Consulting Services -Michael H. Smith, Ph.D. - Conflict Management and Productivity Improvement

We provide consultation in the following areas:

Conflicts - one-on-one, team, system
Building Teams and Offsite Facilitation - build teams, refocus goals, review operations, rethink vision/mission/values
Strategic Planning - large system change using our "Inclusive Strategy Planning" Model
Manager Assessment/Coaching - DISC instrument, Executive Coaching Workbook
Special Problems - workplace violence, sexual harassment
Hiring - assessment, interviewing

Conflict Intervention

We are called in because there are unresolved differences that are creating tensions and anger. We assess the situation, usually through personal interviews, prepare a brief report, then prepare an action plan. The plan is in two phases. Phase 1 will focus on diffusing the tension by bringing the people together in a safe environment (no reprisals, confidentiality respected), advocating forgiveness (the Four R's - Recognition, Remorse, Reconciliation, Resolve) and moving on, discussing issues non defensively and exploring areas of agreement. Phase 2 is to then explore work-related issues in a problem solving manner.

Team Facilitation

We are asked to facilitate a work group that wants to achieve specific goals. This can be: improving internal team functioning (rules, communication styles); creating or reviewing mission, values and vision; solving specific problems; creating self managing teams. We do this by working with a steering committee, which oversees the process of agenda setting, and then problem solving usually in one or two day Offsites.

Inclusive Strategic Planning

We offer our Inclusive strategy Planning Process model of strategic planning. Usually planning is done by a small group and "sold" to the Board, employees, customers and vendors. In contrast, our process brings all the stakeholders into the room (usually 70-80 people) for a 2 day series of exercises that result in a jointly-created future. No follow-up convincing is necessary because all impacted parties have participated. The result is great energy focused on implementing the plan.

Executive and Management Coaching and Leadership Training

Executives and key employees who wish to improve their leadership effectiveness undergo the Executive Coaching and Leadership Training program. This program customizes a program for each person to work individually with the consultant and achieve certain goals. The process involves collecting information from all whom the person impacts (360 degree feedback), getting a DISC personal profile and then crafting a plan. Areas that are usually in the plan are:

Constructive Use of Power
Visionary Leadership
Emotional Intelligence at the Workplace
Managing Change

Michael H. Smith, Ph.D.
5801 Leona St., Ste A
Oakland, CA 94605

Tel: 510-530-7900
Fax: 510-530-7922
Email: MHSmith@MichaelHSmithPhD.Com