Observations in a CMII Class
by Ken Black
Does this sound familiar? "We produce software; we are different" or "we provide a service; we are different" or "we build airplanes; we are different" or "we do this" or "we do that"or "we are in this industry" or "we are in that market; we are different." This is what I hear each time I teach Course I. My how things change by the time students complete Course VI!
Other familiar expressions during that first class include "there isn't anything you can tell me about configuration management" or "I've forgotten more about configuration management than you will probably ever know" or "I've been to every seminar ever offered on configuration management and I do not expect to hear anything new." Yes, I have heard all of those more than once. I love it when this happens. I look forward to the changes that will take place as we go through Course I and beyond.
Courses I and II - the students are usually more reserved. Workshop presenters are generally a little uncomfortable. Participation in classroom discussions is limited to the most extroverted.
Courses III and IV - things tend to loosen up. Discussions get livelier. Personalities begin to show. Friendships and relationships develop.
Courses V and VI - Most students now know each other. All the hugs and laughs as they arrive make it seem like a reunion. The challenge is to keep the students focused.
It happens to each attendee in every class, but not always in the same spot. The light seems to go on at different times for different people. For some, the light starts to glow during Course I. For some, the light does not come on until Course VI. For some, it is a specific CMII principle that flips their switch. Some have to see the fully integrated process before things click. Regardless of the timing, I have yet to have a student that did not eventually "see the light."
It is always somewhat sad to say good-bye to the class at the end of the six-course series. The thing that makes it easier is knowing that, for them, the end of the series is only the beginning of their implementation journey. I still get phone calls and e-mails from students that completed their certification years ago. It's always good to hear from them whether they are asking for help, keeping me up-to-date on their progress or just saying hello.
I have been asked many times if teaching the same material over and over gets boring. It's funny but I never feel like that is what I am doing. I attribute that to the fact that no two classes have the same makeup or personality. Because of the diversity in individual personalities, differences in industry representation, uniqueness of the discussions, etc., each class is a new challenge. Each time I conduct a new class, I enjoy it even more. Meeting all of the great people, helping solve specific problems and being a firm believer in what I teach, all make what I do a fabulous experience. My thanks to those of you I had the good fortune of teaching. You've made the experience fantastic!
Institute of Configuration Management Scottsdale, AZ 85261-5656 Tel: (480) 998-8600 Fax: (480) 998-8923 Email: info@icmhq.com