PRODN Learning Event 

Monthly Program: Tuesday, November 26, 2002

Summary

The week of Thanksgiving an eager audience spent time with Marilee Goldberg-Adams and Andrea Zintz learning about their experiences using Strategic Inquiry to transform individuals, groups and individuals. We experienced something that Dr. Goldberg-Adams has continued to discover as she delves deeper into this work: the concept, which seems so simple, contains subtleties that enrich the discussion and outcome. The theory, grounded in positive methodologies like those of Martin Seligman and Carl Rogers, focuses on how the stance the questioner takes can influence the experience of seeking information. The two stances are both present in our repertoire of normal human reactions, and choosing one over the other can make a real difference in the outcome. The two stances are the mindset of Judger and that of Learner.

Questions asked from the Learner stance have the intent and purpose of engaging on the level of human spirit bring a different focus they: inquire, are thoughtful, accept in an unbiased way, are like those of an inquisitive researcher, are flexible and adaptive, have an inclusive point of view, are built on win-win relationships, encourage dialogue, result in feedback being seen as helpful and operate in a resolution and innovation-seeking mode.

On the other hand, questions asked from a judger stance have the more common problem solving focus and can more easily move to finding blame, discover only the known outcomes and shift into debate and advocate dynamics resulting in win-lose outcomes.

The equation our presenters used:
                  cycles to read

Question - leads to Decision - leads to Action - leads to Results - leads to reflection which leads back to Question. This equation and a series of other tools helped create a unique culture within the Johnson & Johnson family of companies as a leadership team which included Dr. Zintz and her external collaborator Dr. Goldberg-Adams helped create a sustainable culture of open and curious questioning. The only disappointment of the day was that we all wanted to learn more about the tools, methods and stories that created a different way for a corporate environment to be.

If you want to learn more with Andrea and Marilee - click here for another learning opportunity.

Original Announcement

Strategic Inquiry provides the foundation for thinking and communicating. It has strong application for leadership, strategic creativity, effective teams, productivity, and for shaping and achieving desired outcomes both individually and for organizations.

Through a combination of presentation, discussion and interactive exercises, Dr. Marilee Goldberg-Adams and Dr. Andrea Zintz will assist us in developing our own "strategic inquiry" techniques. Come away from the evening with the ability to ask better questions so that your clients get better results!

What is Strategic Inquiry? Strategic Inquiry is a methodology for transforming thinking, action, and results through intentional and skillful question asking. Our strategic inquiry methodologies are grounded in the recognition that thinking, communicating, and listening are all based on the effective use of questions. We take advantage of fundamental distinctions using questions to build processes that lead to the highest capabilities and possibilities of individuals and organizations. Our methods involve:

A practical, logical, question-centered system for thinking, communicating, and obtaining positive results.
Multiple applications for sales and marketing, customer relations, leadership, teams, and organizational culture.
Triple-focused methodology for gathering information effectively, and efficiently.

How Can I Use it In My Work/ My Organization? Consider the multiple places in organizational life where skillful question asking makes a difference:

Sales and Marketing
Customer Service
Strategic Planning
Leadership Development
Team Building
Conflict Resolution
Negotiating
Everyday Communication
Gathering Information, Building Relationships, and Taking Effective Action

This work is very compatible with emotional intelligence and learning organization theory. This work is particularly complimentary to the theory and practices of Appreciative Inquiry. This will be explored in detail during the workshop.

Who Should Attend? This material is appropriate for all levels of consultants, leaders, and human resource professionals.

Why Should You Attend? To learn how Strategic Inquiry can enhance your work and make a difference for organizations/clients. The presentation introduces new ways of thinking, new practices, and promises to be dynamic, interactive, and practical.

Who are Marilee G. Adams and Andrea Zintz?
Marilee Goldberg Adams, Ph.D. is an author, executive coach, organizational consultant and trainer, and professional speaker. She is the co-founder and president of InquiryInc. and cofounder and co-director of the Center for Inquiring Leadership, both of which are consulting, coaching, and training organizations whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and the Federal Government. Dr. Adams' published works include a book, The Art of the Question (John Wiley & Sons, 1998), and several articles. Her new book, Change Your Questions, Change Your Life will be published by Berrett-Koehler in 2003.

Dr. Andrea Zintz, Ph.D. has 25+ years experience in Change Management, Human Resources Development, Leadership Development, Consulting, and Training with special expertise in Mentoring. Formerly VP of Human Resources with Johnson and Johnson, Andrea is now the cofounder and CEO of InquiryInc and president of Andrea Zintz and Associates, LLC. She is also a member of the Delaware Valley Appreciative Inquiry Consulting Group.

If you are interested in learning more: There are two upcoming 2-Day workshops: October 2 & 3, 2002 in Princeton, and November 6 & 7, 2002 in Washington, DC. For more information, please contact Holly Myers at (856) 234-7417. Also, please check our website: www.andreazintz.com