University of Washington Human Resources

Paul Horton – The Athena Group

The Athena Group

PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

I am keenly aware of the pressures decision-makers and leaders are under to deliver in the face of rapid change, uncertainty, budget and time constraints, and increasing demands from stakeholders. I see my work as helping leaders navigate complexity and change, lead with clarity, and achieve internal alignment and coherence.

All of my work is grounded in both a theoretical and a practical understanding of systems thinking, organizational theory, and group (or “process oriented”) dynamics.  I specialize in using dialogue-based, participatory approaches to engage diverse perspectives, build social capital, and improve organizational outcomes.  I am skilled at facilitating meetings where there is a high degree of difference or divisiveness, and that generate personal insights and uncover innovative possibilities for moving forward.  I am also an accomplished trainer and teacher.  I have taught courses in healthy conflict engagement, adaptive and participatory leadership, and strategic thinking for clients and as an adjunct faculty in the Masters in Public Administration Program at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE/RESULTS

EXPERIENCE / SELECTED PROJECTS

• Expertise in helping executives, managers, and affinity groups understand and navigate complex challenges
  and develop a more adaptive approach to their work.
• Help diverse groups of individuals (or stakeholder networks) get “unstuck”, improve communication and
  collaboration, and achieve collective impact.
• Highly trained in the Art of Participatory Leadership (otherwise known as the Art of Hosting Conversations
  that Matter). Have conducted multiple ½-day, 1-day, and 3-day trainings for hundreds of individuals.
• Design and facilitate retreats, summits, and community conversations on a range of topics, including
  homelessness, race, racial relations and law enforcement, community resilience, and youth educational outcomes.
• Teach the Art of Participatory Leadership and adaptive capacity for the Masters in Public Administration
  Program at The Evergreen State College.
• Support individuals and groups at the level of strategic direction and thinking. Have developed strategic plans
  for universities, state agencies, tribes, transit agencies, airports, and for-profit businesses.

CREDENTIALS

SELECTED CLIENTS