INSIDE p.2 Northbound Train Spotlight p.2 New Model-Netics Installations p.2 MEMC Recertification During Fourth Quarter p.3 A Model for Strategic Planning p.3 Are You A Leader? p.3 Instructor Insights p.3 Model-Netics Wall of Fame at Port of Houston Authority p.4 Calendar of Events p.4 Contact Information The number in parenthesis after a name refers to the individual's Model-Netics Associate Number.

December 2003 ITP

The Model-Netics Instructor Training Program (ITP) was held in Houston, Texas on December 8-10, 2003. There were 12 Part I and 25 Part III participants. Special guests attending the graduation luncheon included: Connie Ballard (2061) - HISD, Robert Farquharson (1990) - HISD, Dennis Fouty (2553) - University of Houston, Dan George (2445) - Manhattan Insurance Group, David Green (1683) - AIG/VALIC, Helene Hutchins (2277) - San Jacinto College North, Mark Miranda (2355) - HISD, Ricki Price-Baugh (2543) - HISD, Susan Roeder (2527) - Hilcorp Energy Co., and guest, Nell Pringle - San Jacinto College North.

Sponsoring Organizations
Instructor candidates participating in Parts I and III of the December ITP represented the following sponsoring organizations:

Part I Speaker
Greg Davis, Executive Director of First Priority of Alabama spoke on behalf of the Part I group.

Greg began by sharing how beneficial the instruction and practice teaching during Part I had been. He particularly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from participants of varied backgrounds. Greg also pointed out the similarities between his organization and the Houston Independent School District (another MEMC client).

Greg discussed his plans for installing Model-Netics with his staff saying, "I'm looking forward to this…getting into a weekly cycle of teaching them, and hopefully, they will take it and apply it to their work and the volunteers they work with."

He also spoke of his expectations with Model-Netics at First Priority. "Something like this is so principle-based and we operate that way. It fits right into what we do. I'm expecting (Model-Netics) to go a long way." Greg closed by expressing his appreciation for getting to know and work with his fellow Part I class members.

Part III Speaker
Bernie Satterwhite (2714), City Manager for the City of Bellaire represented the Part III class.

Bernie recalled his first introduction to Model-Netics while attending a MEM presentation at a Texas City Management Association meeting. The Northbound Train model was one of the models presented, and the concept made a lasting impression. Bernie stated "I suddenly realized that there was a better way…that was the key - the fact that there is a better way."

He referenced how this made sense with the "K" in KASH: "I think prior to Model-Netics, I had the same perception a lot of people had that the major success was CASH…we can re-measure success…we know that KASH has a different meaning to everybody who is here today!"

Bernie relayed his thoughts on moving ahead with Model-Netics at the City of Bellaire. He said "…what I anticipate from Model-Netics is…to develop an organizational philosophy that emphasizes a common language…the left hand automatically knows what the right hand is doing."

He closed by thanking MEMC and sharing "…when I'm shopping with my wife and she turns to me and says, "Honey, do you have any cash?” I just smile and say, “Yeah, I've got tons of it (KASH).”

Featured Speaker
Leon Drennan (1193), President of HCA Physician Services was the featured speaker at the graduation luncheon.

Leon, a certified instructor for 15 years, addressed three major topics: Why I Use Model-Netics; How It Has Helped Me In My Job; and, The Impact It Had On Me Professionally.

Leon’s decision to use Model-Netics was based on his observation "…anything I have ever seen that was good could be related to one or more models in Model-Netics…A lot of the stuff in the market is good theory. But, you have to use Model-Netics to take action. I have not seen anything nearly as comprehensive as Model-Netics…"

Leon then shared how Model-Netics has helped him in his job. He described how Model-Netics has helped him in his organizational and job changes. "I learned a lot in Model-Netics…if you don't have a system (such as Model-Netics), you finally figure it out and when you run into something new, (then) you figure it out again." Using Model-Netics for problem solving often allows you to select 6-12 models and take decisive action."

Professionally, Model-Netics has helped Leon establish the "Management Gap" when he has taken on new responsibilities. It helps both his employees and himself in understanding each other. "When I teach Model-Netics…I know (more) about the new team than I would know in three years (without that interaction)." Efficiency in decision making and the ability to use the models to expand his knowledge are some additional professional benefits

Leon closed by offering the ITP graduates a word of advice. "Graduation - if you are smart, this is where it begins…you're making a mistake if you don't make it a point to teach it (Model-Netics) once a year, every year…"