When creating your expense report, go to the Expense Grid (or Worksheet) and populate the first row.

Then, select the option to ‘Add row duplicated from selected row’ and add 1 row.

A new row is created with the same data as the first row.

Now, just repeat as needed and update the date for each row.

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Expense Policies are a set of features that need to be enabled by OpenAir Support. Once enabled, a new section is available on the Project Properties form for Expense Policies.

By default, nothing is changed until you limit available expense items on a project. To limit expense items per project, modify a project and select the ‘Allowed expense items’ filter. Select the items to be available on expense receipts and save the pop-up and project.

When users create expense reports, the expense item field cannot be populated until the project is selected. Based on the project selection of the receipt, the expense item field is loaded with available values.

This filter is respected on both the receipt form and the worksheet/grid view.

No expense item available until project is selected:

To do this, you’ll need to create a custom checkbox field for Projects.

Name the field ‘avail_for_exp’ and notify OpenAir Support that you’d like this field to indicate availability in expenses.

Once they confirm, you can un-check the box to prevent expenses from being entered against any project.

You can enable this feature in Administration -> Application settings -> Expenses settings -> Other settings -> and select the option ‘Enable expense authorizations.’

Once it’s enabled, you will have the option to define user-level approvers for authorizations. The project-level approver is the same as the Expenses approver.

To create an Authorization, just find the Authorizations menu in the Expenses module and select ‘New…’

In the New Authorization form, add a name, description, project and date range along with any notes.

Add a list of each expected expense item along with optional notes and then submit for approval.

When creating your expense report, you have the option to associate an Authorization, if you have one approved.

When viewing the Expense Report page, you and the approver can compare the authorization against the expense report.

This feature does not prevent entering any data or determine auto-approvals or rejection, but it does provide useful information when planning expenses and comparing those approved plans against the actual expenses incurred.

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I have found that this philosophy is also helpful internally for team building and common goal orientation of the company. Yes, we all work for TOP Step (All for One) and enjoy the challenges that come along with working with a wide variety of organizations, business models, industries, and more. It is what attracts most of our employees to join us. There is never a dull moment! To complete the Three Musketeers mentality, though, is there has to be a One for All aspect. This is where I find Managers, Leads, and Executives have an opportunity. In your position, you have the ability to provide a productive, comfortable, and satisfying environment for your team. What does this mean? Setup one on ones with individuals to get their personal view of how their workload is, are they getting the guidance they need, are they being given opportunities to advance or gain knowledge, what is their view of the company, what information would they like to get regularly, and so forth. Engaging with individuals is how the One for All can be achieved. Team events or activities are another way which builds healthy competition and further awareness of individual personalities and strengths. Ever take your team to Indoor Go-Kart racing? Team dinner preparation? Bowling? All encourage team building, interaction, and overall “One for All” fun.

Thanks to all of our customers that give us (or me directly) feedback on how our team performs to meet and exceed your requirements and needs in the world of PSA. I often get the question of “where did you find this person?” and my answer varies depending on the individual but honestly, it’s not how you find them – it’s how you work with them to build that excellent “All for One and One for All” attitude!

This module contains one case study and six activities that provide a framework for effective execution, which is the centerpiece of the bottom layer of The Consulting Skills Pyramid. Accomplishing objectives is the first and most visible element of a consulting team’s performance. The 90-minute self-paced session is ideal for groups of four to six team members and includes:

• Pre-Briefing to introduce the concept of workmap-based collaborative learning and ensure that all participants understand what is expected of them. This type of training is enhanced by active participation from all students.
• Project Cycle definition including standard phases and the Deliverables and Key Skills required to complete each phase.
• Task Execution Cycle, which includes a detailed, consultative process for completing tasks efficiently and effectively and a Symptom-Diagnosis exercise which teaches the consequences of skipping key steps when getting things done.
• Collaboration Cycle, which teaches the key elements of consultative collaboration combined with a Symptom-Diagnosis exercise which teaches the consequences of skipping key steps when working as a team.
• Debriefing to review lessons learned, reinforce core concepts and encourage participants to incorporate the lessons learned into their daily routine.

The Accomplish Objectives module is designed for 4-6 people to work together to complete several exercises.  Each kit includes one poster-size workmap, case study game pieces, handout packets for each participant to keep and the Training Guide, which contains step-by-step instructions for each of the training exercises and discussion questions to facilitate group learning. Participants apply their varied backgrounds and experiences to reinforce learning as the training progresses.

Prerequisites: None

Time: 1.5 hours

<<-- Return to Consulting Skills Training

Next Module: Establish Strategic Relationships –>>

• Pre-Briefing to reinforce the concept of workmap-based collaborative learning, introduce the topic and emphasize the importance of relationships in consulting.
• Workmap Scenario, which describes the case study to be used for all activities in this workmap.
• Identify Key Players - The team must determine, with limited information, which team members are critical to the success of the project.
• Determine priorities, objectives and “The One Thing” that you must do to establish an effective relationship with each Key Player.
• The Conflict Roadmap provides a tool for resolving (and preventing future) conflict and allows the participants to gain practical experience using it.
• Extend Your Network encourages participants to think beyond their own immediate circle for opportunities to expand their sphere of influence.
• Debriefing to review lessons learned, reinforce core concepts and allow participants to share experiences related to the topic.

The Establish Strategic Relationships module is designed for 4-6 people to work together to complete the exercises.  Each kit includes one poster-size workmap, case study game pieces, handout packets for each participant to keep and the Training Guide, which contains step-by-step instructions for each of the training exercises and discussion questions to facilitate group learning. Participants apply their varied backgrounds and experiences to reinforce learning as the training progresses.

Prerequisites: Accomplish Objectives

Time: 2 hours

<<-- Previous Module: Accomplish Objectives

Next Module: Accelerate Your Influence –>>

Participants will learn four types of influence, which provides a framework for defining how to gain influence in any area.  Each participant discovers which types of influence already may be effective for them and where they need to gain and practice new skills. Then they formulate an action plan, based on their position, experience, strengths and weaknesses, for expanding their influence.

Make your consultants your best salespeople. This module is highly effective in helping consulting teams and individuals build credibility and take appropriate steps to routinely find additional opportunities within client organizations.

Prerequistes:  Accomplish Objectives; Establish Strategic Relationships
Time: 1 hour