This is an example of data produced when BBM is applied to any activity. The activity has been endorsed by Barrier Breakers, so the person delivering it (referred to in BBM as the ‘facilitator’) has been trained in BBM, and the activity has been assigned a BBM Frame. In this case the BBM Frame is Inward Focus.

Each BBM Focus has 8 representative soft skills, which are used in assessments and rated from 0 to 10. BBM makes use of the formative assessments that facilitators routinely make of their participants. The assessments are ipsative, not comparative, so are based on each participant’s individual circumstance and potential, within the context of the activity. The facilitator makes initial ratings early in the activity, formative assessment throughout, and final rating at the end.

The quantitative data produced for each participant are supported by qualitative data, with the facilitator’s comments providing examples of the skills in action.

Data from individual participants are combined, producing a picture of the group’s soft skills development.

Points are translated into percentages. Zero or negative progress is to be expected with soft skills development. Data from each participant combines to produce a benchmark for the activity. This is a measurement by which future sessions of the activity are compared, rather than being a measurement that must be met.

Group data are also analysed by skills, to determine the development rates of each skill, firstly by points…

Then points are transposed into percentages. These data provide facilitators with a clear picture of their activity’s current soft skills delivery. In effect, participants’ progress is the means through which the activity is assessed in terms of the opportunities it offers for soft skills development.

Once an organisation has integrated BBM into a variety of activities, cross-activity data that cover all 5 Focus Profiles can be collected, giving a complete overview of an individual’s current soft skills development position. This personalised snapshot can be used to identify strengths and weaknesses, to develop CPD plans, and as a communication mechanism for performance review. When individual cross-activity data is collated – for teams, groups, or departments – specific skills gaps become obvious, so training programmes can be designed and targeted accurately and efficiently.

BBM is easy to implement, and cost-effective to maintain. The data is simple to collect, but produces a wide variety of insightful, in-depth information

Barrier Breakers offers a BBM Report Service that produces a range of reports. We can undertake the entire process for you – or your facilitators can supply us with raw data, and then we do the rest.

BBM data track change and inspire progress. They are a developmental tool for the participant, the facilitator and the activity…for everyone who’s involved. They provide you with a wealth of information that you need for strong growth and positive results.

BBM data Activity assessment data BBM Frame: Inward Focus barrierbreakers.co.uk

Individual development: points (participant #4 of 10)

Individual development: snapshot#4 of 10) Participant 4 It’s clear to see the progress participant #4 has made. Presenting is the only skill that showed no change, so I’ll encourage this during the next sessions and have made a note to provide more opportunities for this element. Networking and listening are areas that need improvement – can I build more of these into the programme? I was very impressed how the teamwork has improved, which was displayed in the way that etc… Initial points 29/80 Final points 43/80 Points increase: 14 Percentage increase: 48%

Group development: points

Benchmark: +28% Group development: percentage

Skills development (group): points

Comments: I was interested to see that Presenting had such a significant presence, as I hadn’t fully realised the role it played in this activity. I’ll consider how it could be developed, and give participant 4 and 7 extra time on this. There are some simple adjustments I can make so there’s more group interaction, to build the etc… Benchmark: +28% Activity overview

Individual development: all profiles#4 of 10) Participant 4 / Year to date The teambuilding programme (Inward and Downward Focus) has proved very successful for P4– they commented that their confidence, particularly when negotiating, has skyrocketed, and the figures reflect this. Other areas started at a higher baseline, so improvement of around 20% is impressive. The action learning set (Right Focus) has helped define goals, and this etc…

BBM data…) easy to implement cost-effective to maintain simple to collect profoundly insightful

BBM Report Service10) individual development plan team development plan skills development plan skills gaps diagnostic systems diagnostic training audit progress report

) track inspire develop grow barrierbreakers.co.uk