Process and Meetings the make a difference

Many organizations offer facilitation services. Some are much more effective than others. The Allison Group’s approach makes a significant difference.

Pre-program work that enables participants to develop a shared    platform

Processes that engage participants so that they work together    long after “the event”

An end-to-end process that begins before the facilitation meetings    and continues after them

Uses a wide variety of facilitation technologies based on decades    of experience and the latest research

A facilitator that brings balance—not an agenda—into the room    and who responds to the group not a fixed plan

Attention to the environment so that it supports
   participant engagement

Download a PDF of our Facilitation page

Common Goals for Facilitation

To generate ideas and plans that work

I wanted to thank you. There was an amazing amount of material presented and a great deal to think about. The group was impressed. Thank you again, I know this will have an impact.

—President and Creative Director, Russell Design Associates

To work on difficult issues

I would absolutely be a reference for The Allison Group. Thanks for helping us do some difficult work together.

—Chief, Management and Administrative Support Staff, U.S. Government Department

To reenergize a group in tough times

I cannot thank you enough for all the work you've done for us and the impact it has already had on board and staff. Over and above all the specific benefits (clearer direction, beginning steps of a plan...) is the fact that we all feel less demoralized and more hopeful and excited about the organization and its future.

—Executive Director, Dancing in the Streets

To save time as a result of facilitation

You saved us months. Thanks to your breadth of knowledge and adeptness, you came in with less notice than anyone could imagine and effectively moved us forward."

—Member Steering Committee, Preservation Vision NYC

To improve or create the ability to work together without being directed

Unlike the previous year, where it took 6 months for people to work together, as a result of your program, this year people got to know each other and started working together right away.

—Director, Treasury Executive Institute, U.S. Department of the Treasury

Participant Goals

To contribute to ideas in a setting that brings confidence

I was surprised, frankly, at how well you fit into our culture.
You felt like one of us, with different, much-needed
skills and some external perspective.

—Business Head, Research and Development,
Hewlett-Packard

Not to feel cooped up, embarrassed
(no group hugs), or like they are wasting
their time

I can't tell you how FABULOUS that meeting
was…. Even though I was tired from the long
work week, I left feeling buoyed and happy to
be a part of this organization.

—Member Board of Directors,
   Dancing in the Streets

Examples of Faciliatation Services

Facilitation can be useful in a wide variety of situations. Here are some examples of projects we’ve worked on:

For a global technology company, facilitated discussions whether or not to continue or close down an expensive line of research which shows promise but is not on target

For a government agency with a long history of internal competition during a change of administration, enabled 15 senior managers to create a vision and supporting principles which they used to shape the transition

For a visionary taskforce, brought together emerging leaders to create not only a shared platform but also sufficient connection so that the group became self starting.

For a global financial institution after two rounds of demoralizing layoffs, worked with the remaining team to mourn and move on, reconfiguring their approach and reigniting enthusiasm.

For a group of social entrepreneurs, helped them to coalesce around a clear mission and vision and to develop the foundation which enabled them to group their fledgling organization into a well-funded force for change.