7. June 2010 by Cass Tang.

Have you noticed that the work intensity and environment is becoming less and less about people and more about producing faster, better, and cheaper?  There is a phenomenon that I’ll coin the “Human Fulcrum.”  The point of the balance between satisfying productivity outcomes and satisfying human needs is a constantly moving point but cannot be ruled out of any equation.  

I have seen the pendulum swing back from the days when training and organization development groups were “downsized.”  Now, much of the needs are being met by contract firms that recognized the immense power of the creative and innovative human contribution.  Firms like ours tailoring training and development approaches for the individual, the group, and the company takes time up front; but, is well worth it based on the directly measurable long term impact.  If any of what you taught is utilized in the first two weeks after the training, it is most likely to become a best practice for the long term. 

“Take five” and see your staff for the individuals that they are and recognize the unique values that each brings to the workplace.  You will be delighted in the discovery.

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7. May 2010 by Cass Tang.

I just completed a two day training for over 20 attendees who are lean consultants.  It was interesting to find how the two methodologies have some overlap.  Based on my pre-training interviews of the attendees, it seems that the Lean methodology is intended to identify opportunities to improve the business process and environment workflow and quickly determine a plan of action to implement.  This activity is very energy intensive and involves the end users as well as the Lean experts.  

In the project management methodology, the Lean activity performed appears to be activity defined within the Design and Scoping phases of Project Management.  The handoff of the project is made to the end users to perform the Implementation.  Within the full end-to-end process, a strong PM methodology is needed to provide continuity and ownership, even at the start of the Lean Process.  Typically, Lean Experts are assigned to other iniatives following the intensive event and there may be a loss of continuity to achieve the expected results.

I would be interested to hear what others have discovered.

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23. April 2010 by Cass Tang.

Providing training as a new business requires a lot of ramp up time creating great curricum.   I just provided Day 1 of “Bringing ITIL Into the Enterprise” workshop type training for Renton School District  (RSD) IMS Department.  The key to effective training is knowing the audience.  I interviewed each person prior to the training which made for a tailored, productive session.  They enjoyed the applicability of the training to their unique needs.  Next week, I’ll provide Day 2 for RSD as well as both Days 1 and 2 of “Project Management” training for Hytek.  TRAIN ON!

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7. April 2010 by Cass Tang.

Synergy Corps is planning on obtaining Small Business Administration’s 8a or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification.  This is a status that provides opportunities to work on federal contracting opportunities on money that is set aside just for this purpose.  The road is arduous but there is a definite step by step path.  You just need patience.  Check out the link  and follow the instructions if you are a disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE):  https://sba8asdb.symplicity.com/applicants/guide. 

The SBA of Seattle has indicated that the Federal Government MAY modify the calculations for the 8a certification in fall 2010 to make it more practical.  For example, they may remove the requirement to include your 401k in your net worth.  The maximum net worth to quality for 8a is $250,000 and this currently includes 401k, cars, propery other than your home equity, stocks, etc.

 A visit to the Seattle SBA office today provided an optimistic perspective.  They are very accomplished and capable folks.  We look forward to obtaining the certification later this year.

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3. April 2010 by Cass Tang.

Synergy Corps is currently contracted to provide several short term (3-4 day) engagements.  To keep the business viable, we are engaged in collaborative events.  Green River Community College  (GRCC) and Puget Sound Education Service Districts (PSESD) have contracted with Synergy Corps to provide training to some of their clients.  This has provided a wealth of diversity within our client pool and includes a school district, two manufacturing facilities and a healthcare system.  I am particularly thrilled to again work in the manufacturing environment since that is where my career roots first took hold.

This rebuilding period is allowing us to think about marketing, refining, and getting enough nourishment for the next series of engagements.  Look in the near future when our website is redesigned.  I’m excited to use the talents of Nautilus Design who did such a great job on our business cards.

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16. March 2009 by Cass Tang.

This site has been created to share best practices, training, and notifications of upcoming events to our clients.  We welcome your feedback and hope to provide your with reminders, acknowledgements, and confirmations for doing work and living your worklife the best way available.  Thanks for participating!

Cass Tang, PMP, President of Synergy Corps
synergycorps.com

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