You Define 2002

January 16, 2002

Each January meeting of the Learning Group has traditionally been designated as "You Define" - the occasion for reflecting on and planning member learning and developmental needs for the year and, as a result, of developing ODLG program and related activity.  Following are the notes for the You Define 2002 program.

The program began with Steering Committee member Nicole Merrill explaining the history of the Learning Group, its mission, and its basis in experiential learning.  She then explained how our programs are arranged.

Several members who have been on program teams then spoke on the value of such participation. These were Matt Aspin, co-chair of Systems Thinking (December 2001); Jacqueline Collins, who helped produced OD Toolbox (March 2001) and OD Toolkit II (November 2001); and Linda Trowbridge, who led the Process Mapping team (May 2001). Each speaker emphasized the skills building, learning, and networking that results from being on a program team.

Nicole then explained how the annual You Define program leads to the creation of teams that produce programs during the year. Of course programs can originate from other sources; and likewise the You Define teams may decide on some endeavor other than a program, such as forming a special interest group.

Kirsten Bosworth then reviewed the pre-program survey, which she designed and compiled. (For the data, click here.) Based on those areas in which the most people identified themselves as “Very Interested,” five main subject headings were selected: Change Management; Communication; Development and Evaluation; Marketing; and Process Consultation. It was explained that, in addition to these, new headings could be created by any participant; and a Miscellaneous chart was also prepared for ideas that did not pertain to programs.

At this point, a new member asked for clarification on the meaning of “process consultation” as opposed to “change management”.  Nicole explained that people could discuss what such things in the later stages of the program; but a small explanatory discussion did occur, providing a demonstration of Learning Group openness to learning needs!

Participants then used “stickies” to write out their ideas for Learning Group programs or other endeavors and placed these on an existing or new flip chart. All of these were reviewed, first by Nicole as facilitator, then by everyone in a gallery walk.

Next, people were urged to go to that flipchart representing their “primary interest”. However, since the stickies contained contact information, it was possible for people to become involved in more than one area. Moreover, participants could write additional information on the flip charts indicating their availability and/or interest. And the survey also established a list of subject matter experts who could be resources for the teams.

Various teams thus assembled. Under the Communication banner, one was formed to take on the topic of Storytelling as an OD technique. Two newly created flip charts led to two other program teams: Under Technology, one was formed on Creating Trust in Visual Teams. Under Coaching, another group volunteered to produce a program on that topic for our May program.

From the Miscellaneous area came a proposal for a Learning Group program on Mentoring. Matt Aspin and Paul O’Leary are the co-chairs for this endeavor. 

Finally, Linda Trowbridge suggested that the Learning Group needs to address the particular needs of more experienced practitioners. She promised to submit a written proposal outlining this idea, which presumably could involve a special interest group or programmatic activity.

In addition, several ideas clusters were identified in which there seemed likely to be a critical mass for action if likely supporters not present were considered. These included Business and Marketing and Process Consultation, as well as perhaps two others, Dialogue and Improv and OD.

Each of the three teams agreed on a meeting date and to have someone responsible for connecting with the Steering Committee. It was also urged that each team have at least one member present at the special February 5 program on “Improving Program Production.”

For further follow up, Steering Committee member Jim Murphy pledged to record and make into a database all of the ideas presented on stickies that were not reflected in the three emerging programs. This resource will allow people with similar interests to be connected, including new and current members who indicate areas of interest or expertise during the year.

Finally, the plus/delta showed the following thoughts on this meeting:

Plus

Good location/room
Planning
Smooth flow of the process
Good mix of the didactic and the synergistic
Food
Ending on time
Gallery walk

Delta

Only some of Learning Group attended
Marker for writing delta went dry!
Part where facilitator read the items on the flip charts not necessary
Could have had people put check marks on stickies if “interested”
Handwritten stickies often hard to read
A stage where stickies were prioritized might have helped
Attendance list should be shared at the meeting
Pre-printed stickies to make sure that directions followed

For the "sticky database" of program and other activity suggestions, click here.

The program design team for this meeting was as follows:

Kirsten Bosworth
Nicole Merrill
Jim Murphy

Serving as program facilitators were the following:

Jacqueline Collins
Kathy Ives
Rob Kanzer
June Murphy-Katz
Abby Yanow

Serving as program support personnel were these members:

Matt Aspin
Sue Cuyler
Mark Deyab
Yvonne Freitas
Debi Levine
Joanne Shapiro
John Spencer
Christine Tello

Thanks to all those who attended. And let's keep an eye on the idea database, as if contains a wealth of good ideas for further activity.