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The FIA Staff Exchange Program aims to foster cross-regional collaboration by facilitating knowledge sharing, skill development, and relationship building among different units. Employees undertake projects in other regions, broadening their understanding of forest resources and program structures. Structured as 3-4 month details, participants focus on specific projects with minimal responsibilities at their home unit. The program offers benefits like skill development, progress on national projects, and enhanced cross-training capacity. However, challenges such as workload management and funding negotiations need to be addressed. Key actions include drafting project proposal processes and identifying major projects for cross-regional collaboration.
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FIA STAFF EXCHANGE Building opportunities for cross-regional and/or cross-functional details
Set up a process for long-term details GOALS: • Undertake cross-regional or national-level projects that would benefit the FIA program • Promote understanding of the structure and processes in regional units other than the detailer’s home unit. • Share the workings of the home region’s FIA unit with the hosting FIA unit • Broaden skill sets and understanding of forest resources from another part of the country
Structure and Duration • 3-4 month details • Minimal responsibility for normal duties • Dedicated time at home unit for pre- and post-work • Focus on specific projects with clear expectations • Use project selection and evaluation processes • Hosting unit should provide opportunities for interacting with other areas of the program and station
Potential Benefits • Develop new skills • Facilitate progress on high priority national projects • Increase cross-training capacity • Increase understanding of why we are / are not a national program • Build relationships with other FIA employees • See other forests… go on a plot… meet the clients
Potential Challenges • Workload at the home unit needs to be managed • Cost and funding negotiations • Isolation and separation when away from home unit
Key Action Steps • Draft a structure and process for: • Proposing, selecting, and evaluating projects • Detail duration and structure • Budgeting – which unit pays? • Solicit feedback from band members to finalize the structure and process • Start identifying major projects that may benefit from this approach • Identify team to review proposals
Resource Needs • Support from management and supervisors • A few more pilot projects to refine the process