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For the last two years, she has helped staff at the Ministry of Planning and Development Cooperation in Baghdad, Iraq enhance their management skills and understanding of the global economy. She facilitated an Appreciative Inquiry with ministry staff during which the group drafted a preposterous proposition which expressed their dream for collaborative teamwork and a democratic, flat organizational structure. The group made serious individual and group commitments to achieving their proposition. Randal also taught course in cross-cultural communication and protocol for ten ministries in Iraq. She is now serving as Chief of Party on another project in Baghdad, responsible for monitoring and evaluating the US government project portfolio and conducting sector studies to support their future strategy. Randal has been a keynote speaker at several conferences, including the first and second International Women’s Conferences held in Romania in 1998 and 1999. She delights in inspiring her audiences to see their potential to achieve their dreams and work together on common opportunities to change their personal and social worlds. She combines humor with serious calls to action. She is particularly interested in helping organizations change creatively through the application of appreciative approaches. She is President and CEO of an organizational development consulting company in Reno, Nevada, “Getting to Excellence.” Randal works with government, private sector, and non-profit organizations as well a common interest groups. She especially enjoys working with women’s groups and organizations. She also delivers training in international development and how to effectively work in a globalized economy and cross-cultural communication. Randal has her BA in Philosophy from the University of California at Berkeley; her MA in Philosophy and MBA from the University of Chicago; and her MA in Biblical Exposition from Capital Bible Seminary. She also has a Certificate in Organizational Development Consulting from Georgetown University and a Certificate in French Civilization from the Sorbonne. She has been certified by Company of Experts as an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator. |
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Tag Archives: ldi
For over thiry years, Randal Joy Thompson has expressed her passion for helping people around the world achieve their dreams through a career in international development. She has advised senior government officials on key policy changes, assisted local non-governmental organizations establish themselves, organized interest group coalitions, and worked in small rural villages and large urban centers on a variety of development challenges in India, Cameroon, Morocco, Nicaragua, Mongolia, Romania, Ukraine, Kenya, Albania, Bulgaria, and Bolivia.New Department Chair – You’ve Got the Stuff!
A quick Google search and I found many hits for department chair. Most of these “hits” were job descriptions from a number of colleges and universities. Most start job descriptions include the statement. “The position of Chair is important and one of the most difficult in any college environment.” If you are a Department Chair this is no surprise.
Some chairs are elected and others appointed and the job comes with built in term limits. What is certain is that many are unprepared for the move from greatest educator in the classroom to the new role of go between.
Reading some of the job descriptions is like reading the script for a CBS show titled CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Only a forensic sleuth could wind their way through these job descriptions and know how it happened and who did it before big reveal.
The Chair position is one of great importance and sounds impressive to the lay person. To the Chair, it is a personal journey of participation and excitement as well as the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Neither faculty nor management, the department chairs that I have known usually share the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Our new Show DCI: Department Chair Institute
Solving the impossible
Scene of the Crime
Our gullible and innocent faculty member is either selected or elected to the position of Department Chair. The DC is an honor as the faculty member is recognized and respected by their peers and the college leadership. This is a spring rite of passage for the new chair. They are welcomed into the new position. Their friends and family are so excited that they have been recognized for their hard work. It is a glorious time of excitement for the New Year. As graduation fades and the faculty begin their summer journey, the new chair realizes that summer for them is no longer a time of renewal, of travel, no opportunity to learn, to research or to write. This is the time for scheduling classes, hiring faculty, and there is usually a budget to begin to understand and maybe, just maybe program review or accreditation responsibilities.
The Investigation Begins
From an actual job description found on the web “The Dean ….will listen sympathetically to suggestions about such [training] opportunities. This is a major shift in the drama. The new chair isn’t automatically provided training to do their job? How, What and Who?
From the start, this DC will identify the evidence at the scene of the crime (no budget), hit the high tech lab (also known as business services) and apply the most scientific techniques used today by DC’s to crack this case also known as building a team. This is definitely for someone who likes to learn on the job.
- Communication
- Motivation
- Hiring Faculty
- Managing Time
The Finale
I will admit that I have never been a chair but I have worked with Department Chairs for nearly 30 years. My knowledge comes from these department chairs as well as those who have attended the Department Chair Institute. All good employees who wanted to do a service for the college.
Managing Professional Relationships at Work
Title: Managing Professional Relationships at Work
Location: Online Workshop
Date: January 11 – 29, 2009
Register: Click here
Description: Do you have a mix of all four styles going on your at your workplace? For example, a co-worker may appreciate the data. Your annual proposal has 25 pages, but that may not be enough information. Other co-workers may want you to get to the bottom line – Yesterday. Or you may work with someone who values an unhurried appointment with a focus on close relationships and peace, and perhaps someone else will want a fast pace with plenty of interaction and please do not be boring!
The good news is you can improve upon your relationship building skills. You can begin to understand the techniques but the real learning is OTJ (on the job)—practice in real-life with ongoing learning, coaching and feedback. Boosting your relationships, along with learning your style and comfort zone leads to improved professional relationships yielding a significant ROI! Learn More>
Strategic Planning with Appreciative Inquiry for Colleges and Universities – Webinar
Webinar: Strategic Planning with Appreciative Inquiry for Colleges and Universities
Location: Webinar – Online
Date: November 12, 2009
Start Time: 2:00 PM (EST)
Register Now: Click here
Description: Appreciative Inquiry is an approach to planning and positive change that has been used successfully in colleges, communities and organizations all around the world. It is broad-based, highly participative, and energizing. It builds new skills in faculty and staff, develops new leaders, encourages a culture of inquiry, and helps create shared vision and purpose for your college by building on your core values and strengths. Perhaps most importantly-it leades to action, commitment, and results. Learn More>
Website: Center for Appreciative Inquiry
Intro to Ai
Title: Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry (Ai)
Location: Canyons Center in Summerlin, NV
Website: Click here
Download Brochure: Intro To Ai Brochure
Description: Appreciative Inquiry (Ai) us ab approach to positive change that has been used successfully in communities and organizations all around the world. It is based on the simple idea that people and organizations move in the direction of what they ask questions about. Ai is a whole human systems approach to relationship and community building.
Learn a new approach to creating positive change in your professional and personal relationships. This short introduction to Appreciative Inquiry will show you the power you gain by asking unconditionally positive questions.
If you would like more information about this workshop or would like to register, email Kathy at Kathy@companyofexperts.net
Date: October 13, 2009
Start Time: 5:00 PM
End Time: 6:00 PM
Intro to Ai
Title: Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry (Ai)
Location: Canyons Center in Summerlin, NV
Website: Click here
Download Brochure: Intro To Ai Brochure
Description: Appreciative Inquiry (Ai) us ab approach to positive change that has been used successfully in communities and organizations all around the world. It is based on the simple idea that people and organizations move in the direction of what they ask questions about. Ai is a whole human systems approach to relationship and community building.
Learn a new approach to creating positive change in your professional and personal relationships. This short introduction to Appreciative Inquiry will show you the power you gain by asking unconditionally positive questions.
If you would like more information about this workshop or would like to register, email Kathy at Kathy@companyofexperts.net
Date: November 10, 2009
Start Time: 5:00 PM
End Time: 6:00 PM
Intro to Ai
Title: Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry (Ai)
Location: Canyons Center in Summerlin, NV
Website: Click here
Download Brochure: Intro To Ai Brochure
Description: Appreciative Inquiry (Ai) us ab approach to positive change that has been used successfully in communities and organizations all around the world. It is based on the simple idea that people and organizations move in the direction of what they ask questions about. Ai is a whole human systems approach to relationship and community building.
Learn a new approach to creating positive change in your professional and personal relationships. This short introduction to Appreciative Inquiry will show you the power you gain by asking unconditionally positive questions.
If you would like more information about this workshop or would like to register, email Kathy at Kathy@companyofexperts.net
Date: September 15, 2009
Start Time: 5:00 PM
End Time: 6:00 PM
Ellen Grondine
Ellen Grondine is the Dean of Law, Education and Social Professions at Northern Essex Community College in Lawrence and Haverhill, Massachusetts. She has also held administrative positions in the K-12 public education arena specifically related to curriculum and instruction and has extensive teaching experience in both early childhood and special education. Ellen is an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator, a Process Management Trainer and a member of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) team of trainers. Her expertise in strengths based team building, her understanding of tools for critical analysis, and her work in building effective inter-group coalitions have been instrumental in academic and strategic planning, divisional training and goal setting, and her community outreach efforts on behalf of the college. She has facilitated collaborations among the college and veteran’s service agencies, community partnership councils and public school settings by providing workshops, program development and resources. Her work within the K-12 setting also includes the design and implementation of Appreciative Inquiry teacher training as a means of strengthening parent-teacher relationships and facilitating communication among public school administration and community members. Ellen earned a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University in Cambridge, and a Bachelor of Science from Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts. |
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Strategic Planning with Appreciative Inquiry for Colleges & Universities
Overview:Appreciative Inquiry is an approach to planning and positive change that has been used successfully in colleges, communities and organizations all around the world. It is broad-based, highly participative, and energizing. It builds new skills in faculty and staff, develops new leaders, encourages a culture of inquiry, and helps create shared vision and purpose for your college by building on your core values and strengths. Perhaps most importantly-it leads to action, commitment, and results. Designed For:College presidents, executive teams, planning committees, and Ai Consultants who work with colleges and other public agencies. Learning Outcomes:Developing Your College’s Next Strategic Plan with Appreciative Inquiry will provide college executives, executive teams, and planning committees an overview of how Appreciative Inquiry works and answer key questions:
Outline:
Materials Required:
Additional Information:To learn more about the price, availability, or to register for this webinar, please click here Space is limited, guarantee yourself a spot today! |
Success Stories/Case Studies
The documents found below are just a few of the practicums that have been submitted by individuals who have undergone our 4-day Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT) program. We celebrate in their achievements and enjoy learning how Appreciative Inquiry has influenced their lives – personally and professionally. We are so appreciative of the clients we serve and the joy they bring to our work. New stories are posted frequently, so check back often to see what new stories have been posted. Enjoy!
Bermuda College – Strategic Planning Using AI |
Kirtland Community College – Strategic Planning Using AI |
 Company of Experts Anniversary Collection |
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Inspiring Parents and Teachers to Collaborate in Developing Dynamic, Strengths-Based Relationships |
Delta College – Appreciative Inquiry (Ai) in the Classroom |
Exceptional Classroom Learning Experiences: Breaking Down Language Barriers |
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Taking a Stand Against Corruption in the Red Zone with Appreciative Inquiry |
Developing the Meaning and Value of Institutional Research |
Using Appreciative Inquiry to Re-Imagine our College Strategy |
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Networking for a Mission: A Special Gathering of Notre Dame Educators |
Building Capacity for Quality Improvement at Southeast Inc. |
Coming Together: Envisioning the Future of Communication at the Univ. of MD |
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Creating Patient Centered Care through Inquiry |
 Appreciative Inquiry at College of the North Atlantic – Qatar |
 Appreciative Inquiry at UNIMA South Africa |
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 Providing comprehensive behavioral healthcare at Southeast, Inc. |
 Creating Revolutionary Change through the process of Appreciative Inquiry |
 Becoming the Most Frequented Restaurant through Extraordinary Hospitality & Culinary Excellence |
Creating a Vibrant Learning Group Conducive to Transformation and Growth |
 Creating a Compelling Image of the Future |
 Being Our Best Together |
 Discovering You at Your Best Using Appreciative Inquiry |
 Exploring a Relationships using Appreciative Inquiry |
 Empowering Off-Campus Students by Providing Opportunities that Enhance their College Experience |
 Appreciative Inquiry into Math Success Factors |
 Incorporating Interprofessional Education (IPE) into the Health Sciences Programs |
 Building Organizational Capacity: Moving Adjunct Experience from “Good” to “Great” |
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