Question 1

Positive Concepts is an interesting name for a company. How did you decide on that name? How does it reflect what you do?

Accepted Answer

Positive Concepts was originally conceived as a “management consulting” company. The approach was to focus on what organizations were “doing right” what their strengths are and build on that. The theory that by taking their positive aspects and building their strong points even stronger any potential weaknesses would become irrelevant. This is the basis of the “Appreciative Inquiry” approach.Hence the name “Positive Concepts.”Over time a decision was made to concentrate on training and educational services to help people learn more about understanding themselves and others, and more harmonious relationships that would result in more beneficial and profitable relationships.Basically, looking to generate the same result but from a different approach.The name “Positive Concepts” still seemed appropriate for the desired end results.

Question 2

You state that you provide educational, instructional, and training services. Aren’t they all the same? What’s the difference?

Accepted Answer

Strictly speaking, training develops specific practical skills for immediate application. Whereas education is more long term and intended to broaden knowledge, improve critical thinking, and teach theoretical knowledge.At Positive Concepts we tend to provide a combination of broadening knowledge along with skills for immediate application. So we tend to use the two terms interchangeably in our literature.

Question 3

How are your educational services different from what others offer?

Accepted Answer

We do not use a “one size fits all” approach. Not do we use any “third party” content developed by others .All our seminar and workshop offering were developed “in house” by Positive Concepts. We are, therefore, able to adapt to the specific requirements of any group without needing to have any outside party approve modifications.

Question 4

Everyone says they’re different or unique. What makes you different than anyone else?

Accepted Answer

In addition to being able to adapt our offerings to any client’s specific need, Michael has had many years of actual work experience in various industries and in a variety of positions. He has worked and lived in several different parts of the country and interacted with people at all levels of corporate hierarchy. He can bring examples of actual experiences which illustrate the principles he discusses.While we have experience in larger companies, we know that the strength of our economy is with small and medium sized businesses. We can and do help them overcome a wide range of organizational issues. There are several differences between Positive Concepts and other companies. Perhaps the biggest difference is that we focus on increasing strengths and “things gone right.” Growing strengths and “things gone right” has been shown to have a better return than trying to fix what’s wrong with people and organizations.

Question 5

Where is Positive Concepts located?

Accepted Answer

Physical location is Southeast Michigan. Our services can be provided in real time, online, onsite or offsite.

Question 6

What do all the initials after Michael’s name stand for?” What do they mean?

Accepted Answer

That’s a good question.DBA: Doctor of Business AdministrationThis is a “Terminal Degree,” signifying that the holder of the degree has completed a specific course of academic study and conducted independent research related to managing a business. The research results in published in a dissertation following approval of the university where the research was conducted.MBA: Master of Business AdministrationSignifies completion of a graduate-level course of studies in the field of business administration. A master’s level thesis may, or may not, be required.BSMET: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering TechnologyAn undergraduate degree in the field of Mechanical EngineeringPE: Professional EngineerA license issued by a state board of professional practice. The specific name of the board may vary from state to state. This licensure requires completion of a recognized course of study at an accredited college or university followed by a specified length of time working as an engineer. Following the specified length of work experience, the candidate may apply for permission to take the Professional Engineer examination. The specific requirements to be allowed to apply to take the examination may vary from state to state. The examination is the same in all states.Many states require the signature of a Professional Engineer for certain projects in the public interest. Not all engineering plans or projects require the signature of a Professional Engineer.PMP: Project Management ProfessionalThis is a certification issued by the Project Management Institute (PMI), indicating that the holder has met and sustains certain educational requirements and hours of project management work. Once the applicant has completed the requirements, they may apply to the Project Management Institute for permission to take the examination. While not legally required, some large contracts may specify a certain number of certified PMPs on the project.

Question 7

Michael sometimes describes himself as a “recovering engineer.” What does he mean by that?

Accepted Answer

One thing that people may notice about Michael is that his sense of humor is not the same as most other people’s. This may be because he tends to look at things somewhat differently than most others. This will become apparent when you attend any workshops led by Michael.To get back to the question, this could simply be an attention-getter. Simply stating, “I used to be an engineer,” is kind of humdrum. The listener would be like: “Oh, okay. That’s nice.” Answering as he does grabs the listener's attention. Michael also acknowledges that engineers (and former engineers) have different thought processes than non-engineers. A way of thinking and analyzing tat never truly leaves them – hence, “recovering’.

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