facilitate

Facilitation can make or break a meeting. Good facilitation is contextual—it suits the conversation, the people, the organizational culture and the outcomes. Well-designed, thoughtful and provocative conversations are necessary, especially when the discussions to be had are big and hairy, demand an enterprising approach or help people build the communications and leadership competencies they need to make their work more productive, easier and enjoyable.

engage

We are wiser and make better decisions when we pool our expertise and ideas. Evidence tells us that teams are more satisfied and organizations are stronger when people are involved in decisions and solutions that impact them. There are consequences when people are not engaged—productivity, loyalty and joy are compromised. Engagement is essential—and rarely easy. But it’s worth it.

plan

Priorities are best known and advanced when there is a plan in place that creates line of sight from strategy to action, from an organization’s vision to an individual’s contribution to that vision. The path ahead becomes obvious when we take the time to plan well—consulting appropriately, knowing best practice and trends, understanding organizational culture, building from a place of strength, creating solutions and focusing on results.

communicate

Communication is mission-critical to building trust. Open, effective communication must be deliberate and purposeful, especially amongst teams and within organizations. How organizations communicate reflect and amplify their values, priorities and culture—to everyone inside and outside the organization. Communication plans build on strategy, using analysis and creativity to develop targeted tactics that change perceptions, impact behaviour and urge action.

seeing clearly

I sat in various spots on this bus in Karachi, each time peering out the window to gauge the traffic flow ahead. And, each time, I found myself bobbing up and down, leaning side to side in an effort to be able to properly see out the window. Yet, the driver was forging full steam ahead, apparently able to see just fine. Many of our front windows are cluttered, making it hard for those in our circles of influence to see clearly. Consultation and planning help wipe away the jumble, instead, drawing lines of sight that bring clarity and action.