STYLES OF MANAGEMENT and SUPERVISION

STRATEGIC PLANNING

TEAM BUILDING

SELF-AWARENESS

COMMUNICATION

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

STRESS MANAGEMENT

STYLES OF MANAGEMENT and SUPERVISION
Most people assume that if there is a problem in the interaction with another, it is simply because that other person is "bad" in some way. We are forced to that notion, and hampered by it in our dealings because we begin with the earlier presumption that if there are problems, SOMEONE is bad, and it better be the other person. The real fact is that each of us has a definite "style" and often that has a lot to do with the differences we encounter with others. Ask yourself this question:  "Have you ever been mis-managed?"  And after you answer that, then respond to this, "Did that person who mismanaged you do so on purpose?"  Probably not.  Such problems can be minimized or even eliminated with appropriate understanding of different styles and the willingness to learn appropriate adaptation to another person with a different style.  This seminar will use modern pen/paper as well as computer assisted instruments to look at styles and how we use them effectively.

     
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Planning is essential for all organizations -- large and small -- profit and non-profit -- public and private.  Far too often an organization or company on does "planning" that seems much like "wishing."  STRATEGIC PLANNING is using a process to MAKE SURE the outcomes will be as you want.  It is turning the "wishing" into EXPECTATION.  Of course, this is a unique process for any organization, but we do have a basic outline that is useful in looking at this subject.  You can see it at this link.  The planning process does take time, but we would first visit with you to help determine what the needs are, and then we would design an approach together that would lead us to the best planning for your organization. 

    
TEAM BUILDING
Our format can be a talk, workshop, seminar or even staff retreat. We will look at the developmental phases of development of a team: Testing, Conflict, Organization, Maturity. Any "Team" is indeed a group, but NO group becomes a "Team" without serious and conscious effort to approach that task seriously and effectively. Teamwork is more essential in these days than ever before. The core to a team working well is found in the team's ability to be safe enough, responsive enough, and close enough to meet the needs of the participants. We will look at what that takes and the normal barriers that need to be overcome. This is an essential process for any type of group that intends to work together toward shared goals.

     
SELF-AWARENESS
We live with our "self" all of our lives. Nonetheless, in some ways, even other people may know "me" better than I do. Although it may on the surface sound very "selfish," we need to invest more in the study of "me" so we can become effective in getting needs met in legitimate ways. Interaction with other people can never improve in many ways until we know who "I" really am. It is necessary to clear away conflicting and confusing messages about our "self" and come to appreciate the positive core that is in the middle, and how it can be expressed and fulfilled. Although our behaviors may indeed be undesirable and cause problems, our inner needs are all good. Too often, we believe the battle is with our "self" when it is with our chosen efforts to deal with what is inside. We help you appreciate yourself, so you have the ability to get beyond self in rewarding, interaction with people, job and life.

     
COMMUNICATION
There is nothing more basic to human life than "communication." The ability to communicate is granted by birth, but skills to do it well, intentionally and effectively only come with practice and awareness. We use several different models - such as FIRO, DISC, Alive and Aware - to bring awareness and new skills. Whether you are a couple, a small group, a nonprofit organization, a business, a governmental agency or an educational institution, you NEED to study this vital area. We are able to work within your time and content requests to provide either a talk, a workshop, a seminar or a retreat in order to deal with this vital topic.

        
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Conflict is not only inevitable, it is desirable. It is a natural outgrowth of "difference", which is the very life and potential of an organization. Organizations and relationships that try to prevent all conflict, or deny its presence, are doomed to stresses that will prevent productive growth. We will help any system of people to understand conflict, come to make it a friend rather than something feared, and learn better ways of resolving differences. We will look at three categories and nine strategies used for resolution and the effectiveness of each. Safe and calm interactive exercises will be used to demonstrate and lead to a greater appreciation.

       
STRESS MANAGEMENT
Stress is something common to most people these days. We will help you look at how stress is more greatly stimulated these days by all the change that is going on in our lives. The subject of stress can be approached many ways, and this creative new approach looks at change in our world and asks how we are, and can be, dealing with it. We will look at the difference in stress and distress. Experiential activities will include inventories for identifying stress; the tendency to seek stress; review of behaviors related to stress; and ways to reduce stress.