My Values and Approach

Partnership and results: The client and I are partners in the success of the process. My role is to create situations that allow the knowledge and instincts of the people involved to shine through. I help my clients discover the right amount of “stretch” for them, so they can stay clear about where they’re headed, yet be open to breakthrough possibilities.

Appreciative and constructive: I start by seeking to understand and appreciate what’s already happening in an organization. Instead of focusing on problems and deficits, I look for the strengths and opportunities. While important issues can’t be ignored or glossed over, we focus on what we can build.

Inclusiveness and ownership: When organizations seek to make big changes, they should strive to include as many of the people who’ll be affected by the changes as practicable. This enables them to get the best thinking from as many stakeholders as possible. In addition, people who’ve been involved in the process are more likely to want to see it successfully implemented.

Stakeholders hold the answers: The people who have a stake in the situation are likely to have the most expertise and the best answers. My primary role is to help the stakeholders contribute their finest ideas. I’m not the “expert” who’s there to tell the organization where it should go or what it should do, but I do add my insights whenever it’s appropriate.

Dynamic and engaging sessions: When I facilitate a session, I strive to make it as dynamic, participatory, and engaging as possible, because that helps bring out the participants’ best thinking.

Structured and responsive: If an organization is seeking to make a big change, it should follow a well-structured process, yet be responsive to whatever’s happening on the ground. I try to model that as a consultant.