What Clients Say About From Vision To Action Leadership Training
"The From Vision to Action Leadership Training was an insightful and very worthwhile experience. There are volumes and volumes of leadership resources available, but often times it is challenging to sort through them in a meaningful way, and our learning becomes scattered and unfocused.
Geery selected timely and relevant materials, coupled with some great stories from his personal experiences. He had a methodical approach that allowed us to focus and put the pieces together as we progressed through the training. I value what I learned and specifically am appreciative for the tremendous insight learned about leading through significant organizational change."
Barb Finney
Senior Vice President and Regional President
MidWestOne Bank
"What a wonderful learning experience the From Vision to Action Leadership Training has been for me! This was not the typical workshop or seminar where you get the information, you are excited while in attendance, but then are challenged to apply it once you get back to your daily routine. Geery's selection of reading material is current, relevant, and completely applicable for any leader, in any field or industry. I am certain that my learning experience will be one that I will carry with me for a lifetime. It has been a shift of who I am as not only a leader, but as a human being. Geery makes the learning fun with his storytelling! He draws you into his stories with the leadership concepts woven in. Being a leader is tough work, but Geery provides the tools, learning and insight for a leader to be successful. An added bonus to the training, was the networking with other leaders and the learning that occurred from them as well. I would highly recommend this training!"
Carol Mau
Executive Director
Mosaic - Des Moines
"If I had to recommend one training to anyone regarding leadership and personal growth, it would be Geery Howe's From Vision to Action Leadership Training. His teaching methods are extremely successful as he recounts past experiences in such a way that only a true storyteller can, and then ties them into your personal journey in order for you to internalize and relate to them. The coursework that accompanies this training is intensive and challenging, but in such a good way. It forces you to take a deeper look at yourself both personally and professionally and get you excited to become a better leader and person. I come away from this program extremely anxious to implement many of the things I learned into my leadership style. I look forward to using the tactics and lessons daily with my management team in order for us all to grow. I will also push others in my company to attend this training in the future – I think it would be extremely beneficial for all individuals in a leadership role."
Tina Dykes
Area Director
Region V Services - Lincoln 5
"Let's face it. We have all left leadership courses in the past with a feeling that the information covered was not applicable to us and that our time could have been better spent. This was certainly not my experience with the From Vision to Action Leadership Training. Through relevant discussion and sharing of time proven, principle centered concepts, Geery equips participants with knowledge that can be immediately applied through action. At the heart is Geery’s unique ability to drive personal internalization and meet participants where they are on their respective leadership journey. In addition, many resources are introduced throughout the course which forms a solid tool box to draw upon in the future. If you are really serious and committed to building your leadership capacity and that of your organization, then this course is for you."
Brad Godwin
Director of Business Optimization
Beck Ag
"The value of From Vision to Action Leadership Training can be found in the breadth and depth of valid concepts and ideas that you are exposed to throughout the course. Geery carefully selects material of substance that is applicable to any environment, and then helps internalize the information through classroom exercises, questions, and by relating his own unique personal experiences. The training is not just about concepts, but action. Geery helps to equip participants to be able to act in an informed way based on proven principles rather than trial and error. You will find yourself referencing back to what you have learned again and again."
John Henk
Senior Vice President, Chief Information and Operations Officer
MidWestOne Bank
"The From Vision to Action Leadership Training is an invaluable resource for any new or seasoned leader. Both the in-class training and outside readings expose participants to an array of critical and relevant concepts and teaches participants how to immediately apply this new knowledge to their work. Geery leads the class through an in-depth exploration of how to successfully manage the present, prepare for the future, and lead through change. Participants leave with a wealth of knowledge and an abundance of resources to which they can repeatedly refer throughout their careers."
Erica Jerowski
VP & Business Banking Manager
Winona National Bank
"Attending the From Vision to Action Leadership Training was an incredibly important step in my continuing development as a leader. The dynamic which evolved over those many months with multi-disciplined business people around the same table, was very impactful. I have continued to use and share on a daily basis the lessons learned to grow and sustain the business that I am a part of. Another amazing piece of this journey are the From Vision to Action Executive Roundtables that Geery hosts twice a year. It is another time for us to come together and dive deeper into the concepts introduced during the From Vision to Action Leadership Training, as well as to share with each other the trials and joys of leading organizations."
Jennifer Bauer
Director of Operations
Candeo
"Geery Howe's From Vision to Action Leadership Training is well worth the time and energy. Geery's training style is knowledgeable, approachable, and committed. The From Vision to Action Leadership Training helps participants gain perspective; focus on leadership and their leadership role; and recognize and grow the skills of others. The training also fosters strong mentoring relationships among it's members that last long after the training is completed. I have completed the From Vision to Action Leadership Training, and I have invested in a number of my staff by sending them to trainings with Geery, to energize them and to help them grow as leaders."
Christina Smith
Executive Director
Community Support Advocates
"Through a combination of clear direction, antidotal stories, classroom synergy, and a very unique approach, you reconsider how things work when you participate in the From Vision to Action Leadership Training.
Geery Howe provides a great forum and structure to change your own individual approach, provide clear direction to your team, and a structure to make it all work.
Results are what leaders want to hear about and what we need to produce. Simply stated, what you read, discuss, learn in this class, you can immediately apply with outstanding results.
Truly our Supported Community Living Team structure and productivity will forever be changed by applying what is experienced and taught during the From Vision to Action Leadership Training.
I think as leaders we are required to constantly learn and apply - with this class Geery has taken the time to wrangle in a vast amount of information and put it in a format that is finally applicable - a road map if you will to taking what you want to do and putting it into action."
Bill Kallestad
Director of Services for People with Disabilities
Lutheran Services in Iowa
"At the beginning, I was not sure what I was getting myself into when I signed up to take Geery Howe’s From Vision to Action Leadership Training. There was a lot of reading involved, which I enjoy doing, but I was not sure how reading the books would help. Because in the past, I struggled to implement the ideas I learned from reading into everyday life. In the sessions, Geery used breakout groups and fun stories that allowed me to better understand how to implement the information I read, and apply it. Geery would build the information from session to session, and as he would expand our knowledge I was able to start connecting the dots. And as I connected the dots, I was able to better apply what I thought were abstract concepts into a tangible way of doing things to create a positive change. A year later, I find myself still reading lots of management and business books. The big difference is Geery has given me invaluable tools that allow me to connect the dots on my own and apply them."
Kirsta Scranton
Sr. Construction Manager
The University of Iowa
"The 2008 From Vision to Action Leadership Training was a carefully designed, fluid process of helping use and sort through the vast amount of leadership materials out on the market to develop our own personal philosophy of leadership. Starting with the characteristics of great leaders and moving through the concepts of how to embrace change, and guide transitions was not only enlightening, but truly a skill building experience. This course takes a great deal of time and commitment but is well worth the effort, just as leading is worth the risks.
Great leaders are not just born. They develop. They can do that completely by trial and error, or they can do it with the support and instruction of the masters. As an autism consultant, I can honestly say that Geery is a consultant's consultant; enabling others to reason, think and move forward in their own direction."
Evelyn Horton, M.Ed, BCBA
Director of Youth Community Services/Autism Consultant
The Homestead
"Geery Howe's From Vision to Action Leadership Training provides the student with everything needed to get their organization moving in the right direction. The class is based on graduate level research that is made real through Geery's stories. It is as entertaining as it is challenging. To attend this training is to learn what you and your company are doing right, what needs to change, and how to make that change happen.
The From Vision to Action Leadership Training is also an excellent team building exercise for your company's leaders. Attendees are asked to picture their workplace as it can be and discuss what it will take to get there. These are discussions that rarely happen during the normal work day, and the results are a leadership team that better understands each other and the future of their company."
Ben Fish,
Plant Manager
University of Iowa Power Plant
"The From Vision to Action Leadership Training provides an unparalleled learning experience. The variety of participants' background makes it one unique place to exchange ideas and learn that others are having similar challenges even they are from a different environment. The instructor, "Geery" with his exceptional way of delivery, creates an intellectual challenge to the participants; many times you'll say "Ah ha". "
Zuhair Mased
Associate Director
Utilities & Energy Management University of Iowa
"The Vision to Action Leadership Training and reading program has been extremely helpful to our organization. Our staff of three agreed to ALL do the readings and then discuss them and the recap after each training session. Because of this, we are clearer about our vision and mission, committed to staying focused on our strategic goals, and have been able to avoid activities and projects that are not directly related to our goals. Our organization is much more productive and energized due to this process of learning and growing. We recommend it to any group who is ready for a change, ready to have an impact, and willing to work at it!"
Kerrie J. Bacon, Employment Liaison
Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns
Topeka, KS
"
The From Vision to Action Leadership Training is a motivational course, that has changed my thought patterns from being a supervisor to being a leader within our organization. It taught me new concepts, reaffirmed already taught ideas, and gave new meaning to the trough of chaos! Its actually a real process that organizations go through during change, not just a phrase that is tossed out there leaving people to think they are sitting in a hole they will never get out of. That has been extremely helpful given the changes our organization is currently going though. This course is well worth the time and commitment!"
Traci Miner, HCBS Program Administrator
Mainstream Living
"It is hard to believe that it has been 5 years since I participated in the From Vision to Action Leadership Training. In my work as Executive Director of non-profit businesses, I value the perspectives I gained in the seminar immensely. In particular, Geery Howe offers tremendous insight to the process of leadership the internal, reflective dialogue of leadership and the external strategic and tactical work of leadership in the business world.
Sorting through the volumes of material on business leadership is too much. There is simply too much written that supposedly will help us with our work. In addition to his own valuable insight into the world of business leadership, Geery sorts through the reams of material and selects the gems. If Geery says to read something, I read it, think about it and consider how I might apply it to my work."
Rob Schultz,
Executive Director
COVER Home Repair
White River Junction, VT
"As a recent graduate of the From Vision to Action Leadership Training, I can say first-hand that Geery's sessions are not your typical training modules. Geery gets to know you and your organization's needs and goals prior to training. Working with you firsthand ensures that you get the value for your investment. Having been in the leadership development business for many years, Geery realizes the importance of follow-up and accountability. To this end, Geery continues to work with you afterwards, checking on your progress, and consulting whenever you need help.
From my personal experience, I can attest to the fact that From Vision to Action leadership development increases your leadership effectiveness and instills confidence which ultimately leads to overall job satisfaction.
From Vision to Action leadership development provides real, practical answers to every day questions facing all organizational leaders. No matter how big or how small your company is, or how experienced you may be, this training will help you personally and professionally. By taking advantage of Geery's expertise, you will be certain to experience growth in your leadership skills."
David P. Leighton M.P.A., PHR
Executive Director of Support Services
Mahaska Health Partnership
Oskaloosa, IA
"We have come to view Geery Howe's From Vision to Action Leadership Training program and associated From Vision to Action Spring and Fall Roundtables as indispensable parts of our leadership development program. Participants in From Vision to Action have come back to our agency with more confidence in their own abilities, and an actual increased capacity to work with their own teams. We are able to work with them in increasingly complex ways, and they in turn are able to solve these problems in collaboration with others.
Many of our senior staff, upper management, and midlevel management have participated in Geerys programs in one way or other. This gives us enhanced common experiences and a common language well beyond flavor-of-the-month jargon. Staff who have not attended From Vision to Action, responding the enthusiasm of those who have, are now asking to attend at least the From Vision to Action Roundtables.
After a recent strategic planning session with members of our Board of Directors, the President commented to our CEO, This is a different and better organization because of your affiliation with Geery, isn't it? This is definitely true. Whenever I mention using a consultant, I always say, But he [Geery] is different. He expects you to actually do things with what you learn, and challenges and pushes you to do it."
Reed Hammans, Vice President of Operations (Story County)
Mainstream Living, Inc.
Ames, Iowa
"I highly recommend the From Vision to Action - Leadership Training Series. We have sent most of our Department Directors through the From Vision to Action-I course, and use the learning to develop a common leadership language and understanding of change. Our first managers participated in the series during a difficult change in leadership, and we have continued to utilize the same proven principles in our current change management processes. The From Vision to Action - Leadership Training Series is a great system to take the theories and principles and learn how to implement and execute the related strategies. It is the execution component that adds the most value, and we continue to use the Series today."
Jay Christensen,
Chief Executive Officer
Mahaska Health Partnership
Oskaloosa, Iowa
"From Vision to Action has provided a space in my life to read about leadership, think about my own leadership skills, and to share case studies and experiences with other leaders. The year long time frame has been a real asset. There is time to try things out and to integrate and synthesize the ideas generated from the readings and the interactions during our times together. Becoming a more skilled leader is an internal developmental process. It is not something that one can get from attending a one day seminar or reading an article or two. It takes time for the ideas to percolate through one's own personality and style and become one's own.
The time spent together is a well thought out mix of didactic presentation, focused discussion, exercises and informal communication. Geery is a real master at finding nuggets of wisdom in everyday events. Thus, any situation may become not just a story to tell, but a lesson learned."
Jane W. Albrecht, MA, OTR/L, FAOTA
Director of Rehabilitation, St. Luke's Hospital
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
"Geery Howe is truly one of the most knowledgeable, well read and up-to-date consultants I have ever had the pleasure of working with and learning from. Combine this with his caring, friendly style and you have someone that inspires people to excel in their personal and professional life.
Immediately after attending Geery Howe's first session of "From Vision To Action" I attended the National Association for Quality and Participation Conference. The people that present at this conference are top in this field. This year's conference focused on Strategy, Leadership and Teaming. Geery Howe's sessions are far better!! The interactive structure of Geery's sessions helps attendees learn from each other as well as with Geery.
Two top managers that I report to have also attended Geery's sessions and have hired him to help us at Iowa State University to plan for the future."
Mark Nelson,
Quality Coordinator, Facilities Planning & Management
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
"I have been in the field of rehabilitation for ten years. Throughout this time, I have been very fortunate to attend many trainings, seminars, and conferences. However, the longer I have been in the field, the more it seems as though the trainings are getting redundant and not really giving me any real strategies that I can use to improve.
Geery's course, From Vision to Action changed all that. I remember getting the flyer in the mail and saying to myself, "This is exactly what I've been looking for!" Finally, I was going to be able to attend a course which would do more than simply "feed" me information and then leave it up to me to implement with little or no support. I was excited about being able to begin a learning journey that would allow me to become a "partner" with Geery and the other participants so that I could begin to make meaningful change both personally and professionally.
The year long course did not disappoint! The beauty of the course is that it does not end when the sessions end. Geery goes beyond the typical trainer-participant relationship and instead actually becomes a mentor throughout your learning journey. He does a great job of providing follow-up during and after the sessions and this is something that is very unique to his course. His responsiveness to each participant and his innovative ways of challenging each person really makes this course much different from any other that I have attended.
Thank you for helping me grow throughout this course. Your knowledge and support have benefited me greatly."
Kevin Allen,
Director of Services
CASS, Incorporated
Atlantic, Iowa
"If you are accustomed to a structured training environment, complete with agenda, formal introductions, slideshows, and pre-determined objectives, prepare yourself for a new way of learning. Geery and his required readings do not contain all the answers toward your journey to leadership; they are the catalysts to enable you to find the answers within yourself. In From Vision to Action, Geery utilizes his gift of non-traditional teaching to enable each of us to face and/or create the changes in our professional life, extending, as we wish, to our personal life. Best of all, From Vision to Action does not end in the classroom - through continuous reading, networking with other students, corresponding with Geery, and self-commitment, it grounds us in lifelong learning."
Darcy Wilson,
Manager of Program Management
National Computer System
Iowa City, Iowa
"This class has encouraged me to do a lot of thinking and dreaming and goal setting. It has revived an inner strength and spirit, and encouraged me to strive to reach the "next level". It has helped me to recognize my weaknesses and provided opportunities to turn them into strengths. Through class discussions I was amazed to find that, despite the diverse and unique backgrounds of my classmates, the majority were going through the same changes and challenges the others were experiencing."
Sandy Franks,
Chief Financial Officer
Shenandoah Memorial Hospital
Shenandoah, Iowa
"'What you feed, grows.' So says Geery. The From Vision to Action Leadership Training course was a valuable experience for me, not only helping me in my work world, but also in my personal life.
In our agency, several of us have had the opportunity to attend Geery's From Vision to Action Leadership Training. We use the information learned on a consistent basis, especially now this year, as we have made a significant structural change in our agency, and are looking to the future. Because several of us at our agency have taken the course, we now talk the same language, providing us with awesome communication. Periodically when faced with struggles as an agency, someone from our group will say, Remember what Geery taught us? Geery said that we could expect our company to experience this. And then we have the Aha! moment, which allows us to move forward as a team.
The course is an educational opportunity that you don't want to miss. After attending, I felt I was a better equipped leader with more confidence, more knowledge and more tools in my back pocket."
Connie Mortvedt
HCBS Program Administrator
Mainstream Living