PN&A, Inc. believes the greatest degree of learning occurs in an environment of reciprocal respect. Disrespectful behavior and commentary mitigates against the learning experience. As presenters, we seek to increase our audience’s knowledge base to a level that enables well-informed decision-making. PN&A, Inc. neither seeks group consensus nor attempts to adjust attitudes.
Method of Instruction
Instruction couples the presentation of definitive and quantitative information with interactive exercises that are designed to stimulate discussion and analysis of a qualitative nature. Generally, case studies and small group exercises are utilized as practical reinforcements of the concepts introduced during the lectures and discussions.
Definitions of Terminology
Each training segment’s success is predicated on effective communication techniques that ensure comprehension. All technical, legal and non-standard terminology will be defined when introduced into the discussion, and the instructor will clarify to an appropriate level of understanding.
Foundational Premises
Each of the foundational premises, or the means of achieving the goals and adhering to the philosophy statement, derives from one consistent assumption regarding conflict. It is presumed frequently that conflict is an inherently negative thing. PN&A, Inc. encourages workshop participants to view conflict as a potentially positive element; one that is essential for growth. Hence, these three foundational premises emerge from that positive assumption:
(1) Information vs. Attitude
PN&A, Inc. assumes that most conflicts emerge from an inadequate level of information rather than a negative attitude that seeks out unproductive conflict;
(2) Mercy vs. Justice
PN&A, Inc. assumes that engagement in the midst of conflict will be handled with a focus on mercy and understanding rather than on justice or punishment;
(3) Benefit of the Doubt vs. Assumption of Guilt
PN&A, Inc. assumes that when conflict manifests, the parties to the conflict will approach one another with the benefit of the doubt.