Johnson County Senior Management Retreats (Q2): April 1997, Olathe, Kansas, USA

We helped design and facilitate Johnson County's embarkation on an ongoing process of organizational development that had three major components: leadership development, team building and organizational change. The leadership component involved a series of retreats with a group of senior executives known as the Q2 group. This group participated in a series of team building and planning workshops focused on developing relational skills and identifying goals and objectives for the organizational development plan.

"An excellent tool to address difficult issues in a safe and caring environment."

Gene Denton, County Administrator, Johnson County, Olathe, Kansas, USA

"I liked having the ability to discuss difficult issues in a supportive atmosphere. Great job. It was a wonderful experience in group dynamics. We learned how to put the values of the County into practice."

Trish Lrone, HS/A Director Johnson County, Olathe, Kansas, USA

"It really got pent-up feelings onto the table. It was the best growth experience this team, or any other team for whom I’ve worked, has ever had."

Roger L. Kioh, Planning Director, Johnson County, Olathe, Kansas, USA

Relational Leadership Training, 1997 - 1998

The team building component started with the Information Technology department and was later expanded to the Appraisers Department, for a combined total of over 250 employees. These sessions focused on the question "How can we build effective relationships within our department?" Participants made commitments to form a stronger base for building their interpersonal relationships and to work towards their common goals. Training included state of the art communication strategies and practice sessions guided by skilled facilitators. Eight months later, team maintenance sessions were offered to all participants that included additional sessions on common defensive behaviors.

"It was one of the few workshops that I have attended where the learning continues far past the last day of the workshop."

Derek Sherry, Information Technology Director, Johnson County, Olathe, Kansas, USA

"Johnson County, through participation in workshops/courses conducted by Mr. Curtin, recognizes his expertise in the area of Team Building training and the applicability of his expertise and knowledge to the program of on-going organizational development at Johnson County. His ability as a trainer is quite admirable."

Paul Welcome, County Appraiser, Johnson County, Olathe, Kansas, USA

Facilitation Cadre Development , 1997 - 1998

We provided training to a cross-departmental facilitation cadre consisting of twenty nine members representing eighteen County departments. The Cadre was created so members could provide neutral facilitation to assist County staff in getting the results they want and need in group meetings.

"WOW! It was intense and I don't want any of the learning to slip away from me. It's a complex process that's fun."

Sharon Williams, 50 Plus Manager, Johnson County, Olathe, Kansas, USA

"Exceeded my expectations. I consider it a prerequisite for any serious attempt at creative planning."

Ralph Hays, Chief Ranger, Johnson County, Olathe, Kansas, USA