Tag Archives: appreciative inquiry

Webinar FAQs

Webinar FAQs

What happens after I register?

You will begin to receive confirmation and important information. Prior to the webinar you will receive a welcome letter providing you with your login and password information.

What is the Company of Experts’ refund policy?

All programs – face 2 face, online, webinar, and hybrid (referred to as training in this refund policy) All fees are due upon registration.  Your full participation is very important to us and we know that from time to time, your plans to attend one of our workshops or programs may change.  Our refund policy reflects our interest in your continued growth and learning journey as well as our planning needs and expenses incurred based on your enrollment. For more information about our Refund Policy, please click here.

Does the Company of Experts sell or share my information?

Company of Experts does not sell nor share information gathered at its Web Site to any third party outside of the provider network to which it belongs. By using this Site, or by joining our e-mail distribution list, you are not identifying nor disclosing your affiliation with us, our partners, or anyone. For more information about our Privacy Policy, click here.

Are there terms and conditions I should be aware of?

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS WEBSITE. All users of this site agree that access to and use of this site are subject to the following terms and conditions and other applicable law. If you do not agree to these terms and conditions, please do not use this site. To read the complete list of Company of Experts’ terms and conditions, please click here.

What is your policy for withdrawing from an event?

If you pay for a event and it is canceled prior to the start of the webinar or training, you will automatically be registered in the next webinar or training with the same title; or you may apply your funds towards another workshop or webinar that we offer. However, if you request a refund, we will deduct a fee to cover the registration and credit card handling fees. If you paid your registration and are unable to attend the specific workshop, we will make every attempt to accommodate you in another workshop based on space availability.

Do I need to purchase anything priot to the webinar?

Everything you need for the webinar will typically be included in the listed event price. If other materials are important to the learning outcomes for this webinar, you will have that information prior to registration. You don’t need to purchase any special software to participate in the webinar. Once you have  completed registration, you will receive your login and password information.

What if I have a concern or question about the webinar?

Our attention to your needs has kept us in this business for twenty years. We want to hear from you, call (702) 228-4699 or email Kathy@companyofexperts.net.  At the time of registration, you will be provided information with contact information for content, schedule, technical or other questions related to the specific webinar that you are enrolled in.

What are the system requirements?

• A separate telephone line for the audio or a sound card and speakers.
• JavaScript and cookies need to be enabled.
• A 56Kbps Internet connection or better.
• Windows Users – Internet Explorer 6/7, Firefox 2, Mozilla 1.7+, Netscape 8.1 or higher.
• Mac Users – Firefox 2, Safari 3.0 (Mac OS 10.4,10.5), Safari 2.0 (Mac OS 10.4) Safari 1.3 (Mac OS 10.3).
• Linux Users – Firefox 2, Mozilla 1.7 or higher.

NOTE: The WebEx plug-in will not install if your browser has high security settings or you do not have administrative rights on your PC

Can I test my system prior to the webinar?

Yes you have the option to test your system to see if it is ready to attend a webinar. To test your system, please try joining a test meeting at: http://www.webex.com/lp/jointest/

Do I need a login to attend a webinar?

Yes you need a login to participate in the webinar. In order to receive a login for the webinar, you must register and pay for the event in full. After the event is paid in full, you will be emailed the login and password information to the webinar. On the day of the event, follow these steps:
• Click on the event link from your reminder email.
• Enter your name, email address, and password.
• Click the Join button.
• Follow the instructions in the dialog box to join teleconference / audio.

When should I log in to attend the webinar?

All events start on time. Please join at least 10 minutes prior to the start time, so you don’t miss any of the presentation.

Why is the “Join Now” button not activated?

The Join Now button will be active once the host starts the event. (Approximately 10 min before start time).

I registered for the event but I am unable to join?

You should disable all pop-up blockers – even those included with any Internet browser toolbars you have installed on your computer. Once you’ve disabled your pop-up blockers, try joining the event again. Before you get into the event, you will see a page on your screen with “One Moment Please…”. Do not close that page or refresh your browser when that screen is present.

The presentation being shown does not fit in my screen?

Please set your screen resolution to 1024 x 768 pixels.

Appreciative Coaching

Appreciative coaching is different than other coaching and mentoring offerings. Appreciative coaching is deeply rooted in the principles of Appreciative Inquiry. It focuses on what has and is working in your professional and personal lives and is designed to capitalize on an individual, group, or organization’s strengths – generating positive changes in performance, professional development, and organizational leadership.

During appreciative coaching sessions, problems are acknowledged, but are used only as tools for learning. Appreciative coaching takes the best and helps make it better by expanding people’s capacity to perform and by channeling their abilities for the greatest impact. This approach to coaching will take the client from good to great because it fosters personal transformation through innate talent and inherent strength, increasing the likelihood of producing longer lasting results quickly.

Appreciative coaching is a shared experience between the coach and the client. Together, the coach and the client collaborate to build a design for the future, develop strategies, and construct supporting actions for success. The relationship formed between the coach and the client is one of discovery. By intensely listening, asking unconditionally positive questions, and offering sincere encouragement, the coach facilitates the process for the client to unearth their own answers and to take responsibility for acting on them. By increasing the client’s self-awareness, they will understand how to better employ their strengths. Appreciative Coaching is the truest form of empowerment.

Appreciative Coaching is useful for: Leaders in business and corporations, community development, educational organizations, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Interested in receiving Appreciative Coaching?

Please fill out the information below and we will contact you to schedule your Appreciative Coaching session.
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Ask an Expert

Real People, Real Answers

Get answers to your important questions with the help of our Experts on Call! The Company of Experts hosts a series of webinars and telephone conferences that connects you with industry experts who can answer questions on a wide variety of relevant and specialized topics. Each webinar will feature a new Expert on Call – offering new insights and perspectives to your questions. Experts on Call are selected based on their unique background and expertise.

Established in 1989, Company of Experts, Inc. is an international network of people with outstanding expertise in numerous areas. This network of individuals service the needs of community colleges, schools and universities, businesses and corporations, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations.

The Company of Experts’ “Ask an Expert” program was created to provide our friends with an interactive space in which they can freely and openly ask questions. It is our commitment to fostering a comfortable and relaxed online space to share information, wisdom, and expertise ensures that you will get the right answer to your questions. The webinars/phone conferences are low cost, with fees charged to cover costs to support technology, and support.

What topics or questions would you most like to explore during an Ask an Expert session? Your curiosity and questions help to enhance the dialogue and learning for all those involved. Kindly send your topic of interest to Kathy at Kathy@CompanyofExperts.net, call the office at (702) 228-4699, or submit your question below.

Ask our Experts a question today:

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Referral Program

Being a friend of the Company of Experts has its rewards- like getting credit towards any of our renowned workshops, trainings, and webinars just for referring your friends, family, and coworkers! In fact, every time you refer a friend who participates in an event – regardless if it is an on-site training, online workshop, or webinar – you will receive a credit equal to 10% of the event price that may be applied toward any event of your choice. For example, refer a friend who then registers for an AIFT at $1,100 – you will receive a credit for $110 dollars that can be applied to any event held by the Company of Experts or any of its affiliate companies.

To receive the credit, your friend must list your full name when registering for the event. After registration is paid in full, you will receive an email containing the amount of credit earned to date. There is no limit to the amount of credit you can receive. The credit earned cannot be redeemed for cash.

If you have questions about our “Refer a Friend” program, please read our “Refer a Friend” FAQs or contact our office at (702) 228-4699.

CNAQ Strategic Planning Phase 1


Description:
Second video produced by CNA Qatar – using appreciative inquiry to help develop their institution’s 5 year strategic plan.

Maria Schnell

Maria C. Schnell, M.A. has been certified by Company of Experts as an Appreciate Inquiry Facilitator, and has built her practice on creating revolutionary change for Individuals and Organizations. Maria carries an M.A and B.A. in Organizational Communication with an emphasis in the areas of Leadership and Speech Education from the University of Colorado. This background combined with her exceptional experience allows Maria to assist with a variety of change initiatives for you or your organization.

A top-notch trainer with over 10 years of success in speaking, training and organizational development, Maria has mastered the Secrets to creating a life-changing, lucrative corporation.

An expert in interpersonal communication & personal/professional development and a mastermind in program design and facilitation, Maria delights her audiences with her unique blend of humor and insight, openness and sincerity, and complete generosity of self.

Maria exudes passion, and executes facilitation of change with experience and implementation of individualized sustainable programs. Maria is diverse in background; organizational communication, diversity training, leadership training, sales and development, profitability training, and individual development (just to name a few). Clients included in Maria’s repertoire; lia Sophia Jewelry, Goodwill Inc., United First Financial, and the BDCC.  Maria’s skilled performance fulfills clients need and executes transformation.

As an Expert on Call, Maria strives to pursue the mission of the Company of Experts. Maria creates a learning environment that is open, respectful and focused to ensure that your desired result is accomplished.  The opportunity to work with Maria will offer you and your organization tools to immediately use each day in your business.

As a Facilitator of Change, Maria seeks to inspire organizations to thrive through encouraging action and execution of transformation.

Hire this Expert>

Specialties:

  • Appreciative Inquiry
  • Change Management
  • Collaborative Learning
  • Conflict Transformation
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Customized Training
  • Gay and Lesbian Issues
  • High-Impact Strategic Planning
  • Interpersonal Relationships
  • Keynote Speaking
  • Leadership Development
  • Marketing
  • Online Education
  • Oral Communications
  • Professional Development
  • Program Development
  • Project Management
  • Team Development
  • Transformational Leadership
  • Women in Leadership
Bill McGinnisBill McGinnis has had a long and varied career in higher education, including management, trusteeship, and consulting and training. Bill has been certified by Company of Experts.net as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator.

From 1989 to 2003, he served as an assistant to the vice president for strategic planning, accountability and property procurement; and director of facilities management and services in the California State University system. He also taught political science, served on a system-wide quality improvement planning committee and as a system-wide facilities management coordinator.

Bill served as a California community college trustee from 1992 to the present, with terms as clerk, vice president, and president. He also served on the California Community College Trustees (CCCT) board since 1997 to the present, with terms as vice president and president, and on the advisory committee on legislation and finance.

In addition to his community college and university work, Bill worked as a local government manager from 1973 through 1985: city administrator, city manager, chief administrative officer, and personnel director in California, Oregon, and Florida.

From 1970 through 1975, Bill worked in the private sector as a legislative analyst for California State Employees Association (CSEA) and as an account executive.

Bill has made major presentations for university student groups; community college new student trustees; community college trusteeship and management; community college effectiveness; and effective trustee practices. He has facilitated training sessions on a variety of topics, including: Knowing – Doing Gap, Turning Knowledge into Action; Balanced Scorecard & Strategy Development; Parking Analysis of CSU; Balanced Scorecard for CSU; Measuring Success for Business & Finance; Development of Employee Strategic Goals; Growth Analysis for CSU; Balanced Scorecard for Butte Community College; Integrating Quality Improvement with Strategic Planning and Accreditation for CSU; Gift Receipting Process Mapping Project & Analysis; Balanced Scorecard in City Government; Outlook for Future California State Budgets; Results Based Leadership; Performance Measuring Seminar; Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats Analysis for CSU; FISH! and FISH! Sticks– Employee Development & Motivation; Leading Change; First Break All the Rules, Improving Employee Performance; Demonstration of PB Views Software for Performance Measuring ; Employee Climate Survey Presentation; Preventing Employee Burnout; Hidden Values: How Extra-Ordinary Companies Succeed with Ordinary People; Employee Motivation & Strategic Planning (Russian-American Business Training Center, Sakhalin Island); Community College Trustee Retreats and Board Development of Long Term Goals.

Bill earned a Master of Arts degree in public administration from the University of West Florida, and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Midwestern College in Iowa. Bill holds credentials to teach public service administration and to be a supervisor in the California community colleges,

Specialties:

  • Board Training and Development
  • Change management
  • Core Values
  • Customer Service
  • Decision Making
  • Facilities Planning
  • Goal setting
  • High-impact Strategic Planning
  • High Performing Teams
  • Institutional Effectiveness
  • Leadership Development
  • Mission
  • Priority Setting
  • Seven habits of Highly Effective People
  • Process Improvement
  • Quality Improvement
  • Shared Governance
  • Strategic Planning
  • Trustee Training and Development
  • Trustee/CEO relationships
  • Visioning and Futuring

Keeping your Pets Safe on Halloween

Hallie, Company of Experts' #1 fan, showing off her Halloween costume

Attention all pet owners! Halloween is just around the corner which means strange people wearing costumes, loud noises, lit candles, candy and candy wrappers, in addition to other temptations. While Halloween may be a fun time you and your loved ones, the change in routine, decorations, and smells can often stress out our little furry friends. As avid animal lovers, the Company of Experts’ staff would like to share some tips that can help avoid injury, reduce stress experienced by your pet, and ultimately keep your pets safe.

  1. Noises: Halloween is full of loud noises. Your doorbell is constantly ringing with trick-or-treaters, who are laughing and screaming with excitement, that can frighten your pet. It is suggested that all family pets are kept inside a quiet room within the house, during trick-or-treating hours, where they are insulated from the Halloween commotion. Equip this room with food, water, toys, and a litter box, if applicable. Check in on your pets throughout the night and let them know that everything is fine and reward them for their good behavior.
  2. Walk early: If you have a daily routine of walking your pet, make sure to walk your pet before it gets too dark, and before the trick-or-treaters are out in full force. Some kids may already by trick-or-treating, make sure to keep a firm grip on your pet’s leash as many dogs are frightened by people in costumes.
  3. Strange people in costumes: People of all ages have fun dressing up in costumes, however to your dog or cat, they may not look like people at all. Consequently, your dog or cat may react with fear or aggression if approached by a child or adult in a costume (one more reason to leave your pet home and indoors on Halloween night). Even the friendliest dog can snap at strangers if scared or provoked. Protect everybody’s safety by leaving pets at home. However, if you do decide to take your dog out on Halloween, keep your dog on a shorter-then-normal leash with a firm grip.
  4. Pet Costumes: If you do decide to dress up your pet, make sure its costume is not constricting, annoying, or unsafe. Your pet’s costume should not impede your pet’s ability to move, see, hear, breath, bark or meow. Examine your pet’s costume carefully to make sure it does not have small, dangling, or easily chewed off pieces that your pet can choke on. Have your pet try on their costume before the  big night. If your pet seems distressed, irritated or demonstrates allergic behavior, remove the costume immediately. Do not force your pet to wear a costume if it demonstrates discomfort. Undue stress and discomfort can cause aggression in even the nicest pet.
  5. Trick-NO-Treats: No matter how much your pet begs for a piece of candy, the bowl full of candy is only for trick-or-treaters. Explain to everyone in your home (including children) how dangerous candy, especially chocolate, are to pets. For younger children, take their Halloween candy supply put it somewhere out of reach of pets. According to the ASPCA:
    1. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for dogs and cats. Symptoms of significant chocolate ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination and heart rate—and even seizures.
    2. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can be poisonous to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol sweetener can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, which leads to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. In cases of significantly low blood sugar, liver failure has been known to occur.
  6. Pick up the evidence: After enjoying some Halloween candy, it is important that you dispose of candy wrappers before your pets get to them. Make sure your pet can’t get into the trash. Swallowing tin foil or cellophane candy wrappers can be as harmful as the candy – potentially causing your pet to choke or experience intestinal blockage.
  7. Pumpkins: It is fun to adorn the house and yard with festive decorations such as pumpkins and corn. These popular holiday plants are considered to be relatively nontoxic to your pets; however, caution should still be exerted. Pumpkins and corn can produce gastrointestinal upset should your pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage can also occur if large pieces/portions are swallowed.
  8. Candles: While a jack-o-lantern is festive, it is important that you exercise extreme caution when choosing to add a candle. Animals are curious by nature and often investigate items that intrigue them. Lit candles left burning in pumpkins or decorative holders can be easily knocked over; burning your pet’s paw, wing, or tail on the flame. Animals should be watched around candles during Halloween and anytime of the year.
  9. Mischief Brews: It is suggested that you do not leave pets outside on Halloween night. Many animal welfare groups warn that pranksters will tease or abduct pets, some may even try to hurt your animals. Animal abuse happens everyday but kids are out playing tricks in full force on Halloween night, so be aware. Again, it is suggested to keep all animals indoors on Halloween night, if possible, to eliminate any chance of this.
  10. Update ID Tags: It is better to be safe than sorry. Whether you are letting your pet go out on Halloween or not, make sure they are wearing an up-to-date I.D. tag. If for any reason your pet escapes or becomes lost, a collar, tag and/or a microchip can increase the chances that your pet will be returned to you.

Fun Halloween Word Search

This word search features a variety of words associated with Halloween. There are 33 words to find. Play alone or with loved ones ~ Happy Halloween from the Company of Experts’ staff.

To Play:

  1. When you find a word, click on the first letter and then the last letter of the word you found.
  2. The word will highlight and flash red if it is an incorrect answer.
  3. If you correctly found the word, it will flash green and the word will be crossed off.
  4. Continue until all words have been found.
Make Your Own Word Search