“As our facilitator, your expertise in getting the board engaged and keeping them focused and on track was instrumental in the success of the meeting. Members were blown away by your ability to pull information and ideas from the group.”
Maggie Milligan | ARVMA
Facilitating Services
In today’s complex and interconnected world, it is more important than ever that your organization work together collaboratively. Facilitation plays an important role in engaging group members in that process. From leading important discussions to navigating your organization through the strategic planning process, Matt Birk and Company will work with you and your team to set attainable goals, garner critical feedback, and find solutions to chronic problems. The following two areas are offered to organizations of all sizes. With a successful outcome in mind, our team stands ready to strategize with you.
Moderating Meetings
The business world revolves around a productive exchange of ideas, practices, and goals, typically conducted in a properly facilitated forum. Organized procedures aligned with active and eager participation are often determining factors for a meeting’s effectiveness and success. A general rule of thumb is that efficient meetings are 80% preparation and 20% execution. Proper facilitation is one of the most important ingredients for productive, beneficial meetings and discussions. Understanding your clear objectives, helping you to achieve them, and expediting the process are keys to both Paul’s and Matt’s effectiveness as your meeting’s moderator. Your chosen facilitator will assume responsibilities that include:
→ Participate in initial strategy session
→ Facilitate meeting while gathering critical data
→ Compile information and delegate action items
→ Offer recommendations if so desired
Crucial to their success as moderators, either Matt or Paul will engage your group through effective communication by implementing the following practices:
- Addressing others with respect
- Expecting accountability between participants
- Minimizing or eliminating distractions
- Keeping emotions at bay
- Listening effectively versus speaking
- Reading members’ gear changes
- Encouraging constructive feedback
- Executing an effective question and answer session
- Stimulating brainstorming and open discussion
- Expediting a timely and orderly meeting
By exchanging constructive communication through positive measures, meeting participants will depart the gathering empowered with a greater understanding and respect for diversity of individuals and ideas, united for a common cause.
Strategic Planning
Incorporating a systematic process increases the odds of long-term growth. Business owners and managers are often so preoccupied with immediate challenges that they lose sight of their ultimate goals and objectives. Because of this, the review of internal processes along with the preparation of a functional strategic plan is vital. As the moderator of your planning session, Paul brings a forward-thinking approach that not only garners results but increases awareness and ensures accountability. His six-step process entails the following:
STEP I—Evaluate and define the current core values and focus that help comprise the overall vision (purpose, cause, passion, niche) .
STEP II—Conduct an in-depth SWOT analysis in all pertinent areas (sales and branding, management and operations, systems and technology, finances and allowances, marketplace and competition) .
STEP III—Identify major issues needing to be addressed to implement positive improvements (build on strengths, resolve weaknesses, exploit opportunities, avoid threats)
STEP IV—Develop a measureable action plan for each issue identified (state issue and indicate how to measure progress, create attainable goals, delegate responsibility for actions, delineate appropriate time frame, outline resource/support requirements)
STEP V—Amass the appropriate content for timely distribution and implementation with an emphasis on accountability and follow through
STEP VI—Revisit systematic process to gauge progress and suggest additional modifications as needed