Last month, JavaBlackBelt members reported that their productivity would increase by 25% if management installed Java Skills Management.  The pressing question from managers: how do we do this?

I've talked with JBB founder John Rizzo and he's developed a 6-step "installation plan" for Java skills management.  Those steps and highlights are below my salutation.

If you’d like to discuss/start this process, feel free to say so at: globalforcedirect.com/discovery-sessions/.

Step 1. Discovery
No-charge JBB consultations on installing Java skills management into the organization.  JBB explains possibilities, explore priorities, establishes extent/timeline.  Managers describe organizational make-up, skills champions, existing training methods, employee review/reporting needs.  Developers describe missions, key technologies.

Step 2. Startup
Installation of JavaBlackBelt Enterprise Edition (skills assessment) platform.  Create company and developer's accounts.  Communicate plan to developers with open Q/A and feedback.  Perhaps the efforts focuses on a group or project.

Step 3. Calibrate
Measure skill level of each developer on key technologies.  Set individual and organizational goals.  Developers take Learn Exams.

Step 4. GAP
Identify skills gaps, create learning/staffing plans.  Managers meet each developer.  Agree on present skills versus goals.  Define exams to be succeeded within the next period and learning plan.

Step 5. Learn
Developers learn and take exams.  Typically, blended learning: instructor-led, eLearning, books,…  Managers view progress via online reports.

Step 6. Evaluate/Adjust
JBB reviews program and presents to management.  Did we achieve skills goals?  Was the program successful?  Loop to 3.  Expand program to larger group, more projects, integrate with LMS, make continuous, …

The Goal?
To allow developers and managers to assess skills and improve skills decisions at critical points in their development process, including at hiring, staffing, training, appraisals, and organizational planning -- resulting in consistently higher productivity and job satisfaction.

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