Services

DCS specializes in . . . 

• design and facilitation of strategic planning and other consensus building and decision-making processes
• governance, management and program evaluations
• unique interactive training sessions
• customized leadership and board development tools
• training design and facilitator coaching

DCS clients experience . . .

• unique learning environments
• programs and processes customized to the organization’s needs, project goals, and members’ preferred learning styles
• advanced understanding of the systems, structure, organizational culture, and program areas of non-profit organizations 
• advanced practice in the management of group dynamics, interactive group techniques and the creation of an open environment for creativity and strategic thinking 

Leadership development services from DCS are designed to enhance the quality and productivity of the leadership experience -- for the individual leader, the leader-staff partnership and the organization.

Leadership Development Systems

Thorough analysis of your organization’s environment and strategy for cultivating active volunteers and qualified, committed leaders. 

Leadership Development System Evaluation and Design

Customized Leadership Development Strategies

Leadership Development Tools

Reference materials, tools and templates to reinforce best practices, help leaders apply concepts and fulfill job responsibilities effectively and consistently.

Leader Support Tools (planning templates, checklists, assessments)

Customized Personal Leadership/Team Assessments 

Facilitation Training and Coaching

Investment in the development of in-house leader and staff facilitation and group management expertise.

Train-the-trainer Program (for staff and/or volunteer presenters and discussion leaders)

One-on-one Facilitator Coaching

Training Program Design and Delivery

Comprehensive design and delivery services based on proven adult learning principles, interactive training techniques and a thorough understanding of your organization’s training goals and leader profile.

• Leadership Training Conference and Academy Evaluation and Design
• Leader/Member Orientation Program Design
• Pre-packaged Training Program Modules with facilitator guide, handouts and training aids
• Interactive Learning Activity Design
• Strategies and Tools to Reinforce Learning
• Training Program Delivery (on a wide variety of topics for leaders and staff, including mobilizing member involvement, planning, leader effectiveness, board development, meeting management, communication, high performance teams, strategic thinking, national-chapter relations, etc.)
• Retreat Facilitation

Organization development services from DCS help leaders and staff look with a critical eye at the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization as a vehicle to deliver on the mission and make a difference for members and the profession. 

Strategic Planning and Strategic Issue Deliberation

Comprehensive menu of planning services, from customized process design to implementation tools that ensure integration of your plan into daily operations at the board, committee and staff levels. Support in framing and deliberation of strategic issues that impact your organization’s future.

• Pre-planning Services, including planning process design, environmental scans, research, scenario development 
• Planning Services, including facilitation of planning sessions/retreats, planning tools
• Post-planning Services, including plan monitoring/measuring/reporting processes, implementation tools and templates, and development of a planning cycle
• Strategic Issue Framing and Deliberation
• Key Message Development
• Program/Service Evaluation

Governance

Examination of critical components of governance – structure, process, people, resources and culture – and how they work together efficiently and effectively to ensure the organization can achieve its stated mission, goals and priorities. Analysis and recommendations based on governance and organizational development principles and best practice.  

• Governance Evaluation
• Board Performance Assessment and Tools
• Board Orientation Program 
• Board Development Strategies
• Facilitation of Mergers and Collaborations

Chapter Development

Building strong, effective chapter structures and operations, and productive national-chapter relations.

•  National-Chapter Partnership Evaluation
•  Chapter Leader Training and Orientation
•  Chapter Development Strategies

Research and Evaluation

Targeted assessment of constituent needs, interests, perceptions and expectations. Quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis to support planning, decision-making and program development.

•  Member Surveys
•  Focus Group and Forum Facilitation
•  Interviews
•  Research Analysis and Reports

Management

Examination of staff structure, operating systems, and organizational culture to ensure the capacity and environment to support organizational goals and priorities. Analysis and recommendations based on management and organizational development principles and best practice.  

•  Executive Search Support, including systems, tools, administration and consultation
•  Management/Operations Evaluation
•  Performance Management Systems and Tools
•  Staff Retreats