Facilitative Consulting

We describe our overall approach as facilitative consulting. Our clients value that we draw out and synthesize their own expertise and wisdom as much as we add in our analysis and recommendations. We help them to make meaning of the data and make decisions that will propel growth.

While we are partners in answering our clients’ compelling strategic questions, we know that, ultimately, sustainable solutions must be owned within organizations and implemented by inspired internal champions. That is why the mission of Gina Airey Consulting is to develop leaders for strategic impact. That translates into more competent leaders, more intentional leadership teams, more effective organizations and, most importantly, more mission-focused results.
 

Categories of Services

As facilitative consultants we view all of our projects as experiential leadership development for our clients. To simplify though, we have three categories of services: Planning; Leading; Learning.

Planning – Visioning, Strategic Planning and Implementation Planning:

The principles that guide our planning form our “P.A.C.T.” with our clients:

• Participatory
  ‘If they write it, they will underwrite it.’ We design each planning process to engage the stakeholders who will be essential to successful implementation. We are known for thinking strategically while understanding what it takes to implement tactically. We utilize surveys, interviews, peer interview workshops, focus groups, leadership retreats and innovation summits. We work with a steering committee that has been authorized to expedite planning and make recommendations to the ultimate decision-makers.
   
• Appreciative
  ‘What you appreciate, appreciates. What you value, increases in value.’ The design of each planning process begins with three questions based on applying the strengths-based approach of Appreciative Inquiry to planning: What compelling strategic question must you answer? Ultimately, what do you want more of?  What’s the best you already have that you can grow?
   
• Catalyzing
  ‘The inquiry begins the change.’  Our planning is designed to create the conditions and momentum that accelerate growth. Together we look for opportunities to integrate new practices into the culture. We identify strategic opportunities that jump-start results, even before planning is complete.
   
• Transformative
  ‘A great planning document is never enough.’ During the planning process, we are facilitating the leaders and organization to become who they will need to be for successful growth. Without a doubt our clients get the benefit of both great plans and a transformative planning process. Each process ends with clarity about: Who are we? Why do we exist? What do we aspire to create? How and when will we make it happen?
   

Leading - Leadership Team Facilitation, Executive Coaching and Organizational Development:

• Leadership team facilitation usually takes the form of a series of leadership retreats and workshops for executives, board members or both.
• One-on-one executive coaching is particularly effective for leaders at times of transition – such as the first 90 days of a new executive position.
• Our organizational development work is typically related to facilitating the implementation of a strategic plan, including the re-design of the organization, teams and roles.
   

Learning - Leadership Development Institute; Speaking and Training:

• Our most intensive learning opportunity is a proprietary leadership development institute: a six month long, research-based, experiential program that features individualized self-development plans, peer coaching and professional coaching. The purpose is to improve the competence, comfort and confidence of leaders by developing profound strengths most needed from them by their organizations now. The program boasts over 50 graduates and was recognized as the Outstanding Leadership Development Program by the Association of Junior Leagues International. The institute is customizable for a wide range of leaders within and across organizations.
• Contact us about short-term speaking and training engagements.  Some of our favorite topics are:
  • The 3 R’s of Change Management: Less Pain, More Gain!
  • What Is the Most Compelling Strategic Question You Must Answer?
  • How to Design Any Planning Process in 4 Simple Steps
  • Strengthening Your Strategic Core: Beyond the Words of Mission, Vision and Values
  • Are You a Strategic Leader or Just “On the Board”?: Strategic Thinking for Nonprofit Boards
  • There’s No U in Team: A Proven Model for Creating and Sustaining the Best Performance
  • Methods & Magic: How to Jumpstart a Focused Plan that Delivers Results… and Saves You Time! --This is a day-long workshop to prepare for self-directed strategic planning, designed for volunteers and smaller organizations. “Methods and Magic” is also available as a workbook. To order contact us.

Clients Say...

Gina provided expert guidance on the many processes involved in strategic planning, and somehow she made the many meetings rewarding and fun. Most of all – for me – she never let process and method get in the way of substance and content.

James Gordon, EdD, PT, FAPTA
Associate Dean and Chair,     University of Southern California
Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
    (US News & World Report #1 physical therapy program nationally)y)   

 I now have a clear recognition of my strengths and how to work on developing these strengths, especially using the self-development plan and tools such as coaching, peer interviews, the difference between leadership and management, and conflict handling modes.

Leadership Development Institute Graduate
Junior League of Los Angeles