BENIN: IRC BOOK DISCUSSION: ?WHO MOVED MY CHEESE?

UNCLAS COTONOU 000066 DEPT FOR AF/PD, AF/W PARIS FOR ARS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OEXC SCUL KIRC KPAO BN SUBJECT: BENIN: IRC BOOK DISCUSSION: ?WHO MOVED MY CHEESE? ¶1. SUMMARY: On January 28 2010, the U.S. Embassy hosted a well-attended book discussion at the American Cultural Center (ACC) Information Resource Center (IRC). The discussion, led by Norma Shorey-Bryan, an International Change Management Consultant, focused on the bestseller, 'Who Moved My Cheese'. END SUMMARY ¶2. DATE OF ACTIVITY: January 28, 2010; Second quarter, FY 10. ¶3. PROGRAM JUSTIFICATION/OBJECTIVES: Post held this book discussion to promote IRC resources and to contribute to the enhancement of professional skills and organizational development. ¶4. DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITY: Ambassador Knight opened the event by explaining how the book has been used to help many organizations and companies around the world navigate change and become more effective and successful. The Ambassador concluded his speech by explaining that this book discussion is a way for the U.S. Embassy to empower people and enhance economic growth in Benin. PAO Rhonda J. Watson introduced the speaker, Norma Shorey-Bryan, M.Sc., principal consultant and founder of Catalyst Consultants, located in Barbados, and a Certified Facilitator for 'Who Moved My Cheese'. A trainer in participatory methodologies, Shorey-Bryan has more than 30 years' experience in working with individuals, government and international agencies, non-governmental organizations and the private sector in the Caribbean and beyond. Shorey-Bryan explained that 'Who Moved My Cheese?' is a parable of how to deal with change in both professional and personal settings, highlighting the importance of leaders with vision and an ability to communicate that vision to inspire action. The facilitator conducted the discussion in a participatory manner. Many questions were raised and attendees who contributed to the discussion received a copy of the book. ¶5. IRC Director Bienvenu Akodigna explained IRC products and services such as reference and web training sessions to participants, encouraging them to register as IRC members. Many members of the audience registered. ¶6. MPP UMBRELLA THEMES AND AUDIENCE REACHED: -- Promoting Economic Growth -- Maintaining Beninese Support for the United States -- Securing a Proper Platform for USG Programs in Benin. The event attracted fifty (50) guests, including lecturers, CEOs, representatives from small enterprises, journalists, Embassy Officers and members of staff. Golf TV, a private media outlet; ORTB, Benin's public broadcasting corporation; and print media covered the event. ¶7. RESULT/IMPACT: Excellent. Participants appreciated the use of video to introduce the concept and the participative approach used by the speaker. Many participants expressed the hope that Post would organize such highly informative programs on a regular basis. ¶8. NON-USG SOURCES OF IN-COUNTRY FUNDING/IN KIND SUPPORT: PAS appreciates the availability and the expertise of our speaker who generously shared her extensive experiences with the audience. ¶9. QUALITY OF USG SUPPORT: Excellent. The presence of Ambassador Knight enhanced the success of the event. KNIGHT