format, as the objects being modeled are intended to be leveraged and shared among as many organizations and business processes as possible. Consensus and agreement on content of the model is essential before things can actually be physically built. Modeling in a group demands expert facilitation to ensure that the modeling work is done properly, efficiently, and productively. This seminar is a workshop in the basic skills and preparation required for effective facilitation of group modeling sessions. (The appropriate modeling seminars described previously are highly recommended prerequisites as the workshop in this seminar assumes students are familiar with different types of models and modeling techniques.)

Lecture topics are outlined below, but the vast majority of the time is spent with students actually facilitating with the other students acting as the modeling group participants. A modeling exercise is assigned to each student, and some group members are given specific roles to play during the exercise. Using a very detailed evaluation form, the group evaluates each student's facilitation skills after their modeling exercise, and suggests ways to improve performance. If the client desires, the exercises can be video-recorded, giving the student outstanding visual and audio feedback on their performance.

TOPICAL OUTLINE

• Brief Introduction to IRM
• IRM Environment Defined
  • Information Resources Defined
  • Traditional "Dis-integrated Systems" Approach
  • The IRM View
  • Shared Information Resources
  • IRM Critical Success Factors
  • IRM Transition
  • IRM Environment and Facilitated Group Modeling
• Brief Introduction to Models
  • Model Types
  • Conceptual Level Models
    • Functional Business Model
    • Enterprise Organizational Model
    • Business Location Model
    • Conceptual Data Model
    • Conceptual Transaction Model
    • Conceptual Distribution Model
    • Conceptual Technology Model
  • Logical Level Models
    • Logical Data Model
    • Logical Transaction Model
• Keys to Successful Facilitated Group Modeling Sessions
  • 1. Appropriate Use of Facilitated Group Sessions
  • 2. Preparation!
    • Clearly Defined Objectives and Deliverables
    • Example Objectives by Model Type
    • Proper Participants and Roles
    • Typical Agenda
    • Scheduling - Tips and Guidelines
      • Determinants of Duration
    • Estimating Metrics by Model Type
  • 3. Proper Logistical Setup
    • Room Configuration
    • Visual Media Types
    • Facilitator's Assistants and Tools
  • 4. Educating and Orienting Participants
    • Education for Modeling Participants
    • Example Deliverables
    • Education for Facilitator's Assistants
  • 5. Actively Involving Participants
    • Breaking the Ice
    • Group Dynamics
  • 6. Controlling the Session
  • 7. Facilitator Skills
• Facilitator Tips, Skills, and Techniques
  • Tips
    • Personal Presentation
      • The First Five Minutes
      • Dress Tips
      • Grooming Tips
      • Speech, Communication Tips
      • Adaptability - Chameleon, not Leopard!
  • Skills
    • Modeling Skills
    • Multi-tasking on Your Feet
    • Asking Precise and Effective Questions
      • Question Types
      • Questioning Styles
      • Changing Directions
      • Example Facilitator's Questions by Model Type
    • Listening
      • Active Listening and Feedback
      • Using Pictures and Diagrams
      • "I Don't Understand"
  • Techniques
    • Motivating the Group
      • Personal Enthusiasm
      • Using Compliment
      • Using Humor
      • Taking the Blame
    • Maintaining Control of the Session
      • Establishing Session Ground Rules
      • Using "Master of Ceremonies" Technique
      • Reading the Audience
      • How to Lose an Audience
      • Identifying and Handling Tangents
      • Handling Hostility, Disinterest, and Confusion
      • Turning Conflict into Consensus
  • Developing Facilitator Skills
• Workshops
  • Session Preparation
  • Objectives, Deliverables, and Agenda Preparation
  • Preparation of Participant Orientation
  • Handling the Unruly
  • Humor Workshop
  • Self Assessment and Peer Assessment
  • On the Feet Facilitating

DURATION: 2 days with no workshop; 5 days with on-the-feet workshop for 12

TARGETED AUDIENCES: (recommended maximum of 12 attendees)

• Facilitators and potential facilitators of group modeling sessions
• Data Modelers
• Process Modelers

PREREQUISITES: Any of the skill-building seminars addressing various forms of modeling (functional/process, data, transaction, distribution, etc.) which are intended to be performed in a facilitated group format.

WORKSHOP REQUIREMENTS: Participants actually facilitate canned modeling scenarios in the workshop. A meeting room with good visual media (large expanses of whiteboard, overhead projector and blank transparencies, large flip chart easel, etc.) is required. At the client's option, the students may be video recorded, and then can study/critique their own performance to improve technique, speed, communication skills, etc. If video recording is desired, then video recording equipment and a trained camera operator must be supplied by the client.