Flocks, Families, & Organizations Emerging Applications from Bowen Theory and Science - MP3
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The 2017 Spring Conference is an exchange of ideas that has the potential to shift the way one thinks about relationships at work: group behavior, leadership, and decision making. It features an interchange between Bowen family systems theory—which describes the predictable processes that underpin human relationship systems, how a related group operates as an emotional unit, and how group functioning influences the behavior of the individual—and the research of our guest lecturer, Dr. Iain Couzin, who researches individuals as part of a group, from cellular structures, to insect swarms, fish schools, bird flocks, animal herds, and human groups
This learning exchange expands the view of the continuous dance between individual and group interaction, the impact of anxiety on the group, and the difference one person can make in a complex system. Applications of this theoretical perspective include the capacity to increase organizational and leadership effectiveness for consulting firms, profit and nonprofit organizations, family enterprises, and faith communities.
Flocks, Families, & Organizations is a unique opportunity to think deeply about your work. The conference does not provide quick fixes, but rather new ways to think about persistent challenges. It engages your thinking by encouraging you to integrate what you know with new concepts from scientific research.
PRESENTATIONS
Welcome and Introduction
Anne S. McKnight, MSW, EdD
Another Way of Thinking: A Dialogue Part I
Kathleen K. Wiseman, MBA and Daniel V. Papero, PhD, MSSW
Organization Effectiveness and Differentiation
Leading in a Storm: Managing Change in a Child Welfare System:
Walter H. Smith Jr., PhD
Dr. Smith works for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services as the Deputy Director for Children Youth and Families. He is a licensed psychologist with a private practice that specializes in treating children, couples, and families, and a founding member of the Western Pennsylvania Family Center, an education resource center for lay and professional persons interested in family therapy and family studies. Dr. Smith is also an Adjunct Associate Professor in the psychology program at Duquesne University.
My Attempt at Applying Bowen Systems Theory to My Business Organization:
Cheryl Blair
Ms. Blair has worked in private practice as an audiologist for twenty-three years, learning business management, leadership, and mentorship. Over the last six years she has studied Bowen theory, applying it with great success within her personal family. She attempted to apply principles of Bowen theory within her organization. Currently Ms. Blair is training as a family enterprise advisor.
What I Learned in Twenty-Plus Years of Coaching and Teaching Leadership:
Roberta Gilbert, MD
Panel Discussion
Nordahl Brue JD, Iain Couzin, PhD, Patricia Sheridan, Daniel V. Papero, PhD, MSSW and Erik Thompson, MA
Nordahal Brue is a lawyer/entrepreneur, founder of Bruegger’s bagels, and student of Bowen theory for more than two decades. in the past twenty-five years he has served on the board of directors/trustees of more than twenty companies. He served as chairman of many, ranging in size from closely held corporations to NYSE listed companies.
Patricia Thierry Sheridan, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMA is passionate about health information management (HIM) and leadership. She has a track record of leveraging HIM business and leadership experiences to create innovative solutions and develop successful leaders. Ms. Sheridan has studied Bowen theory for the past twenty years and has worked to apply Bowen theory to leadership and the workplace.
Erik Thompson, MA, is a leadership psychologist who has advised hundreds of senior leaders nationally through Thompson Leadership Development, Inc. He volunteers as the Executive Director of the Vermont Center for Family Studies and is a member of the Bowen Center’s national Network for the Advancement of Bowen Theory.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER PRESENTATION & DISCUSSION
Iain Couzin, PhD
Family Enterprise and Differentiation:
With Individuals, the Generations, the Organization, and Other Helpers: The Discipline of Differentiation of Self Consulting to Family Enterprise:
Priscilla J. Friesen, MSW
How Bowen Theory was a Resource for a Third Generation Family Business to Survive and Thrive in the Fourth:
Anne S. McKnight, MSW, EdD
Panel Discussion
Iain Couzin, PhD, John Engels, and Thomas Merkel, DNM
John Engels founded Leadership Coaching, Inc. in 1996. His consulting team delivers cutting edge, science-based leadership and relationship management strategies to leaders in family business, the military, and nonprofit organizations. John is a Practitioner-Scholar at Cornell University’s Smith Family Business Initiative, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family.
Mr. Merkel has an executive coaching and leadership development practice working with midsized and family owned businesses. He has over thirty-five years of experience in general management, sales, marketing, finance, and accounting. He also serves as an operating Director for Delta Point Capital and leads a Rochester chapter of Vistage, a global CEO membership organization.
Summary and Questions for Saturday
Moderators for Friday Conference:
Morning: Mariana Martinez, PsyD
Afternoon: Stanley Proffitt
Stan Proffitt is an executive coach and leadership teacher whose diverse academic and professional background has enabled him to connect with and inspire a wide range of top-level leaders. His approach challenges leaders to deepen self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-responsibility in pursuit of personal and organizational progress.
Welcome and Review: Margaret Donley, MSW
Margaret Donley, MSW is a clinical social worker in private practice with over thirty years of experience. She did her postgraduate fellowship at The Menninger Foundation from 1979-1980 and was on the faculty at The Menninger Clinic from 1988-2000. Ms. Donley is coleader of Bowen Family Systems Clinical Seminars in Kansas City, and is also involved in teaching and supervising area clinicians. She has published articles on family systems theory, including in Family Systems Journal.
Another Way of Thinking: A Dialogue Part II
Iain Couzin, PhD, Daniel V. Papero, PhD, MSSW, and Kathleen K. Wiseman, MBA
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Leadership in Collectives and Differentiation: Iain Couzin, PhD
Panel Discussion
Iain Couzin, PhD, Robert J. Noone, PhD, Daniel V. Papero, PhD, MSSW, and Kent E. Webb, MSW
Kent Webb, MSW, is an executive coach, leadership consultant, and mental health professional. He is the owner of Webb Associates and The Practice of Inclusion, LLC. Webb Associates is an outgrowth of Kent’s unique career experience which spans both the business world and mental health profession. His leadership experience is reflected in corporate and nonprofit arenas.
Presentation of Caskie Research Award
Anne S. McKnight, MSW, EdD and Ruth Riley Sagar, MA
Leadership with Differentiation in Mind:
Lions and Tigers and Mergers! Oh My!
Emlyn Ott, DMin
The Rev. Dr. Emlyn A. Ott is Executive Director and CEO of Healthy Congregations, Inc. and Dean of Leadership Formation and Associate Professor of Ministry and Pastoral Leadership at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, OH. An ordained Lutheran pastor, she has studied at the Center for Family Process, was in the Postgraduate Program at the Bowen Center, and is currently part of a Research Seminar at the Bowen Center.
My Long and Continuing Quest for Emotional Maturity:
John H. Cammack
John H. Cammack is Managing Partner of Cammack Associates which specializes in early stage investing in enterprises advancing brain fitness, business services and educational attainment.
Chutes and Ladders:
Thomas Merkel, DNM
Mr. Merkel has an executive coaching and leadership development practice working with midsized & family owned businesses. Mr. Merkel has over 35 years of experience in general management, sales, marketing, finance, and accounting. He serves as an operating Director for Delta Point Capital and leads a Rochester chapter of Vistage, a global CEO membership organization.
Panel Discussion
Iain Couzin, PhD, John Engels, Daniel V. Papero, PhD, MSSW, Amie Post, MA, Phillip Weiss, and Kathleen K. Wiseman, MBA
Phillip Weiss, MA, is a consultant and executive coach who specializes in strengthening individual leadership effectiveness, enhancing team dynamics, conflict resolution, and strategy planning. He has experience in multiple industries, including healthcare, energy, technology, manufacturing, and communications and has held various human resources positions at Continental Airlines, Sony, Sara Lee, and Merrill Lynch. His most recent corporate role was with Harcourt Assessment as VP, Human Resources. Mr. Weiss holds a Master's in Human Resources from the University of South Carolina.
Audience Participation
Moderators for Saturday Conference:
Morning: Margaret Donley, MSW
Afternoon: Erik Thompson, MA
Erik Thompson, MA, is a leadership psychologist who has advised hundreds of senior leaders nationally through Thompson Leadership Development, Inc. He volunteers as the Executive Director of the Vermont Center for Family Studies and is a member of the Bowen Center’s national Network for the Advancement of Bowen Theory.