Great Plains ToP

ToP Facilitation Methods
2024-09-17 08:30 - 2024-09-18 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Home Federal Bank, 221 S Locust St, Grand Island, NE, 68801, United States
September 17 & 18: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CDT
Home Federal Bank, Grand Island, Nebraska

Description
Do you struggle with circular conversation in meetings that don’t seem to go anywhere?
Are you anxious about what to do when conflict arises or someone dominates the conversation?
Do you feel like a used car salesman trying to get people to stay committed and motivated to group projects?
In this engaging course you will learn three simple, universally applicable approaches to help you confidently move any group from conflict or confusion to consensus and commitment.
Focused Conversation
A universal framework to generate meaningful, productive dialogue around any topic.

Conduct purposeful, productive meetings and discussions
Stimulate candid feedback
Surface new ideas and solutions

Consensus Workshop
Infuse a group with creative energy and bring diverse opinions and perspectives into an agreement everyone can own and support.

Tap rational and intuitive thought processes
Respectfully integrate diverse ideas into a larger whole
Generate practical and creative solutions from multiple perspectives
Minimize conflict and achieve consensus

Action Planning
Quickly plan and prepare a group project for launch, and develop shared commitment to timelines, tasks, and success measures.

Analyze the current reality and set inspiring goals
Maximize group ownership and creativity
Craft a doable plan with clear ownership, timelines and success measures

Immersive demonstrations, hands on practice, peer coaching, and real life application opportunities will ensure you leave with confidence to immediately put your new skills to use.
You’ll receive: step-by-step manual and resource guide + 1 hour of free expert coaching.
Course Applicable To:

Project and Team Leaders
Facilitators, Trainers and Consultants
Project & Change Managers
Managers and Supervisors
Executive Directors and Board Members
Educators and Health Practitioners
Active Citizens and Community Workers
Government Employees and Elected Officials
UX and Product Designers
Community organizers

Community Engagement Managers
Others who lead meetings or collaborate with groups of any kind

Prerequisites
None
Continuing Ed Credits
13.5 NCHEC (CHES & MCHES)
14.5 AICP (APA)
14 PDU (CAPM)
Pricing
$1250: Corporate & Large Nonprofits (budget > $5 million)
$1050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional – Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Student (student ID required) & Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million)

(you will be directed to our sister site top-training.net to process your registration and secure payment)
Testimonials
“ToP training has been invaluable to me as an association leader! The techniques I learned have improved both my facilitation and leadership skills – I’m more able to ensure that all voices in the room are heard and also have found that I ask better questions. Even the simple but powerful framework ToP teaches for debriefing has 1,001 uses in my association work!”
–Donna Oser, CAE
Director of Leadership and Executive Search Services for the Michigan Association of School Boards
“I went in feeling insecure about my skills to lead a meeting and walked away from the experience feeling like I had started building a solid facilitation foundation. I now feel I have the confidence to lead a positive and productive meeting.”
–Meg Dethloff
United States Geological Survey/PNAMP Biologist
“This course teaches you to think outside the box, challenge yourself and others during conversations, and engage people in tough brainstorms. It will bring out new thought processes and help you realize how you can change how you have been facilitating meetings in the past.”
–Melissa Boles
Employer Services Manager at Workforce Southwest Washington

ToP Facilitation Methods
2024-08-15 08:30 - 2024-08-16 17:00 UTC | Cedar Rapids, IA
Sessions:
August 15&16: 8:30 am am – 5:00 pm CDT
Hosted in Cedar Rapids, IA

Description
Do you struggle with circular conversation in meetings that don’t seem to go anywhere?
Are you anxious about what to do when conflict arises or someone dominates the conversation?
Do you feel like a used car salesman trying to get people to stay committed and motivated to group projects?
In this engaging course you will learn three simple, universally applicable approaches to help you confidently move any group from conflict or confusion to consensus and commitment.
Focused Conversation
A universal framework to generate meaningful, productive dialogue around any topic.

Conduct purposeful, productive meetings and discussions
Stimulate candid feedback
Surface new ideas and solutions

Consensus Workshop
Infuse a group with creative energy and bring diverse opinions and perspectives into an agreement everyone can own and support.

Tap rational and intuitive thought processes
Respectfully integrate diverse ideas into a larger whole
Generate practical and creative solutions from multiple perspectives
Minimize conflict and achieve consensus

Action Planning
Quickly plan and prepare a group project for launch, and develop shared commitment to timelines, tasks, and success measures.

Analyze the current reality and set inspiring goals
Maximize group ownership and creativity
Craft a doable plan with clear ownership, timelines and success measures

Immersive demonstrations, hands on practice, peer coaching, and real life application opportunities will ensure you leave with confidence to immediately put your new skills to use.
You’ll receive: step-by-step manual and resource guide + 1 hour of free expert coaching.
Course Applicable To:

Project and Team Leaders
Facilitators, Trainers and Consultants
Project & Change Managers
Managers and Supervisors
Executive Directors and Board Members
Educators and Health Practitioners
Active Citizens and Community Workers
Government Employees and Elected Officials
UX and Product Designers
Community organizers

Community Engagement Managers
Others who lead meetings or collaborate with groups of any kind

Prerequisites
None
Continuing Ed Credits
13.5 NCHEC (CHES & MCHES)
14.5 AICP (APA)
14 PDU (CAPM)
Pricing
$1250: Corporate & Large Nonprofits (budget > $5 million)
$1050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional – Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Student (student ID required) & Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million)

(you will be directed to our sister site top-training.net to process your registration and secure payment)
Testimonials
“ToP training has been invaluable to me as an association leader! The techniques I learned have improved both my facilitation and leadership skills – I’m more able to ensure that all voices in the room are heard and also have found that I ask better questions. Even the simple but powerful framework ToP teaches for debriefing has 1,001 uses in my association work!”
–Donna Oser, CAE
Director of Leadership and Executive Search Services for the Michigan Association of School Boards
“I went in feeling insecure about my skills to lead a meeting and walked away from the experience feeling like I had started building a solid facilitation foundation. I now feel I have the confidence to lead a positive and productive meeting.”
–Meg Dethloff
United States Geological Survey/PNAMP Biologist
“This course teaches you to think outside the box, challenge yourself and others during conversations, and engage people in tough brainstorms. It will bring out new thought processes and help you realize how you can change how you have been facilitating meetings in the past.”
–Melissa Boles
Employer Services Manager at Workforce Southwest Washington

ToP Facilitation Methods
2024-05-15 08:30 - 2024-05-16 17:00 UTC | Project Harmoy, 515 S 12th St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Sessions:
May 15 & 16: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CDT
Project Harmony, Omaha, NE

Description
Do you struggle with circular conversation in meetings that don’t seem to go anywhere?
Are you anxious about what to do when conflict arises or someone dominates the conversation?
Do you feel like a used car salesman trying to get people to stay committed and motivated to group projects?
In this engaging course you will learn three simple, universally applicable approaches to help you confidently move any group from conflict or confusion to consensus and commitment.
Focused Conversation
A universal framework to generate meaningful, productive dialogue around any topic.

Conduct purposeful, productive meetings and discussions
Stimulate candid feedback
Surface new ideas and solutions

Consensus Workshop
Infuse a group with creative energy and bring diverse opinions and perspectives into an agreement everyone can own and support.

Tap rational and intuitive thought processes
Respectfully integrate diverse ideas into a larger whole
Generate practical and creative solutions from multiple perspectives
Minimize conflict and achieve consensus

Action Planning
Quickly plan and prepare a group project for launch, and develop shared commitment to timelines, tasks, and success measures.

Analyze the current reality and set inspiring goals
Maximize group ownership and creativity
Craft a doable plan with clear ownership, timelines and success measures

Immersive demonstrations, hands on practice, peer coaching, and real life application opportunities will ensure you leave with confidence to immediately put your new skills to use.
You’ll receive: step-by-step manual and resource guide + 1 hour of free expert coaching.
Course Applicable To:

Project and Team Leaders
Facilitators, Trainers and Consultants
Project & Change Managers
Managers and Supervisors
Executive Directors and Board Members
Educators and Health Practitioners
Active Citizens and Community Workers
Government Employees and Elected Officials
UX and Product Designers
Community organizers

Community Engagement Managers
Others who lead meetings or collaborate with groups of any kind

Prerequisites
None
Continuing Ed Credits
13.5 NCHEC (CHES & MCHES)
14.5 AICP (APA)
14 PDU (CAPM)
Pricing
$1250: Corporate & Large Nonprofits (budget > $5 million)
$1050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional – Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Student (student ID required) & Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million)

(you will be directed to our sister site top-training.net to process your registration and secure payment)
Testimonials
“ToP training has been invaluable to me as an association leader! The techniques I learned have improved both my facilitation and leadership skills – I’m more able to ensure that all voices in the room are heard and also have found that I ask better questions. Even the simple but powerful framework ToP teaches for debriefing has 1,001 uses in my association work!”
–Donna Oser, CAE
Director of Leadership and Executive Search Services for the Michigan Association of School Boards
“I went in feeling insecure about my skills to lead a meeting and walked away from the experience feeling like I had started building a solid facilitation foundation. I now feel I have the confidence to lead a positive and productive meeting.”
–Meg Dethloff
United States Geological Survey/PNAMP Biologist
“This course teaches you to think outside the box, challenge yourself and others during conversations, and engage people in tough brainstorms. It will bring out new thought processes and help you realize how you can change how you have been facilitating meetings in the past.”
–Melissa Boles
Employer Services Manager at Workforce Southwest Washington

ToP Facilitation Methods
2024-03-05 08:30 - 17:00 UTC | Lincoln, NE
Sessions:
March 5&6: 8:30 am am – 5:00 pm CDT
Hosted in Lincoln, Nebraska

Description
Do you struggle with circular conversation in meetings that don’t seem to go anywhere?
Are you anxious about what to do when conflict arises or someone dominates the conversation?
Do you feel like a used car salesman trying to get people to stay committed and motivated to group projects?
In this engaging course you will learn three simple, universally applicable approaches to help you confidently move any group from conflict or confusion to consensus and commitment.
Focused Conversation
A universal framework to generate meaningful, productive dialogue around any topic.

Conduct purposeful, productive meetings and discussions
Stimulate candid feedback
Surface new ideas and solutions

Consensus Workshop
Infuse a group with creative energy and bring diverse opinions and perspectives into an agreement everyone can own and support.

Tap rational and intuitive thought processes
Respectfully integrate diverse ideas into a larger whole
Generate practical and creative solutions from multiple perspectives
Minimize conflict and achieve consensus

Action Planning
Quickly plan and prepare a group project for launch, and develop shared commitment to timelines, tasks, and success measures.

Analyze the current reality and set inspiring goals
Maximize group ownership and creativity
Craft a doable plan with clear ownership, timelines and success measures

Immersive demonstrations, hands on practice, peer coaching, and real life application opportunities will ensure you leave with confidence to immediately put your new skills to use.
You’ll receive: step-by-step manual and resource guide + 1 hour of free expert coaching.
Course Applicable To:

Project and Team Leaders
Facilitators, Trainers and Consultants
Project & Change Managers
Managers and Supervisors
Executive Directors and Board Members
Educators and Health Practitioners
Active Citizens and Community Workers
Government Employees and Elected Officials
UX and Product Designers
Community organizers

Community Engagement Managers
Others who lead meetings or collaborate with groups of any kind

Prerequisites
None
Continuing Ed Credits
13.5 NCHEC (CHES & MCHES)
14.5 AICP (APA)
14 PDU (CAPM)
Pricing
$1250: Corporate & Large Nonprofits (budget > $5 million)
$1050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional – Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Student (student ID required) & Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million)

(you will be directed to our sister site top-training.net to process your registration and secure payment)
Testimonials
“ToP training has been invaluable to me as an association leader! The techniques I learned have improved both my facilitation and leadership skills – I’m more able to ensure that all voices in the room are heard and also have found that I ask better questions. Even the simple but powerful framework ToP teaches for debriefing has 1,001 uses in my association work!”
–Donna Oser, CAE
Director of Leadership and Executive Search Services for the Michigan Association of School Boards
“I went in feeling insecure about my skills to lead a meeting and walked away from the experience feeling like I had started building a solid facilitation foundation. I now feel I have the confidence to lead a positive and productive meeting.”
–Meg Dethloff
United States Geological Survey/PNAMP Biologist
“This course teaches you to think outside the box, challenge yourself and others during conversations, and engage people in tough brainstorms. It will bring out new thought processes and help you realize how you can change how you have been facilitating meetings in the past.”
–Melissa Boles
Employer Services Manager at Workforce Southwest Washington

Approaches to Environmental Scanning – Online
2023-11-13 10:30 - 2023-11-17 13:30 UTC | Online
Sessions:
November 13 – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm CDT
November 15 – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm CDT
November 17 – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm CDT

Description
Before planning for the future, groups need to understand their history and the current dilemmas they face, as well as anticipate shifts and trends in their larger environment.
Environmental Scanning provides a way to quickly understand customer, staff or community perceptions and needs, delve into relevant data, and get groups on the same page to launch their work, but one size doesn’t fit all!
In this three day course, participants will explore 10 dynamic and creative ways to conduct group assessments, and then engage in hands-on practice to select the right approach for various situations. You’ll go back to this extensive “recipe book” of techniques again and again!
Course Applicable To:

Business & Team Leaders
Local, State, and Federal Leaders and Program Managers
Change Managers
Facilitators, Trainers and Consultants
Community Organizers
Community Planners
Anyone who wants to set a foundation and context for strategic thinking and proactive planning

Miro
This course is offered on the Miro virtual collaboration platform
Prerequisites
ToP Facilitation Methods (TFM)
Pricing
$800: Corporate, Large Nonprofits (budget>$5 million)
$700: Public Government
$600: Individual Professional, Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$500: Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million), Student (student ID required)

ToP Strategic Planning - Online
2023-11-06 00:00 - 2023-11-17 00:00 UTC | Virginia
This course is completed in 5 sessions (times are central time)
Monday, November 6: 10 am – 2 pm
Wednesday, November 8: 10 am – 2 pm
Friday, November 10: 10 am – 2 pm
Tuesday, November 15: 10 am – 2:00 pm
Thursday, November 17: 10 am – 2:00 pm

ToP Strategic Planning Online Edition translates the ToP Strategic Planning process to an online format that preserves the richness of the face to face version and moves it into the virtual world. Highly participatory, the Online Edition breaks down barriers and builds engagement wherever you may be.
Each half-day segment is devoted to one of five phases of developing a strategic plan:

Preparation and Design
Practical Vision
Underlying Contradictions
Strategic Directions
Focused Implementation

For each segment, participants will participate in a demonstration of the process, followed by a review of the process experienced, key steps and approaches used and discussion of factors in facilitating the segment. This structure enables the experience of how the processes invite a wide range of thinking styles, invites participation from many perspectives and yields a coherent, practical plan.
The course will be delivered via Zoom in combination with another online collaboration platform: either Miro or Mural – see details for yours. The course is not a training course for these platforms but will allow participants to interact with the technology to understand its features and benefits. Participants will receive several templates to support the work of each section as well as suggestions for using other supporting technology.
Participants will need an internet connected computer, strong broadband signal, and a quiet place from which to join the sessions.
See a short video about the Strategic Planning course here.

Course Applicable To:

Those needing to collaborate with large numbers of stakeholders to develop long-term strategy quickly
Executives, managers and organizational leaders who depend on others for successful implementation of organization strategies
Board members, educators and individuals responsible for leading organizations into the future.
Facilitators and consultants
Local, state, and federal leaders and program managers

Prerequisites

ToP Facilitation Methods (TFM)

Continuing Ed Credits

13.5 NCHEC (CHES & MCHES)
14.5 AICP (APA)

Pricing
$1250: Corporate, Large Nonprofits (budget>$5 million)
$1050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional, Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million), Student (student ID required)

Testimonials

“ToP Strategic Planning was fabulous and brings new light and insight into planning for success. The method is inclusive and expansive, including amazing tools for implementation.” Michael Fredericks – President – SALT, Anchorage AK
“The force gave me a simple, powerful framework that any of my clients can easily use to create strategic plans that will actually come to fruition!” Janet Mahrle – Owner – Mahrle Coaching Services, Sacramento CA
“Full of ways to motivate and energize people meaningfully in creating their future, whether for themselves, their family or places of work.” Carolyn Newbetty Schwartz – Consultant – Oak Park IL

Facilitators Rising an Online Community of Practice
2023-10-18 13:00 - 14:00 (Asia/Karachi) | Online
ToP Facilitation Methods Graduates join us for a community practice.
Meet other facilitators interested in sharing their journey. The wins and the challenges. This is an opportunity to get great feedback and learn new skills.
The community of practice is free of charge for all who have completed ToP Facilitation Methods Course.
Facilitators Rising is hosted by Great Plains ToP Trainers

You will receive a Zoom link upon registration.

ToP Facilitation Methods Online
2023-10-17 10:00 - 2023-10-26 15:00 UTC | Online
Sessions
October 17 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT
October 19 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT
October 24 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT
October 26 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT

Description
Have you found yourself struggling to conduct meaningful online conversations?
Are you anxious about what to do when someone dominates the conversation?
Do you feel like a used car salesman trying to get people to stay committed and motivated to group projects?
In this engaging live on-line modular course you look at the landscape of facilitation and will learn three simple, universally applicable approaches to help you confidently move any group from unproductive conflict or confusion to consensus and commitment.
Landscape of Facilitation (Module I)

Introduction and facility with the virtual facilitation environment
Understanding of ToP facilitation as a participatory and respectful process that helps groups create shared awareness, agreement, and action online
Understand the foundational theory and flow of ToP Facilitation Methods virtually

Focused Conversation (Module II)
Generate meaningful, productive dialogue around any topic with this universal framework. Learn how to virtually :

Build your confidence in hosting respectful, inclusive conversations online
Deepen awareness and understanding of individual and group dynamics in conversation
Feel increasingly comfortable flexing between the roles of participant, designer, and facilitator
Participate in an online learning environment, where a variety of virtual tools are modeled for their potential use, including chat, participant, and breakout features in Zoom

Consensus Workshop (Module III)
Infuse a group with creativity and bring diverse opinions and perspectives into alignment with this energizing virtual process.

Respectfully integrate diverse ideas into a larger whole
Tap rational and intuitive thought processes
Generate practical and creative solutions from multiple perspectives
Actively engage participants in collective decision-making

Action Planning (Module IV)
Quickly plan and prepare a group project for launch, and develop shared commitment to timelines, tasks, and success measures.

Analyze the current reality and set inspiring goal
Maximize group ownership and creativity
Craft a doable plan with clear ownership, timelines, and success measures

Immersive demonstrations, process review of foundational theoretical understanding of facilitation and group dynamics, and planning for application regardless of preferred virtual platform, will ensure you leave with confidence to immediately put your new skills to use.
You will receive: step-by-step manual and resource guide
You will be asked to: participate in self-guided learning including reading materials and assignments
Course Applicable To:

Managers and supervisors
Executive directors and board members
Educators and health practitioners
Project and team leaders
Active citizens and community workers
Facilitators, trainers and consultants
Government employees and elected officials
UX and product designers
Organizational change agents
Community organizers
Others who lead meetings or collaborate with groups of any kind

Prerequisites
None
Continuing Ed Credits
Applicable for NCHEC (CHES & MCHES) and AICP (APA). Inquire to support@ica-usa.org for credit hour details.
Pricing
$1250: Corporate & Large Nonprofits (budget > $5 million)
$1050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional – Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Student (student ID required) & Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million)

(you will be directed to our sister site top-training.net to process your registration and secure payment)

Approaches to Environmental Scanning – Online
2023-09-18 10:00 - 2023-09-22 13:30 UTC | Online
Sessions:
September 18 – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm CDT
September 20 – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm CDT
September 22 – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm CDT

Description
Before planning for the future, groups need to understand their history and the current dilemmas they face, as well as anticipate shifts and trends in their larger environment.
Environmental Scanning provides a way to quickly understand customer, staff or community perceptions and needs, delve into relevant data, and get groups on the same page to launch their work, but one size doesn’t fit all!
In this three day course, participants will explore 10 dynamic and creative ways to conduct group assessments, and then engage in hands-on practice to select the right approach for various situations. You’ll go back to this extensive “recipe book” of techniques again and again!
Course Applicable To:

Business & Team Leaders
Local, State, and Federal Leaders and Program Managers
Change Managers
Facilitators, Trainers and Consultants
Community Organizers
Community Planners
Anyone who wants to set a foundation and context for strategic thinking and proactive planning

Miro
This course is offered on the Miro virtual collaboration platform
Prerequisites
ToP Facilitation Methods (TFM)
Pricing
$800: Corporate, Large Nonprofits (budget>$5 million)
$700: Public Government
$600: Individual Professional, Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$500: Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million), Student (student ID required)

ToP Secrets of Implementation
2023-09-13 08:30 - 2023-09-14 17:00 UTC | Omaha, NE
Sessions:
September 13 and 14 – 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CDT

Description
How do you keep your team committed and engaged, bring new people to the table mid-stream (without starting over), course-correct when the situation changes, and close it all out triumphantly… all while staying participatory and collaborative?
This course is packed with dozens of tools and tips to help you:

Understand and anticipate the ups and down of implementing strategies
Initiate dynamic plans and bring them to concrete conclusions
Sustain momentum to bring the plans to implementation
Review and reposition projects that are in process
Bring closure to plans and celebrate the team’s work

Are you…

trying to bring a strategic plan to life?
completing a project with your team?
sustaining a collective impact effort?
rallying support for a community campaign or initiative?

Bring your real-life challenges for personalized peer coaching in this unique learning community structure!
You’ll receive: step-by-step manual and resource guide + 1 hour of free expert coaching.
Course Applicable To:
Executives and organizational leaders who depend on others for successful implementation of organization strategies

Consultants and Facilitators
Project & Change Managers
Active Citizens and Community Organizers
Community Organizers
Community Engagement Managers
Planners
Others who are responsible for bringing plans to reality!

Prerequisites
ToP Facilitation Methods (TFM)
Continuing Ed Credits
13.5 NCHEC (CHES & MCHES)
14.5 AICP (APA)
14 PDU (CAPM)
Pricing
$1,250: Corporate, Large Nonprofits (budget>$5 million)
$1,050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional, Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million), Student (student ID required)

Testimonials
“A substantive addition to [Strategic Planning] which provides many ideas methods to move the group forward into implementation. I loved it.”
-Jane Stallman
Senior Partner, Center for Strategic Facilitation
“I now have a clearer idea of the strategies a facilitator can use beyond the initial planning to help move a group towards the achievement of their goals.”
-Sacramento Secrets of Implementation Participant

ToP Facilitation Methods In Person
2023-07-26 08:30 - 2023-07-27 17:00 UTC | Omaha, NE
Sessions:
July 26-27: 8:30 am am – 5:00 pm CDT
Hosted in Omaha, NE

Description
Do you struggle with circular conversation in meetings that don’t seem to go anywhere?
Are you anxious about what to do when conflict arises or someone dominates the conversation?
Do you feel like a used car salesman trying to get people to stay committed and motivated to group projects?
In this engaging course you will learn three simple, universally applicable approaches to help you confidently move any group from conflict or confusion to consensus and commitment.
Focused Conversation
A universal framework to generate meaningful, productive dialogue around any topic.

Conduct purposeful, productive meetings and discussions
Stimulate candid feedback
Surface new ideas and solutions

Consensus Workshop
Infuse a group with creative energy and bring diverse opinions and perspectives into an agreement everyone can own and support.

Tap rational and intuitive thought processes
Respectfully integrate diverse ideas into a larger whole
Generate practical and creative solutions from multiple perspectives
Minimize conflict and achieve consensus

Action Planning
Quickly plan and prepare a group project for launch, and develop shared commitment to timelines, tasks, and success measures.

Analyze the current reality and set inspiring goals
Maximize group ownership and creativity
Craft a doable plan with clear ownership, timelines and success measures

Immersive demonstrations, hands on practice, peer coaching, and real life application opportunities will ensure you leave with confidence to immediately put your new skills to use.
You’ll receive: step-by-step manual and resource guide + 1 hour of free expert coaching.
Course Applicable To:

Project and Team Leaders
Facilitators, Trainers and Consultants
Project & Change Managers
Managers and Supervisors
Executive Directors and Board Members
Educators and Health Practitioners
Active Citizens and Community Workers
Government Employees and Elected Officials
UX and Product Designers
Community organizers

Community Engagement Managers
Others who lead meetings or collaborate with groups of any kind

Prerequisites
None
Continuing Ed Credits
13.5 NCHEC (CHES & MCHES)
14.5 AICP (APA)
14 PDU (CAPM)
Pricing
$1250: Corporate & Large Nonprofits (budget > $5 million)
$1050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional – Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Student (student ID required) & Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million)

(you will be directed to our sister site top-training.net to process your registration and secure payment)
Testimonials
“ToP training has been invaluable to me as an association leader! The techniques I learned have improved both my facilitation and leadership skills – I’m more able to ensure that all voices in the room are heard and also have found that I ask better questions. Even the simple but powerful framework ToP teaches for debriefing has 1,001 uses in my association work!”
–Donna Oser, CAE
Director of Leadership and Executive Search Services for the Michigan Association of School Boards
“I went in feeling insecure about my skills to lead a meeting and walked away from the experience feeling like I had started building a solid facilitation foundation. I now feel I have the confidence to lead a positive and productive meeting.”
–Meg Dethloff
United States Geological Survey/PNAMP Biologist
“This course teaches you to think outside the box, challenge yourself and others during conversations, and engage people in tough brainstorms. It will bring out new thought processes and help you realize how you can change how you have been facilitating meetings in the past.”
–Melissa Boles
Employer Services Manager at Workforce Southwest Washington

ToP Strategic Planning - Online
2023-07-10 00:00 - 2023-07-20 00:00 UTC | Virginia
This course is completed in 5 sessions (times are central time)
Monday, July 10: 10 am – 2 pm
Wednesday, July 12: 10 am – 2 pm
Friday, July 14: 10 am – 2 pm
Tuesday, July 18: 10 am – 2:00 pm
Thursday, July 20: 10 am – 2:00 pm

ToP Strategic Planning Online Edition translates the ToP Strategic Planning process to an online format that preserves the richness of the face to face version and moves it into the virtual world. Highly participatory, the Online Edition breaks down barriers and builds engagement wherever you may be.
Each half-day segment is devoted to one of five phases of developing a strategic plan:

Preparation and Design
Practical Vision
Underlying Contradictions
Strategic Directions
Focused Implementation

For each segment, participants will participate in a demonstration of the process, followed by a review of the process experienced, key steps and approaches used and discussion of factors in facilitating the segment. This structure enables the experience of how the processes invite a wide range of thinking styles, invites participation from many perspectives and yields a coherent, practical plan.
The course will be delivered via Zoom in combination with another online collaboration platform: either Miro or Mural – see details for yours. The course is not a training course for these platforms but will allow participants to interact with the technology to understand its features and benefits. Participants will receive several templates to support the work of each section as well as suggestions for using other supporting technology.
Participants will need an internet connected computer, strong broadband signal, and a quiet place from which to join the sessions.
See a short video about the Strategic Planning course here.

Course Applicable To:

Those needing to collaborate with large numbers of stakeholders to develop long-term strategy quickly
Executives, managers and organizational leaders who depend on others for successful implementation of organization strategies
Board members, educators and individuals responsible for leading organizations into the future.
Facilitators and consultants
Local, state, and federal leaders and program managers

Prerequisites

ToP Facilitation Methods (TFM)

Continuing Ed Credits

13.5 NCHEC (CHES & MCHES)
14.5 AICP (APA)

Pricing
$1250: Corporate, Large Nonprofits (budget>$5 million)
$1050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional, Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million), Student (student ID required)

Testimonials

“ToP Strategic Planning was fabulous and brings new light and insight into planning for success. The method is inclusive and expansive, including amazing tools for implementation.” Michael Fredericks – President – SALT, Anchorage AK
“The force gave me a simple, powerful framework that any of my clients can easily use to create strategic plans that will actually come to fruition!” Janet Mahrle – Owner – Mahrle Coaching Services, Sacramento CA
“Full of ways to motivate and energize people meaningfully in creating their future, whether for themselves, their family or places of work.” Carolyn Newbetty Schwartz – Consultant – Oak Park IL

Approaches to Environmental Scanning – Online
2023-06-05 10:00 - 2023-06-09 13:30 UTC | Online
Sessions:
June 5 – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm CDT
June 7 – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm CDT
June 9 – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm CDT

Description
Before planning for the future, groups need to understand their history and the current dilemmas they face, as well as anticipate shifts and trends in their larger environment.
Environmental Scanning provides a way to quickly understand customer, staff or community perceptions and needs, delve into relevant data, and get groups on the same page to launch their work, but one size doesn’t fit all!
In this three day course, participants will explore 10 dynamic and creative ways to conduct group assessments, and then engage in hands-on practice to select the right approach for various situations. You’ll go back to this extensive “recipe book” of techniques again and again!
Course Applicable To:

Business & Team Leaders
Local, State, and Federal Leaders and Program Managers
Change Managers
Facilitators, Trainers and Consultants
Community Organizers
Community Planners
Anyone who wants to set a foundation and context for strategic thinking and proactive planning

Miro
This course is offered on the Miro virtual collaboration platform
Prerequisites
ToP Facilitation Methods (TFM)
Pricing
$800: Corporate, Large Nonprofits (budget>$5 million)
$700: Public Government
$600: Individual Professional, Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$500: Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million), Student (student ID required)

ToP Strategic Planning
2023-05-25 08:30 - 2023-05-26 17:00 UTC | Omaha, NE
Sessions:
May 25 and 26 – 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CDT

Description
Ready to help organizations, coalitions, and communities move beyond action plans to navigate more complex change?
In this course, you’ll weave together individual ToP methods into a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to help groups answer their most important strategic questions.
Learn to help groups:

Creatively visualize and come to agreement around their ideal future
Honestly confront their most stubborn blocks to success
Align around powerful, innovative shared intentions
Define measurable goals
Commit to accountable plans of action

Strategic planning doesn’t have to be intimidating… we’ll show you how to break it into manageable pieces so you can trust the process and the group! This model of strategic planning can be used by teams, organizations, collaboratives, and communities—the framework is even helpful for couples, families and individuals.
ToP Strategic Planning will contribute to your ability to understand strategy and think strategically in all areas of your own life. If you have taken Top Facilitation Methods, this is the ideal course to advance your mastery journey in these methods.
You’ll receive: step-by-step manual and resource guide + 1 hour of free expert coaching.
Course Applicable To:
Executives and organizational leaders who depend on others for successful implementation of organization strategies

Board Members & Executive Directors
Senior Administrators
Managers and Team Coordinators
Facilitators, Trainers and Consultants
Organizational Change Agents
Community Change Strategists
Project and team leaders
Policy analysts
Human resource professionals
Community leaders

Prerequisites
ToP Facilitation Methods (TFM)
Continuing Ed Credits
13.5 NCHEC (CHES & MCHES)
14.5 AICP (APA)
14 PDU (CAPM)
Pricing
$1,250: Corporate, Large Nonprofits (budget>$5 million)
$1,050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional, Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million), Student (student ID required)

Testimonials
“The ToP Strategic Planning course provides a well-defined, concrete method to guide a strategic planning process while still building in flexibility to accommodate the unique needs and dynamics of the group.”
-Lesley Reeder
Senior Consultant in Healthcare
“Simply amazing. Totally participatory by design without having to silence or purposely amplify the participants. It is a structured process that if followed will prove to be successful.”
-Ian Johnson, MBA
Workforce Development Director & Independent Consultant
“This training provides the framework for doing strategic planning that includes all voices from an organization – from the CEO to the boots on the ground – and values all voices equally. I like that groups are encouraged to think big first and then work from that towards a plan for how to get there. It’s a creative, barrier-busting method for strategic planning.”
– Jessica Seberger
Health Program Manager

Facilitation Graphics
2023-04-27 08:30 - 17:00 UTC | Omaha, NE
Sessions:
April 27, 2023 – 8:30 am – 5:00 pm CDT

Description
This highly interactive course will take you from stick figures to colorful, dynamic graphics one step at a time… no artistic skill needed!
We guide you step-by-step to build your skills so you feel confident using text, color, and graphics to enrich your leadership, communications, facilitation, training and coaching toolkit!
Regardless of your perceived artistic skills, you will strengthen your competency in combining words and visuals to communicate more clearly, deeply and dramatically.
You will learn about:

Relevant theories around visuals and how they enhance learning
Tips for crafting beautiful flipcharts with clarity, color, and flair
Drawing basics: how to create shapes, icons, and people
Organizing information graphically
Using the power of metaphor to spark creativity and energy in your team

You’ll receive: step-by-step manual and resource guide, 1 hour of free expert coaching, + a free marker set!
You’ll leave with designs for real meetings and group sessions and templates, flipcharts and visual aids that can be reused in your work
Course Applicable To:

People who think they can’t draw or illustrate concepts
People who can draw and want to marry graphic illustration with group dynamics
Facilitators and session note takers
Anyone communicating to or leading groups
Course instructors, teachers and trainers
Communications professionals

Pricing
$600: Corporate, Large Nonprofits (budget>$5 million)
$500: Public Government
$450: Individual Professional, Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$325: Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million), Student (student ID required)

ToP Facilitation Methods In Person
2023-04-26 08:30 - 2023-04-27 17:00 UTC | Five Rule Planning, Nebraska
Training Dates
Public Course
April 26-27: 8:30 am am – 5:00 pm CDT
Hosted at Five Rule Planning, Kearney Nebraska

Description
Do you struggle with circular conversation in meetings that don’t seem to go anywhere?
Are you anxious about what to do when conflict arises or someone dominates the conversation?
Do you feel like a used car salesman trying to get people to stay committed and motivated to group projects?
In this engaging course you will learn three simple, universally applicable approaches to help you confidently move any group from conflict or confusion to consensus and commitment.
Focused Conversation
A universal framework to generate meaningful, productive dialogue around any topic.

Conduct purposeful, productive meetings and discussions
Stimulate candid feedback
Surface new ideas and solutions

Consensus Workshop
Infuse a group with creative energy and bring diverse opinions and perspectives into an agreement everyone can own and support.

Tap rational and intuitive thought processes
Respectfully integrate diverse ideas into a larger whole
Generate practical and creative solutions from multiple perspectives
Minimize conflict and achieve consensus

Action Planning
Quickly plan and prepare a group project for launch, and develop shared commitment to timelines, tasks, and success measures.

Analyze the current reality and set inspiring goals
Maximize group ownership and creativity
Craft a doable plan with clear ownership, timelines and success measures

Immersive demonstrations, hands on practice, peer coaching, and real life application opportunities will ensure you leave with confidence to immediately put your new skills to use.
You’ll receive: step-by-step manual and resource guide + 1 hour of free expert coaching.
Course Applicable To:

Project and Team Leaders
Facilitators, Trainers and Consultants
Project & Change Managers
Managers and Supervisors
Executive Directors and Board Members
Educators and Health Practitioners
Active Citizens and Community Workers
Government Employees and Elected Officials
UX and Product Designers
Community organizers
Community Engagement Managers
Others who lead meetings or collaborate with groups of any kind

Prerequisites
None
Continuing Ed Credits
13.5 NCHEC (CHES & MCHES)
14.5 AICP (APA)
14 PDU (CAPM)
Pricing
$1250: Corporate & Large Nonprofits (budget > $5 million)
$1050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional – Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Student (student ID required) & Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million)

(you will be directed to our sister site top-training.net to process your registration and secure payment)

Facilitators Rising - Community of Practice - Online
2023-04-19 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | Online
ToP Facilitation Methods Graduates
Join us for community practice.
Meet other facilitators interested in sharing their journey. The wins and the challenges. This is an opportunity to get great feedback and learn new skills.
The community of practice is free of charge for all who have competed
ToP Facilitation Methods Course.
Facilitators Rising is hosted by Great Plains ToP Trainers

A Zoom link upon registration.

ToP Facilitation Methods In Person
2023-03-28 08:30 - 2023-03-29 05:00 UTC | Lincoln, NE
Training Dates
Public Course
March 28 – 29: 8:30 am am – 5:00 pm CDT
Hosted in Lincoln, NE

Description
Do you struggle with circular conversation in meetings that don’t seem to go anywhere?
Are you anxious about what to do when conflict arises or someone dominates the conversation?
Do you feel like a used car salesman trying to get people to stay committed and motivated to group projects?
In this engaging course you will learn three simple, universally applicable approaches to help you confidently move any group from conflict or confusion to consensus and commitment.
Focused Conversation
A universal framework to generate meaningful, productive dialogue around any topic.

Conduct purposeful, productive meetings and discussions
Stimulate candid feedback
Surface new ideas and solutions

Consensus Workshop
Infuse a group with creative energy and bring diverse opinions and perspectives into an agreement everyone can own and support.

Tap rational and intuitive thought processes
Respectfully integrate diverse ideas into a larger whole
Generate practical and creative solutions from multiple perspectives
Minimize conflict and achieve consensus

Action Planning
Quickly plan and prepare a group project for launch, and develop shared commitment to timelines, tasks, and success measures.

Analyze the current reality and set inspiring goals
Maximize group ownership and creativity
Craft a doable plan with clear ownership, timelines and success measures

Immersive demonstrations, hands on practice, peer coaching, and real life application opportunities will ensure you leave with confidence to immediately put your new skills to use.
You’ll receive: step-by-step manual and resource guide + 1 hour of free expert coaching.
Course Applicable To:

Project and Team Leaders
Facilitators, Trainers and Consultants
Project & Change Managers
Managers and Supervisors
Executive Directors and Board Members
Educators and Health Practitioners
Active Citizens and Community Workers
Government Employees and Elected Officials
UX and Product Designers
Community organizers
Community Engagement Managers
Others who lead meetings or collaborate with groups of any kind

Prerequisites
None
Continuing Ed Credits
13.5 NCHEC (CHES & MCHES)
14.5 AICP (APA)
14 PDU (CAPM)
Pricing
$1250: Corporate & Large Nonprofits (budget > $5 million)
$1050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional – Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Student (student ID required) & Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million)

(you will be directed to our sister site top-training.net to process your registration and secure payment)

Approaches to Environmental Scanning – Online
2023-03-13 10:30 - 2023-03-17 13:30 UTC | Online
Sessions:
March 13 – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm CDT
March 15 – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm CDT
March 17 – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm CDT

Description
Before planning for the future, groups need to understand their history and the current dilemmas they face, as well as anticipate shifts and trends in their larger environment.
Environmental Scanning provides a way to quickly understand customer, staff or community perceptions and needs, delve into relevant data, and get groups on the same page to launch their work, but one size doesn’t fit all!
In this three day course, participants will explore 10 dynamic and creative ways to conduct group assessments, and then engage in hands-on practice to select the right approach for various situations. You’ll go back to this extensive “recipe book” of techniques again and again!
Course Applicable To:

Business & Team Leaders
Local, State, and Federal Leaders and Program Managers
Change Managers
Facilitators, Trainers and Consultants
Community Organizers
Community Planners
Anyone who wants to set a foundation and context for strategic thinking and proactive planning

Miro
This course is offered on the Miro virtual collaboration platform
Prerequisites
ToP Facilitation Methods (TFM)
Pricing
$800: Corporate, Large Nonprofits (budget>$5 million)
$700: Public Government
$600: Individual Professional, Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$500: Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million), Student (student ID required)

ToP Facilitation Methods Online
2023-01-31 10:00 UTC | Virginia
Sessions
January 31 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT
February 1 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT
February 7 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT
February 8 – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm CDT

Description
Have you found yourself struggling to conduct meaningful online conversations?
Are you anxious about what to do when someone dominates the conversation?
Do you feel like a used car salesman trying to get people to stay committed and motivated to group projects?
In this engaging live on-line modular course you look at the landscape of facilitation and will learn three simple, universally applicable approaches to help you confidently move any group from unproductive conflict or confusion to consensus and commitment.
Landscape of Facilitation (Module I)

Introduction and facility with the virtual facilitation environment
Understanding of ToP facilitation as a participatory and respectful process that helps groups create shared awareness, agreement, and action online
Understand the foundational theory and flow of ToP Facilitation Methods virtually

Focused Conversation (Module II)
Generate meaningful, productive dialogue around any topic with this universal framework. Learn how to virtually :

Build your confidence in hosting respectful, inclusive conversations online
Deepen awareness and understanding of individual and group dynamics in conversation
Feel increasingly comfortable flexing between the roles of participant, designer, and facilitator
Participate in an online learning environment, where a variety of virtual tools are modeled for their potential use, including chat, participant, and breakout features in Zoom

Consensus Workshop (Module III)
Infuse a group with creativity and bring diverse opinions and perspectives into alignment with this energizing virtual process.

Respectfully integrate diverse ideas into a larger whole
Tap rational and intuitive thought processes
Generate practical and creative solutions from multiple perspectives
Actively engage participants in collective decision-making

Action Planning (Module IV)
Quickly plan and prepare a group project for launch, and develop shared commitment to timelines, tasks, and success measures.

Analyze the current reality and set inspiring goal
Maximize group ownership and creativity
Craft a doable plan with clear ownership, timelines and success measures

Immersive demonstrations, process review of foundational theoretical understanding of facilitation and group dynamics, and planning for application regardless of preferred virtual platform, will ensure you leave with confidence to immediately put your new skills to use.
You will receive: step-by-step manual and resource guide
You will be asked to: participate in self-guided learning including reading materials and assignments
Course Applicable To:

Managers and supervisors
Executive directors and board members
Educators and health practitioners
Project and team leaders
Active citizens and community workers
Facilitators, trainers and consultants
Government employees and elected officials
UX and product designers
Organizational change agents
Community organizers
Others who lead meetings or collaborate with groups of any kind

Prerequisites
None
Continuing Ed Credits
Applicable for NCHEC (CHES & MCHES) and AICP (APA). Inquire to support@ica-usa.org for credit hour details.
Pricing
$1250: Corporate & Large Nonprofits (budget > $5 million)
$1050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional – Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Student (student ID required) & Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million)

(you will be directed to our sister site top-training.net to process your registration and secure payment)

ToP Facilitation Methods In Person
2023-01-24 08:30 - 2023-01-25 17:00 UTC | Interstates, 4701 W Research Dr, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107, United States
Training Dates
Public Course
January 24-25: 8:30 am am – 5:00 pm CDT
Hosted at Sioux Falls, SD

Description
Do you struggle with circular conversation in meetings that don’t seem to go anywhere?
Are you anxious about what to do when conflict arises or someone dominates the conversation?
Do you feel like a used car salesman trying to get people to stay committed and motivated to group projects?
In this engaging course you will learn three simple, universally applicable approaches to help you confidently move any group from conflict or confusion to consensus and commitment.
Focused Conversation
A universal framework to generate meaningful, productive dialogue around any topic.

Conduct purposeful, productive meetings and discussions
Stimulate candid feedback
Surface new ideas and solutions

Consensus Workshop
Infuse a group with creative energy and bring diverse opinions and perspectives into an agreement everyone can own and support.

Tap rational and intuitive thought processes
Respectfully integrate diverse ideas into a larger whole
Generate practical and creative solutions from multiple perspectives
Minimize conflict and achieve consensus

Action Planning
Quickly plan and prepare a group project for launch, and develop shared commitment to timelines, tasks, and success measures.

Analyze the current reality and set inspiring goals
Maximize group ownership and creativity
Craft a doable plan with clear ownership, timelines and success measures

Immersive demonstrations, hands on practice, peer coaching, and real life application opportunities will ensure you leave with confidence to immediately put your new skills to use.
You’ll receive: step-by-step manual and resource guide + 1 hour of free expert coaching.
Course Applicable To:

Project and Team Leaders
Facilitators, Trainers and Consultants
Project & Change Managers
Managers and Supervisors
Executive Directors and Board Members
Educators and Health Practitioners
Active Citizens and Community Workers
Government Employees and Elected Officials
UX and Product Designers
Community organizers
Community Engagement Managers
Others who lead meetings or collaborate with groups of any kind

Prerequisites
None
Continuing Ed Credits
13.5 NCHEC (CHES & MCHES)
14.5 AICP (APA)
14 PDU (CAPM)
Pricing
$1250: Corporate & Large Nonprofits (budget > $5 million)
$1050: Public Government
$950: Individual Professional – Mid-Sized Nonprofit (budget $1-5 million)
$650: Student (student ID required) & Small Nonprofit (budget < $1 million)

(you will be directed to our sister site top-training.net to process your registration and secure payment)
