"I always view problems as opportunities in work clothes"

Henry Kaiser

The Center for Creative Solutions is a consulting/coaching non-profit corporation. Consulting/coaching is often looked at as problem solving. It is no coincidence that the model we use is similar to various problem-solving models, because consulting is essentially that-a problem-solving discipline. However, we agree with Mr. Kaiser: sometimes it takes work to look at problems from many different viewpoints and recognize the opportunities.

We at the Center for Creative Solutions are consultants/coaches who believe that it is more about looking at the opportunities than focusing just on the problems. We bring five core abilities to our clients to aid in finding these opportunities.

• Expertise - The Center for Creative Solutions staff and board of directors have lengthy histories of public and professional service.
• Perspective - The Center for Creative Solutions staff and board of directors have varied backgrounds that provide many alternatives in creative thinking. We encourage our clients to "think outside the box" and explore these alternatives to create opportunities.
• Authenticity - The Center for Creative Solutions staff and board believe to be effective, honesty and integrity are key elements in a successful working relationship.
• Friendship - The Center for Creative Solutions staff and board want to create an environment that builds a working rapport with our clients. Our services are provided in an easy down-to-earth manner. Two-way communication is stressed for ease and comfort.
• Accomplishment - The Center for Creative Solutions staff assist the clients in working through their own strategic plans. This commitment to the process provides a greater sense of accomplishment. At the end of the process, all clients receive a written strategic plan. A follow-up consultation is provided at no additional cost to assess accomplishments.

The Center for Creative Solutions uses an eleven-phase process that provides the framework for clients, to plan, structure and execute a strategic plan.

1. Entry
2. Initial diagnostics
3. Contract Agreement
4. Fact Finding
5. Diagnostic Analysis
6. Debrief
7. Evaluate Options
8. Decide on Action
9. Implement
10. Evaluate and Fine Tune
11. Terminate

Depending on the needs of our clients, formats vary. They include:

• Private one-on-one consultation
• Groups
• One-half day or full day workshops
• Retreats

Fees

• All initial consultations are free
• A written outline of services and fees for services are presented to prospective clients after the initial consultation
• A follow-up consultation is included at no additional charge to the client to assess accomplishments