Shari Erdman, co-CEO at Reell Precision Manufacturing, shares how her company utilizes the framework to support all of their essential stakeholders and enhance the business at the same time.
What Recent roundtable participants are saying
Brenda Starr, Organizational Development Leader
Seeing Things Whole (STW), is a specialized program at Augsburg University that enables participants to problem solve through the lens of Purpose, Identity and Stewardship. I believe in the model’s methodology and have seen it work time and time again. As a participant, it is empowering to see consistent outcomes, and it keeps me coming back in support of Challenge presenters.
I am a problem solver at heart and have felt Called to help people in my life and career. Having used this model many times, I have seen it uncover blind spots that we all have as leaders. It brings them to the forefront and offers clarity and direction.
The diversity of perspectives offered through the Roundtable dialogue gives multiple pathways to consider solutions and this helps to get at the root of a Challenge. The STW approach utilizes small groups to connect with others to dive deeper into the aspects of a Challenge. Together, we critically analyze the Challenge, and bring forward wisdom and wishes that support the Challenge presenter.
I find it amazing that through our analysis via the STW Model’s dimensions, there is always alignment amongst our outlooks on those dimensions. The beauty of it all comes together as participants watch the Challenge presenter absorb the gift of perspectives, and find revelations that emerge along with tools, that will support their long-term leadership efforts.
Michael A. Gregory, Author, Mediation and negotiation consultant, and professional speaker
Being a mentor in the unique Seeing Things Whole program has been my privilege. Unlike traditional mentoring, we engage in a two-and-a-half-hour process, listening actively to a leader’s story without offering advice. Instead, we pose open-ended questions to guide the participant in exploring their identity, purpose, and stewardship. This enlightening process benefits the participant and provides mentors with opportunities to discover new and creative approaches.
As the author of The Servant Manager, The Collaboration Effect, and Peaceful Resolutions, I bring a solid background to assist startups and new managers. However, the beauty of the Seeing Things Whole program is that learning never stops. In one of our sessions, a fellow mentor introduced us to IKIGAI, a concept I was unfamiliar with. Recognizing its value, I immediately incorporated it into my toolkit, a testament to the program’s commitment to continuous learning.
The Program Director, Keri Clifton, is a pleasure to work with. She is extremely well organized, a joy to interact with, and has her heart and soul in the right place to make this a success. She spoils us with treats and beverages and inspires us with her positive, professional approach. She makes this fun for all of us.
Helping others and improving this world while helping other leaders is inspiring and fun. I have enjoyed being part of this process and look forward to serving in the future. What an opportunity for me and the budding leader.
Diane Pike, Sociology Professor
The processes and values embedded in the Seeing Things Whole roundtables provide unique opportunities to learn about leadership, decision making, and the importance of reflection on our responsibilities and goals. Whether a participant over time or the presenter of a current challenge, the relationships built and insights garnered are significant and relevant. This framework is a distinctive model that is both problem-focused and constructive–for all.
Elaine Eschenbacher, Writer, researcher, project manager, facilitator, professor
As a participant in Seeing Things Whole roundtables, I get to listen to a leader telling their story and describing a challenge they face. The trust the leader demonstrates in sharing their problem comes back to them as care. STW offers a framework through which deep thinking participants work in small groups to consider the leader’s challenge from multiple angles. Participating always teaches me something about my community, about leadership, and about myself.
Morgan Knutzen, Career Services Director
Participating in the Seeing Things Whole roundtable with Augsburg University was a rewarding experience that enhanced my leadership development. The discussions fostered a deeper awareness of active listening and honed my question-asking skills to help the presenter analyze their challenge. The shared experiences of fellow participants resonated deeply, particularly when their challenges mirrored my own. This overlap provided a unique opportunity to glean wisdom and different perspectives. Most importantly, the roundtable equipped me with the Seeing Things Whole Threefold model. This framework empowered me to approach my own challenges with a holistic lens, considering identity, purpose, and stewardship.
(updated 6/24/2024)