VOL. 4 – AUGUST 26, 2021

Practice is the hardest part of learning, and training is the essence of transformation.

-Hellen Keller

THE BRIEF

The transition to ctcLink is massive undertaking that will require the collaboration and cooperation of employees, staff, and faculty.

Interestingly, a 2011 study found that managers are the preferred sender of change messages related to how a change impacts an employee personally. Results from our June ctcLink survey support this conclusion.

This issue of Coach is geared toward supervisors and how they can best manage their team through the upcoming transition.

WHAT TO COMMUNICATE

In your role as a communicator, your direct reports want you to tell them:

• The reasons that BC is moving to ctcLink

• Timeline and details of project activities
• Details on how their jobs will change
• Methods of changing work habits to successfully incorporate ctcLink
• Various specifics (e.g. reduced office hours and closures, purchasing restrictions, preparation for system shutdowns, reopening plans, etc.)

COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES

The 2011 study identified the following success factors in leading through change:

• Keep the two-way communication open.
• Discuss the status of ctcLink project with your supervisor – ask what information they have and share what you know. In turn, discuss the same with your employees. Frequently. Remember – buy-in is critical to success.
• Structure your approach. Have a long-term plan for getting your team to the finish line and beyond. Help employees understand where ctcLink falls on their list of priorities. Schedule time for the team to do training together and have a plan for how and when staff takes vacation.
• Engage staff. Ask for their input, encourage participation, and communication.

WHERE TO GO FOR SUPPORT

The BC ctcLink website is where you will find the most up-to-date information on the project. For information beyond what is posted, consider contacting the following people:

Project Manager

Maria Rivas, maria.rivas@bellevuecollege.edu

As Project Manager (PM), Maria is the liaison between the college and the SBCTC. She communicates the timeline and coordinates work activities to the project Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), and she keeps the project on track at the college level.

Executive Sponsor

Rodger Harrison, rodger.harrison@bellevuecollege.edu

Rodger represents the project at the senior leadership level and is the escalation point for the PM. Rodger also sits on the SBCTC Steering Committee.

Communications Lead

Katherine Hall, katherine.hall@bellevuecollege.edu

Katherine is responsible for campus communications at all levels. Working closely with the PM, she strategizes and plans key messages to be delivered to campus.

Communications Manager

Yves Andre Martin, yvesandremartin@bellevuecollege.edu Yves oversees ctcLink communications. He works with Katherine to

create relevant content and strategies for delivery.

Training Lead

Warda Zaman, warda.zaman@bellevuecollege.edu

Warda oversees employee learning. Working closely with the PM, Communications Lead, and Communications Manager, she strategizes on what content to develop, when to deliver it, and how.

Testing Lead

Elizabeth Fuenzalida, elizabeth.fuenzalida@bellevuecollege.edu

Elizabeth oversees software testing. This happens at multiple points throughout the project. Her primary responsibilities are to ensure testing is happening and issues are being reported.

Pillar Leads

These people are the primary decision-makers for project tasks and activities. If you need details on ctcLink functionality, they are your first stop.

Campus Solutions: Steve Downing and Melanie Ruiz (Student Financial Aid)

Finance and Student Financials: Jennifer McMillan Human Capital Management: Alicia Tarigan Continuing Education: Lisa Corcoran

State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC)

This is the group responsible for overseeing the implementation of ctcLink across 34 colleges in Washington State. It sets the timeline. It gives the PM and SMEs the requisite tools and knowledge to complete project tasks and activities.

Note: Communication with SBCTC should go through the PM.

THE TAKEAWAY

Here are the top suggestions for supervisors managing the transition to ctcLink:

• Communicate as much as possible
• Be an active and visible liaison
• Advocate for the project
• Identify and mitigate resistance
• Coach your team

MANAGER’S GUIDE

A manager’s guide has been assembled for the transition to ctcLink. It is available in print form as well as a recorded session.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

The ctcLink website is a great place for additional information. We are currently upgrading it to provide the best possible experience.

If you have any questions about training, please contact Warda Zaman at warda.zaman@bellevuecollege.edu. And if you have suggestions on how to improve this email, please contact Yves Martin at: yves.martin@bellevuecollege.edu.

Last Updated September 7, 2021