ICA Associates Inc.

Today, we hosted a “virtual” focused conversation to explore how we might act as individuals to honour Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.  O: What are some of things that you have done in the past to mark this day?  R:  What are you hopeful about?  I: What is something everyone can do?  D: What will you do on Sept 30 to take a small step toward Reconciliation?  We posted some of the responses from our team in our monthly newsletter, what is your answer and reflection then? 🤔

The Big Unarticulated Issue... I apprecaite this thoughtfully designed manual to accompany the"Facilitating Conciliation" training as part of the Advanced Facilitators Program at ICA Associates Inc. These manuals are always great go to resources during and after the course. I wanted to share one way the skills gained here are useful in my organizational development work. This particular course dives into the complexities of conflict beyond just problem-solving and is incredibly relevant for any organization or team looking to not only resolve disputes but also rebuild trust and heal relationships. ➡️In my planning work, the focus often gravitates toward community impact, fundraising, and service delivery. However, organizations frequently encounter a less visible, yet equally critical issue—the "big unarticulated issue." ➡️Organizations sometimes overlook internal challenges such as leadership transitions, board tensions, evolving missions, or operational inefficiencies. These challenges are rarely discussed openly but can create barriers to long-term success if left unaddressed. These challenges, often described as the "big unarticulated issue" (Mick & Fournier, 1998), are internal barriers that aren’t immediately visible but affect long-term performance. ➡️They’re the factors that go unspoken in boardrooms and planning meetings, often because they are difficult to address or because the focus is drawn toward more immediate external priorities. ➡️By focusing on addressing these areas, organizations can build stronger foundations, better equipped to face future challenges while staying true to their mission. Subtle, yet intentional, shifts in internal operations often lead to significant improvements in overall effectiveness and impact. This skills equip me with advanced tools and strategies to guide teams through challenging dynamics, turning conflict into a pathway for growth and understanding. This is about creating spaces where all voices are heard, and resolutions lead to stronger, healthier connections within your organization. Blessed Monday! #strategy #OrganizationalDevelopment #conflict #planning #nonprofit #socialprofit

Marvelous!!! I love it sooooooo much!

Thank you for participation and sharing ❤️

Today, September 10, is the official publication date of The Art of Focused Conversation, Second Edition! It is also the day of a debate between the current American presidential candidates. To celebrate the publication date of The Art of Focused Conversation, Second Edition, I offer a possible focused conversation for reflecting on the debate. Possible Focused Conversation on the American Presidential Debate   To have with yourself or with others who are interested in exploring the debate experience   Assumption: People want to move beyond their gut-level responses to something useful.   Rational Aim: To think through impact and implications of the debate to personal action Experiential Aim: To move beyond gut-level reactions to more thoughtful response   The Conversation: Context: Let’s work through our responses to this debate.   O. What words or phrases did you actually hear one of the candidates say? (quote them) What images stood out for you? (describe what you actually saw)   R. What part of this debate was exciting or compelling for you? What part of this debate was frightening or depressing?  What part made you want to turn it off?    I. What is something you learned from this debate? About the candidates and their intentions? About yourself? What are you pondering now? What did you discover about your own values or perspective through this debate?   D. How would you summarize how this debate affected your thinking?   Closing: Thank you. 

Had an incredible week in the Art and Science of Participation course by ICA Associates Inc. ✔️Thoroughly enjoyed the refresher on leading Focused Conversations, Consensus Workshops and Strategic Planning. ✔️Learning about Complex Facilitation Design has changed the way I will prepare for meetings and facilitation. Working through real life scenarios for hours ingrained the process. ✔️I will apply Charting Documents to the way I read and retain material. ✔️Spent time with several amazing colleagues. Had so much fun learning with my facilitation buddy Danielle Taschereau Mamers, PhD. Danielle and Carrie-Anne Atkins, PMP privileged me as being their ‘keynote speaker’ in the mixed-housing scenario. ✔️Grateful for the skilled experitse and wisdom of John Miller, Scott Russell and Joanna Barclay. ✔️Looking forward to helping many organizations with what I’ve learned. #Facilitation #ICA #IAF #StrategicPlanning #Leadership #MeetingsThatWork

An amazing summary of an amazing week with an amazing group of professionals. Thanks Danielle.

🌟 Thrilled to reflect on an exciting and insightful two-day Facilitating Client Collaboration training course with NWTRPA in Yellowknife! Participants dove into a logical flow from diagnosis to challenges to co-creating the solution and implementing in collaboration with the clients. ‘ Appreciating a clear, step-by-step approach that truly resonated‘ as quoted from direct feedback from the participants 🚀Some other feedback includes: 🗣️ “I particularly enjoyed how straightforward client conversations led to defining the focus statement and central question. It’s a game-changer!” shared a participant. 📸The last FCC course offered online this year is coming up very soon, on 2-3 July. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/dtjaNSPJ #FacilitationTraining #ClientCollaboration #ProfessionalDevelopment

🚀 How can you win your clients' trust and drive the project forward in your very first meeting? 💡 "How can you identify the real needs of a client together with the client, even if they haven't recognized those needs themselves?" 🤔 Have you ever struggled to reach a consensus in collaboration with clients? 👥 How do you ensure active client involvement and support throughout each phase of the project? 🌉 How can you effectively manage the gap between client expectations and project realities? Discover strategies and tools to tackle these common challenges in our "Facilitating Client Collaboration" course. Transform the way you collaborate, achieving remarkable outcomes through effective client partnerships! Signing up the upcoming online course at https://lnkd.in/dtjaNSPJ #Facilitation #ClientCollaboration #ProfessionalDevelopment #Clientrelationship

Last week, Dr. Young Seok Lee delivered an insightful lecture on Evidence-Based Development (EBD) for us, exploring how systematic diagnostics can drive meaningful organizational changes. 🌟 What diagnostic tools do you use to facilitate development and change within your organization or your clients? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments! #OrganizationalDevelopment #EvidenceBasedDevelopment #Facilitation