Jeff Bracken is a Licensed Mentor Trainer and Facilitator of the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) Technology of Participation (ToP^®) Facilitation Methods. He provides clients with a comprehensive range of customized facilitation services including facilitation methods training, applications coaching, strategic planning, and the design and facilitation of meetings, seminars and conferences.

The ToP® Facilitation Methods developed by the ICA have been successfully implemented in hundreds of corporate, non-profit and governmental organizations around the world since 1973. Jeff has personally delivered ICA Courses to over 150 clients since 1994.

In this cornerstone course, participants learn three proven processes for activating group participation, gain hands-on experience practicing them, and explore ways of applying them to their specific situations:

The Focused Conversation Method is a structured process that helps you plan and facilitate an effective exchange of ideas. It actively involves every member of a group, even when the topic is sensitive and emotionally charged. Using this tool you can heighten your effectiveness in facilitating group discussions that enhance awareness, understanding and communication. You’ll learn how to:

• Conduct purposeful, productive meetings and discussions
• Quickly capture a group's best thinking
• Surface new ideas and solutions
• Ask questions that stimulate candid feedback and discussion

The Consensus Workshop Method energizes problem solving and builds active participation and teamwork. It promotes creativity and productively channels diverse ideas into consensus decisions that everyone can own and support. You’ll learn how to:

• Tap rational and intuitive thought processes
• Integrate diverse ideas
• Generate practical and creative solutions
• Develop group consensus

The Action Planning Method combines the Focused Conversation and Consensus Workshop Methods. It enables you to quickly pull together an effective plan, organize needed resources, and mobilize group energy into action. You’ll learn how to:

• Visualize a successful result
• Analyze the current reality
• Create a practical plan
• Maximize group commitment and involvement

Who Should Take This Course?

This course benefits anyone involved in leading, facilitating or participating in teams, including: executive directors, managers, supervisors, team leaders, organization development and training professionals, human resources practitioners, professional consultants and facilitators, and members of traditional teams or self-directed work teams. Our clients include corporations in diverse industries, non-profit organizations, government agencies, healthcare organizations and educational institutions.

Advanced Course Offerings

Those who have successfully completed the two-day ToP® Facilitation Methods Course may also enroll in advanced courses such as Strategic Planning and Secrets of Implementation. More intensive three-day course formats, customized in-house courses, and coaching and mentoring services are also available.

Lead Instructor/Other Information

Jeff Bracken is an organizational transformation and performance improvement consultant.  Since 1993, he has served over 400 client organizations in diverse industries.  He has served on the Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award since 2003.  He has also served on the Board of Examiners for the Texas Award for Performance Excellence, and as a Member of the Quality Texas Foundation's Board of Overseers. He is currently a Member of the Foundation's Examiner Training Faculty. Jeff is a Mentor Trainer and Facilitator of the ToP^® Methods, and brings a wealth of practical experience to these courses.

Two-day customized in house courses are typically scheduled from 8:30 A.M.– 5 P.M. at client sites. Detailed information is provided to all enrolled course participants before the course. Enrollment is limited to maximize your opportunities for participation and enhance your learning experience.

The cost for a two-day public course is $675 per person, which includes a workbook and materials, certificate, continental breakfast and lunch.   Payment is due on or before the first day of the course.

Register today for a public course offering by clicking on our convenient online registration form.  You may also contact Jeff Bracken for more information, or to discuss other customized services. 

Jeff Bracken Bracken and Associates Phone: (972) 484-9887 Fax: (972) 484-9888 jeffb@brackenandassociates.com

Special Services for Our Federal Government Clients

The ICA has secured GSA Contract #GS-10F-0314K to provide a comprehensive range of Management, Organizational and Business Improvement Services (MOBIS) to all federal government agencies. Jeff Bracken is a part of the ICA team of MOBIS qualified contractors who provide facilitation and consulting services and support products.