Communications

“Building Sustainable Trust,” Dennis S. Reina and Michelle L. Reina, OD Practitioner, Vol. 39, No. 1, 2007. This article discusses the Reina Trust & Betrayal Model and its three forms of trust: competence, contractual, and communications trust. It outlines what happens when trust is broken and how to rebuild trust. It also includes an organizational trust quiz.

"Eight Simple Rules to Resolving Conflict and Improving Relationships," Greg Giesen, Practicing OD, December, 2007. This article outlines eight important "rules" for approaching and making productive use out of conflict. It starts with attitude, moves through how much energy we put into resolution and concludes with the value of practicing the rules in everyday relationships before conflicts arise. Download more of Greg's articles at his two websites: www.greggiesenassociates.com and www.leadingfromwithin.net.

“Ensuring a Successful Consulting Engagement,” Ruth McCambridge and Lissette Rodriguez, The Nonprofit Quarterly: Consulting Supplement, Winter 2007. This article is a must read for anyone considering hiring a consultant. It will help you determine what kind of consulting engagement you’re looking for, how to select a consultant, how to contract with the consultant, and how to evaluate the engagement.

"Holding Risky Conversations" Anne Davidson. In The Skilled Facilitator Fieldbook: Tips, Tools, and Tested Methods for Consultants, Facilitators, Managers, Trainers, and Coaches by Roger Schwarz, Anne Davidson, Peg Carlson, and Sue McKinney. Jossey-Bass Publishers,  2005. This article gives practical steps for discussing difficult issues. It is a must read for anyone who wants to communicate effectively. You can read this article by purchasing The Skilled Facilitator Fieldbook or you can obtain your own copy by signing up for the newsletter Fundamental Change. Both the article and the newsletter are well worth it. Click here to sign up for the newsletter.

“Rebuilding Trust Within Organizations, “Dennis S. Reina and Michelle L. Reina, Systems Thinker Newsletter, February 2006. This article outlines how organizational change can lead to feelings of betrayal and a subsequent loss of trust. It lists seven steps for healing from betrayal and offers exercises that encourage trust building.