Case Study: Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

Asked how Mary introduces her innovative facilitation tools to various groups, she explains her approach:

"The Growth Partnership’s role involves facilitating diverse groups representing multiple stakeholders. Many times these groups are comprised of elected officials working alongside CEOs, and they often think very differently. When I work with groups, I always start out by explaining the Six Hats tools and how the framework operates. At times I’ve encountered some skepticism, but now there is such a widespread understanding of the approach locally that with a trained facilitator in the lead, the groups are quickly up and running. It’s such a good way to bring people together. The tools level the playing field, so that we can eliminate conflicts based on power struggles and differing management philosophies. We’re able to consider issues from many points of view, develop alternatives that make sense to everyone, and come up with solutions that everyone can support."

The Value: Fast Track to Plan and Launch Initiatives

Strengthen Resources to Support ERCGP Program of Work
In mid-2008 the ERCGP launched an internal effort to develop strategies for growing revenue streams for execution over a three-year period. Using the Six Thinking Hats, they developed a “Grow the Business Plan” with action steps, timelines, and responsible parties to improve their products and services and increase dues and non-dues revenues. Within five months they had finished the plan, presented it to the executive committee, and won approval to proceed. The plan now provides them with a detailed road map to achieve their goals.

"We updated this plan in 2009, and we hold at least one session each month to visit the plan and make sure we’re on track," explains Mary. "In a tough economic climate where member discretionary spending is at risk, our organization has been able to hold its own through stable membership contributions, enhanced program and service revenues, and controlled organizational costs. Our Six Thinking Hats planning efforts were key to this outcome.

"Furthermore, one of the priorities we identified was development and launch of a membership campaign. We held a subsequent Six Thinking Hat session to structure the campaign – a first in years- and that campaign will launch within the next few months."

Identify the Right Candidates for Committees
Mary uses Six Thinking Hats to identify and vet candidates to serve on various organizational, volunteer board and project-related committees. The process helps them to bring individuals with the right skill sets and other attributes to the table to help move their efforts forward. Thus, innovative thinking systems are used to lay the groundwork for success even before committee meetings begin.

Form High-Potential Public/Private Partnerships: Erie Area Council of Governments (COG)
The Growth Partnership has entered into a partnership with the Erie Area Council of Governments (COG) to enhance public service delivery throughout Erie County.  The COG consists of seven municipal governments and Erie County government. 
Areas of focus include:

(1) eGovernment
(2) Public Safety
(3) Public Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management
(4) Public Works.

Using Six Thinking Hats, Mary facilitates committees consisting of local government officials, appointees, and private sector leaders. Participation is moving beyond COG governments as countywide interest grows. Two committees have been launched, have established priorities and action plans, and are moving forward. This effort, bringing the private and public sectors together, will help reduce costs, improve services, or both.

Apply Expert Group Facilitation Skills to Fuel Coalitions: Examples

REthink Erie Community College Planning
Helped 30+ volunteers to identify and explore potential revenue streams to support establishment of a community college in Erie County.

Young Erie Professionals 
Facilitated strategic planning and position identification, job descriptions

Lead Economic Development Team
Facilitated recommendations for improvements to workforce development system to better connect regional employers with qualified employees

The Future: Unlimited
Using proven facilitation techniques, the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership has honed its capacity to build coalitions for economic and community development. Communities that possess this capacity will lead growth in our country in the coming years. Imagine what the impact will be when community after community begins to operate at this level. "We’re just beginning to tap the power of diverse leaders to work together with help from Six Thinking Hats for meeting facilitation," VP of Growth Partnership Mary Bula says. "It's made a huge difference in the way I, and we, do business here. I'm so glad we've got those tools."

This story was also featured in an NBC affiliate news clip and article.
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Since we published this case study, Mary Bula became a Certified Six Thinking Hats Instructor by completing her Six Thinking Hats Certification on October 5, 2010 with Lifetime Master Trainer, Barbara Stennes.

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