DM WORKS - Leadership Programs

BENCHMARKS 360 Degree Feedback

Tailored for an individual or for an entire executive team, BENCHMARKS is a comprehensive 360 degree-feedback instrument that provides in depth feedback to help identify leadership strengths and developmental needs. This 360 instrument is designed by the Center For Creative Leadership, the internationally recognized leading nonprofit leadership organization that serves more than two thirds of the Fortune 100 companies. After many years of research, the Center for Creative Leadership has identified a number of skills and perspectives that are critical for success as a leader. It also provides a practicing manager/leader with a benchmark of how he or she is doing when compared to a particular norm group. Each individual manager/leader will receive confidential feedback from their direct reports, their peers and their boss. Based on the Center For Creative Leadership’s studies of how successful executives develop, and why they derail, BENCHMARKS focuses on what can be learned from experience by:
• Determining how well a manager is learning skills and perspectives important to success.
• Providing information on potential blocks to development – certain flaws or failures that may lead to derailment.
• Linking lessons and experience together to guide further development.

The feedback is compiled into a report and the Executive Coach interprets the report during a private one-on-one coaching session. An integral part of this program includes a module, which provides a context for developmental planning and individual goal–setting.

• It is recommended that Myers Briggs Type Indicator be paired with the BENCHMARKS 360 to provide the leader with additional insight into their leadership and personality preferences.
• Follow-up coaching calls are also recommended.

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

Team Program:
Individual Leader(s):

Recommend: 3 days
Recommend: 1 ½ days

“... worked with Dennis on more than one occasion; most recently conducted a terrific 360 with my team ... Dennis is an expert in his field … authentic, genuine, resourceful, knowledgeable, passionate, insightful, very people-oriented and personable, highly credible ... would work with him at any time !"

Regional Vice President
Worldwide Luxury Hotel

SKILLSCOPE 360 Degree Feedback

SKILLSCOPE provides individuals with a straightforward 360-degree feedback tool that assesses 15 key job-related skills essential for managerial success and effectiveness. This 360 instrument is designed by the Center For Creative Leadership, the internationally recognized leading nonprofit leadership organization that serves more than two thirds of the Fortune 100 companies. SKILLSCOPE can be used equally well with supervisors and managers in all levels of an organization. SKILLSCOPE’s simplicity also makes it an ideal first step for organizations that are new to the 360-degree assessment process.

• SKILLSCOPE provides insightful feedback on job-related strengths and weaknesses
• Feedback is provided in a clear, graphic format, enabling participants to quickly assess strengths and development needs. Simple, graphic rating scale makes SKILLSCOPE feedback straight forward and easy to understand
• Time efficient - SKILLSCOPE takes 20-30 minutes to complete
• Participants receive a workbook-style Development Planning Guide, which helps them analyze their feedback report, identify developmental needs and set an action plan for long-term development.

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

Team Program:

Individual Leader(s):

Recommend: 2+ days, depending on
group size

Recommend: 1 ½ days

"Dennis Martodam is a master trainer and facilitator. He possesses the rare ability to engage a group of senior executives and actually get them to do what he says! It does not matter what the topic is or how dysfunctional the team; Dennis will put a program together to get at the root of any issues and then have you figure out the solutions. Think your team functions pretty well? Then Dennis will design something to improve your productivity or increase your emotional EQ. Whatever your needs, time with Dennis is well spent. You will think and learn and have fun too. No boring lectures here....you are going to do the work and be better off for it."

Sharon M. Nixon, SPHR
Director of Human Resources
La Costa Resort & Spa

Personality Profile
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

Psychological type is an explanation of human personality developed by the Swiss psychiatrist Carl G. Jung (1875-1961). Jung observed that human behavior is not random, but instead follows identifiable patterns that develop from the structure of the human mind.

MBTI is the most researched and accurate personality type assessment in the market and it is used worldwide. The MBTI® instrument determines preferences on four dichotomies:

• Extraversion–Introversion (describes where people prefer to get their energy)
• Sensing–Intuition (describes how people prefer to take in information)
• Thinking–Feeling (describes how people prefer to make decisions)
• Judging–Perceiving (describes how people prefer to deal with the outer world)

Combinations of these preferences result in 16 distinct personality types. Understanding characteristics unique to each personality type provides insight on how they influence an individual’s way of communicating and interacting with others. The inventory is a key to both understanding the differences among types and improving communication in business and personal relationships. The MBTI instrument helps people transform themselves—by giving them a powerful tool for improving how they communicate, learn, and work.

Executive Committees or management teams will find that MBTI can be a very valuable tool in assisting them to:
• Open up channels of communication, value and appreciate differences, increase self-awareness, build bridges, understand the team dynamics, tap into the natural talents of the team members, find ways to become more productive, find better ways to handle conflict, build a stronger team, maximize their team’s diversity, gain personal insight and understand how you function in a group setting.

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

Minimum: ½ Day

Recommend: 1 day

“Prior to working with Dennis we were a group of individuals going in different directions. During our workshop we learned to trust each other and break down the walls that were preventing us from working collectively. Today we are aligned, and everyone is heading in the same direction. We are a team!”

Bill Sexton
Account Director
Sentient Jet

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator - STEP II

Step II provides individuals the opportunity to dig deeper into their preferences to understand more about themselves in relation to others. In the MBTI®Step II each of the four dichotomies are composed of five facets. These facets explain the uniqueness of the individual in greater detail, and serve to identify the differences that are experienced between two persons of a given type and offer clues about how each person expresses and experiences his or her type pattern.

Step II to provide high level executives, teams and coaching client’s greater insight into areas of preference and avoidance which impacts decision making, problem solving, communications and conflict. Step II brings to light the subtle nuances of personality type found in us all. It helps to target areas of personal strength and challenges that are clear and specific, which results in a more productive type experience.

These results are then applied to four important components of executive development:
• Communication.
• Change Management.
• Decision Making.
• Conflict Management.

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

Team Program:
Individual Leader(s):

Recommend: 1 day
Recommend: 1/2 day

"Dennis is dynamic! His charismatic presentation is like a three part harmony...stimulating information, entertainment and inspiration!"

Jacqueline Pucci
Director of Human Resources
Beverly Wilshire Hotel

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is an individual’s ability to perceive, understand and manage emotions. It operates on a personal level through our own thoughts and behaviors and at a group level through our interactions with others. This includes picking up on your own emotions, as well as the emotional state of others and using this awareness to respond to them successfully. Emotions have the potential to get in the way of our most important business and personal relationships. According to John Kotter of Harvard Business School, 'because of the furious pace of change in business today, difficult to manage relationships sabotage more business than anything else - it is not a question of strategy that gets us into trouble, it is a questions of emotions'.

Emotional intelligence means recognizing emotions and acting on them in a reflective and rational manner. It involves self-awareness, empathy, and self-restraint. In the workplace, this ability can greatly enhance interpersonal communication and people skills. Unlike regular intelligence IQ, EQ is a fluid ability that can be greatly improved upon through increased awareness and a commitment to change.

This program is based on the work of leading authorities on the subject of emotional intelligence, including the international best seller author Daniel Goleman. Goleman’s work forever changed our concept of “being smart,” showing how emotional intelligence (EQ) – how we handle ourselves and our relationships – can determine life success more than IQ. The authors argue that a leader’s emotions are contagious. If the leader resonates energy and enthusiasm, as organization thrives: if a leader spreads negativity and dissonance, it flounders. This breakthrough charges leaders with driving emotions in the right direction to have a positive impact on the business environment, earnings or strategy.

This program is designed to encourage leaders to assess, analyze and gain feedback in regard to their individual EQ competencies and leadership styles. These competencies include:
Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social-Awareness, Relationship Management

It is highly recommended that each participant complete a 360 degree Emotional Intelligence diagnostic instrument which allows you to plot how you think you're doing against how others perceive you. The facilitator will provide you with a choice of EQ diagnostic instruments.

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

Team Program:

Individual Leader(s):

Recommend:
2 days with a 360 diagnostic.
1 day without 360

variable

"I have worked with Dennis for the last 10 years …I can authentically say that Dennis has the experience, style and expertise to make an impact to the guest, employee and to the bottom line of the owner experience for any sized operation..."

Mark Tamis
Area Vice President
General Manager
DELANO Hotel
Miami Beach, FL

Building an Effective Team

This program is designed to provide a clear understanding and sound knowledge base on how high performance teams are formed and how they operate. The goal is to provide the team with processes and models to examine their current team. Through the use of various models and instruments this program will assist the team designing in a “road map” for moving forward. Building and maintaining effective teams is a time consuming and sensitive process particularly in businesses where the pressures of the moment are often intense. There is little doubt, however, that when done well, teamwork contributes greatly improved productivity and reduced costs.

Research shows there are predictable stages that teams go through in their evolution. We will examine the stages of team development and the leader’s role at each stage.

There are a number of key reasons why teams fail. Genuine teamwork in most organizations can often be elusive … because they unknowingly fall prey to five natural pitfalls. We will explore Patrick Lencioni’s Model: Five Dysfunctions of a Team and link these to your team’s development. These dysfunctions form an interrelated model that can be helpful in understanding how members of a truly cohesive team behave and how dysfunction, in even one of them, could be potentially lethal for the success of the team. The goal is to identify what is driving your team forward and what might be holding it back.

The 5 Dysfunctions include:
• Absence of trust
• Fear of conflict
• Lack of commitment
• Avoidance of accountability
• Inattention to results

Recommended Instruments: Team Report

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

Team Program:

Recommend: 1 day

" When I think of Dennis Martodam I think of the ultimate teacher...someone with real life related experience, passion for his craft, energy to convey his message enthusiastically, one who quickly develops sensitivity to his audience, broad and deep knowledge of the subject matter (leadership, management, etc.), immediate credibility gained through a very sincere and honest approach and he does all of this while paying attention to the learning environment, that is at once fun, non-threatening and one that provides a healthy platform for boosting one’s self esteem."

Randy Shimabuku
General Manager
Four Seasons Cairo at The First Residence
Cairo , EGYPT

Conflict Management

Conflict is something we face everyday – a fact of life, an inevitable result of an ever changing, highly competitive business world. Surveys show that managers spend about a quarter of their time handling conflicts. They have to negotiate over resources, handle disagreements over policies, deal with complaints, enforce rules and manage the inevitable frictions and resentments that occur between people.

Individual leaders and Executive Committees are often bombarded with conflict situations, and yet, many of us don’t really feel equipped to handle these interactions in a problem-solving manner. They are frequently loaded with emotion and misunderstanding. Unfortunately, avoiding un-managed conflict can produce stress, lower morale, damage relationships and decrease productivity. Learning how to confront and communicate in a constructive way is a skill that is learned … we are not born with it.

The first step towards becoming more effective at managing conflict is to understand that skillfully managed conflict can be positive and healthy. It can promote cooperation, produce harmony and strengthen relationships. It can also be a useful tool to coach people, improve performance and increase productivity.

Program content will focus on:
• Types & sources of conflict
• What are the conflict resolution-handling modes
• How to use each style effectively
• What style do you practice the most?
• Communicating effectively in conflict situations
• A step-by-step problem solving approach
• Learning third party skills on how to mediate a conflict

This program requires ample time to “practice” the learned skills. Participants will be encouraged to role play actual conflict scenarios that they are experiencing as a manager or as a team. Participants will receive constructive feedback throughout the process.

The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) will be administered to each participant.

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

1 day recommended

“I have had the pleasure and experience of working with Dennis Martodam and DM Works across a spectrum of industries. And while Dennis's work ethic is exemplary, his knowledge vast and his delivery personal ... it is the lasting impact that his work has which separate him from the rest of the pack. He leads from the heart and educates from the head. In my book, the sign of a genuine leader. Rare and wonderful”

Sean Loeffel
VP Hotel Operations
City Explorer TV

Growing Talent – Developing People

Most senior leaders agree, the key to continued success in any company lies in their ability to attract, retain and grow talented people. Providing employees with access to the personal and professional development opportunities they need in order to achieve personal excellence not only equips their people with the knowledge, skills and attitude needed to provide exceptional customer service, but also builds employee loyalty, motivation and commitment. Creating a healthy learning environment is one of the primary functions of an effective leader as it assists both the individual and the company in meeting today’s complex business strategies and challenges.

This program uses researched and practical content from sources such as the Center For Creative Leadership to create a clear understanding on what is involved in growing leaders.

The program will focus on:
• How are we doing in the developing our talent?
• Do we create a developmental climate?
• Are we being strategic in the way we develop our people?
• Do we make the most of developmental opportunities available?
• Provide a template for healthy people development
• The importance of challenging assignments
• Finding the lessons learned
• The leader’s role

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

1 day recommended

"I have known Dennis Martodam through attending 2 of his Personal Development training. Dennis has a rare-to-find strength in orchestrating training for top level executives - he is fun, stimulating, fascinating and yet challenging. Dennis has a treasure of wisdom and wealth of knowledge in personal development; he takes interest in people, help elevate their thinking process and in return allows managers to achieve breakthrough in their performance and personal life."

Kwee Lian Wong
Director of Human Resources
Regent Singapore

Managing Change

In today’s fast paced, complex and competitive business environment there remains only one constant … change. Businesses find it increasingly necessary to emphasize flexibility, adaptability and drive for innovation. Successful change initiatives depend upon leaders taking an active role in introducing change and then guiding people through the emotional journey that change often causes. Embracing change often means acquiring new knowledge, developing new skills, and adapting behaviors and mindset. Without effective leadership, employees of an organization going through change are likely to be perplexed, confused, angry, frustrated and openly resistant to new ways of doing business ... the commitment to change will take longer to achieve or may even fail.

This program is designed to help leaders navigate and lead others through the change process. Content will focus on:
• Strategies to successfully manage change
• Examine your personal approach to change
• Greater understanding of people’s reaction to change
• Methods to effectively overcome resistance to change
• Development of change management skills
• Creating an empowered organization that supports change

Note: Where appropriate, it is recommended that this program be offered in conjunction with Myers Briggs Personality Inventory or other diagnostics to explore, in detail, the leaders and team’s approach to change

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

1 day recommended

“I have had the privilege of working with Dennis Martodam and on a few occasions for different projects and have always been extremely impressed with, not only his creative approach and energetic presentations, but most importantly with his ability to analyze information and provide honest feedback. His impressive background and experience make him an expert in his field. This is someone who knows people, works with people and understands people. “

Rene Beauchamp
General Manager
Four Seasons Hotel Prague

Strategic Leadership

Executive Committees and individual team members are frequently challenged by the demands of the 24/7 business world we live in and as a result can often get “caught up” in day-to-day operations. Indeed, attending to the immediate needs of your guests, employees and the operation is an important part of what you do. Yet, one of the primary functions of an executive team and leader is to be strategic in their approach. Do we step back and really take a look at:

How we are operating? How we introduce and manage change? Do we get to the real source of problems? Are we setting direction? How are we at creating visions for the future? How are we at getting “buy-in” from all levels? How effective are we at communicating our direction? Do create a common understanding? How effective are we at influencing, building and mending relationships? Are we effective at generating ideas and best courses of action? How are we at creating alignment with operational needs of our employees? Do we really step back and learn from our mistakes? Do we spend enough time strategizing?

This program focuses on the above issues and can be tailored to the needs of the specific Executive Team.

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

Recommend 1 Day.

Program length will depend on the needs of each team.

“Dennis has presented some excellent workshops for our senior managers …they have all been well received. More importantly, we have been able to retain what we have learned as a team and have put the experience to work in practical terms … I would highly recommend Dennis Martodam to my colleagues.”

Larry Nishikawa
Director of Human Resources
Four Seasons Resort Maui

Generating Creativity & Innovation

How do you get away from the “same old same old?” This mantra is practically an unwritten bylaw at many companies. The root of innovation may be in the brain of one person, but the idea can’t take hold in an organization unless it is shared. Increasingly, executives are aiming to put their businesses and companies on a more dynamic and competitive track by looking for ways to be creative and innovative. The expectations of your guest, employees, clients and owners are ever changing, as is the business world around us. Anticipating, accommodating and providing for these needs require your teams to be innovative thinkers and leading edge.

This program focuses on:
• Creating the right culture …how to stimulate creativity
• What obstacles are getting in the way
• Creative problem solving … being clear on the root of the problem
• Understanding how we arrive at assumptions
• Mental Models
• Building blocks of brainstorming
• Techniques you use to start creative and innovative ideas
• Tips to awaken creativity
• Putting it all together using a relevant business topic

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

Recommend 1 Day.

Program length will depend on the needs of each team.

"Invigorating, motivating and creative ... inspiring my team countless times... "

Radha Arora
Regional Vice President & General Manager
Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Rodeo Drive

Presenting Effectively

Leaders are often called upon to deliver presentations to a variety of audiences … yet many leaders are not confident in doing so. Successful leaders should be able to deliver messages that are powerful, dynamic, credible, important, understood, professional, accepted by their audience and conveyed as intended.

This program provides a structured approach to building and delivering your message and focuses on:
• Improving your presentation skills and achieving a higher level of excellence.
• Reducing your fears and stress
• Identifying the traits of experienced speakers
• Diagnosing your personal characteristics for areas of improvement
• Speaking with greater clarity and purpose, focusing on key ideas
• Applying verbal and non-verbal speaking skills
• Gaining valuable feedback, through constructive peer critiques and facilitator feedback.

This program is very interactive and provides the participant with a non-threatening supportive environment in which to build, practice and deliver their message. Each participant will be required to do series of short presentations followed by a final presentation which will be videotaped for their future reference.

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

Recommend 1 ½ days.

The program could also be done in two separate ½ day sessions with ample time in-between for participants to work on their final presentations

"Dennis is dynamic! His charismatic presentation is like a three part harmony...stimulating information, entertainment and inspiration!"

Jacqueline Pucci
Director of Human Resources
Beverly Wilshire Hotel

Team Building Sessions

One of the greatest challenges of any organization is creating the collaborative environment where teamwork provides quick and positive consensus decision making and exceptional client service. The goals for each team building session are determined by the team or team leader after a needs analysis is completed. DM WORKS does not have a specific “team building formula” that all teams must complete. Instead, every team building session is custom-designed to fit the specific team situation, issues, functions and goals.

Custom programs may focus on a variety of outcomes such as:
• increased communication by breaking down barriers
• trust and rapport
• enhanced team effectiveness
• developing better relationships
• improved morale and reduced team friction
• barriers to team productivity
• clarify shared goals, vision and strategies
• enhanced problem solving and decision making
• personal contributions and effectiveness
• identifying individual, as well as team strengths and opportunities

Facilitated through interactive activities and learning, these programs break down communication barriers, silos and increase trust and productivity. Success depends on communication, trust and rapport. One of the greatest challenges of any organization is creating the collaborative environment where teamwork provides quick and positive consensus decision making and exceptional client service.

Target audiences are mid to senior level executives.

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

Length of program is variable.

Additional Management Development Programs

In addition to the program outlined on this site, DM WORKS is available to facilitate a wide variety of other management development programs not listed, such as:

• Managing Performance Problems
• Being an Effective Coach
• The Performance Review Process
• Interviewing and Selection
• Situational Leadership
• Motivation
• Communicating Effectively
• Mentoring
• Effective Discipline
• Problem Solving
• And more

DMWORKS is also available to deliver any of your company’s specific training programs.

Content: Please contact dennis@dmworksconsulting.com or call 760 322-6033 for a specific content outline

Program Format:

Program length will depend on your company’s the specific developmental needs