The ToP® Methods developed by the ICA have been successfully implemented in hundreds of corporate, non-profit and governmental organizations around the world since 1973. Jeff and Nadine are the official ICA Course Registrars for the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and have been offering ICA ToP® public courses since 1994.

In this cornerstone course, participants learn three proven processes for activating group participation, gain hands-on experience practicing them, and explore ways of applying them to their specific situations:

The Focused Conversation Method is a structured process that helps you plan and facilitate an effective exchange of ideas. It actively involves every member of a group, even when the topic is sensitive and emotionally charged. Using this tool you can heighten your effectiveness in facilitating group discussions that enhance awareness, understanding and communication. You’ll learn how to:

• Conduct purposeful, productive meetings and discussions
• Quickly capture a group's best thinking
• Surface new ideas and solutions
• Ask questions that stimulate candid feedback and discussion

The Consensus Workshop Method energizes problem solving and builds active participation and teamwork. It promotes creativity and productively channels diverse ideas into consensus decisions that everyone can own and support. You’ll learn how to:

• Tap rational and intuitive thought processes
• Integrate diverse ideas
• Generate practical and creative solutions
• Develop group consensus

The Action Planning Method combines the Focused Conversation and Consensus Workshop Methods. It enables you to quickly pull together an effective plan, organize needed resources, and mobilize group energy into action. You’ll learn how to:

• Visualize a successful result
• Analyze the current reality
• Create a practical plan
• Maximize group commitment and involvement

Who Should Take This Course?

This course benefits anyone involved in leading, facilitating or participating in teams, including: executive directors, managers, supervisors, team leaders, organization development and training professionals, human resources practitioners, professional consultants and facilitators, and members of traditional teams or self-directed work teams. Our clients include corporations in diverse industries, non-profit organizations, government agencies, healthcare organizations and educational institutions.

Advanced Course Offerings

Those who have successfully completed the two-day Group Facilitation Methods Course may also enroll in two-day Participatory Strategic Planning, Secrets of Implementation and Philosophy of Participation courses; a one-day Facilitation Graphics course, or a one-day Applications Lab. More intensive three-day course formats, customized in-house courses, and coaching and mentoring services are also available.

Lead Instructors

Jeff Bracken is an organizational effectiveness consultant whose mission is facilitating organizational transformation and performance improvement.  Since 1993, he has served over 300 client organizations in diverse industries.  He has served on the Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award since 2003 as an Examiner, Senior Examiner, Scorebook Editor and Team Leader.   Since 2000, he has served as an Examiner, Senior Examiner, and Process Observer for the Texas Award for Performance Excellence.  From 2001 through 2007, he was a Member of the Quality Texas Foundation's Board of Overseers.  Jeff is a founding member of the DFW OD Network, and a member of the IAF, SFN and DFW ISPI.

Nadine Bell works with organizations to plan strategically, meet productively and work collaboratively to manage change.   She brings over 20 years of experience in both the private and public sectors to her facilitations.  A Facilitator Assessor who has assessed candidates globally, Nadine is a Certified Master Facilitator from the National Institute for Facilitation and the first Certified Professional Facilitator in North America from the International Association of Facilitators.  Nadine is a founding member and Past Chair of the IAF, and a member of the SFN and DFW OD Network.

Course Location and Information

Two-day public courses are regularly scheduled and held from 8:30 A.M.– 5 P.M. at various sites in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Detailed information is provided to all enrolled course participants before the course. Enrollment is limited to maximize your opportunities for participation and enhance your learning experience.

Cost

The cost for a two-day course is $575 before July 1, 2008 and $675 after July 1, 2008.  As a special offer, if you enroll and pay for any public two-day course offered after July 1, we will honor the $575 price.  The one-day Facilitation Graphics course is $310.  Prices include a workbook and materials, plus continental breakfast and lunch. Payment is due on or before the first day of the course. You may pay by either check or credit card.

Registration

Register today for our public course offerings by clicking on our convenient online registration form.  You may also contact Jeff Bracken or Nadine Bell for more information, or to schedule an in-house course or other customized services. 

Jeff Bracken Bracken and Associates Phone: (972) 484-9887 Fax: (972) 484-9888 jeffb@brackenandassociates.com

Nadine Bell The Burrell Group Phone: (972) 404-1333 Fax: (972) 404-1316 nadine.bell@burrellgrp.com

Special Services for Our Federal Government Clients

The ICA has secured GSA Contract #GS-10F-0314K to provide a comprehensive range of Management, Organizational and Business Improvement Services (MOBIS) to all federal government agencies. Jeff and Nadine are part of the ICA team of MOBIS qualified contractors who provide facilitation and consulting services and support products.