Comments from Members of Peer Learning Programs That We Have Designed

Leveraging the Power of Peers(sm)

A sample of peer learning, Action Learning clients over the past several years include Allianz Life Insurance, American Society or Training and Development, Beyond Petroleum, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Boston Scientific, Hennepin County, CompassPoint Consulting, Fieldstone Alliance Consulting Group, Gunderson Lutheran Hospitals, Illinois Arts Alliance, International Association of Facilitators, Microsoft, Minnesota Career Development Association, New York Foundation for the Arts, Nonprofit Mentorship Program in British Columbia, North Ridge Masonic Homes, Opportunity Partners, Search Institute, South Eastern New York Library Resources Council, state of Alaska and Thomson West Group Publishing.

The following is a small sample of the testimonials that we get from clients regarding our approach to designing peer learning programs.

NOTE: Because we customize peer learning programs for clients, clients can choose to use a variety of names for their programs, for example, Leaders Circles, Action Learning Communities, Learning Circles, etc.

“The peer Circles are working wonderfully with our Emerging Leaders program!” Pat Brinton, Human Resources, Blue Cross, Blue Shield ------- “We're using the Action Learning groups in a variety of our programs and they're all doing fine.” Tina Cronin, Human Resources, Boston Scientific Corporation ------- “The depth and breadth of involvement provide a rich resource base. I know of no other forum that provides this kind of cross-pollination.” Abby Struck, Executive Director, St. Anthony Park Community Council ------- “The genius of the Leaders Circles is that it can be modified to meet every person’s needs.” Katie Burnham, President, Learning Institute, Madison, Wisconsin ------- “They are not expensive to run and provide an ongoing capacity-building experience. They contribute to an incredibly high retention rate.” Elaine Watson, Circles Provider, Minneapolis, Minnesota ------- “I look forward to the ... Circles as an opportunity to exchange practical information on the business of managing a nonprofit. The peer exchange affirms both the professional and personal experience of being an executive director.” Sharon Johnson, Community Action for Suburban Hennepin ------- “My Circle is what keeps me sane. It is my best way to staff development.” Bev Paulus, Program Director, Business Economics Education Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota ------- “Our program is working wonderfully. It's the highlight of my working life.” Russanne Kelly, Circles Provider, United Way Texas Gulf Coast ------- “It really helps me get perspective on what I’m doing, and I get practical advice.” Heidi Behrens, HR Director, Northeast Residence, Inc. ------- “I am seeing my own experience in a different light and I am seeing common issues handled in different ways that I can use.” Pamela Peterson, Executive Director, STARBASE Minnesota, Inc. ------- "I never leave this meeting without something of value. Whether it is being reinforced for what I might be doing right, or a new idea for a solution to a problem!" Diane Foutch, Executive Director, Center for Hearing and Speech, Houston, Texas

“I get ... substantive knowledge about management planning; my other stuff ends up on a bookshelf somewhere.” Jane Harens, Executive Director, Ramsey County Bar Association ------- “I train board members all over the country, and Circles is the perfect board training program.” Doris Pagelkopf, Vice President, Junior Achievement, Minneapolis, Minnesota ------- “We have a learning community of high potential physicians that was launched 3 years ago and is proving very successful.” Nancy Noelke, Consultant, Talent Development, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center ------- “You’ve given us a real treasure for nonprofits out here in the country.” Mike McCurry, Circles Provider, MSU Extension Service, Libby, Montana ------- “Circles is a time when we can share our feelings and perspectives related to our careers and nonprofit management.” Joan Fawcett, Executive Director ARC Suburban ------- “What has been most useful is the motivating ‘kick in the butt’ benefit; after years in this position, one needs retooling and rejuvenating.” Kathy Hendrickson, Executive Director, Choices for Children ------- “We’ve exchanged useful materials on marketing, advertising and planning. Most helpful, though, is getting support, knowing you’re not alone.” Herb Smith, Board Chair, Alliance for Speaking Truth on Prostitution ------- “Circles are working very well. We plan on adding three more soon.” Sue Bronson, Circles Provider, Greater Milwaukee Institute, Milwaukee, Wisconsin ------- “The group has spurred me on to getting a lot done.” Carla Gainey, Executive Director, Simpson Housing Services, Inc. ------- "I always leave the Circle with a feeling of renewed energy. I gain not only knowledge, but also a sense of perspective, humor, and support from people I respect." Pat Whitten-Lege, Executive Director, Crisis Intervention of Houston, Inc. ----- “Circles seem perfect for the kind of collaboration we want to see in our area. I see us going into them in a big way.” Deanna McGraw, Executive Director, Executive Service Corps, Detroit, Michigan

Comments From Peer Learning Facilitators We Have Trained

About the Facilitator Training Sessions

"I would like to thank Carter for the outstanding training session we all participated in on Saturday ... I can hardly wait to facilitate our next group!" -- Trudy Canine, consultant.

"The session was definitely time well spent. It was a great opportunity to receive professional coaching while experiencing the facilitator and participant roles. Thanks again Carter!" -- Stu Tanquist, consultant.

"I found it especially helpful when Carter weaved in and out of our conversations, educating about questions and categories of questions that could further enrich the coaching." -- Irene Bugge, consultant.

After Facilitators Have Facilitated Groups

"We have had great success, incredible bonding and have created a wonderful means for support and motivation. … I have found that there is something almost magical that happens when things are just right...after the trust develops, the bonding occurs and people allow themselves to enter the group "fully." It's amazing and powerful!" -- Annie Bullert, facilitator

"One member wrote on his evaluation, 'The coaching of peers is the best I have ever known. The short time it took for us to get real and honest keeps me coming back'."-- Sheryl Burmaster, facilitator

"The informal evaluations of the group have been very positive with each person feeling they have benefited personally by being coached on their issue, but have also gained new insights from participating in the coaching of others. -- Julie Allen, facilitator

National Praise for Our Approach to Action Learning-Based, Peer Learning Programs

In his recent and major book, "Action Learning in Action," Michael Marquardt lists reasons why our approach to Action Learning is so successful:

• Ease of organizing, facilitating and evaluating groups
• Adapts to members' busy schedules -- they decide when and where to meet
• Focus is on real-world needs in the workplace
• Affordable for members -- few expensive materials are needed
• Highly efficient meetings
• Strong support among members
• Builds large reserves of useful resources
• Cultivates long-lasting networks of leaders and learners

To return to Action Learning and Peer Learning Programs

To return to Authenticity Consulting, LLC