February is known as the month of love. In reflecting on what we love, Company of Experts' President, Kathy Becker, was interviewed and asked what she loved the most about her job. "What I love the most about our work is hearing from people who have taken the time to write or call us to tell us how we have helped change their personal or professional lives. In ways that we had not even considered. Listening to their stories of how the skills they have learned from our workshops or trainings then applied these skills in their day-to-day living. How this has helped them make a difference in their communities. These are the stories that give you goose bumps and leave you yearning for more!" We thank each of you for sharing your stories of success - seeking the high points to learn, adapt and thrive. Your stories bring such light into our office and to our work. Warmest Wishes,
~ Yours friends at the Company of Experts |
Welcome to the AI Community!!
Congratulations... Company of Experts is pleased to introduce its newest Certified Appreciative Inquiry Facilitators (CAIF) to its growing AI family. The individual(s) listed below participated in our 4-day Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT) program and submitted a practicum demonstrating their knowledge and application of Appreciative Inquiry. In reading their practicums, we are able to celebrate in their achievements and observe how Appreciative Inquiry has positively influenced their lives - personally and professionally. - Kathryn Bingham, Doctoral Student at the University of San Diego, "Guiding Employees, Family Members, and Significant Others to Obtain the Resources Needed and Facilitate the Hiring, Retention and Advancement of Employees with Disabilities"
New practicums are frequently posted to our blog, so check back often to see what new stories have been posted. Click here for more practicums. |
Words Creates Worlds�
Better living through positive dialogue!  here.View pictures from Day 1 Summit here. View pictures from Day 2 Summit here. |
Save the Dates...
October 17-19, 2012 ~ NCSPOD 2012 Annual Conference
Think it's too early to consider next year's North American Council for Staff, Program, and Organizational Development (NCSPOD) annual conference? Think again! NCSPOD will be in Rockville, MD, at the Rockville Hilton Hotel, which is a mere 8 miles from the White House. NCSPOD conferences are family-friendly, offering meal tickets for guests so that they can share meals and special events and excursions with you during the conference. While you are in programs and meetings, guests can enjoy the sights and attractions of Washington and, with some advance planning, so can you. Use this opportunity to extend your stay and see DC.
Th e November Blast! included a top-ten list of things to do in DC. Transportation to and from DC sights will be easy to arrange. The Twinbrook Metro Station is located adjacent to the hotel and is readily accessible to the museums, monuments, and other places of interest in Washington, DC. |
Webinar Recordings On-Demand
Providing professional development tidbits on-the-go!
Company of Experts' webinar recordings provide you with the opportunity to learn at a time and place that is most convenient. Gather a group in a conference room or listen at your desktop when it works with your schedule. Company of Experts' webinar recordings are available for download which can be replayed as often as you wish and can be shared with with your colleagues and friends.
To view a list of our webinar recordings, please click here. |
Become a Host for our Trainings
We offer incentives to hosting organizations for their hospitality
Company of Experts is seeking host organizations throughout the world to host any of our trainings (Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT), Department Chair Institute (DCI), and Leadership Development Institute(LDI)). To show our gratitude, host organizations receive two complimentary registrations for a training held on their site when minimum enrollment is met.
Host organizations may limit the training to people at their organization or it can be open to others. If the training is open, Company of Experts partner with the host organization to help promote the training.
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Upcoming Events:
| Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT)
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Dates: February 14 - 17, 2012
Using Appreciative Inquiry to Formulate Sustainable Solutions (2-Part Series)
Location: Online Webinar Dates: March 1st and 8th, 2012 at 2:00pm (EST) to 3:00pm (EST)
Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT)
Location: Doha, Qatar Dates: April 15 - 18, 2012
Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT)
Location: Corning, New York Dates: June 5 - 8, 2012
Smart Grant Writing
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Dates: July 25 - 27, 2012
Department Chair Institute (DCI)
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Dates: July 30 - August 1, 2012
Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT)
Location: Reno, Nevada Dates: August 14 - 17, 2012
Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator Training (AIFT)
Location: Rockville, Maryland Dates: October 15 - 17, 2012
View Company of Experts' Entire Event Calendar here >> |
Join the Discussion
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Company of Experts believes that individuals, groups, and organizations add value to the work we do through their thoughts, beliefs, and involvement in discussions surrounding current events. These discussions provide insight to where the energy lies in our growing online family - allowing us to develop programs, workshops, webinars, podcasts, etc. on topics that speak to your heart.
Take a look at the questions below and let us know what you think. You can continue the discussion on Facebook by simply clicking on the question of your choosing.
We can experience a positive change when we use the words "AND" instead of "BUT" and replace "IF with "WHEN". What are your favorite little word replacements you use that change minds, perceptions, and outcomes?
Do you believe that success makes organizations and their employees complacent?
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| Recent Tweets | |
@CompanyofExperts: QUESTION: It's easy to see how western society rewards competition, but how does our culture reward cooperation?
@CompanyofExperts: Yale Professor Moves Class to Room Without Wi-Fi. Cue Outrage. http://fb.me/1lTdRBUPf
@CompanyofExperts: "When writing the story of your life, Don't let anyone else hold the pen." `~Author Unknown
@CompanyofExperts: How Can I Obtain Business Financing? Part 1 of 4 http://fb.me/VSSecQSI
@CompanyofExperts: Today's #TED: Gayle Tzemach Lemmon's passionate call to see women entrepreneurs as examples, not the exception: http://on.ted.com/lemmon
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Good Reads...
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Anatomy of Peace
By: The Arbinger Institute
Description: Written as an engaging story, this book shows how mistaken views can cause people to misread situations and exacerbate the issues they wish to improve. Arguing that it is only after they understand themselves and get their internal house in order that they can correctly confront external conflicts, the book shows what can be done to make that happen, and how to make inner peace a potent tool for achieving outer satisfaction.
The Last Lecture
By: Randy Pausch
Description: A lot of professors give talks titled "The Last Lecture." Professors are asked to consider their demise and to ruminate on what matters most to them. And while they speak, audiences can't help but mull the same question: What wisdom would we impart to the world if we knew it was our last chance? If we had to vanish tomorrow, what would we want as our legacy?
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| Expert on Call Spotlight | |
Kathy Becker, is the president of the Company of Experts, Inc. With over thirty years of professional experience in K-12 and higher education, she has served as a Human Resources Officer, Staff Development Coordinator and Equal Employment Opportunity Officer. She has had direct responsibility for labor contract negotiations, sexual harassment training, discrimination investigation, mediation and conflict resolution, discipline and grievance, professional training and leadership development.
Kathy is a trained Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator/Trainer and incorporates AI into her consulting, training, and online teaching. With her background in the public and private sectors as well as a strong commitment to customer service and developing learning organizations, Kathy brings real-world experience to her online workshops.
In 2011, Kathy won the Helen Burnstad International Leadership Award at the 2011 NCSPOD Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Helen Burnstad Award recognizes Kathy's significant contributions in writing, research, leadership, and advocacy that promotes the goals of staff, program, and/or organizational development at the national or international level in higher education. Learn More>
Interested in becoming an Expert on Call? Learn more here.
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Videos Worth Watching
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Whole Systems Healing - Interview with Diana Whitney
Description: An interview with Diana Whitney about Whole Systems Healing and Appreciative Inquiry.
Appreciative Inquiry in the Working Place
Description: Prof. John Hayes discusses Appreciative Inquiry and its use in the workplace.
Appreciative Inquiry in Churches
Description: a temporary pastor talks about using Ai as a way to transition from old 'traditional' ways to developing a new culture and selecting a new minister
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Inspirational Quotes
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"What success means to one, can be very different for another. Success to some may mean fancy cars and homes. Success to others may mean being a good parent, spouse, or friend. For others, it may be simply to be happy. Or it can be all of the above."
~ Jen Groover
"Never get tired of doing little things for others; Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts."
~ Author Unknown
"It is the function of art to renew our perception. What we are familiar with we cease to see."
~ Anais Nin
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