Facilitation Services

Our Consultants can help you plan and execute critical processes as a visible leader or a behind-the-scenes guide. Whether your organization is conducting a Board or Executive retreat, an organization-wide planning process / change initiative, or a departmental brainstorming session, we work closely with you every step of the way. We are adept at helping you identify and develop the mechanisms needed to support your initiatives; facilitate effective communications among your stakeholder groups; and stay focused on your desired results. We understand that effective change takes time and we help you avoid the temptation to rush through important steps.

ORID Focused Conversation Method

SWS also offers the ORID (observe, reflect, interpret, decide) Focused Conversation Method to help leaders reach agreement before embarking on a major organizational initiative. The ORID method is a four stage process used to facilitate a focused conversation within groups. It is led by a facilitator who asks a series of questions to elicit responses that take the group from the surface of a topic to its depth - examining the implications of their work together before they start.

The ORID method helps groups focus on a topic long enough to determine what direction is needed. These initial conversations are intended to ensure a common understanding regarding the approach, work steps, deliverables, and schedule for a major project. SWS believes that this kind of clarity fosters a more effective and efficient use of everyone’s time.

Mediation Services

Our mediation services are specifically focused on helping you resolve conflicts that hinder effective operations. Conflict is not inherently negative, in fact, it typically precedes change. Disruptive conflict, however, can take a toll on productivity, turn into harassment or bullying, or escalate into workplace violence. SWS offers a master's level Consultant who is a trained mediator. She facilitates conflict resolution between work groups, individual employees, or a supervisor and direct report(s).