User:Grush/Gary Rush

In 1983, Gary implemented a new concept from IBM, called the Development Center to increase productivity for the IT department at CNA Insurance, where he worked. He was later trained by Chuck Morris on a new concept called Joint Application Design (JAD), becoming a pioneer facilitating JAD sessions and training others "how to" as well. Gary continued to practice as a JAD Session Leader, publishing an article in Computerworld on December 24, 1984 entitled, "JAD Project Aids Design".

In 1985, Gary Rush started his own business – MG Rush Systems, Inc. (now known as MGR Consulting, Inc.), created his own structured facilitation technique – FAST (Facilitated Application Specification Techniques) and became widely recognized as a leader in the movement towards structured facilitation, transforming the facilitation industry. He wrote a facilitation "how to" manual - The FAST Session Leader Reference Manual, and developed training on "how to" be a Facilitator – FAST Session Leader Workshop class. While writing the manual, he wrote an article "A FAST Way to Define System Requirements", describing the different variations of JAD. He sent the article to Computerworld and it was published on October 7, 1985, two weeks after Gary taught his first public FAST Session Leader Workshop class.

Gary is largely responsible for the growth of the structured facilitation industry in North America and Northern Europe through his consulting and facilitator training. Many of the facilitators that he trained are now consultants and trainers themselves.

In 2007, Gary Rush, IAF CPF, now MGR Consulting, Inc., created FoCuSeD™ (Facilitation of Collaborative useful Solutions embracing Diversity) – a revolution from FAST. FoCuSeD™ is a unique approach to structured facilitation and the state-of-the-art in structured facilitation methodology, with the introduction of ''The FoCuSeD™ Facilitator Academy. FoCuSeD™'' is the most complete, most comprehensive, and most effective structured facilitation class available, providing detailed training on the concepts of Holistic Facilitation. Until FoCuSeD™, facilitation techniques have been either about process or people skills. FoCuSeD™ contains a unique concept for developing structured agendas with an understanding of the two parallel developments occurring, "the workshop/meeting process and the emotional group cycle", that must be holistically planned to achieve useful solutions.

History
 In 2011 – 2015, Gary formed and lead the IAF Chicago Chapter – the second IAF Chapter to be established in the U.S. - approved by the IAF Board of Directors in 2012. In 2011, Gary became a Thiagi Certified Trainer. In 2007, Gary created FoCuSeD™ - 1st Holistic Facilitation Technique - a revolution from FAST – with the introduction of The FoCuSeD™ Facilitator Academy. In 2007, he became an IAF CPF Assessor, was nominated the IAF Incoming Chair, and from April 2008 through December 2011, he was Chair of the International Association of Facilitators (IAF). In 2006, Gary was awarded the IAF Certified™ Professional Facilitator (CPF) designation.  In 2005, after a one-year absence, Gary returned reinstating MG Rush Systems, Inc. and changing the name to MGR Consulting, Inc. In June 2004, Gary ceased operations of MG Rush Systems, Inc., to pursue his dream of becoming a restaurateur – MG Rush dba “Miracles” Restaurant. In 1985, Gary created his own structured facilitation technique - FAST. Gary implemented his facilitation technique at numerous companies, including some of the largest in the world.</li> <li>In 1985, Gary founded MG Rush Systems, Inc.</li> </ul>

Accomplishments
<ul> <li>Becoming the leading trainer for structured facilitation and having his facilitation technique used widely around the world. </li> <li>Creating alumni who are amongst the most successful and influential Facilitators and Leaders. The growth of facilitation in Northern Europe is directly related to his alumni.</li> <li>Implementing his facilitation technique in some of the largest companies and agencies. <li>Influencing thousands of companies because of the consulting firms that he trained who use Facilitators with their clients.</li> <li>Writing and publishing numerous "how to" books, including The FoCuSeD™ Facilitator Guide.</li> <li>Developing and delivering many different classes plus numerous one-off classes for refresher training and user group training.</li> <li>Successfully trained numerous Facilitators to teach The FAST Session Leader Workshop class.</li> </ul>