about us / an interview with Phil Mittertreiner

So what's unique about Potentials Unlimited?

I believe it's the people on our team, the things we are good at, and the way in which we work. All of us have been managers before in large and small organizations. All of us have been through significant life challenges and experiences, and are the better for it. All of us are deeply committed to the values of the organization. (respect, integrity, service, excellence). We have worked in the kind of organizations we consult to. We have a great appreciation and respect for the challenges leaders face.

When we ask our clients what we are really good at they tell us it's ...

Listening ... Observing ... Offering new perspectives ... Uncovering new possibilities ... Inspiring

Clients consistently tell us they are energized by our work together. We find the same thing happens to us. And this energy produces higher individual fulfillment and stronger organizational results.

How are you organized?

We are organized in a very unique way. Everyone on our team is an associate of Potentials Unlimited, and a principal in his or her own business. As associates we do a tremendous amount of work together. We have become masterful at partnering and collaborating - bringing a diverse and powerful team together to complete a client project. When the project is complete our associates go back to their own businesses. We are there to support each other, sharing tools, approaches, and resources, and ensuring each business within our Alliance is thriving. We've been operating like this since 1995, and it really seems to work.

How do you measure success, and how are you doing on that front?

There are several measures.

First, what kind of an impact are we having on our clients? We are very pleased with our performance in this area. We continue to deliver on our promises. Our clients are improving their performance and enhancing their quality of life. Perhaps the best reward here is that we continue to have long business relationships with our clients, and they continue to refer us to their friends and colleagues. This accounts for over 90% of our business.

Second, are we learning, having fun, and making some money? Good news in this area as well. The learning continues to be high, we always seem to be having fun, and yes, we are making some money.

Third, are we investing in our health, our families, our relationships, and ourselves? I can’t speak for the others, although I do see them as being very good role models for me to follow. As for myself, the arrival of our son Devin in early 2000 has added a wonderful new dimension to our life, and our family has grown even stronger as a result. We spend a lot of time together in the mountains, skiing in the winter and hiking/mountain biking in the summer.

Finally, are we having an impact on the community? Each of us volunteers time, energy and financial resources in support of building stronger communities. I am privileged to work on a pro bono basis with the Calgary United Way, providing leadership and organizational development services to help a high performing group become even better since 2002. We volunteer to deliver the bi-annual Student Futures Conference for 600 high school students in the Calgary area. We are making a difference as individuals, and it’s something we want to do more of as an organization.

What is the future direction for Potentials Unlimited?

Moving forward, our focus will be on;

• More writing in the area of leadership development.
• More collaboration ... some of our best learning comes from working with other consulting organizations, partnering on client and research projects.
• More for volunteer work as we continue to strengthen our financial position we are able to invest more time in our community based projects.

Anything else to say?

Only thank you for visiting our website.