ASP Retreat I

For me, the overall A.S.P. Series was a process that was long overdue for the USA Section. As I stated at Retreat II, this planning technique was entirely different from the others I was involved with. With our continued diligence, I have great faith that this will be of enormous benefit to the Section. In addition, it was a great learning experience for me personally. I believe this will make a difference to me in my practice and in the way I conduct my life.

My involvement in the Environmental Scan was most meaningful part from the retreats. Such work! However, what I learned about everything that will have an effect on the College, the profession of dentistry, and me personally was incredible. That and working with such an energetic, professional committee was a great reward.

For the College, this process set an agenda with a mission and goals for us to proceed in a productive and efficient manner. As we proceed, the Section should gradually strengthen and rise in prestige and influence. For me personally, it helped me to align and realign my life’s priorities. Professionally, it became a method of reexamining the way I conduct my practice and my professional goals.

The first retreat was a great intro to the ASP process and how it differed from other SP processes. It tied together the books we had read by Covey and Sinek, as well as the Organizational Health Survey and other resources you provided us to make sense of what we were going to do and to inspire us to exert the energy to get it done. The Values audit helped us define our core values and how to create a new Mission for the Section.

As we proceeded from the first retreat forward, it was exciting to take all our work and formulate a strategic business model, and then the integrated action plans to give us an actual roadmap and timetable for achieving our goals.

Thanks, Bob, for a wonderful life experience. I believe it will be valuable for the Section and for me personally.

Powerful, challenging; and this has had great impact in making positive changes in my life.

I have to add my name to the list of those who sing your praise! The two-year experience of working with you on Applied Strategic Planning has been one of the truly great experiences of my time in dentistry. I believe that one of the highest titles that can be given to an individual is "teacher". You certainly have the right to that title, and we deeply appreciate what you have taught us!

As a leader, I had the privilege of being part of a life-changing experience. An extraordinary vehicle for open discussion with our team about what we want out of our work. The vulnerability, the honesty, the sharing helped us get a clear vision. Finally, watching a young DDS's efforts pay huge emotional and monetary dividends.

This workshop empowered and inspired me and my team like none we’ve taken in over 25 years! The EI skills we learned will allow us to grow our sense of community and serve our patients in a truly transformational way. We’ll be back again – you just can’t get enough EI!

I really enjoyed the camaraderie of the group, the sharing around the campfire, especially the personal daily experiences of each person. The planning, the guides, the food, the seminar were all super. It was an extra special gift to spend time with my son in such a special place (the Salmon River). I am ready for the next one, thanks again!

Bob, I can't thank you enough for inviting me to be a part of the National Study Club. Is there anything better than a group of highly accomplished dentists sharing their best ideas and experiences, forming close friendships and bringing solutions to optimize our lives and our practices? Yes! It's being guided by one who is widely regarded as one of the great leaders of modern dentistry. Thank you for being that leader! I owe so much of my success to you and the NSC.

Applied Strategic Planning was one of five or six life-changing experiences that have had a totally positive effect on my life personally and professionally.