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