Instructional design/BADL/BDAL Participants

Choosing BDAL participants

The participants on a BDAL project are chosen for their ability to address their personal challenges, their ability to contribute to Action Learning Sets, and for the ability to contribute as a team member on Business Challenge Teams. Participants abilities include behavioral traits as well as technical and functional knowledge skills and abilities that would aid in solving the project’s unique personal and business challenges.

Participants are usually assigned their project during a “launch” module and have the opportunity to gain clarity and assess the projects scope, timelines, and constraints. BDAL is a learner-centered process where participants determine how they will proceed and operate after the launch of the project. Teams are supported by a learning coach and draw upon their executive sponsor, other resources and external stakeholders as needed.

BDAL Participant Characteristics

Participant Characteristics
Appropriate	Inappropriate
Genuine interest in the project or issue	Participation for expected personal benefit or status
Ability to tolerate ambiguity	Oversized ego; self-centered
Ability to practice systems thinking (multi-discipline)	Linear thinker (single discipline)
Curiosity and intrinsic motivation to learn through reflection	People with a fixed belief that learning is a didactic process involving transmission of knowledge from expert to novice
Courage and willingness to take measured risks	Fear of failure; resistant to change; risk averse
Willingness to challenge values, beliefs and assumptions and engage in healthy debate	People who see competition not only in terms of their own performance but also in terms of impeding others
Ability to give and receive feedback	People who have difficulty with feedback
Ability to practice active listening and to ask insightful questions	People who are comfortable with routine

Team Characteristics

BDAL learning teams require a diversity of opinion and experience in order to foster lively discussions, question assumptions and consider new insights.

Team Characteristics
Appropriate	Inappropriate
Clear unity of purpose. (trust, commitment)	Warring cliques or sub-groups (low levels of trust and commitment)
Four to eight interdisciplinary inter- or intra-agency members (diversity of skills, talents, and perspectives)	Homogeneity (disciplines, functions, training, education, expertise)
Members possess group process skills	Rigid or dysfunctional group norms and procedures (Domination by one or two participants)
People are free in expressing their feelings as well as their ideas.	A climate of blame, defensiveness or fear
Members move comfortably in and out of different roles	Uncreative alternatives to problems
Outside guests/resources are sought and welcomed	Unequal participation or uneven use of group resources
Each individual carries his or her own weight	People who have difficulty with feedback
There is a lot of discussion in which virtually everyone participates	Restricted, poor quality or non-existent communication

BDAL Participant Quiz

Before continuing, let's verify that you understand what types of participants are best for BDAL. Examine the 5 potential candidates below and choose the 3 participants that are most appropriate for BDAL. Check your answers with the feedback given.

Years in Field: 10 | Years with Org: 5 | Years in Position: 3 | Other: Good communication skills | Primary Responsibilities: Involved in the strategic planning or the development of new products. Analyze and interpret financial information that corporate executives need in order to make sound business decisions. Prepare financial reports for other groups, including stockholders, creditors, regulatory agencies, and tax authorities. Financial forecasting and planning.

Years in Field: 15 | Years with Org: 15 | Years in Position: 12 | Other: Good stable worker, enjoys routine Primary Responsibilities: Resolve customer complaints via phone, email, mail, or social media. Answer questions about warranties or terms of sale. Act as the company gatekeeper. Suggest solutions when a product malfunctions. Work with customer service manager to ensure proper customer service is being delivered.

Years in Field: 5 | Years with Org: 5 | Years in Position: 2 | Other: Quick learner, well respected, has held 3 positions. Primary Responsibilities: Design, model, and test prototypes for product. Conduct research and create design proposals for projects. Create concepts, performance, and production criteria. Plan marketing initiatives for product. Negotiate appropriate production processes. Travel to production facilities to evaluate processes.

Years in Field: 14 | Years with Org: 8 | Years in Position: 5 | Other: Advanced education.Primary Responsibilities: Consult with management and other leadership to identify business processes. Create, Identify and evaluate business initiatives to ascertain appropriate programs that meet company goals. Develop methods for data analysis methodologies, and management reporting. Create effective strategic planning methods. Develop team-building exercises and workshops. Resolve conflict within groups. Diagnose potential organizational problem areas and recommend changes. Recommend training and development systems.

Years in Field: 10 | Years with Org: 5 | Years in Position: 5 | Other: Difficult to work with; autocratic management style. Primary Responsibilities: Direct the activities and productivity of program or programs. Provide training and guidance. Set program goals and initiatives. Support the program's strategic alliances and partnerships. Sets performance goals. Represent the program to the public, key stakeholders and business partners.

Now that you have reviewed what makes for good BDAL participation, you can put all your learning together and analyze the Design Situation Analysis

Welcome to BDAL

Introduction to BDAL

Challenges

Organizational Culture

BDAL Participants

Design Situation Analysis