Performance Consulting, Persuasive Communications and Influences – Week 1 Lecture 1

Week 1

Welcome to Performance Consulting, Persuasive Communication and Influence. This course will address matters in a conceptual and theoretical manner for the purpose of laying a sound comprehensive foundation. Concepts and theories are great to gain a good understanding, however they are not enough if you intend to work in the field. The class will take the matter further beyond theory into practical application.

Be advised now there will be significant reading assignments for this class. Some weeks may near 200 pages for the week. It is imperative you stay on top of the assigned readings. The reading will provide a standard of quality and knowledge in order to facilitate substantial discussion and assignments.

There is a progressive case study as a part of each week's lesson. This is your practical application. Have fun with it using realistic approaches. Be innovative in your processes and building them out. Please remember that one solution does not resolve all issues. Bring in personal experience and knowledge. You are encouraged to bring in external resources. By week 8 you'll have learned and applied substantial tools. You will gain considerable feedback from your instructor and fellow learners.

The readings will bring a solid foundation for this topic. Many ideas and concepts will be addressed. Active participation is required. Reading the next week's assignments ahead of time is recommended.

A considerable set of responsibility has been placed on your shoulders. What will you choose to do with it? As performance consultants you are expected to have a strong, solid, and some familiar knowledge of multiple areas including: performance improvement, learning organizations, learning theory, and business. The performance consultant serves as a valuable resource to the client. If a consultant does not value their profession, why would the client? Build your resources. Start a learning library. Know your business. Understand the scope of practice. What services do you offer? Will you offer a specific set of services and products? Will you be a general management consultant? It is important to know the difference. Know the clients you will serve. What size and scope of client will you serve? Do you know your competition and what sets you apart?

The small business owner has owned the organization for over 10 years. They have poured their blood, sweat, and tears. They invested that time, energy, and resources into building a successful business. The organization is not getting the desired results. The performance consultant is brought in to improve current results. It is the consultants and clients task to discover what the consultants can do to assist. If the general management consultant does not fully grasp the concept of their products and services, then neither the client nor consultant is well served.

The performance consultant will understand assessment, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The performance consultant will know how to effectively use analytics and matrixes in research to develop an adaptable plan that its owner and organization can implement.

The performance consultant will know how to communicate, listen, and present ideas, issues, and plans to all levels within the organization. When the performance consultant and owner see actual tangible results, what will be the reward?

The final note: as mentioned earlier a lot is expected. The work is considerable yet manageable. Invest in the class and the results will be significant. Investing in each other and the results will be exponential. Build a support network by getting to know your fellow learners. Start out in the forum and introduce yourself. Continue to build relationships throughout the session.