Best of both Worlds?
Just some ramblings... first off... I'm back in training - albeit only on Saturdays, but hey... at least I get to do it on a semi-regular manner, right? So how's it been? Some changes apparently came to place while I've been gone - but at the same time, it's like nothing's changed.
How so? For starters, it seems that in the workshop/team building/outing that Phoenix One organized for all their facilitators, the end result is not a total cohesion as the team building would suggest. It seems that not everyone thinks or analyzes or for that matter, cooperates in activities. Ah well... apparently, it seems that some people were not sold on the need or necessity of such activities.
Some learnings were gleaned though - and I hope these get actionable, er... actions around improvement efforts.
Working attire seemed to take a hit as Fridays seem to have been considered a non dress-down item, thanks to people who - for whatever reason, just want their trainers to look more professional, and mot as relaxed as everyone else. Me? I'd be in the side of the fence that would say does it matter? If you're a really lousy facilitator, wearing a tux will not dramatically increase your skills in facilitating... similarly, how does short-changing happen when a good facilitator wear dressed down clothing together with their audience? Some facts and metrics please...?
Aside from this, the thought of putting all trainings on Saturdays - and only on Saturdays was, I'm sorry to say, so short-sighted, the decision-maker who made up this farce of a decision was probably hit with an inspiration of thinking... like a dodo. I exaggerate of course, after all... whoever thought this actually retracted after a week (or was forced to retract)... upon realizing that their actions will not help with their meeting certain metrics. Classic example of knee-jerk decision-making - these people should listen more to the people they get as trainers.
Some people are promoted to regional... hmmm, good luck with that - I wonder if that means they're promoted to a higher level of incompetence. Others find themselves in the same boat as those they used to put down... karma? Maybe. But for the most part, the inconsistent services of others seem to be still that - if not less efficient.
Good thing for me I'm not affected by these inane actions as I just have to deal with these things in a per Saturday basis only. Yup... I train, but only on Saturdays. The rest of the time I still am assigned to a project... and with luck, this will continue beyond September. So yeah... lets hope for the best of both worlds here.
I may even get to be assigned in a project doing something closer to training (as opposed to PMO work) - that is courseware planning development and execution. Or if I get tapped to do another U2K2 project in a different country, well... why not?
But I hope I get to still teach something. Should I finish my tour of Duty in U2K2, I could ask Mags to put in a kind word for me regarding the Unilever trainings. I mean, opportunities will abound... I just need to work as good as I can and keep my Karma clean.
I still like teaching... and these Saturday sessions make it come out as therapy of sorts - relaxation too, and it has (I'll have to admit) raised my effectiveness and capability to relate examples to my trainees. It somehow relieves me of tension from the project... and at least I get productive time out of a Saturday.
So yeah... I'm not complaining.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Thursday, June 02, 2011
How the world changes...
If you notice my blog's profile picture, one that looks like a magazine called Riches, behind me is an artistic collage that used to hang on the wall of Accenture's Cybermall location. This was during my PrimaryEdge days - and definitely before Accenture temporarily let go of the place during economically leaner times... only to get it back after two year (or was that three?)
Anyway, for those in the know, that collage represented Accenture's Core values around what is supposed to be Tiger Woods' face - yes, he was still Accenture's endorser back then... at the height of his game, and definitely pre-scandal popular.
the only thing that has not changed ever since, happens to be that barong I'm wearing... I still wear it to work, and have not really realized how old it already is. In fact, I wore it just this morning to work. It's still in good condition - doesn't wrinkle easily - thus is a favorite of mine.
Other than that... everything's changed. Tiger no longer is at the top of his game - at least, not yet. He's not an Accenture endorser anymore. and though Cybermall is back - it's got an entirely different... and to me a much better, paint job. Never did like mustard yellow for walls.
If you notice my blog's profile picture, one that looks like a magazine called Riches, behind me is an artistic collage that used to hang on the wall of Accenture's Cybermall location. This was during my PrimaryEdge days - and definitely before Accenture temporarily let go of the place during economically leaner times... only to get it back after two year (or was that three?)
Anyway, for those in the know, that collage represented Accenture's Core values around what is supposed to be Tiger Woods' face - yes, he was still Accenture's endorser back then... at the height of his game, and definitely pre-scandal popular.
the only thing that has not changed ever since, happens to be that barong I'm wearing... I still wear it to work, and have not really realized how old it already is. In fact, I wore it just this morning to work. It's still in good condition - doesn't wrinkle easily - thus is a favorite of mine.
Other than that... everything's changed. Tiger no longer is at the top of his game - at least, not yet. He's not an Accenture endorser anymore. and though Cybermall is back - it's got an entirely different... and to me a much better, paint job. Never did like mustard yellow for walls.
Do I miss it?
You might be wondering why I started of with such a question. Not surprising since I've not been updating this blog for months. So what exactly am I alluding to here? Simple... I'm currently in the more demanding role of a project. Specifically the role of a PMO for a multinational organization. Add to the fact that this project has a very aggressive time frame and you can imagine how the complexity just piles up. Then there's the fact that I feel a bit like a fish otu of water since this is an SAP project where I've little experience regarding the software or infrastructure side whatsoever. Interesting, right?
I've been doing this for close to two months now - actually a month and a half, and by providence's hand, I'm sure to do it for the next three month - seeing the project to completion. Yes it's a struggle - and at times, things can get disheartening when I'm trying to consider what to say, what to do in terms of concepts. Making reports becomes a struggle... simply because, half the time I'm trying to interpret what is being said. I know the methodology - or at least, the idea behind them... thanks to my teaching experience with Project Management, but even then, it's an entirely different scenario. It's like I know football (or soccer, to some people) well enough - but the problem is, I'm now in an American Football arena.
So with all these challenges piled up - do I miss it? The time when I was more a Training Consultant working with Phoenix-One, teaching Accenture employees? Definitely... after all, in that area (or arena), I was doing quite well... doing okay. Heck, I was more than just okay. I was comfortable with what I was doing, I had control and I could even predict a few things and by doing so , manipulate them - like training pacing to match my needs or moods. I liked being in the spotlight (sort of) and being appreciated for helping people learn.
So am I regretting this shift? Not really... yeah it's harder - a whole lot harder than I imagined, and I feel that I may have been given a cheap deal (relatively speaking) but at the same time, this is a learning experience and a wake-up call to me. Learning since I do get PMO exposure, some rudimentary SAP project exposure as well and I get to stretch my wings - btu most important of all, I get to have an increased earning capacity.
One of my main frustrations is that I find trainers to be under-appreciated, in a sense, people like us, admire us... but they put little stock (or importance) to training. When push comes to shove, it's one of the first things to get pulled out f the expense side of a business that needs to penny pinch. The practice gets little respect, and the trainers are not seen as valuable assets - people don't see the ripple effect that a great trainer has on the workforce.
It is because of this lack of appreciation that trainers don't get the top pay they deserve. It's what attracted me to the project to begin with. I mean, I would very much love to be a trainer - at the day's end, the fulfillment is there, I don't need to worry about countless unfinished business, and my environment is contained and controllable. But the pay that should go with it is not there. And with a son who's just entered college, I need a higher earning capacity.
So... do I miss it? Hell yeah. I also miss working with my training colleagues. But do I look forward to training again? Yes I would - if the price is right. But should I be offered another project, I might just jump into that again just to ensure that my earning capacity remains what it is - if not higher. Until I get a better deal elsewhere... preferably training related - but with a much better paycheck, I'll be working projects.
On the other hand, I just might find a way to train on weekends. Heck, that may even be therapy for me - sort of.
You might be wondering why I started of with such a question. Not surprising since I've not been updating this blog for months. So what exactly am I alluding to here? Simple... I'm currently in the more demanding role of a project. Specifically the role of a PMO for a multinational organization. Add to the fact that this project has a very aggressive time frame and you can imagine how the complexity just piles up. Then there's the fact that I feel a bit like a fish otu of water since this is an SAP project where I've little experience regarding the software or infrastructure side whatsoever. Interesting, right?
I've been doing this for close to two months now - actually a month and a half, and by providence's hand, I'm sure to do it for the next three month - seeing the project to completion. Yes it's a struggle - and at times, things can get disheartening when I'm trying to consider what to say, what to do in terms of concepts. Making reports becomes a struggle... simply because, half the time I'm trying to interpret what is being said. I know the methodology - or at least, the idea behind them... thanks to my teaching experience with Project Management, but even then, it's an entirely different scenario. It's like I know football (or soccer, to some people) well enough - but the problem is, I'm now in an American Football arena.
So with all these challenges piled up - do I miss it? The time when I was more a Training Consultant working with Phoenix-One, teaching Accenture employees? Definitely... after all, in that area (or arena), I was doing quite well... doing okay. Heck, I was more than just okay. I was comfortable with what I was doing, I had control and I could even predict a few things and by doing so , manipulate them - like training pacing to match my needs or moods. I liked being in the spotlight (sort of) and being appreciated for helping people learn.
So am I regretting this shift? Not really... yeah it's harder - a whole lot harder than I imagined, and I feel that I may have been given a cheap deal (relatively speaking) but at the same time, this is a learning experience and a wake-up call to me. Learning since I do get PMO exposure, some rudimentary SAP project exposure as well and I get to stretch my wings - btu most important of all, I get to have an increased earning capacity.
One of my main frustrations is that I find trainers to be under-appreciated, in a sense, people like us, admire us... but they put little stock (or importance) to training. When push comes to shove, it's one of the first things to get pulled out f the expense side of a business that needs to penny pinch. The practice gets little respect, and the trainers are not seen as valuable assets - people don't see the ripple effect that a great trainer has on the workforce.
It is because of this lack of appreciation that trainers don't get the top pay they deserve. It's what attracted me to the project to begin with. I mean, I would very much love to be a trainer - at the day's end, the fulfillment is there, I don't need to worry about countless unfinished business, and my environment is contained and controllable. But the pay that should go with it is not there. And with a son who's just entered college, I need a higher earning capacity.
So... do I miss it? Hell yeah. I also miss working with my training colleagues. But do I look forward to training again? Yes I would - if the price is right. But should I be offered another project, I might just jump into that again just to ensure that my earning capacity remains what it is - if not higher. Until I get a better deal elsewhere... preferably training related - but with a much better paycheck, I'll be working projects.
On the other hand, I just might find a way to train on weekends. Heck, that may even be therapy for me - sort of.
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