Instructional design/BADL/BDAL Participants

Welcome to BDAL Introduction to BDAL Challenges Organizational Culture BDAL Participants Design Situation Analysis

Choosing BDAL participants

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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

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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

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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

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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.

1 Accounting Manager

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.

2 Customer Service Rep

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.

3 Product Design Engineer

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.

4 Organizational Development Specialist

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.

5 Organizational Development Specialist

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