True North Consulting

"We had very high expectations as to what we hoped to get out off this program and I am happy to say that the RPM program has exceeded my expectations. This is one of the few times in my twenty-five plus years as president of HM Graphics that I can say this. RPM is different from other training programs in that it becomes a living part of your organization. The teams that are set up make sure that the training goes beyond the classroom and the principles have become a part of our every day life."

Jim Sandstrom, President HM Graphics

"I sought out a tool to improve operational accountability after an internal assessment indicated it was a key area needing attention. Several of my peers in other companies recommended RPM. In RPM, I saw the training we needed and the organizational systems that would ensure its application. RPM has brought its positive approach, effectiveness, and simplicity to our leadership team that is now using it at every level within Outlook. This is a true culture change program that is a complete leadership, communication skills, and performance management training all in one. I have already referred Rick and his program to a friend who runs several companies in the Milwaukee area and to a key Outlook customer on the East Coast. I’d strongly recommend it to any organization looking for uniform and consistent performance management and stronger leadership from its supervisors and managers. "

Joe Baksha, President Outlook Group

"Since we implemented the RPM program mid-December of 2002, the supervisors and managers have been using it like crazy. The program has built our management staff's confidence in handling poor performance issues, conflicts and abuses of company policies such as attendance and smoking violations. The program has brought unity to the management team because there is now one method we use to manage and the employees feel everyone is being treated uniformly and fairly."

Diane Gamez, VP Human Resources, HM Graphics

"In my position I wear a lot of hats, RPM has taught me how to prioritize what is important, and how to manage those priorities effectively.  What amazed me the most is the way the program is set up to teach you.  You receive a lot of information in a short period of time but it makes changes in your style of communication very quickly and gives you a new and fresh view on how to make changes and how those changes can stay with you.  RPM has changed my outlook for the better at work and at home and that has taken a lot of stress out of my life.  So I would like to thank you, Rick, for your life-changing program and I Thank you Jim Sandstrom for bringing this program to our company."

Mary Tairi, Hand Assembly Supervisor HM Graphics

"Our management style or should I say styles landed us fighting fires in most cases.  Not one of our management team members had the same technique when interacting with associates.  This created a lack of communication among management and total confusion in some cases from our employees.  Because of these inconsistencies, the consistency and fairness of RPM sparked a keen interest from our supervisors and managers. Within a few weeks of the management training, RPM had become a way of life at Outlook.  The concepts and procedures were seen and heard every day.  You could just feel the excitement.  All associates have been trained to date.  Our rollout of the RPM process has been successful.  Everyone, across the board, has been trained and will use the RPM concept moving forward. Happy RPM’ing…you won’t regret it."

Linda Soyk, HR Director Outlook Group

"I have found that the RPM scripts are the key to good interactions. RPM has allowed us to work on things before they become so irritating that good communication suffers, or worse, someone gets so fed up that we risk loosing an otherwise good employee.  I can confidently say that the effort is paying off in retention of the right people, identification of changes needed, and the development of all employees, including managers."

Paul Langer, Vice-President Barrett Moving & Storage Co.

"RPM is just not another training tool.  The beauty of RPM is although it has structure and form, it is adaptable to any company's policies and procedures.  Rick's personal touch throughout the training was invaluable and his guidance helped to create the best product possible.   Many of us actually looked forward to RPM training, and that may say enough about how the material was presented!  RPM delved into the human side of people management, helping us all to better understand the benefits of positive work place relationships." 

Pat Donahue, Maintenance Supervisor Outlook Group

"I appreciated the structure that RPM brought to my company.  RPM takes a delicate topic, "accountability" and offers an easy and effective way to manage it.  The process of building this structure included education around why people behave the way they do. RPM offers templates to help you author the verbiage necessary to have a successful outcome to every interaction.  I found this to be personally helpful.  The templates also insure each leader utilizes the same approach to performance management, which means consistent leadership of a company's most important assets ~ it's associates. I would recommend RPM to any company seeking a consistent format to performance management.  RPM offers understanding, planning and delivery."

Joni Heinz, COO Web Facility, Outlook Group

"I have been a cost accounting manager and financial analyst for over 24 years. I have an MBA and have been exposed to many management systems on both the theoretical and practical levels. The RPM management system is the best program I’ve been involved with. A very significant part of the program is the intensive training managers and line supervisors receive on developing effective communication techniques for reinforcing achievement and addressing undesirable behaviors. It offers a complete set of tools including scripts, preparation forms, and a straightforward system of actions that reinforce good communication. I heartily endorse this program – it promotes high standards and continuous evolution toward excellence in the organization."

Sandra Rook, Plant Accounting Manager, Freedom Plastics

Service Testimonials

 

“Rick is an effective facilitator who was able to create a constructive, trusting, environment in which our senior managers were able to participate in a free and open dialogue.  We came to see the opportunity for change and were able to design new business processes that encouraged improved communication and cooperation.”

Curtis J. Laetz, Executive Vice President, OmniQuip Textron Inc.

 

“The three hour presentation Rick Piraino gave our group of 50 hard driving entrepreneurs was practical, right-on-the-mark, and witty.  People that always resist ‘exercises’ and direct interplay were totally into the program.  The real value of his presentation came in the approaches to managing people and their interactions.  SILENT PARTNERS will recommend the talents and services of Rick Piraino at every opportunity.” 

     Donald L. Menefee, President & CEO, SILENT PARTNERS

 

“I would recommend Rick Piraino without reservation.  He is a talented speaker and workshop facilitator.  Using solid theory, good common sense and humor, Rick was able to demystify the often confusing and frustrating aspects of people problems and business culture.” 

                                     Peg Reinhart, President, SYNERGY

 

Rick Piraino  came to us about a year ago.  His training process has given us the tools to genuinely work together as a team, and to resolve conflicts by focusing on ‘making the problem the problem.’  As a result, more and more responsibility is being shared by each member of the team and there has been a marked improvement in morale.  The related increase in efficiency has really helped our bottom line.”

                                 Dan Hau, CEO, Hau & Associates, SC

 

“Thank you very much Rick.  Not only was your presentation thought to be outstanding, but even our seasoned members gained a great deal from your presentation that will enhance their future as CEOs and managers.”

Ken Jacobs, Chairperson, The Executive Committee, Group 24.

 

“I found Rick’s presentation especially enlightening as it cut through many complex issues to identify core factors that can either enhance or destroy trust.  After hearing his presentation I had a better understanding of why employees resist change and what I can do to better build support for change.”

Jim Paetsch, Director of Membership and Programming, Milwaukee Metropolitan Area Chamber