A balance must be struck between the political realities of who is asking for a project and the project's impact on the achievement of long-term goals. Larry, the new manager of training, was busily conducting a needs assessment. When he learned that Larry had been involved in video production in graduate school, he asked him for help with this project. Robert was thrilled with the product and, at its star-studded preview, publicly complimented Larry. In exchange for about three weeks of work, Larry developed a solid support and increased his visibility and reputation in the organization.
Participants can also be useful allies.
If they find programs helpful, they will spread the word, encourage others to attend, and attend other programs themselves. They can also be called on for suggestions and critiques. Participants in some programs may even serve as presenters in other programs. Even though trainers spend their lives helping others to deal with job-related stress and burnout, all too often they resemble the cobbler's children with holes in their shoes. Trainers need to feel supported and nurtured in order to be on stage in training programs, truly receptive to participants, creative in designing programs, well organized, and enthusiastic.