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Regulatory Leadership™

Achieving Success In The Application Process Through Persuasive Communication
Regulatory Leadership™ is a program designed for utilities and companies that wish to be successful in filing Applications. The program introduces regulatory teams (and the executives and managers who work with them) to a structured methodology they can use throughout the filing process and subsequent oral testimony. In using this approach they will ensure they inspire confidence and conviction when they write and speak.

A New Approach To The Regulatory Process
The program is grounded in The Humphrey Group's Leadership Model, which teaches how to approach every phase of the Application process as an opportunity to persuade and inspire. Participants learn to capitalize on these opportunities by moving from "information to persuasion" when writing and speaking. In using this approach they will strengthen their ability to

  • Craft the Application as a persuasive document, with an overall message and cohesive structure that ties everything together.
     
  • Prepare responses to Information Requests so they persuade rather than inform.
     
  • Approach witness testimony as an opportunity, and with a positive mindset.
     
  • Feel confident in the "basics" of testifying, including what to prepare (and not to prepare), the appropriate tone and attitude to have, how to sit and more.
     
  • Use The Humphrey Group's Leadership Model to respond to questions by providing an answer – and a leadership message that reinforces the Utility's position.
     
  • Recognize and handle challenging or "trap" questions, particularly those that may come up during cross-examination.
     
  • Prepare persuasive opening statements as a panel.

A Comprehensive Program

While Regulatory Leadership™ is customized for the specific utility or company, it is structured around three components:

  • First, a one-day Fundamentals Program that introduces participants to The Humphrey Group's Leadership Model. This approach teaches them to write the Application and IRs with a single focused message. It will also be the approach they use to respond to questions.
     
  • Second, writing support throughout the preparation of the Application and IRs. The Humphrey Group's Managing Director will work with the Regulatory team and executives to ensure the messages within the Application are persuasive and focused.
     
  • Third, multiple sessions to prepare witnesses to testify before the Commission. Witnesses are formed into panels and are given a chance to practice responding to difficult questions drawn from the Application. The focus is on treating every question as an opportunity for leadership. Witnesses learn to capitalize on these opportunities by delivering clear, positive messages with a confident presence.

Everyone who attends will receive a customized binder that includes Q&A strategies, transcripts, and supporting templates for structuring their responses.

A Commitment To Collaboration
The Humphrey Group is committed to working closely with the Regulatory Affairs team and the Utility's outside counsel to ensure a successful Application. Each component of the program is customized through extensive discussions with these groups, to ensure the content, examples and workshops reflect the specific goals of the Utility.