Step 3: Plan the Program
A. Define the Program Scope
Determine program supports
Identify required program supports, including corporate services, technology, training, AM expertise, and ongoing leadership support.
Set objectives and milestones
Determine what the organization can accomplish with the resources and timelines available, then set objectives and milestones to achieve those outcomes. Consider the integrations, pilots, communications, performance targets, and data that will be required to achieve those objectives.
Decide on a pilot program vs. wide roll-out
Decide if initial program implementation should utilize a pilot program, or proceed directly to a wide roll-out. A pilot provides an opportunity to test structure, processes, and content with a small group, with the option to make improvements before deploying to a broad audience. A wider roll-out strategy can also be accomplished in a staged manner, by work group or department, to enable continuous improvement.
B. Develop a Program Roadmap
A Competency Management Program does not happen all at once. Many of the benefits of competency management are only achieved over time. Map out a roadmap of short- and long-term activities and objectives using the priorities identified earlier. Integrate these plans with the organization’s AM Roadmap.
C. Develop a Program Implementation Plan
Confirm Leadership Support
Communicate expectations and set the organization up for success by ensuring that leadership is well-informed, and their support is active and visible.
Develop program communication and change management plans
Complete a stakeholder impact assessment for the Program and identify critical success factors for the change. Determine change impact on people, processes, technology and culture. Determine key communication messages and training for leaders, managers and employees.
Depending on the size of the organization, in-house change management resources may or may not be available for the program. If not, decide how best to meet those needs. It may be beneficial to hire or contract a person with change-management skills to initiate and oversee the program. Change management is a critical factor in the success of a competency management program but requires specific expertise. This may require some creative solutions for Small/New to AM communities. On option would be to coordinate and share a resource across several programs or even several communities.
Develop detailed project plans
Develop project plans for implementing the program activities and achieving the program objectives. Consider the likely individual development actions that will be required across the organization. Include details on scope, cost, schedule, milestones, quality, resources, and performance metrics.
Don’t forget to download the AMCF Implementation Worksheet to help guide you through the process.
Next go to the EXECUTE step
