Midwest Facilitation Network
(http://www.midwest-facilitators.net)
22nd
Midwest Facilitation Conference
Friday, January 28, 2000
8:00am to 5:00pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
De Paul University - CTI (Downtown Campus)
School of Computer Science, Telecommunications &
Information Systems
North Tower in CNA Insurance Building - 4th Floor
333 S Wabash Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60604
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 8:00 - 8:15 | Arrival, Continental Breakfast, Registration, Networking |
| 8:15 - 8:30 | Opening Announcements |
| Throughout
The Day |
(the MFN Board) Watch for signs directing you to the on-going, interactive computer-supported conversations about the types of programs and events that MFN should offer in the future. |
| 8:30-10:30 |
Busting the Myths, Unveiling the Mysteries, and Understanding the Means” by Bob Briggs (GroupSystems.com and the University of Arizona) This session deals with the issue of facilitators turning to technology
to enhance group performance. The session is appropriate for facilitators
at all levels of experience including those who now use technology, those
who are curious about collaborative technology, and those who are offended
by the thought of using it.
|
| 10:30-10:45 | Break, Networking |
| 10:45-12:15 |
by Michael Brandwein This session initially will focus on specific techniques one can use
immediately to help boost facilitation, meeting leadership, and group communication
skills, then will focus on specific and practical communication skills
that are essential to providing high quality service to clients.
|
| 12:15-1:00 | Lunch, Networking |
| 1:00-2:30 |
by Daniel Mittleman (De Paul University) and Robert Briggs (GroupSystems.com) This session will demonstrate two techniques that improve upon traditional
brainstorming by focusing or directing the energies of the participants
rather than encouraging open-ended idea generation. The presenters
will provide examples of the successful use of these techniques and instruction
on how to apply them in a variety of situations.
|
|
|
Break, Networking |
|
|
by Fred Niederman (St Louis University) This discussion is intended to stimulate thinking about facilitation
by reviewing research results, by observing facilitator experiences, and
by addressing some unanswered questions regarding the use of agendas.
This will include agenda evaluation, construction of agendas, interactions
with meeting task sponsors, variations from agenda use during meetings,
and perceived benefits of agenda use to group facilitators.
|
| 4:30-5:00 | Wrap Up, Door Prizes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Conference Fee | $65.00 per person on or before January 21st
$70.00 per person after January 21st Fee includes: Workshops, materials and meals |
| 5 Ways to Register |
Phone: (847) 673-2288 - During the recording press the "2" key. Please announce 'MFN Conference Registration', your company name, and the name, phone # and payment information of each registrant. Fax: (847) 673-9322 - Fax completed registration form with payment information for each registrant. E-Mail: pcollins@ais.net - e-mail completed registration form with payment information and subject: 'MFN Conference Registration'. Snail-mail: Mail completed registration form with payment information to MFN c/o Jordan-Webb, 3700 W Devon Ave, Suite F, Lincolnwood, IL 60712. On-Site: Registration and payment ($70.00) on-site is subject to availability. No guarantee without pre-registration. |
| Lodging | Participants are responsible for arranging their own
lodging. There are several options available, all in the vicinity of De
Paul University's Downtown Campus.
1) MIDLAND HOTEL
Recently renovated, the Midland is a nice hotel with comfortable sleeping rooms. It's about a 15 minute walk from De Paul's Downtown Campus and the CNA Building. It offers complimentary breakfast and bar daily. Restaurants and a fitness center are located within. 2) PALMER HOUSE HOTEL (HILTON)
This hotel is located in the heart of downtown and about 10 minutes walking distance from De Paul's Downtown Campus and the CNA Building. It's located in the middle of many downtown attractions. Many conventions are held here which makes things pretty busy on the lobby level. The lobby entrance is located on State Street and extends 1 block east to Wabash. Although the sleeping rooms are a bit small, this is a large hotel which offers a nice ambiance. There are several stores and restaurants on the lobby and lower level of this hotel. 3) HYATT ON PRINTERS ROW
Previously owned by the Omni Morton, the Hyatt is modern and located in a quiet, not-so-busy area of downtown Chicago. The sleeping rooms are large and nicely decorated. De Paul's Downtown Campus and the CNA Building are about 15 minutes walking distance from this hotel. 4) UNION LEAGUE CLUB
This elite club is not a hotel but offers sleeping rooms at a competitive rate. It's located right next door to the Metcalf Federal Office Building and is about a 20 minute walk from De Paul's Downtown Campus and the CNA Building. Their overnight accommodations provide the ambiance, security and extraordinary service of a private club, plus the conveniences of a modern hotel. Excellent cuisine and superb service is available to club members and guests. Dining in the main dining is formal. Room service is available. 5) CHICAGO HILTON & TOWERS
The former Conrad Hilton was completely renovated several years ago.
This hotel is located on South Michigan avenue and is about 12 minutes
walking distance from De Paul's Downtown Campus and the CNA Building.
Many conventions are held here which makes things pretty busy in this lobby
also. There are lobby entrances on Michigan Avenue and on Balboa
Drive. There are several shops and restaurants on ground floor of
this hotel.
|
| Meals | Continental Breakfast, Lunch and Afternoon Snack provided |
| Dress Code | Business Casual. |
| Building Security | Participants will have to give their names to the security guards and
request a building pass for
the MFN Conference on the 4th Floor of the CNA North Tower. |
| Travel | De Paul's Downtown Campus is located in several buildings
in Chicago's South Loop.
The De Paul Facility for the MFN Conference is located in the North
Tower of the CNA Insurance Building at 333 S Wabash Avenue (south east
corner of Jackson and Wabash) on the 4th Floor.
|
| Commuting: | Take the CTA, METRA or AMTRAK. The CNA Insurance
Building is a short walk from the La Salle Street Station on Van Buren
and the METRA Electric/South Shore Station at Jackson. It's
a "healthy" walk or a short taxi ride from Union Station (METRA & AMTRAK)
and Northwestern Station.
It is also a short walk from the following CTA Rapid Transit Stations: Brown Line (Ravenswood), Orange Line (Midway) or Purple Line (Evanston Express), Green Line (Lake/Jackson Park/Englewood) - Adams/Wabash Elevated Station; Blue Line (O’ Hare/Congress/Douglas) - Adams/Dearborn Subway Station; Red Line (Howard/Dan Ryan) - Adams/State Subway Station. From O’Hare Airport, take the Blue Line downtown and from Midway
Airport, take the Orange Line downtown to the respective CTA station
as above. From either airport take the Airport Limos downtown to
the Palmer House Hotel. 5 minute walk to the CNA Insurance Building.
|
| Driving: | 1) To Downtown Chicago via Interstate 90/94: a) Take I-90 /
I-94 (Dan Ryan [northbound] or Kennedy [southbound] Expressways) downtown
to Jackson Street (300 S) exit; East on Jackson to Wabash Avenue
(50 E); b) South on Wabash to Parking 1), 2) or 3) - see Parking
below.
2) To Downtown Chicago via Lake Shore Drive (US 41): a) Take US-41 downtown [northbound or southbound] to Jackson St (300 S) exit; West on Jackson to Columbus Drive; S 1 block on Columbus to Congress Pkwy; W on Congress Pkwy to Congress Plaza; R on Congress Plaza; 2-b) keep right toward Michigan Ave (100 E); right turn into Grant Park Downtown Parking (Underground) - see Parking 4) below. 3) From O'Hare Airport, North Suburbs, Wisconsin, Minnesota: a) Take I-94 or I-90 to Downtown Chicago then proceed as in 1-a) above. 4) From Midway Airport, Southwest Suburbs: a) Take I-55 to junction with US-41 Northbound (Lake Shore Drive); then proceed as 2-a) above. 5) From West Suburbs, Iowa: a) Take I-88 to junction with I-290; take I-290 to Downtown Chicago and to the end of I-290; continue eastbound on Congress Street to Michigan Avenue; cross Michigan to Congress Plaza; N on Congress Plaza; continue towards Michigan Ave through traffic light then proceed as 2-b) above. 6) From Indiana, Michigan, South Suburbs: a) take I-90 or I-94 to Downtown
Chicago as 1-a)
|
| Parking: | 1) Parking*, 325 S Wabash (west side, mid-block between Jackson
& Van Buren), $12.
2) Auditorium Parking*, 401 S Wabash (SE corner of Wabash & Van Buren), $14. 3) Parking, 410 S Wabash (west side, mid-block between Van Buren & Congress), $12. 4) Grant Park Underground Garage, (Michigan & Congress), $17.00, $12 if in by 8am. 5) Palmer House Hilton Self Park, 55 E Monroe (mid-block between
Michigan & Wabash), $20.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, January 28, 2000
"Facilitation
and Technology:
Busting the
Myths, Unveiling the Mysteries, and Understanding the Means”
by Bob Briggs
(GroupSystems.com and the University of Arizona)
As the Information Age gives rise to the Collaboration Age, many facilitators are turning to technology to enhance group performance. Technology is no substitute for leadership. A skillful facilitator can use technology to supercharge a group, while a poor facilitator can only bludgeon a group with technology. In this session the participants will use collaborative technology to work together first to explore the foundations of group productivity, and then to explore the role of the facilitator making groups productive. We will then examine the Groupware Grid, a simple model for understanding and comparing collaborative technologies, and for understanding how the facilitator can use technology to enhance team productivity. We will explore the major classes of collaborative technologies, and invite the participants to classify and compare them in the grid. We will then work through a series of truths and myths about technology and facilitation, and invite the participants to reflect on them and distinguish among them. The focus will be on challenging the participants to draw their own inferences. The session will conclude with some practical discussions targeted at de-mystifying the technology itself.
This session is appropriate for facilitators at all levels of experience. It should attract those who now use technology, those who are curious about collaborative technology, and those who are offended by the thought of using technology to support facilitation. Those with strong opinions about technology and facilitation should find stimulating and challenging opposing views regardless of their position. The moderators will seek first to stimulate and highlight differences of opinion, and then to move the group through the Hegelian dialectic to a synthesis of seemingly mutually exclusive positions.
Dr. Robert O. Briggs, facilitator and researcher, has facilitated more than a thousand team processes at the highest levels of industry and government with and without collaborative technology support. As research coordinator for the University of Arizona's Center for the Management of Information (CMI), he investigates the theoretical foundations of group effort and applies that knowledge to the development of new collaborative technology, new collaborative techniques and processes, and new collaborative workspaces -- both physical and virtual. He has published more than 50 scholarly works, including breakthroughs in: Group Productivity, Group Creativity, Meeting Satisfaction, Collaborative Learning, Technology Transition.
As a researcher Bob spent two years working with D.C. Public Schools to create and validate the HighStakes(tm) collaborative learning pedagogy -- a method for using collaborative technology and the web to engage learners who were at high-risk of dropping out. All the learners who participated in the pilot project beat the odds by graduating from grammar school and Junior high School. Most are still in high school. DCPS is now in the process of implementing the pedagogy across 50 schools. Bob also spent three years working with a team of researchers and Naval officers at the U.S. Navy's Commander, Third Fleet aboard the U.S.S. CORONADO. The team built three state-of-the-art collaborative decision spaces aboard the ship and developed new intelligence and planning processes that significantly reduced the situational awareness cycle and the course-of-action development cycle. The techniques developed aboard CORONADO are now diffusing to other sea-based and shore-based warfighters.
As the Director of Methodology and Process Tools for GroupSysetms.com,
Dr. Briggs oversees the future development trajectory of GroupSystems software.
GroupSystems.com provides collaborative reasoning capabilities and services
over the Web to clients in industry and government around the world.
He is currently working on a new approach to group support systems technology
that may substantially reduce the conceptual load of wielding collaborative
technology on behalf of a group.
"Communication
Power Skills for Effective Facilitation and Outstanding Client Service"
By Michael Brandwein
This skill-packed session initially will focus on specific techniques one can use immediately to help boost facilitation, meeting leadership, and group communication skills. The session will help identify and demonstrate the creative techniques to maximize and improve the quality of participation in discussion, to reduce "wheel-spinning", to increase critical thinking, and more. It will explode the myth that there are "born" teachers or communicators will help us to convert the qualities used in expert facilitation and discussion-leading into the skills that produce great results.
The focus will then turn to specific and practical communication skills that are essential to providing terrific service to clients. This part of the session will provide a creative and fast way to nail down the most essential characteristic of impressive service and how to best provide it. It will then help identify effective methods to turn moments of client disappointment, mistakes, problems and other negatives into more positive opportunities to forge strong and lasting relationships.
Michael Brandwein is recognized for his innovative techniques in management, communication, service, and leadership development. In the past 20 years he has made presentations in 47 of the states in the U.S. and on 5 of the 7 continents. He is a nationally award-winning speaker, author, and educator known for his practical, “use-it-immediately” focus. He is a frequent keynoter and trainer for many professional associations and businesses. Corporate keynotes have included Motorola, Andersen Consulting, Gillette, Canon, Honda, Daimler-Chrysler, Exxon, Kemper, Kodak, and many others. His work for government includes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the John F. Kennedy School for Special Operations and Warfare.
In its 1998 annual review, Successful Meetings magazine chose Michael as one of two top choices of outstanding U.S. speakers. Michael wrote and presented three public television programs on communication, which received a 1999 Emmy and will be broadcast on PBS stations throughout the U.S. in 2000. He is author of a best-selling text on training and facilitating for youth leaders called Training Terrific Staff.
Michael’s degree in Speech Communication
is from the University of Illinois, where he graduated summa cum laude
as a Bronze Tablet Scholar, the highest academic distinction awarded by
the University. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University
of Chicago Law School. Now a full-time speaker since 1987, previously
Michael was a trial lawyer and partner for nine years in a 55-member firm.
Michael is also a graduate of the famed Second City improv theater school
in Chicago and has been a professional magician for over 25 years.
Michael is based in Lincolnshire, Illinois, where he lives with his wife
Donna, a certified sign language interpreter, and their two children.
“Directed Brainstorming:
New Techniques that Improve Idea Generation"”
by Daniel Mittleman
(De Paul University) and Robert Briggs (GroupSystems.com)
In this presentation we describe and demonstrate two techniques we have evolved that improve upon traditional brainstorming by focusing or directing the energies of the participants rather than encouraging open-ended idea generation. One technique leads the participants to generate better ideas by forcing comparison against previously generated ideas along specific criteria.
A second technique helps teams generate creative solutions to sticky problems by forcing multi-viewpoint consideration of the issues. We have used these techniques dozens of times with exciting and encouraging results each time. We will provide examples of the successful use of these techniques and instruction of how to apply them in a variety of situations.
Dr. Daniel Mittleman
is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science, Telecommunications,
and Information Systems at De Paul University. He holds an AB and
MBA from Washington University (St. Louis) and a Ph.D. from the University
of Arizona. Dr. Mittleman's research focuses on Group Support Systems
(GSS) and collaboration technologies. His projects include investigation
of collaboration aboard US Navy ships; development of GSS processes to
support architectural planning, collaborative writing, and brainstorming;
and the design of technology-supported collaboration facilities.
He has published over a dozen papers in these research areas and is the
author, with Robert Briggs, of a chapter on Electronic Communication Technology
for Teams in the book Supporting Work Team Effectiveness: Best Practices
For Fostering High Performance, edited by Eric Sundstrom. Dr. Mittleman
is also a facilitator who has guided more than 500 strategic planning,
documentation and requirements elicitation meetings over the past nine
years for industry, government, and educational organizations. He
wants to be an architect when he grows up.
Reflections on
Facilitation, Agendas and the Evaluation of Meetings
by Fred Niederman
(St Louis University)
The experiential learning model includes the often neglected element of reflection and consolidation of knowledge following action. This presentation-discussion session aims to stimulate reflection on the facilitation experience by presenting research results, observations from experience, and as yet unanswered questions regarding fundamental issues in group facilitation.
This presentation-discussion session will present highlights of results from several studies related to facilitation, meetings, and the use of group support systems. For each of several studies, implications for practice and observations regarding the usefulness of the findings as well as the pure results will be presented.
An early study based on detailed interviews with facilitators showed a wide variety in amount and ways of using agendas. Results of a follow-up study regarding the use of agendas will present empirical findings on agenda use, agenda evaluation, construction of agendas, interactions with meeting task sponsors, variations from agenda use during meetings, and perceived benefits of agenda use to group facilitators. Discussion regarding agenda use and meeting evaluation will be included in this portion of the presentation.
Viewed from another perspective, the same study revealed relationships between facilitator characteristics (including training, experience, percentage of internal versus external to the firm facilitation, and use of group support systems) influence on meeting preparation, setting preparation, and agenda use that will also be presented. Discussion regarding categories and types of facilitation as well as effective training and experiential growth will be included in this portion of the presentation.
Dr. Fred Niederman
is the Shaughnessy Endowed Associate Professor of MIS at Saint Louis University
. He received his Ph.D in MIS at the University of Minnesota in 1990
and has published in Group Facilitation, MIS Quarterly, Decision Sciences,
Decision Support Systems, Journal of Strategic Information Systems, Small
Group Research, Computer Personnel, Journal of
Global Information Systems, Group
Decision and Negotiation, Journal of Data Warehousing and Journal of Business
Communications. His research interests include group support systems,
intellectual capital, human resource issues for information systems personnel,
and global information systems. Prior group related research has
focused on the use of group support systems to aid in problem formulation,
key issues for facilitation of GSS supported meetings, variations in use
and value of agendas in meetings, and facilitation of distributed meetings.
Prior to his academic career, he provided facilitation and training of
facilitation with the Seattle Metrocenter YMCA and teaching and cross-cultural
training with the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Paul Collins | David De Witt | Dan Heck | Julie Koslow |
| (847) 673-2288 | (847) 635-4963 | (847) 480-3558 | (312) 251-7546 |
| pcollins@ais.net | david.dewitt@dsc-logistics.com | danheck@compuserve.com | julie.koslow@xpedior.com |
| Linda Romansic | Joan Smith | Reginald Taylor | Nancy Winkler |
| (847) 566-0644 | (847) 670-7261 | (312) 664-1948 | (312) 904-4646 |
| romansicl@aol.com | smijo10@cai.com | regtay@ix.netcom.com | nancy.winkler@abnamro.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Visit MFN's Website: http://www./midwest-facilitators.net - Watch for future developments on this site. For example, we intend to collect and summarize individual and group insights and learnings from the Summer Workshop, and to post those findings to the Website. We will also post the findings from the Ongoing Needs Analysis Focus Groups that we've been conducting at MFN Events.
Also visit the Websites of MFN Board Members Reginald Taylor: http://www.taylor-made-consulting.com, Dan Heck: http://www.metservice.com, and Paul Collins: http://www.jordan-webb.net.
April 27-30, 2000 - International Association of Facilitators (IAF) Annual Conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Information: http://hsb.baylor.edu/html/fuller/iaf, iafoffice@igc.apc.org or pbushee@mr.net, (612) 891-3541.
Monday, May 15th, 2000 - MFN
Spring Conference (23rd) @ Lewis Universlty, Romeoville, Illinois (South
West Suburban) - Details TBA
Improv!:
A Different Twist to Brainstorming Sessions by Mary Hughes and Ann
Marie Calistro
Analyzing
and Utilizing Personality Strengths in Group Process by Jann Thompson
(In Good Company)
Program
TBA by Ron Kovach (Lewis University)
Other
Programs & Presenters - TBA
August 2000 -MFN Professional Skills Development Workshop (5th) - Details TBA
October 2000 - MFN Fall Conference (24th) - Details TBA
To suggest a future program or presenter, or to become involved in planning events, contact MFN using the information below.
Please send your current e-mail address, phone & fax number and address changes so that we can keep you informed about MFN events in a variety of ways.
Send in a suggestion for future Facilitator Shareware postings (see below) in MFN Announcements or on the website.
Thank You. E-mail: pcollins@ais.net
Fax: (847) 673-9322 Voice: (847) 673-2288
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|