Testimonials

PGS facilitated a Long-Range Planning and Annual Budget Development improvement for our organization. They reviewed our current process, created comprehensive surveys, and provided insightful recommendations for improvement. Working with them was a pleasure—they truly went above and beyond. I was highly impressed with their final work product and wholeheartedly recommend working with them.

Partnering with Professional Growth Systems has been transformative for Anchorage Economic Development Corporation. John and his team have brought an unparalleled level of expertise and dedication to our strategic planning endeavors over the several decades that we’ve worked with them. They don’t just facilitate meetings; they foster an environment of open dialogue, allowing us to critically assess our strengths and identify areas for improvement to enact meaningful change in our organization.

The introduction of the Vision Navigation Software has been a game-changer in managing multiple volunteer working groups. Its intuitive design and seamless integration into our workflow have enhanced our ability to track progress, collaborate in real-time, and adapt our strategies dynamically. The software’s features, such as automatic progress updates and virtual collaboration tools, have made it easier for our team and volunteers to stay aligned and accountable.

I wholeheartedly recommend Professional Growth Systems and their Vision Navigation Software. They have been invaluable partners in our strategic journey, guiding us through the complexities of growth and innovation with confidence and clarity.

“Working with John Gregoire and the team at Professional Growth Systems has been a game-changer as we’ve revamped our strategic plan for 2024-2029. John has been hands-on, engaging with everyone from our Board, to our Executive Team, to our frontline staff and community stakeholders. He helped our agency articulate our strengths and identify areas for growth.

Professional Growth Systems didn’t just run workshops—they created environments where we could ask tough questions and have real conversations as a team. Their tailored approach allowed us to set a pace that felt right for our agency, not rushing decisions but making steady progress towards goals.

Even after finalizing our plan, John has continued to provide support and guidance as we move toward implementation. I highly recommend Professional Growth Systems—they’re more than just facilitators; they’re invaluable partners in our journey.”

“The Aleutians East Borough has used the PGS strategic planning method for the last 4 years. The process has increased the Borough’s productivity and resulted in overall improvements in team performance and engagement. The PGS Approach has also allowed us to successfully manage substantial multi-year projects efficiently and effectively.”

“…I love Bill’s book. He introduces 7 Questions you can use to partner with your people for better performance…Use Bill Dann’s good questions, and I guarantee not only that you will become a better leader/manager, but that your people will become better performers.”

“I gained a clear understanding of management and board roles. I will feel more confident to participate fully in our meetings.”

My takeaways from executive coaching are:
a much clearer understanding on the distinction between a leader and a manager,
improved communication skills vital to building my team, and
the ability to diagnose and use the potential value of team members

“In my role in IT, I have been involved in process improvement projects for 20 years. I have experienced Six Sigma, the McKinsey Value Stream and TQM approaches. Most recently, I have had two experiences with the process improvement approach practiced by Professional Growth Systems. I have found their process to be the most thorough and offering the best odds for successful change. There are numerous reasons but, in the main, it is because of PGS’s continuous involvement and the ownership of the design and implementation process by those doing the work. I have already experienced one highly successful implementation using the PGS method and am in the middle of what I believe will be another. Their approach is different and it really works.”

“Process Advantage® process works. We are a bureaucracy in spades. People on the front line have been starved for making improvements. That is the way to get to positive change in organizations, i.e. thru the front line employees who have seen the need for change and have been waiting to make it.”

“Two years ago, we heard from our customers: ‘We want to get in and out faster. We hate coming to NAC. We don’t want to be there because it takes so long. We don’t get those kinds of complaints anymore.”

“How to organize such a large event? Where to start and rely on the team I work with? It was interesting how the group contained all the knowledge, yet had no way to assemble it before this session.”

“Dynamic Planning helped me look at the project globally as well as the detail. Allowed me to see many viewpoints from very talented co-workers.”

“The Vision Navigation® chart has been a great tool for our organization. It is hanging on the wall just outside our staff break room so it is a visual reminder of our goals & strategies and that we are working collaboratively to achieve them. I am also using the chart at my Board meetings to keep Board members updated on our progress.”

“I utilized the PGS team extensively throughout my time as Governor of the State of Alaska. The PGS team planned and facilitated my transition conference prior to taking office, Cabinet retreats, a conference to define potential areas for efficiency and reduced cost, a statewide Fiscal Summit and an effort to define consensus among competing interests for improvements in management of the Cook Inlet fisheries. My consistent experience with PGS was process designs that were efficient and effective, a commitment to high standards, and an ability to achieve consensus among divergent interests/viewpoints.”

“We have been able to move the organization forward because of the plan. I have never seen this come out of strategic planning in a lifetime of working in non-profits.”

“It was new to our folks to have a method to actually track initiatives and projects, to hold folks accountable. We had a visible way to keep everyone accountable to their commitments.”

“The PGS methodology for clarifying organizational structure brings clarity to roles, increases self-management and frees up management time for high leverage activities.”

“The day to day issues take my focus away. Without a document like this to bring me back to the task at hand and keep me focused we would never make it.”