Learning Opportunities & Services

Leadership and Innovation Seminars with Rob Lawton

It's clear to all of us that we are going through some tough times. Come join us for three thought-provoking, interactive workshops with popular author and nationally known expert, Robin Lawton, who will give you practical ways to attract and keep your customers.

These sessions have been sold out in other cities, so become an Early Bird by August 19, 2008 and your seat is guaranteed at a great price. If you sign up before the early bird date we will give you a 20% discount. Friends of Forward get an additional 20% discount, or 40% overall (20% member discount, 20% early bird discount), but only if you sign up early.

The sessions are:

September 9, 1:00 to 5:30 p.m.—
8 Dimensions of Excellence: Aligning Strategy and Measures with Customer Priorities

September 10, 8:00 to 5:00—
The 12 Voices of the Customer (and vital lies that prevent hearing them)

September 11, 8:00 to noon—
iTunes versus Mousetraps: The WOW! of Customer-Centered Innovation

All sessions take place at Runzheimer International in Rochester, Wisconsin. Click here for more details or to register. You may call Mr. Lawton's office at (800) 729-1468 for personal assistance or for further information.

2008 WFA/Baldrige Criteria Seminar

Does your organization want a proven process for reaching the next level of performance? Learn to identify critical factors for organizational success and the importance of aligning work and resources to achieve desired results used the WFA/Baldrige framework. This session with national expert Dr. Mark Blazey offers an intensive study of this systematic approach to organizational improvement and the Criteria for Performance Excellence, to receive a major revision in 2007.

This interactive two-day seminar is directed toward directors, managers and other leaders who can make the most impact in setting the next steps in motion for reaching the next level of success at your organization. It is geared for both newcomers and intermediate practitioners of performance excellence. As with many other WFA workshops, organizational teams will gain maximum benefit and receive discounts for multiple attendance.

Our next seminar will take place in January 2009 at a location to be determined. Contact the WFA office to schedule a customized workshop or for more information at (608) 663-5300 or info@forwardaward.org.

Application Writing Workshops

First presented in the fall of 2003 this highly-rated workshop is facilitated by Jane Rada, retired AQIP coordinator from Western Wisconsin Technical College and senior Baldrige Examiner. This interactive, day-long workshop will help your organization develop a foundation for future planning and improvement efforts based on the Criteria for Performance Excellence. You’ll gain practical expertise and learn strategies to effectively write a first-time or repeat WFA or Baldrige application.

Workshop benefits and outcomes include:

– Review of current Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence
– Identify and address linkage and alignment components of the Criteria
– Learn to write effective responses to the Results Items
– Create charts and graphs that accurately reflect data
– Identify appropriate application writing team members
– Gain insight and learn best practices from facilitators and fellow participants

Teams of three to five people from the same organization are encouraged for maximum benefit and learning. Individual attendees will also benefit from working with other individuals as teams to optimize their experience at this interactive, fast-paced session. Discounts are given for multiple attendance from an organization.

Please call the WFA office at (608) 663-5300 for more information or to schedule a customized workshop for your organization.

Baldrige Preparation Workshop: The Path to Organizational Excellence

Assessment takes learning to a higher level where your organization examines itself and defines its progress and opportunities in a systematic way. Skilled facilitators with backgrounds in the practical implementation of the Baldrige framework will help you begin your organizational self-assessment that will get you started on the path toward excellence.

This workshop features hands-on experience in assessing your organization and setting improvement goals. You’ll learn to build a solid foundation for systematic improvement using a Baldrige-based self-assessment tool designed for organizations beginning their performance excellence journey. With guidance from our expert facilitators, you will start the self-assessment process and begin developing an action plan for your organization. Teams of two to five are suggested to attend this one-day workshop to gain the best value. Please call the WFA office at (608) 663-5300 to schedule a customized workshop for your organization.

The Forward Continuum to Performance Excellence

Are you wondering where to start? The Forward Continuum to Performance Excellence can help answer your questions about how learning activities can work together to help your organization be the best it can be.

Click here to view the matrix.

Speakers Bureau

Please call Wisconsin Forward Award to arrange a speaker for your organization - (608) 663-5300.