Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way

Welcome to the Learning Hub for Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way.  This is a Genuine Contact Way module.

This page is the Learning Hub for the module and includes details on all of the components. The components are organized in 3 phases of learning:

  1. Pre-Work: self-study materials to complete between your registration and the first real-time learning day
  2. Real-Time Learning: January 30, 31, February 6, 7, 10, 12 & 13, 2025 | Online
  3. Post-Meeting Work: this work continues your learning after the real-time days are complete.

Approximate times for your work with each segment will be provided. Additional information about each segment can be found further down this Learning Hub page.

  • Segment 11: Real-Time Learning. January 30, 31, February 6, 7, 10, 12 & 13, 2025
  • Segment 12: Real-time Online Mentoring Circle. 3 hours. Date: to be confirmed 2025
  • information about the book The Genuine Contact Way
  • information about using and purchasing the Developing Leadership Reflection Cards
  • Resources and recommended reading to support your further work with Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way
  • Graphics to support your learning

 

Guidebook & Workbook

The guidebook is designed to support your learning with the self-study materials. It can be printed to have a place for taking your notes and following along with the material.

  Self-Study Guidebook

 

Every Genuine Contact Program module includes a workbook designed to support your learning both while taking the module and as you beginning working with its teachings. While each Genuine Contact Trainer can facilitate the learning of a module's teaching objectives as they wish, all workshop participants receive the same workbook to support common learning experiences.

  Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way workbook

 

Pre-Work

Segment 1: Getting Ready for Your Learning

Suggested Time: 1.5 hours | For self-study prior to the rest of your learning

Prepare for your learning experience through a series of readiness exercises. Getting ready for your learning might not be something you’ve thought much about before. We believe taking some time before starting a workshop to get in touch with your personal readiness for learning is an important way to set the foundation for focusing and deepening your learning for the best possible outcomes.

This segment guides you through a simple exercise to focus your intention for the rest of the learning package.  The video is 35 minutes and will take approximately 1.5 hours to view and complete the exercises.

    Access the video here.

 

Segment 2: Welcome & Orientation

Suggested Time: 15 minutes | For self-study

Now that you've registered for Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way, where do you start?  This learning segment will orient you to all of the parts of the learning in this module. Learning that happens in 3 phases: preparatory work, real-time learning, and post-workshop continued learning. We'll walk through each of the learning segments in each phase, with a few tips on how to get started and make the most of your learning.

The video is 9 minutes, and will take approximately 15 minutes to view and process your learning.

    Access the video here.

 

Segment 3: Context for the Strategy Focused Organization

Suggested Time: 20 minutes | For self-study

In Context for the Strategy Focused Organization, we share some context for how choosing to be strategy focused fits within the way an organization develops its internal environment. This will support you in knowing how being strategy focused fits within what you already know about developing organizations.

The video is 9 minutes, and will take approximately 20 minutes to view and process your learning.

    Access the video here.

 

Segment 4: The Strategy Focused Organization

Suggested Time: 1.5 hours | For self-study

This self-study segment focuses on learning a practical way of preparing leaders and managers (including yourself!) to prepare for the strategy focused organization. The strategy focused organization is essential for successful strategy implementation through organization-wide alignment with the strategic plan and strategy map.

The video is 40 minutes, and will take approximately 1.5 hours to view and process your learning.

    Access the learning segment here.

 

Segment 5: Five Beliefs of Genuine Contact

Suggested Time: 30 minutes | For self-study

This video’s focus is on the Five Beliefs of Genuine Contact and focuses on exploring what these beliefs are and how we work with them in our work and our lives.

The video is 25 minutes and we recommend making 45 minutes available for this self-study.

   Access the learning segment here.

 

Segment 6: Givens

Suggested Time: 1.5 hours | For self-study

This video focuses on the important role of givens, or non-negotiables, in developing the expectation zone for both meetings and organizations. Having explicit givens (rather than implicit assumptions) and ensuring that they are the right and most minimal givens supports the development of a clear container in which creativity and innovation can soar.

The video is about 25 minutes long and we recommend making 1.5 hours available for this self-study.

   Access the learning segment here.

 

Segment 7: Participatory Process

Suggested Time: 1 hour | For self-study

In the Genuine Contact way of working, we understand the benefits of tapping into collective wisdom. To make the most of collective wisdom, when facilitating meetings, we always use participatory process. In this learning segment, we orient you to what participatory process means for us and what the rights and responsibilities are for everyone involved when working this way.

The video is 27 minutes and we recommend making 1 hour available for this self-study.

   Access the learning segment here.

 

Segment 8: Documentation as a Roadmap

Suggested Time: 45 minutes | For self-study

When working on strategic planning, you need to document the results. And the documentation needs to be done in a way that supports people in working within a strategy-focused culture where their work is aligned to the plan. That means having a simple roadmap that is easily understood and accessible to all. A simple roadmap that describes what has been accomplished and agreed on during the strategic planning process and what comes next. In this learning segment, you’ll learn the approach we use when doing strategic planning the Genuine Contact Way. This segment shares with you more about how this documentation can be put together.

The video is 20 minutes and we recommend making 45 minutes available for this self-study

   Access the learning segment here.

 

Segment 9: Aligning Responsibility, Accountability, and Authority for Optimal Performance

Suggested Time: 1 hour | For self-study

What are responsibility, accountability, and authority? How do you ensure they are aligned for individuals, teams, and the organization? And how can this support optimal performance in the organization’s day-to-day work and long-term goal achievement?

The video is 18 minutes and we recommend making 1 hour available for this self-study.

   Access the learning segment here.

 

Segment 10: Leadership Development through Noticing

Suggested Time: 20 minutes for learning + 15 minutes daily | For self-study

An expanded perspective results from a practice of noticing and is of great benefit to leadership. In this learning segment, we are sharing some tips for how to develop a practicing of noticing as part of your leadership development practice.

The video is 13 minutes and we recommend making 20 minutes available for this self-study and 15 minutes a day to develop the practice.

   Access the learning segment here.

 

Real-Time Learning

Segment 11: Real-Time Learning

January 30, 31, February 6, 7, 10, 12 & 13, 2025 | Facilitated Group Work Experience | Online

This live online learnshop was your opportunity to work together with others in deepening your understanding about working with Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way, for yourself, for teams you are working within, and for organizations that you support as a coach, consultant or leader.

  • Facilitation method for the workshop: Whole Person Process Facilitation, designed for the learning styles of the adult learner.
  • Platform: Zoom (audio/video) + Miro (collaborative workspace.

Please plan on 2-3 hours of homework in between each session.

You can join the Zoom call here:

https://eu01web.zoom.us/j/64854369193?pwd=pc1mTS2mEbEmPZFFW16N7JG2I9Z6VV.1

Meeting-ID: 648 5436 9193
Kenncode: 2025

 

Notes

 

Audio

  • Day 1 - January 30: Discernment
    • 0:00:00 Welcome
    • 0:02:36 Transfer In (includes 2 minutes silent reflection)
    • 0:18:34 Hopes & Fears (includes reflection circle)
    • 0:42:56 Baseline Measurement
    • 0:45:15 Working Definitions: strategy, strategy focused culture, strategy focused organization
    • 1:12:35 Five Beliefs (includes reflection circle)
    • 1:33:05 Homework
    • 1:36:04 Closing Reflections

 

  • Day 2 - January 31: Readiness
    • 0:00:00 Welcome
    • 0:14:35 Using the Service Delivery Model to explore readiness
    • 0:46:32 A plan for readiness
    • 1:08:27 Importance of givens
    • 1:10:33 Homework
    • 1:11:14 Closing reflections

 

  • Day 3 - February 6: Readiness + Engagement
    • 0:00:00 Welcome
    • 0:26:37 GCO Givens for Strategic Planning
    • 0:45:43 Foundational elements of the organization
    • 0:54:44 Reflection circle: readiness
    • 1:11:45 Creating a plan for engagement (includes 2 minutes silence for reading)
    • 1:19:55 Presentation of plans for engagement with feedback from other participants
    • 1:53:55 Adjustments of the engagement plans
    • 2:02:36 Homework
    • 2:03:16 Closing reflections

 

  • Day 4 - February 7: Engagement + Construction
    • 0:00:00 Welcome
    • 0:17:51 Creating high level strategies based on the foundation of the GCO (some long silences while grouping themes around 0:35:20)
    • 0:47:12 Prioritization through dot voting
    • 0:55:50 Turning themes into high-level strategy statements
    • 1:06:01 Reflections on creating high level strategies using the artful weaving
    • 1:35:03 Identifying value for the primary client
    • 2:01:55 Closing reflections

 

  • Day 5 - February 10: Engagement + Construction
    • 0:00:00 Welcome
    • 0:15:03 Internal Processes
    • 0:40:01 Capacity
    • 1:00:43 Reflection Circle: Working with Internal Processes & Capacities
    • 1:26:08 Financial Perspective
    • 1:40:31 Overview of the Public and Private Sector Strategy Map Templates
    • 1:45:40 Reflection Circle: Strategy Maps
    • 1:58:28 Closing Reflections

 

  • Day 6 - February 12: Construction + Implementation
    • 0:00:00 Welcome
    • 0:19:10 Creating a plan for presenting to leadership about construction
    • 0:37:36 Functional + Reporting Organograms
    • 1:06:30 Creating a strategic plan with implementation in mind
    • 1:22:03 Closing reflections

 

  • Day 7 - February 13: Monitoring & Adjustment
    • 0:00:00 Welcome
    • 0:11:09 Adjusting your strategic planning with monitoring and adjustment in mind
    • 0:47:40 Gifting questions to the strategic planning
    • 0:58:51 Reflection circle: monitoring and adjustment
    • 1:09:01 Your open questions
    • 1:25:00 Reflecting on what has been learned
    • 1:49:49 Returning to the baseline measurement
    • 1:56:55 Certificates & picture
    • 1:58:12 Closing circle

 

Homework

  • Day 1 - January 30: Discernment
    • Review the Discernment section of the workbook (pages 7-15) and complete any activities you wish. Pay particular attention to your learning summary focused on what discernment has produced that feels important for you to remember and refer to in your work with strategic planning.
    • If you haven’t completed the self-study segment Segment 6: Givens, we recommend reviewing this learning material before we begin tomorrow.

 

  • Day 2 - January 31: Readiness
    • Please be sure to watch the self-study videos Segment 7: Participatory Processes and Segment 8: Documentation as a Roadmap in preparation for Day 3.

 

  • Day 3 - February 6: Readiness + Engagement
    • Our work in the Readiness phase is complete. Please review this chapter in the workbook (pages 16-26) and complete any exercises you choose too. Make some notes in the learning summary section, summarizing what feels important to you to pay attention to in readiness for strategic planning.

 

 

  • Day 5: February 10: Engagement + Construction
    • Check out the GCO's Operating Matrix in the Case Study section below.

 

  • Day 6 - February 12: Construction + Implementation
    • Please bring your original baseline measurement results to tomorrow's workshop
    • Please print a blank copy of the baseline measurement tool to use during our workshop

 

  • Day 7 - February 13: Monitoring & Adjustment
    • Review the self-study videos to reinforce your learning
    • Take yourself through the workbook to reinforce your learning
    • Find places where you can use your learning - in whole or in parts - between now and our mentoring circle

Post-Meeting Work

Learning through Application

To benefit the most from your learning, we recommend using your learning from Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way as soon as possible after your real-time learning. Use it in as many life and business situations that you can find to apply it to. As recommended in Segment 1: Preparing for Your Learning, this is the time of implementing your learning, paying attention to how it unfolds, and then making adjustments to future applications based on what you have experienced and learned so far.

You can revisit your learning materials to support you in applying your learning.

The conversations happening in the Genuine Contact google group can also support you during this time. This ongoing email-based mentoring circle is a place where you can share your designs for working with Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way to ask for feedback and share your stories about what worked and what didn't to support your adjustments for future applications. You can access this google group through membership in the Genuine Contact Organization. White Level membership is free and paid membership groups are also available that offer additional resources and other benefits. Contact the Director of the Genuine Contact Program to learn more or sign up as a member here.

 

Segment 12: Real-Time Mentoring Circle

3 hours | Facilitated Group Work Experience | Date to be confirmed 2025 | 9 am – 12 pm EST

One of the things we believe in all of our training is that having ongoing learning opportunities is critical for learning retention, application of your skills, and continually growing your skills and capacities.

When you have the opportunity to gather with others who have also learned a particular skillset – to share your experiences, wisdom and insights and to ask questions where you still have more to learn – it offers all participants a possibility for ongoing and deepened learning.  As part of our commitment to ongoing learning for your leadership development, you are encouraged to participate in a mentoring circle with a focus on working with Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way.

You also qualify to participate in all mentoring circles about Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way in the future. These mentoring circles are offered without any additional fees for participation. Your participation is included in your original workshop registration. Invitations to future mentoring circles are available via the Dalar International Consultancy or Genuine Contact newsletter.

 

 

Additional Resources

These additional resources are intended to support your learning and work with Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way.

The Genuine Contact Way

 

Working Resources

Samples, templates, and other materials to use when doing strategic planning the Genuine Contact way. You can download all of these documents for your use in 1 Zip file or choose individual documents below.

 

Operating Matrix

Operating Matrix templates are provided for you in 3 different versions as a template for creating strategic plan documentation. Each version is available both as a Google Slides document and as a PowerPoint. Each Google Slides document is set to "view only." Please make a copy (select File->Make a Copy->Entire Presentation) to create your own editable version. Remember to save it in your preferred file location. You can also download all 3 PowerPoint templates in 1 Zip file here.

 

Graphics & Artwork

These graphics, found in the workbook, self-study segments, and in presentations. You can download all of the graphics as 1 zip file or individually below. They are provided to you here for use in your work. You can use them both in internal documents, materials you share with your clients, and publicly. Please credit Genuine Contact when using the images.

 

Articles

For your further learning and for sharing with your clients or people working in your organization to support their learning about strategic planning too. You can download the PDFs to use both as printed resources or to share digitally. Download all the documents for your use in 1 Zip file or choose individual documents below.

 

Case Study: Genuine Contact Organization

These handouts were shared during the real-time learning and are available here for you in digital form to support your ongoing learning. Download all the documents for your use in 1 zip file or individually below.

GCO Operating Matrix

      • GCO Case Study Basic Operating Matrix: this operating matrix includes all of the inputs that were developed during the real time learning. It includes both the content shared by Rachel as the case example and the content that was developed by the participants.
      • GCO Actual Operating Matrix: this operating matrix was developed by the GCO during its strategic planning process in 2020/2021.
      • Strategic Planning Process Documentation: this webpage captures the strategic planning process that the organization undertook. This process was designed and facilitated by members of the organization and is based on the Evolutionary Spiral. Reports are included from each phase of the process to support transparency and engagement.

 

Videos

These bonus videos are included here to support your ongoing learning about Strategic Planning and the Genuine Contact Way of working.

 

Further Resources

To access additional resources for working with Strategic Planning the Genuine Contact Way, join the international Genuine Contact Organization. White Level membership is free and paid membership levels are also available that offer additional resources and other benefits. Contact the Director of the Genuine Contact Program to learn more or sign up as a member here.