• Observation and Data Collection:

The SYMLOG method is appropriate for development at multiple levels throughout an organization. It can be used for individual development (e.g., leadership training), for teambuilding (e.g., the team and leader together), and/or the organizational culture within which the team works and the leader interacts. Depending on the level in focus, individuals, groups, or members of organizations make a set of SYMLOG ratings based on their experience. These ratings may involve perceptions of other people (e.g., teammates, individual managers) or the team itself, and/or the values shown in the culture of the organization. They may also rate important concepts (e.g., Ideal values) that guide effective leadership, teamwork, and organizational performance. In any case, data is collected and prepared for processing.

• Data Processing and Preparation of Feedback Reports

Highly sophisticated software is used to process the data and produce customized "Bales Reports". The reports are written by Robert F. Bales, Professor Emeritus Harvard University, based on his research and continuing research conducted by SYMLOG Consulting Group.

Bales received several national professional awards for his distinguished contributions to the understanding of effective leadership, teamwork, and superior organizational performance. His work adds considerable credibility to the reports.

• Personalized Confidential Feedback

Extensive personalized reports are produced for feedback sessions facilitated by Certified SYMLOG Consultants. Depending on the extent of the improvement program, it is possible to receive feedback simultaneously on an individual's perception of others, others' perceptions of an individual, the dynamics and norms of groups, and the components of the organizational culture. This is often referred to as "360" feedback.

• Learning and Changing through Interaction

Through discussion of the survey results (facilitated by the Certified SYMLOG Consultant), participants develop mutual understanding of the way they perceive themselves, others, and their organization. They learn what alterations are necessary in order to become more effective. They build commitment to needed strategic changes. They formulate personal, group, and organizational development plans to reach desired goals. They also determine when to repeat the measures in order to guide and sustain the development process.

Access to most SYMLOG-based products requires training to understand the fundamentals of the theory on which the feedback reports are based, the structure of the reports, and ways to facilitate the greatest learning and outcomes from the feedback discussions.

Certification is the first step in making available to practitioners a suite of products to help develop leaders, teams, and organizations.

Public trainings generally are offered in San Diego, CA. The scheduling of these three-day sessions is intermittent, and based on demand.

In-house training, cost-effective for groups of ten or more participants, can be arranged by contacting [email protected].

Individual training is available through self-study. The curriculum is essentially the same as classroom training, without the benefit of interaction with other participants. Video conferencing sessions, scheduled throughout the self-study curriculum, ensure a personalized experience that will target your specific learning objectives. Contact [email protected] to apply for training and schedule a time to begin.

The Certification process focuses on the theory of Dr. Robert F. Bales and on practical ways to understand: individual differences, group dynamics, organizational processes, person/position fit, and the influences of organizational culture on management needs.

Training in the SYMLOG system includes:

• Personal use of the instrument by completing a self-assessment and receiving feedback from co-workers;

• About 15 hours of reading, with written examination to ensure comprehension;

• attendance at a three-day workshop or timely completion of a self-study program; and,

• successful completion of a Practicum (included in the training fee).

The training emphasizes products based on the Individual and Organizational Values item set, but also includes an introduction to the General and simplified English Behavior forms.

Once you complete the certification process, all products for individual development, team development, and organizational development are available to you.

Public classroom training: $1200 for all materials and lunches

In-house training: contact [email protected]. Cost is determined by number of participants, desired location, and anticipated future use.

Individual Self-study training: $1000

• Practitioners interested in using the same method for diagnosing current situations and intervening on the individual, team, and/or organizational level;

• Practitioners looking for a method that allows for repeat measures to track progress against developmental/strategic goals;

• Practitioners interested in values-based change;

• Practitioners working with individuals, small groups, families, or organizations;

• Teachers of psychology, sociology, organization behavior, or related fields;

• School counselors; and,

• Human Resource professionals.

Facilitation skills are necessary for the use of any feedback instrumentation and basic facilitation skills are assumed.

Three to five years of experience in the development field is recommended.

Staff

Robert J. Koenigs, Ph.D. , and Margaret A. Cowen, MBA, Ph.D., are primarily responsible for the training in any venue. Senior certified consultants also assist in the self-study program, and may be assigned depending on your geographic location.

Registration

To register for public classroom training, download the registration form

To schedule an in-house training, please contact [email protected]

To register for individual self-study training, please contact [email protected]

Upcoming Public Classroom Training

Please check our training schedule for the next scheduled public training classes.