Simple. Practical. Engaging. Energizing. Refreshingly unconventional. That's what it means to be "barefoot" in the way Writing Barefoot uses the term.

Plenty of people and organizations are living barefoot without ever having engaged us, and we believe there's plenty more barefoot to be created in this world. If you're craving barefoot at home or at work, contact us. We'll bring the best tools and processes we've discovered over the years plus a light-hearted willingness to love what we do. And we'll keep working with you until you're clear, confident, and inspired, like this recent client:

"A.B. is all about passion for people, their projects, and commitments. When I worked with her, I witnessed her precise thinking, her organizational skills, and her overall competence, but far beyond that, I gained an enthusiasm for my own project, seen through her eyes, that surpassed even my own. She can readily take any project more than a step or two beyond what you might dream."

With generous feedback like that, I figure I'm on to something.

What's cooking in 2010?

This year's projects reflect my ongoing commitment to working with nonprofit organizations and public entities to address common challenges--overwhelm, conflict, apathy and confusion--that make barefoot seem out of reach. 

Big projects currently underfoot include reinventing the Madison Water Utility Board using the theory and practice of Policy Governance and helping Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan give away nearly $2 million to elementary schools and free clinics. What an honor!

• Creativity and innovation
• Clear communication
• Participatory decision making
• Enthusiastic implementation
• Appreciation and collaboration

What might I do to fulfill those intentions?

• Facilitate productive, engaging meetings, retreats and workshops
• Combine words and images to convey the essence of a concept or organization with style
• Translate academic findings into materials useful in the "real world"
• Support teams and organizations through stages of growth and completion
  
• Listen to and coach leaders committed to systemic change