Dialogue in the Desert
The Original Strategic Thinking, Planning
& Leadership Workshop
April 18-23, 2010
Sept. 26 - Oct. 1, 2010
Workshop Location: White Stallion Ranch, near Tucson, AZ
What Participants Say About Dialogue in the Desert
"I received a call from a company regarding the Dialogue in the Desert program. They wanted to know my opinion. I told them that while I would have rated the program as a positive immediately after my session, two years later I realize that it has provided the most lasting value of any seminar I've attended. I said that I continue to use what we learned in the desert as a basis for strategic planning."
-Rod Irvin
Manager, Media Relations
Eastman Chemical
****
"Most seminars teach you how to put the reel on, string up the rod and attach the lure. This workshop made us wonder how fish think, when they are hungry, what they like best for dinner, and where they are likely to hang out."
- Bob Worrell
Manager, Communications
Amoco
****
"After the Dialogue Workshop, I developed the first-ever integrated strategic communications plan for our business unit. The strategic thinking tools and the template for my plan came directly from the training I received at Dialogue.
"I'll be forever grateful, not only for the tools I now have at my disposal, but also for the results it continues to bring in elevating the level of visibility of my function and demonstrating to the rest of the executive staff the strategic role and value of communications.
"I hope an advanced workshop will be possible at some future date; the memories, and, more importantly, the tools from the first workshop were far superior to any other training I've received in my 10-year career."
-Lisa Abbott
Manager, Communications
UTC Carrier Corp.
****
"I don't know of another workshop that could accomplish for me what yours has accomplished. I don't know of any that attempt to teach through experience as yours does. I don't know of any that teach the kind of thinking you teach. I know of none that are as ambitious."
-Manager
Internal Communications
Consumer Gas
Toronto
****
"Dialogue has been a great experience for me. I had pretty high expectations when I got there, but I wasn't really sure I'd get the jolt I needed to keep leading the change in my company for improving communications. I feel like I not only got the tools I need, but I also got the inspiration I was looking for."
- Eileen Cunniffe
Manager, Employee Communications
Zeneca Pharmaceuticals
****
"Other workshops teach how. Here you are taught why. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of excitement and yet relaxation. I have learned lessons here I will carry back to my job and throughout the rest of my life."
-Bert Hobart
American Greetings
****
"Dialogue in the Desert gave me the tools to align my communications with business goals, to think strategically and to change my working relationships. The week validated some efforts and explained why others aren't working. I took my group through a condensed version of the Planning Map, and the value was immediately apparent."
-Julie Dean
Communication Specialist
Burroughs Wellcome
****
"As a person who prides himself on gear, tools and setting forth prepared, the tools you offered in Dialogue will greatly add to my professional and personal pegboard. But far and away, the best tool of all is the desert itself. I need no convincing of its life and spirit, but I am impressed by the way you used its power to reinforce our experiences."
-James Moser
Communication Project Manager
Motorola
****
"The Dialogue experience has been truly incredible for me. I learned a lot and gained many tools and techniques that will help me better focus and manage the strategy process at work. But most importantly, you showed me how to find a balance and harmony between work and spirit. I came here for renewal and I found it. I feel better about my job and myself. I found new hope for stretching my communication efforts to a new level, and how to strengthen and validate my plans for upper management. I believe several of us had truly great eye and heart-opening experiences. Something -- even if only a glimmer -- changed in all of us."
-Susan Scott
Manager
Bellsouth
****
"I can look at many experiences in my career that I could have changed if I had the tools you presented this week."
-Scott Banks
Communication Specialist
Alaska Railroad
And More…
"I’ve been in corporate communications for more than 20 years and nothing I’ve been to compares with what Dialogue delivers. Dialogue provides an inspiring setting to learn and practice innovative processes for creative, effective strategic thinking, problem/situation analysis and plans/strategies for your organization. The sessions are intensive and constructive. You’ll return with valuable tools and techniques to make a positive difference in your organization–and insight that enriches your personal life and career as well."
–Tom Veenstra, Florida Power & Light
"The Dialogue Workshop is the best training opportunity I’ve participated in. I came away energized, with new insights into strategic planning and lots of practical tools. What made the experience unique was Joe’s ability to recognize that work and personal lives aren’t parallel universes–they are uniquely integrated. I came away with a new perspective for both and it’s because of the integration of the two that I’ll never forget what I learned. Even though it’s now been 10 years since I went to Arizona, I still remember and use the tools and concepts today."
–Lori Joseph, Sprint
"After returning home, I immediately used the Dialogue tools. Seeing the value, my boss decided to attend. Afterwards, she wanted everyone in our unit to have the same opportunity. We are a public utility. We run lean and we do not spend money without seeing a return on our investment. My department recently had its annual two-day planning session and we used Joe’s strategic planning map. Normally we struggle to finish in two days. This year, using the tools of Dialogue, we finished in a little more than a day. The kind and gentle, but powerfully effective program that Joe teaches is life changing."
–June Taylor, Northwest Natural
"Been there, done that, could teach the class. That’s how most veterans might react to many of today’s conferences. Then you experience Dialogue and you’re rejuiced about your job. It’s not just the unique experience and on-target tools. It’s the well orchestrated, supportive atmosphere that lets you learn from and bond with other talented people. Dialogue enables you to reinvent yourself or reinvent the way you approach your toughest challenges. It’s a must-do program that benefits your company and puts you at the planning table with your company leadership."
–Stacey Shaw, Arizona State University
"From the moment you arrive you’ll realize that Dialogue is not just another conference. Instead, it’s an amazing journey that teaches you lessons that go way beyond the board room. Don’t worry, you’ll receive the skills you’re looking for–and then some. But also be prepared to rediscover the most important aspect of your job: YOU!"
–Dwight Gram, Eaton Corp.
"Like so many, I was the victim of busy schedules, budget cuts and personal commitments before I realized that it had been 7 years since I’d pursued a professional development seminar. Dialogue is a completely unique experience–unlike any other conference I’ve attended. Dialogue is a MUST for many reasons: the approach, the environment, the activities and the people. It will be difficult to find another workshop that meets my expectation after this experience. I’ve grown personally and professionally and my company will reap the benefits of the tools I learned during Dialogue."
–Cari Walquist, Bosch Tools.
"I went to Dialogue with an open mind based on what I had heard...still I was somewhat skeptical that it really would be different. Afterwards, I agree with so many who have found great value in the tools and practical, applicable information you gather during the week. The difference, I
learned, is the space that Joe creates for Workshop participants to learn from him and from each other. Everyone goes to Dialogue looking for something. Now I am convinced that what you walk away with may not be what you were looking for–you get so much more than that."
–Jason Sloan, GlaxoSmithKlein, London, England
"The unique atmosphere and practical teaching made Dialogue one of the most effective programs I’ve attended in 15-plus years. Joe honored my consultative, listening, presentation and strategic thinking skills and the team spirit created among our group was incredible. The chemistry and content mix were absolutely unique."
–Bill Murschel, KeyCorp
"I cannot thank you enough for putting together this most amazing week. The tools and handouts really work–they go to the heart of each issue or need. But most important are the gifts you give from your heart, sharing so freely, with us all. We have all come back to share in this safe and welcoming atmosphere, in breathtaking surroundings under starry skies and technicolor sunsets. I will always treasure this time here. While sorry to see it end, this time I at peace with the departure–it’s a new beginning. Every day is a great one."
–Anne Palmer, Indiana University
"My expectations were met on all counts. For a Canadian, the desert is an exotic place. It forces you to examine more closely, to look harder, to
think. Joe imparted a lifetime of knowledge and experience in five days. His secret: real communication is about people. In the end, what’s a great plan without people who share your vision? I still apply and share Joe’s teaching–and I have also become a better person."
–Dan Maceluch, formerly Senior Manager, Corporate Public & Media Relations, Royal Bank of Canada; now he is with Angus Reid.
| ©2008 Joe Williams Communications, Inc. | 1.800.833.5946 |