(updated April 7, 2006)
Q: What’s the right profile for a Communicators Clinic participant?
A: The content of the Clinic is appropriate for participants from any of the organizational communication disciplines. It is helpful to communicators coming from companies, governments and nonprofits.
Generally speaking, it’s best if most of these descriptors apply to you:
- Have worked as a communication professional for at least 7 years
- Have worked for more than one employer
- Manage employees
- Manage vendors or consultants
- Manage budgets
- Serve as project leader for large, long-term communication projects
- Are the communication representative on interdisciplinary teams
It also helps if these characteristics apply. You:
- Have been asked to take a leadership role with your department, on teams or special projects
- Would like to have more interaction with leaders in other parts of your organization
- Recognize that you have a lot to learn about leadership
- Agree that the key to leadership is understanding yourself well
- Are ready to actively participate in the Clinic
If you have questions about whether you should attend, please contact Kathy Collura at kathy@colluraconsulting.com or 678-608-3200.
Q: Is the Communicators Clinic just a nice vacation with a few hours of work?
A: While the Communicators Clinic is held in a beautiful setting—it’s not a vacation. We pack a lot of learning into every day. We start at 9am and don’t end before 4:30 or 5pm. We’re at it over lunch. And, typically participants keep the learning going at the end of the day, while they have fun and get to know each other better
Q: Is it worth it for me to give up four work days for the Clinic?
A: Let’s look at it another way: Given the shortage of people willing and able to lead, can you or your organization afford to not realize your leadership potential as quickly as possible? The benefits of the four days will be immediate and lasting.
Q: What will I bring back to my job?
A: You will return to your job with a better understanding of yourself and the most effective way for you to lead. You’ll have practical tools and new skills that will make you more comfortable and confident when you need to lead. You’ll have friendships with a group of people who know a lot about you and who can continue to support you through the Clinic’s online Alumni Board. And, you’ll be rested, relaxed, and anxious to put the new you into action.
Q: How will the Clinic meet my individual needs?
A: Much of what you get out of the Communicators Clinic (as with most things in life) comes from what you put into it. We try to make the Communicators Clinic as engaging as possible, to attract the kind of participants who enhance the program and to focus as much as possible on individuals and what they hope to achieve. We adjust the content somewhat for each Clinic group. If you have questions about whether the Clinic is right for you, please talk to Kathy Collura at kathy@colluraconsulting.com or call 678-608-3200, before you register.
Q: Why don’t you announce the special guest speakers in advance?
A: Executives who are dealing with the aftermath of a big event don’t have a lot of time. By being flexible, we’re in a better position to get them on short notice when the story’s hot. The same is true for speakers who don’t have a time-sensitive topic, but who are in high demand because of their expertise. We invite our guest speakers because they offer something valuable for everyone. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Q: I’m interested in the Lessons from Life idea, what will I learn that will apply to my job?
A: In some ways, that’s up to you. The Lessons from Life speakers and field trip topics, while often fascinating in their own right, do offer ideas and perspectives that are useful in every organization. But, the real point of Lessons from Life is to teach you how to see the world around you as a reservoir of ideas. While communication case studies and best practices are always helpful—communicators don’t have a lock on creativity.
Lessons from Life will not occupy a large period of time during the Communicators Clinic. It’s just one of many topics addressed. We talk about it in the marketing materials, because it is a new concept for seminars.
Q: Will I be able to work on a specific problem during the Clinic?
A: You’re invited to bring a problem along. We’ll try to incorporate your problem into the appropriate material as we go—if it fits. There also is some free time in the schedule for you to work on your problem alone or with other interested participants. You can schedule a one-on-one with the Clinic leader, too.
Q: Can you refer me to a past attendee at the Communicators Clinic?
A: The first Clinic will be held in October 2006. We will ask attendees for feedback and whether they would be willing to provide a testimonial or speak to prospective participants about their experience. Please check back after October.
Q: Why are you holding the Clinic in a Gulf location, given the recent hurricane seasons?
A: To protect your safety, no Communicators Clinics have been scheduled for hurricane season in this part of the Gulf. Here’s why we chose this location:
- When evaluating beautiful natural locations that aren’t over-used, are the right intimate size for this kind of group, and that are easy to get to and affordable--WaterColor is at the top of a short list.
- Eliminating beautiful, natural conference locations because they’re subject to severe weather or natural disasters during some part of the year—would leave us with very few choices.
- It’s a first-hand opportunity for you see how hurricanes are changing the way a large number of Americans live and do business. There are lessons that apply to many kinds of crises.
- WaterColor is located in the county with the highest elevation south of Maine on the Atlantic/Gulf coastline. It also has the highest protective dune system in Florida.
Q: Are there any physical activities that are part of the Communicators Clinic?
A: Some field trips require walking on unpaved footpaths and board walks. There may be some stairs. However, none of the walks will be more than a half mile. There are no sports events included in the formal Clinic curriculum although participants may organize their own activities.
Q: What’s the dress code for the Communicators Clinic?
A: Very casual—you’re at the beach! Tee shirts and jeans or shorts are perfect. Once you register, we’ll send specific recommendations about what to bring.
Q: How easy is it to get to WaterColor?
A: We selected the WaterColor Resort in part, because travel to it is relatively easy. This area is served by three regional and international airports and once you land , it’s a short drive. The Inn can help you book ground transportation to the Resort and you won’t need a car once you arrive.
Q: What’s the weather like at WaterColor?
A: Except for the hot and rainy summer months (no Clinics those months!) it’s mild and perfect for all the outdoor activities in the area.
Temperatures in Walton County, Florida
| Month |
Average High (Farenheit) |
Average Low (Farenheit) |
| January |
61 |
37 |
| February |
65 |
40 |
| March |
71 |
46
|
| April |
78 |
51 |
| May |
84 |
60 |
| June |
90 |
68 |
| July |
91 |
71 |
| August |
91 |
71 |
| September |
88 |
66 |
| October |
80 |
54 |
| November |
72 |
46 |
| December |
64 |
39 |
Q: Can you tell me a little about the area?
A: Charming is one of the best adjectives. This part of Florida is less developed than the rest of the Sunshine State. Go 20 miles any direction from WaterColor and you’ll find small beach towns featuring cottages and low-key condos (no high rises!) interspersed with state and federal park lands. Lots of small restaurants, galleries and shops--but no chains. You’ll get a helping of Southern charm and hospitality wherever you go. And if you enjoy doing anything outdoors, it’s a little piece of paradise.
Q: Where can I get more information about this part of Florida?
A: Here are few websites:
Q: What’s there to do in the evening?
A: Start with a WaterColor tradition: Watch the sun set with a cocktail at the Beach Club. Then, there are a more than a dozen restaurants and bars within walking distance of the Resort. Lots more within a few minutes driving. Some places feature live music. At some times of year, there are plays and other performances.
Q: What about shopping?
A: There are dozens of unusual boutiques and galleries within a short walk from the Resort to assure that you bring home something unique.
Q: What sports are available?
A: If it involves ice, it’s not here. Otherwise, it is. The Resort includes access to the award-winning Tom Fazio-designed golf course (Camp Creek) and a tennis facility ranked #17 by Tennis Resorts Online. There are miles of paved bike trails throughout the area, and a bike comes with your Inn registration. Of course, every water sport imaginable is available—both fresh- and salt-water.
