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Welcome to the first article in our new Member Highlight
column. Each month we will interview members of the
In2:InThinking Network. This month we asked Jon Bergstrom to
provide his insights.
The Facts: I recently
retired from Shell Oil Company after 35 years of service.
Since my retirement, I have provided a variety of business
consulting services through the Bergstrom Learning Center.
These services include a variety of leadership and management
courses, workshop development and facilitation, and personal
coaching. For the last seven years, I have taught team skills
at International Space University in Strasbourg, France and
ISU summer sessions at locations around the world. My business
website provides information about many of these activities
and can be accessed here.
Forum
Attendance: I have attended every forum except number
one in 2002.
Why do you attend the Forum? The
In2:InThinking Forum is an exciting place to learn and to meet
people who are interested in creating a better world. Each
year I have gained new friends who are important in my
learning journey.
Tell us about a recent "a ha"
moment.
I am in a group that practices "Leadership
Action Learning". This practice includes asking four types of
questions - all in ways that assist others in their thinking
without giving advice. My "a ha" is how helpful these
questions are because each of us think so differently. It is very
revealing to find out that you would not have thought through
issues thoroughly without help from others. It is a constant
reminder to stop doing all our thinking by
ourselves.
What book are you reading now? I
am re-reading "Process Consultation - Revisited" by Edgar
Schein. I am currently assisting several executives in their
learning journey and I find this book to be the essential
guide in establishing a helpful and trusting
relationship.
What recent book have you read that
you consider to be a "must read"? One of my "must read"
books is John Kotter's recent book - On What Leaders Really
Do. Kotter defines differences he sees in management and
leadership processes in this book. Both are essential for
effectiveness. However, he notes that the reason we manage is
to create consistent results. The reason we lead is to create
change - often dramatic change. The concepts are very
important to me in determining which process is important to
engage in given the circumstances I face.
Describe a
question you have been asked that made you stop and
think. A question that made me think was "What is most
important for you to accomplish in the next year?" It is
always important to be mindful of using our precious time
wisely.
Why are you a part of the In2:InThinking
Network? The network offers me several valuable
opportunities: - Trusted Friendships: Building friendships
with people who I rely on throughout the year for shared
learning is very important. - Monthly Ongoing Discussions:
These discussions provide the opportunity to explore new
thinking every month and to share in the conversations. I very
much admire those who participate and feel close to them -
many whom I have never met in person. -Workshops: I am able
to attend workshops, plus the Enterprise Thinking seminars, at
Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's Canoga Park facility because
of the network. This includes the wonderful workshops given by
Russell Ackoff. - Forums: The Forums are always the
highlight of the year. The combination of all the workshops
and the presentation provides a great learning opportunity. It
is all in a setting where we can rub shoulders with everyone
who is there.
What advice do you have for people new
to In2:IN? Any network serves you only as much as you
wish to be served. My advice is to seek out at least two new
thinking partners through the network. I believe you will
surprise yourself at how helpful others can be if you only
ask.
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