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Don Thoren, CPAE, CMC

The Don Thoren difference is that his message acknowledges the inevitability of conflict, doesn’t advocate “smoothing it over,” but instead illustrates a method for capitalizing on naturally occurring conflict and channeling the inevitable anger and frustration into a search for creative 3rd Ideas.

After 25 years on the platform, integrated with consulting, change management and coaching, Don has developed the depth, the credibility and the respect, that audiences appreciate and learn from. Don’s topics are based on learning to value the creative potential of conflicting opinions for sparking greater innovation.  34% of the time (based on data from over 12,000 plus participants in North America and Western Europe) conflict between people and functions causes old ideas to get “locked in” and new ideas to get “locked out.” What a waste of people’s productivity and time!  What a cost to any organization!

To realize more innovation, Don reveals a combination of increasing trust, adapting quicker, reducing the sources of stress, and transforming organizational culture.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Unlocking Creative Ideas
  • Maximizing Productivity
  • Sales
  • Leadership

Fee Range: $3,000 to $5,000
Reduced fee for Nonprofits and Government Agencies

Programs:

Let Ideas Compete – Not PeopleSM Series

“Unlocking Creative Ideas”

  • Ideas are the life blood of organizational success and personal satisfaction, but . . .
    34% of the time*, old ideas get “locked in,” or new ideas get “locked out.” because:
    • people don’t trust others enough to reveal their best ideas, or
    • people don’t trust themselves enough to challenge the ideas of others

“Maximizing Joint Productivity and Innovation”

  • Our competing ideas collide skillfully and the collision gives birth to “3rd Ideas” until we agree on which idea is the most believable and desirable
  • Our “3rd Ideas” are not compromises reached by giving in or giving up something valuable, they are better than our original ideas
  • Our self esteem and trust increases because we understand how to benefit from the positive potential of conflict
  • Our organization thrives on ideas that address our rapidly changing world

“Selling Different People, Differently”

  • Recognizes that people love to buy but hate to be sold
  • Focuses on establishing congruity with communicating comfort zones and problem solving methods
  • Teaches adaptability as a life skill

“Exercising Leadership Through Coaching”

  • Implements a method for “Letting Ideas Compete—Not people” sm.
  • Encourages the skillful expression of our conflicting opinions
  • Downplays the value of compromise during conflict—often the enemy of creativity
  • Uses naturally occurring stress to energize our search for innovative “3rd Ideas”
  • Facilitates change through “insight,” Vs. long and unpredictable training courses

Biographical Sketch:

    Don Thoren graduated from the University of Wyoming, was a decorated training officer in the U.S. Army, graduated from General Electric’s Employee Relations Management Program, and held management positions in both General Electric and American Salesmasters.

    Don is a Charter Member and past National President of the National Speakers Association (NSA) which conferred upon him the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame designation - this association’s highest form of national recognition for professional excellence. The Institute of Management Consultants acknowledged Mr. Thoren’s experience and skill as a management and sales consultant by electing him a Certified Management Consultant (C.M.C.) of the Institute.

Testimonials:

Don’s vast experience yet youthful enthusiasm for learning has enabled him to make a positive impact on individuals, teams, and organizations. He challenges people, yet they know he cares for them and their success.
- Drew Shore, Director of Software Engineering, Honeywell IAC

Your formula for “Unlocking Third Ideas” by showing people a method for explaining how their idea was formed and not just the conclusion of their idea has stimulated a lot of creativity that is reflected in our annual action plans.
- Mike Goss, Managing Director, Marsh McLennan

After your keynote speeches on two consecutive days, you still left our people wanting more. That is a high compliment to you.
- Barry Gartell, Meeting Planner, Arizona Assn. of Counties

I have hired many people who say they can do more than a “canned” program, but most can’t. I am happy to say that you were truly able to work on-the-run  .  .  .and helped us bring temporary resolution to a “real time” problem. I am thrilled we hired you from among the many consultant/speakers available today.
- Bryce Linville, Training Director, Washington Public Power Supply System

Thank you so much for the excellent presentation.  .  . feedback has been overwhelmingly positive
- GDDS Staff, General Dynamics

 

 

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