Situation Management Systems, Inc. (SMS) was founded in 1976 and they are the original developers of the Positive Power and Influence® Program. SMS develops management and leadership development programs with a major focus on influence. This focus on helping people and organizations build influence as a core competency includes not only the development of the Influence Styles themselves, but also how they support the implementation of other strategies and processes from a behavioral level. These strategies and processes include negotiation, conflict resolution, change management, project management, and emotional intelligence.
The power to positively influence others is even more essential to success than position, job skills, experience, or motivation.
Their training programs are situation-based allowing participants to learn new skills in the context of real-life situations. Experiential learning is very powerful, therefore their programs include individual practice and reflection, small group work, peer-to-peer and trainer feedback and coaching, along with recorded exercises. Participants develop action plans for effectively applying new skills to the situations they encounter. Their training programs prepare participants to get work done in the real world, where individuals need to be flexible, adaptable, and focused on success.
Their clients include Fortune 50 companies, mid-size organizations, non-profits as well as government agencies. Since the power to positively influence others is increasingly essential to individual and organizational success, everyone needs to be able to influence effectively regardless of industry or position.
SMS and their global network of partners are passionate about and committed to each and every individual and group with whom they work. Whether they are delivering an off-the-shelf program to executive assistants or a highly-customized program to a senior-level group, the result is the same…participants acquire skills that are relevant, effective, and immediately applicable.
History:
Entrepreneurs are an interesting bunch with larger than life personalities and plenty of passion. David Berlew, Roger Harrison, and Earl Rose worked together to establish SMS in 1976. David and Roger built the Positive Power and Influence Program (PPI) with help from Earl, who also pioneered the stringent Training of Trainers process. Partners were established in Europe and the US and remain to this day; Bureau Zuidema, then run by Hans Zuidema, AKTI (now Learn2Lead) then run by Hans Harboe, Bratt Publishing (now Positively Group) then run by Bertil Bratt, LMA, Inc., then run by LeRoy Malouf, and C.G. Wright and Associates, run by Greg Wright. Together they have more than two hundred years of experience teaching PPI.
Early versions of PPI were run at the Irish Institute of Management, Rank Xerox, and BP in the early 1970s prior to the formal establishment of SMS as a corporation. The First Edition of PPI was launched in 1978. The Second Edition was launched in 1981 after 3 years of being used all over the world by more than 100 consultants and internal SMS folks such as Alex Moore, Dane Harwood and others. Additional programs were also developed including the Positive Negotiation Program, Influencing Change, and Situational Selling.
The Third Edition was released in 1987, and the Fourth Edition in 1997, again with contributions from SMS folks and many trainers worldwide. The 5th edition was released in 2004, and now they are excited to present the 6th Edition of the Positive Power and Influence Program. The Sixth Edition reduces the carbon footprint, adds more electronic tools, is full color, and provides job aids creating a very dynamic format.
During the years as the program evolved licensees were added all over the world. It became clear that while some cultural distinctions were needed, the Situational Influence Model made sense worldwide. Y
So what happened to all of the original guys? As with all small entrepreneurial endeavors, people move on when the situation no longer is satisfying for those involved. Roger left pretty early on in the life of SMS. Then David left in the late 80’s, and finally Earl in the mid 90’s. LMA, Inc. purchased SMS, Inc. in 2001. Countless trainers and clients have been with us for many years as people simply fall in love with the power and effectiveness of the PPI Program. Kudos to Roger and David who thought it had a ten-year shelf life!
So why use SMS, Inc? The Situational Influence Model was developed based on behavioral research. This is their expertise and they have been at it for a long time. They have a very experienced worldwide network, and they are just a down-to-earth group of people who want to have a positive impact on the people and organizations with whom they work, and ultimately the world. Positive Power and Influence graduates are fixing the world one relationship at a time…
At SMS they approach every corporate training opportunity by:
This greater depth of understanding of the client’s business leads to comprehensive and effective solutions with better customization and scalability. As a management training and professional development organization, SMS is committed to sustainable communication and leadership training for management, supervisors, and staff. Their corporate training courses are in the subject areas of influence, negotiation, conflict resolution, and change management.
Their international alliance (SMS Global) provides us with access to training partners around the world. Combined with their experience and the expertise of these partners, they are able to offer effective communication and management development training programs on a global scale.
Trainers and Consultants:
SMS trainers and consultants have:
Core Values:
Influence: They positively affect the actions and behaviors of others and help them become more successful and empowered in their professional as well as personal lives.
Client Service Excellence: They offer the best in world-class services and products, and always strive to exceed customer expectations.
Passion: It is inherent in the design of their products and delivery of their programs, as well as the entire SMS team. They just love what they do!
Trust and Respect: Their clients trust us to deliver high-quality programs and services. They treat everyone with respect and dignity, honoring each other and every individual with whom they work.
Integrity: The strength of their company is derived from their sound adherence to moral and ethical principles, as well as their commitment to honesty.
Courage: The positive energy of their minds and spirits, combined with their commitment to build quality relationships, enable us to face the challenges of helping people change their behavior and find their own personal power.
Global Family: Situation Management Systems and their global network of licensees positively affect people on every continent…except Antarctica!
Fun: They celebrate their clients and theirselves with unparalleled enthusiasm, spirited energy, and a dash of humor!
