ASP Retreat I

I've been on the Salmon River Adventure with Dr. Bob twice now, and would do it again!  Being immersed in untouched nature and beauty was very healing for my heart and soul, and I met many new friends.  The guides were amazing..always attentive to any needs. They cooked all our meals and the food was wonderful!  I wasn't sure about "camping" for a week, without a real toilet or bed, but it was no problem and was very comfortable. A lovely trip that I highly recommend!!

Since Retreat I, we have had four staff meetings and the word dentistry has yet to be mentioned! Very powerful meetings! Tears, hugs, the whole nine yards. This Wednesday, I hope to progress to writing our personal mission statements. I can tell that when dentistry is approached by the team, it will have a different angle. They have already, almost unconsciously, begun to see answers to questions through the prism of their closely held values. This path is more difficult than I had imagined. And, I'm not referring to how we practice dentistry. I feel like an ancient sailor who has sailed from port not really understanding what will happen, but sure of our direction!

Written the first year after taking the Applied Strategic Planning Series: Bob, the changes here are truly phenomenal! We are now in our beautiful new office, production and collection has risen over 50% and I swear we are not working as hard. I just stopped to listen the other day, and it is simply wonderful to hear and feel this new energy. People should be standing in line for this experience. Thank you my friend!

Bob, you have found your calling! You are indeed gifted with the ideal mix of speaking ability, facilitation skills, and personality. You have an enthusiasm for the process which is contagious, and you are grounded in the pragmatic.

That was some of the best fly fishing I've ever experienced outside the Arctic! The fellowship and the discussions in the Think Tank are fun and stimulating as well.

Dr. Bob Frazer was outstanding. I announced during his introduction that, in an effort to get more members to stay through Friday, I had saved the "keynote" for Friday. I could only hope that his presentation would provide the "Wow!" factor I needed to finish out the meeting. Everyone was tired, low on energy, and ready to go home, and then Bob started speaking. Within the first 30 minutes of his three-hour presentation, Bob had our energy levels back up, we were re-energized, and everyone was on the edge of their chair and participating. After another 15-20 minutes I left briefly to go to the restroom, where another Schulman Group member commented, "Have you noticed how the energy level in the room has spiked?" We both laughed and rushed back to the room so we wouldn't miss too much of the presentation. I can't tell you how pleased everyone was with Dr. Frazer's presentation; they were overwhelmed. Please accept my sincere gratitude for recommending Bob!

We have come a long way since March! One of the greatest opportunities of this (Organizational Applied Strategic Planning) process was the chance to get to really know you and appreciate you in many different ways. We did a lot of work and there's more to do, but we should all be proud of what we have accomplished. Your participation was powerful and important. For that I acknowledge you on behalf of the Missouri Dental Association. Know that through your vision and thoughtfulness, you and other members of the committee have set a path for the MDA to follow for the next five years.

Years before Lucy & I attended your Applied Strategic Planning seminar you had been instrumental in helping me change my office from one in which I was a benevolent dictator to one in which everyone played a role in planning and carrying out shared visions and goals. The ASP Series gave Lucy & me the tools to complete the very important transition to retirement. It really took work to achieve our goals as we proceeded into retiring. Your whole process in the seminar truly guided us each step of the way and for this I will always been indebted to you. My office was truly grateful also. I wanted this to be a win-win-win situation for Lucy & me, for my staff (as many had been with me 25 – 30 yrs) and finally, for my patients. Your ASP Series was vital in me achieving these three goals.

Applied Strategic Planning has been the most beneficial investment of time, energy and money we have ever made! Without it, I can't imagine what the future might look like. This powerful process and your leadership brought clarity to who we are, what we want to be and how to go about getting there. It made us create our future on purpose rather than just letting it happen. It focused us on a target and plan. At the same time it brought energy, enthusiasm, commitment and ownership to all participants. The words "Thank You" are not strong enough for all you have done for us!