======================
In this issue:
========
Feature of the Month - Attach supporting documents and URL's to your charts!
Timely Tips - Archiving Charts; What You Need to Know about Pop Up Blockers
Alisar in Action - Alisar and Creative Process a Framework for Coaching
Quote of the week:
========
"My clients love Alisar Charting - both the software and the service!
An Exec team member leading a major strategic change project, not only is using Alisar to chart her major goals, but also has extended use to all her projects in a busy HR department.
As a consultant, I use Alisar because it keep the clients focused on what is important - end results - and links change efforts across the enterprise."
John Donovan
Donovan Associates
Feature of the Month:
========
Attach files to your charts with LINK!
-------
The Link function allows users to attach files or URLs (website addresses) for internet sites to a specific chart. That can be helpful if you are working with a team and want to share information.
How does it work? Click on the Link Icon on the Alisar Charting Icon Bar, browse to the file that you want to attach. Select 'Add.' The file has been added as an attachment to that particular chart. You'll notice a little paperclip icon has appeared on the chart between Keywords and Current Reality.
To open the linked file - click on the link button OR the paperclip icon. Then select the file name or the URL from the list in the dialog box.
A few notes. To open the file you will need to have the application that the file was created in. For example, if you attach an Excel spreadsheet (file extension .xls) the person trying to open the document will need to have Excel on their machine.
Will it work offline? Yes, attach a file offline and sync to the server, the file will transfer. Files attached online will sync to your offline charts too.
What about file size limits? We have a 1.5 Mb cumulative file size limit per chart so that the entire database doesn't bog down.
Here are some other ways that you might use the link function:
- Try attaching a .jpg of the desired goal to help the team keep it visual.
- Do you use Balanced Scorecard? Attach an excel spreadsheet with the project metrics.
- Do you have team members working remotely? How about a picture of the project team or team members?
- Are you using the internet for research on a project? Link URLs to the chart to share with your team. Click on the link and go to the website from your chart.
Timely Tips:
=========
Archiving charts.
---------
I was recently asked: 'How can I save changes to the charts over time?'
Here are a some ideas on how you can archive your information or record key learning points.
If I am getting ready to make a number of changes to a chart, I'll often print my charts, either to paper or, my personal preference, is to Print the document and save the file on my machine or to PDF. (Adobe Acrobat is required to print to PDF) This allows me to take a 'snapshot' of the chart before I revise it. I find I seldom go back to them, but like knowing they are there.
If you want to save Current Reality before making major changes, you can copy and paste current reality into an Action Step on the chart, then complete the action step. I would suggest inserting a phrase such as 'CR at 2003-10-28' to help you easily identify the content, and then complete the Action Step. You can 'restore' it if you need to access the information.
Some of our users want to record their key points of learning - a great idea! How about creating an Action Step called 'Key Learning'? In the end result, add key learnings as they happen. Set the Date to the next chart review and make sure you note the things that you and your team learn during the chart review. You can log the key learning by copying each week's learning from the end result to a sub-action step. You can assign a due date to it, and the Learnings will be kept in order.
ER: Learning this week
Action 1: Learning last week
Action 2: Learning the week before
etc....
When the project is complete, print this chart out (to paper or as a Word document) as part of the formal chart review and share it within your organization as appropriate.
Web Pop-up blockers may interfere with Alisar Charting.
---------
Pop-ups, those nasty, unwanted ads on your web browser, are a growing problem. To control the intrusions, people turn to "Pop-up blocker" software that kills pop-ups. But - if installed incorrectly - these pop-up blockers can cause you problems as you use Alisar Charting.
We NEVER advertise with pop ups, BUT some of the functions of Alisar Charting use the same technology as pop-up advertising.
So what to do?
Most of the pop up blocker applications allow you to create a "white list" of site that you want to allow to display pop ups. Please make sure Alisar Charting is on your white list. If you are not sure how to set you pop up blockers, check with your administrator for suggestions or browse the help function of you pop up blockers.
We'll keep you posted on our discoveries here in the newsletter and at the Alisar Helpdesk.
Alisar in Action:
=======
Alisar Charting is a fabulous tool for coaching!
-------
Coaching has become quite 'the thing' over the last few years.
According to the International Coach Federation, 'Professional coaches provide an ongoing partnership designed to help clients produce fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives. Coaches help people improve their performances and enhance the quality of their lives.'
From: http://www.internationalcoachfederation.com/aboutcoaching/index.htm
Alisar Charting and the Creative Process are the perfect framework to coach from. After all coaches help the clients identify their aspirations, goals and outcomes, then understand their current situation and create and follow through on a plan of action.
For those of you, who manage people, use Alisar Charting to create development plans then coach for growth and performance. Alisar Charting supports your coach/client relationship, by allowing for remote collaboration on a chart review. It's a great way to keep both the coach and the client the focus on the goals and deliverable.
As always, we invite our Alisar Charting Administrators to forward this information to your users and please, let us know if you find it helpful.
We love to hear from you!
Very Best Regards,
Ann Ralston
aralston@alisarcharting.com
614-761-1841
www.alisarcharting.com