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"FREE Buffaloes
in Our Lives"
e-newsletter |
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ABOUT US |
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About Dr. Kituku |
Overview |
Partial Client List
| What They are
Saying
Dr. Kituku's Resume
| Contact
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Quick Index: |
» An Overview
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Managing the "Buffalo" of Change in Chaotic Times |
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Leading in Chaotic Times & Overcoming Buffaloes as a Leader |
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Branches Along the Path of Visionary Journey |
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Living and Working With Cultural Differences |
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Organization: United States Environmental Protection Agency |
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Individual "Spears" for Overcoming Buffaloes With Team Members |
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Marketing With Zero or Shoestring Budget |
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Thirteen Reasons for the Success of Our Programs |
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An
Overview |
Kituku & Associates works with organizations to improve
productivity and performance through employee and
leadership development programs.
Our clients include Fortune 500 corporations,
International and National Non-profits and Public
organizations. We have also worked with numerous
universities and colleges. See Client List
We work in collaboration with our clients. We involve our
client's identified key participants by seeking out and
using in our presentations, their rich knowledge of the
organization's challenges and expectations.
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Our
Practice and Philosophy |
We have consciously chosen a simple philosophy and made it
a repeatable practice: Improve our client's condition by
paying attention to bottom line and help line.
From the numerous clients we have worked with, we have
concluded that improved performance requires investment in
employees, the tools they use and managerial support
structures. This emphasizes the re-direction of existing
talents, experiences and resources without the use of
extra resources to hire and train new talents. We know to
improve performance someone has to want to succeed as a
person.
A fundamental reason for our success is that we help our
clients capitalize on the talents, experiences and
resources they already have in order to provide
exceptional customer service and grow business by
re-focusing talents, experiences and resources outwards.
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What
We Do for Our Clients |
Our work has two angles - specific objectives and
specifically established outcomes within reasonable
timetables.
We work with our clients from a basic principle � Although
challenges for different organizations may seem similar,
this doesn�t necessarily imply that the same solutions
will work for all clients.
Our approach has been to study patterns of challenges
across our clients industries and then gather practical
strategies that have worked. The next step is to get
specific information for the client we are working with.
We interview a diverse sample of people with different
experiences of and exposure to the challenges facing their
organization. We find out what has worked (or not) and
why.
Equipped with this knowledge, we design a customized
program, for a specific client that connects identified
challenges with practical strategies for building the
organizations future they envision.
Note that the following are just a few examples from our
hundreds of clients. We can only attempt to highlight our
specific contribution for these clients� successes but not
the entire range of our work with them or within their
industries over the years.
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Managing
the "Buffalo" of Change in Chaotic Times |
Organization: American
Ecology
Approach
We developed and presented Tools for Human Resource
Managers to use in changing times without compromising
performance and quality of services.
How
The tools were geared to help the organization build
structures that allowed: smooth transfer of information;
recruiting and retaining talents at rural sites; longevity
recognition systems and connecting individual vision with
the organization's core value.
Prior to meeting with all HR managers, we interviewed a
representative sample that highlighted general and
specific challenges that were site related. Based on our
findings, we stipulated eight practical strategies that HR
Managers were able to apply immediately.
We had a special advantage when we accepted this project.
Our principal consultant Dr. Kituku had worked in a
corporate HR department as a Training Specialist. He also
has worked with and given presentations at numerous HR
professional conferences.
Responses
"Dear Vincent, Unlike most management courses/seminars I
participated in, you went a step further in designing our
program and built a course that taught skills rather than
imparting theory alone. I am confident to say that we are
now better prepared to survive the appearance of water
buffaloes in our workplace." Betsy D. Sterk, Human
Resource Manager, American Ecology.
"Dear Vincent, The presentation, HR, Thriving in Chaotic
Times, was very relevant and timely to all the attendees.
Your experience, insights, and practical ideas certainly
gave each attendee valuable information that they could
put to use in their lives and organizations immediately."
Kari L. Korell, Seminar Chair, Human Resources Association
of Treasure Valley
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Leading
in Chaotic Times & Overcoming Buffaloes as a Leader |
Organization: Prestige Care,
Inc
Approach
We worked with managers, nurses and staff from different
facilities and developed leadership skills that are
critical in a dynamic and sensitive industry.
How
Our general industry-wide research had identified
challenges such as: unpredictable regulation changes; poor
government payment services; shortage of professional
staff; maintaining safety; finding, hiring and training
competent people who have a heart to care; maintaining a
budget in times when Medicare and medical costs are
skyrocketing; incorporating the needs and challenges of
residents, their families and employees; dealing with
families experiencing turmoil as their parents are going
through transition.
The structure we provided for the first group of managers
resulted in immediate success. We were given the task of
working with another group within four months. We
stipulated strategies that involved the Residents and
their families, Care Facility Manager, Supervisors,
Nurses, and Staff. The strategies were geared to creating
an environment that builds a tradition of respect,
integrity, commitment and trust.
Our advantage in this project was Dr. Kituku's ability to
relate his African experiences to caring for senior
citizens. His knowledge base has been enriched through his
work with other senior citizen related organizations. He
is a member of Idaho State Governor's Coordinating Council
for Families and Children were he chaired the Awareness
Committee in 2002-20003.
Responses
"Before the Retreat, Dr. Kituku gained as much information
as possible about our company and the industry we are
involved in. He made telephone calls to management team
members to tailor his seminar very closely to the needs of
our employees and the circumstances they face each day in
the present economy. Dr. Kituku was so widely received in
July, the decision was made to ask him to return to again
present to our company in October" Harold G. Delamarter,
President/CEO, Prestige Care Inc.
"Dear Vincent, I was exceptionally pleased with all your
efforts to customize the presentations for our healthcare
staff by conducting telephone interviews and discussing
personal needs with several of the attendees." Faith
Jones, BSN, RN, CCP, Director of Patient Care Services,
Powell Valley Healthcare
Editors Note: This program has been asked for and
presented to more than ten independent Health Care
Facilities in less than two years.
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Branches
Along the Path of Visionary Journey |
This is one of the top three most sought-after of our
programs.
Organizations: Over 50
different organizations
Approach
We worked with planners and participants to establish
their expected future given their challenges, talents and
resources. We then use their input together with the
information we have gathered from diverse sources.
How
Our success in this program can be attributed to
establishing 5 key Branches Along the Path of Life that
lead to personal and professional success. We work on
building individual ownership for one's attitude, choices,
and how to leave the past behind.
Our next step is to provide seven strategies for
overcoming "social buffaloes" and nurturing the three
major relationships that provide strength and focus for
success.
Among the Branches is that of change. Our goal is to equip
the individual with tools that empower them to navigate
the turbulence of change as a jungle rod.
Responses
"Dear Dr. Kituku, I was very impressed when I heard your
presentation during the Association of Governmental Risk
and Insurance Pool and recommended you to my board of
directors as my choice for a speaker during our Annual
Membership Meeting. I am happy to say you exceeded my
expectations and helped our workshop to a great success."
Thomas Brouwer, Director Michigan County Road Commission
Self-Insurance Pool
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Living
and Working With Cultural Differences |
Organization: Treasure Valley
Community College
Approach
We designed and conducted surveys to gather information on
the perceived treatment of women, minorities and people
with physical challenges throughout the college. Our
recommendations addressed their current inequities,
futures needs in recruitment and retention of faculty and
student and advancement opportunities. We provided the
foundation for continuous education and communication in
order to create a college that values diversity instead of
programs that lead to everyone trying to look and act the
same.
Response
"I believe the success of your presentation was due not
only to your motivational style but also the time and
effort you spent in learning about TVCC's unique social
climate and needs regarding cultural awareness. I'm sure
that the interviews with faculty and staff you completed
before you came to campus made them feel more a part of
your presentation as well as providing you with direction
on what areas needed to be addressed" Judy K. Tiffany,
Director of Human Resources
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Organization:
United States Environmental Protection Agency |
(Both the Idaho State
and Washington State Centers)
Approach
We worked with leaders and staff prior to doing workshops
that were geared to all employees. This is an area in
which we have worked with numerous organizations.
How
Our surveys indicate that, for any organization to
implement a workable cultural diversity program,
individuals must reach within themselves. They must
re-discover their personal experiences with cultural
differences, and they must define personal culture. With
this background established, we move to stipulate steps to
create an environment for celebrating cultural differences
and define diversity as a concept and a value.
We also help clients differentiate between incorporating
cultural diversity and simply fulfilling mandatory
programs such as Affirmative Action. We provide our
clients with eight strategies for celebrating cultural
differences and enumerate the benefits from business's
bottom line perspective. A native of Kenya, Dr. Kituku
shares his personal cultural experiences (or shocks) as a
student in Wyoming and a corporate America employee. He
invites participants to relate to his own experiences and
vulnerability with theirs. Another advantage Dr. Kituku
had during this project was his in-depth background in
conservation of natural resources (both as a student and
leader). His college education was in Range Management and
he worked in both Kenyan and American environmental
organizations.
Responses
"Dear Dr Kituku, Your background and experiences lend
themselves to a very interesting delivery which was most
captivatingï. It was clear your were one of us and that out
ultimate goal is one and the same. Thank you, once again,
for the efforts you put into our theme of showing
diversity in the workplace and in our lives. You were
great!"
James Werntz, Director, Idaho Operations Office
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Individual
�Spears� for Overcoming Buffaloes With Team Members |
Organization: Hewlett-Packard
Approach
We explored the challenges the BLD Printer Lab Team was
experiencing and worked together. We developed a workshop
for all team members that outlined specific steps each
individual was able to use for immediate results.
How
We had prior knowledge of factors that forced teams to
re-focus their talents, goals and energy when a project
was midway. We recommended 7 key tools for team success
and provided strategies for spearing charging conflict
buffaloes. Our advantage was Dr. Kituku�s insights of
corporate America as a training specialist. Also
advantageous was his ability to tie in his unique African
life experiences (villagers overcoming fierce unexpected
beasts together) with challenges that teams have to deal
with.
Responses
"Dear Vincent, We always knew "they" (i.e., buffaloes) are
amongst us! Yet your pictorial analogies for "recognizing
the frogs" and dealing efficiently with water buffaloes of
life have produced images I'm sure we will remember for a
remember for a long time, Your motivational style is very
unique, pointing each of us to look inwardly and in
conjunction with each other as a "team". Many were so
enthused, they are considering your return to speak to
other expanded teams within HP... R. Scott Johnson,
Program Manager, BLD Printer Lab, Hewlett-Packard
"I was most impressed with his research into the issues
facing the Idaho State Insurance Fund and the
customization of his presentation to specifically address
those issues. Time spent with Dr. Kituku is time well
spent." Drew S. Forney, Manager, Idaho State Insurance
Fund
Editor's Note: Dr. Kituku was not only hired to do other
project but HP is one of our top repeat clients.
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Marketing
With Zero or Shoestring Budget |
Organization: Boise Chamber
of Commerce
Approach
We developed and presented a workshop geared to provide
practical marketing strategies for businesses and
individual consultants.
How
Marketing wisdom shows that people are inclined to do
business with entities they see or hear about. But what if
you have the best product or service and no one knows
about it and you have limited or no capital for
promotions? What if the economy heads south? How can the
name of your business remain in circulation if you have
limited resources or no budget?
Lack of marketing is marketing means your business is out
of the market. Creative marketing is the key. This
workshop will provide participants with practical steps
for marketing with little or no budget. We offered
participants 4 top proven strategies to build business
with unlimited referrals; high performance activities that
increase customer retention; retaining customers with
ordinary practices; 10 ways of advertising
products/services with zero capital; why forget Christmas
gifts and Dr. Kituku's 99 tips to get and keep customers
a special bonus.
Responses
"I enjoyed your seminar this morning at the Chamber of
Commerce. I've already told several people that was one of
the best seminars they've had. I've heard some of your
marketing tips before from other speakers but you have a
special talent for making it much easier to understand.
I've heard about the elevator speech before, but the
speaker took much longer and was more complex at
explaining it. After the few minutes you spoke on it, I
understood it much better and was able to come up with my
own, "I help small business market their business on the
Internet." Duane Hinkley, Down Home Web Design, Inc.
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Editor's note:
Dr. Kituku presented a keynote speech for the Meeting
Professional International-Oregon Chapter on Marketing
With Shoestring Budget. The following is what was written
for their newsletter after his presentation.
Eat Grass, Spear Buffalo and Run
with Horses....?
Our November meeting was treated to a dynamic and
energy-charged speaker, Dr
Vincent Muli wa Kituku.
Using strong and colorful metaphors of his distinctive
African origin, Dr. Kituku presented us with 7 pieces of
wisdom for success in downturns. Among these are the
colorful "Even if you are a donkey, run with horses."
(build a great relationship with powerful entities that
will keep your products/services in front of customers)
and the practical "Have grass ready in case there is no
beef." (in other words, have a backup plan!)
These and other phrases, many adapted from practical
African sayings and actual life experiences, pointed out
ways in which we can all overcome the downturns in today's
business. Mostly common sense ideas, Dr Kituku presented
them in a very up-beat and exciting way that got you
thinking about them anew. When was the last time you
thought of business in terms of spearing a buffalo that
had gotten into the workplace?
From his colorful African chieftain's clothing to the use
of his spear and buffalo tail props, Dr Kituku brought
home the idea that "we have to be the CEO of our own
lives".
Dian Lindsay, President, EWE ME and Company, Conference
Management & Consulting. 2545 SW Spring Garden Street
Suite 150 Portland, OR 97219
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Thirteen
Reasons for the Success of Our Programs |
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We make
efforts to identify with client�s needs during the
first visit |
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If we can�t
help you, we won�t waste your resources and time
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Our main
goal is your program�s success |
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We have no
interest in internal turf wars that may stifle
creativity and
productivity |
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Our goal is
to bring in knowledge and practical ideas from
successful
sources |
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We have no
conflict of interest |
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We have a
proven record that spans since the last decade |
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We work
with you with no prior bias toward individuals or
programs |
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Our
programs are not repetitious of what you�ve heard
elsewhere |
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Our message
will make you think and create the future you want |
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We view
programs like yours from an outsider�s perspective |
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We provide
your organization with fresh perspectives |
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We
guarantee over 95% positive evaluation from attendees |
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