Meeting
Facilitation
Having a meeting professionally facilitated allows all the
participants to engage wholeheartedly and mindfully in the
objective of the meeting. The facilitator may help the group
to set an appropriate agenda prior to the meeting as well
as watch the clock, keep the group moving toward their goal,
create a welcoming safe environment for all participants,
and help to navigate through conflict during the meeting
or retreat.
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Educating
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No
matter how intelligent or caring
one may be, humans are not born
knowing how to solve problems
collaboratively or to communicate
effectively across different cultures.
Both activities are actually unnatural,
yet of vital importance in our personal,
work, community and international
relationships. Does your group need
additional skills in collaborative problem
solving? Our educational workshops |
are developed to specifically address the skill development
needed within your group.
Cultural
competence requires understanding one's own culture and
how to work creatively with the differences felt, but often
not seen, of the other.
Does
your group need additional skills in intercultural sensitivity
and how to work more effectively together? We believe there
is richness to be found in our differences, and our customized
training helps build bridges among them.
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Coaching
In many organizations, groups develop excellent plans for
team and individual improvement. Often, however, they never
realize the full potential of these plans. The pressure
of current business may distract leaders from implementing
them; or individuals may become bogged down in the process,
unable to move forward effectively. Working individually
on a regular basis, we help clients focus on the most important
elements of their work, to realize their personal and organizational
goals. We equip them with tools to remove obstacles and
to achieve great results for themselves and their colleagues.
Over
a period of time, coach and client develop and implement
improvement plans. Sessions also provide a regular sounding
board for dealing with the complexities of daily life.
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Mediation
Mediation comes from the Latin word mediate, or "to
heal." It is a decision making process in which the
participants in a dispute work to reach a mutually agreeable,
voluntary and informed settlement with the help of a mediator.
It is a confidential and creative process where participants
maintain control of the outcome and the mediator develops
an appropriate process. Mediation may be appropriate for
government, families, neighbors, merchant/consumers, landlord/tenants,
and any workplace issues.
Specific to IDEA (Individuals With Disabilities Act), all
states in the US must offer mediation to families of students
on IEP's (Individualized Learning Plans) and families of
children aged birth to 3 that have special needs. WA State
has been a leader in the administration and mediation of
Special Education disputes. Click www.SoundOptionsGroup.com for more information.
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(NEW!) Learning Through Facilitated,
Small Group Dialogues on Race and Culture
Benefits Available to Participants
- Increased competence in intercultural communication
- Sustained focus through 5 week commitment
- Positive integration of new information, personal experiences, empathetic listening to the stories of others and supportive environment.
- Targeted training funds for the best return on investment.
- Deepened relationships
- Heightened ability to resolve cross cultural conflict
- Insights into how to leverage diversity to benefit all
- Measurable outcomes
- Development of leadership skills
Prior to the first session participants take the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). Facilitator is able to customize dialogue focus on the needs of the group as indicated by the IDI. Each session is 2 hours long and meets in a mutually agreeable location.
Conflict Resolution through Cultural Competence
There is no cross-cultural agreement on what constitutes
a conflict, much less how one should be resolved. There
is no universal consensus on how best to heal. In conflict,
attitudes and behaviors in conflict are influenced by culture
in ways that are often difficult for participants to perceive.
Many people wish to resolve their conflicts outside of the
legal system and differently than what might be traditional.
The Main Street philosophy includes continual learning and
practicing to increase awareness and sensitivity about our
own culture, communication and learning styles as well as
that of our clients. Our goal is to develop processes that
respect the values of the participants and to match our
expertise with the needs of our clients. We strive to resolve
conflict in culturally appropriate ways. We also work with
interpreters and translators. We respect confidentiality.
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Strategic
Planning
Strategic planning is an effort to align decisions
and actions that shape and guide who an organization is,
what it does, and why it does it. The process can improve
communication and participation, accommodate divergent interests
and values, heighten organizational learning, and promote
successful implementation of strategic decisions. Our focused
Strategic Planning approach is comprehensive, exciting,
and enjoyable for participants.
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