Mark D. Bennett

Why I do this work

In my heart, I want a more peaceful world for my children and their children. I act with this intention at the practical level of organizations where teams and individuals can learn to align, bridge differences, collaborate, become stronger together, and realize their vision.

UNITING organizations and communities are critical building blocks of a thriving civil society. Each healthy, well-led organization increases the quality of life of the people who work there and their families. This improvement also contributes to the well-being of the community.

In my early career as a lawyer representing employees, and then as a mediator, I learned about the flaws and problems in organizations:

• Patterns of discrimination;
• Hostile work environments;
• Unfair hiring and promotion systems;
• Grievances; and
• Bitter conflicts between individuals and within teams and boards.

Experience as a ‘first responder’ in the organizational ‘emergency room’ taught me that most of the ‘diseases and injuries’ of organizations can be prevented by three strategies:

• Improve the skillset of leaders and managers
• Use a credible, consistent process to make and communicate key decisions
• Build a culture of creative collaboration that continuously reinforces respectful behavior

What I Do

I choose to dedicate my expertise to preventing problems and building healthy organizations. As a coach, trainer, consultant, and facilitator, I guide leaders, boards, managers, and staff to apply practical design principles that repair and build healthy organizations.

These principles include four cornerstone practices of Uniting By Design:

These core values shape our work together

Engage with Respect

Listen deeply to understand others’ perspectives.
Show positive regard for the dignity of every person.
Strive to be impartial, without bias toward anyone.

Act with Integrity

Align words and deeds.
Honor commitments.
Speak candidly and work for the highest good.

Serve with Patience

Acknowledge different ways of communicating and learning.
Seek to address others' needs, values, and concern.
Meet people where they are and guide them toward their goals.

Collaborate with Creativity

Affirm others’ strengths and talents to elicit their ideas.
Seek opportunities and offer constructive ideas.
Integrate new approaches to improve what clients receive.

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Mark Bennett is a rare consultant/facilitator, adeptly providing the right resources to achieve the client’s particular goal.

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R. S.
Director of Community Impact Services for a large, national organization

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