Description: The performance of all organizational systems is driven by the quality of the interaction between its parts. Effective interactions in today’s disruptive, knowledge driven and increasingly complex creative economy requires agility- playing many different roles in different contexts with varying goals. Roles like “Inquirer”, “Advocator”, “Creator”, “Negotiator”, “Conflict Manager”, “Change Leader”, “Systems Thinker”, “Facilitator”, “Collaborative Leader”, “Talent Scout”, Project Manager”, “Individual Contributor” and “Coach.”   In this context, quality interactions require the self-management necessary to play the right role at the right time.  In the role of “Advocator” you must be able to assert, persuade and influence others in a way that builds shared understanding, alignment and mutual learning without unproductive conflict.

Target Audience: This workshop is designed for those who would like to become more agile, adaptive and effective in different contexts and learn how to advocate, assert, persuade, influence and inspire others.

Organizational Issues: Thinking together requires leadership in the form of a fully present “Advocator” who asks questions that builds shared understanding of context, problems, purposes, vision, commitments and plans. More often than not this involves exploring and challenging the thinking, mindset, reasoning of others in a way that prevents unproductive conflict and maintains a positive climate. Bringing minds together this way creates a ME to WE environment.  Everyone is more likely to end up on the same page, aligned, motivated, responsible and able to respond or act effectively.  Everyone also is more likely to learn from outcomes. Keep in mind, the performance of all organizational systems is driven by the quality of the interaction between its parts.

Objectives: In this session we will briefly look at the basics of self-management and proven leadership communications architecture.  We will then explore the purpose / mindset of the “Advocator” and use a creative process to catalyze the self-organization of your role as an “Advocator.”  To begin the actualization of your “Advocator” you will practice approaches, language, and opening lines for different contexts using interactive role plays.

Cost: None

Handouts: The handouts for this session will not be made available. Contact Peter for details.

Biography: Peter Stonefield, BSEE, MA, PhD. is President of Stonefield Learning Group, executive and technical staff coach, consultant and trainer. He was an electronic engineer, marketing and sales executive for the Bunker-Ramo Corporation before becoming a psychologist.

He taught graduate-level courses on Cognitive and Creative Process, Psychosynthesis and Counseling Psychology.  He has successfully completed over 200 consulting engagements, created more than 20 different training and development programs and coached over 300 executives and engineers. Some of the training programs he developed are Managing Innovation, TQM, Agile Communications, Agile Leadership, Knowledge Management, Managing Change, Creative Thinking and Architecture for Teamwork. He has also facilitated the development of 10 knowledge leveraging “Communities of Practice” in engineering and marketing organizations.  His client list includes Apple Computer, Baxter Laboratories, Dow Chemical, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel, Stanford University, PPG, Sun Microsystems, U.S. Department of Labor, Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Protection Agency and General Services Administration. He was the principal consultant to, the US Dept. Of Labor, the winner of the US President's Quality Award for Managing Change and the GSA Administrators Award for Managing Change in Government.  

He recently drafted a vision for computing for Sun Microsystems. Peter’s mission is to catalyze and accelerate the evolution of organizations and people.

Contact: Peter can be reached by e-mail at peter@slgllc.com for additional information about this Pre-Conference session.

Website: www.slgllc.com

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/pub/peter-stonefield-phd/0/2a5/348