A Big Phat Success Story
by Doug Barkley (cover story article from recent Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Newsletter)

"It is a GOAL Commitment program" says Dean Lindsay, the author of BIG PHAT GOALS, when asked to describe the business workshop turned to by the United States Department of Labor, Western Union and Southwestern Bell. Dean's company, The dean lindsay Group (www.deanlindsay.com) is a new member to the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce - Texas. The dean lindsay Group is dedicated to making "common sense ideas into common practice". They provide profitable education to Fortune 500 companies, sales organizations, associations and small businesses throughout the United States.

Mr. Lindsay is an expert in DISC - a powerful tool for understanding and working with others. Dean calls it the "human side of business." He offers insights on powerful business topics such as commitment and partnering for winning business relationships. He uses his background in the performing arts ( including guest starring roles in WALKER, TEXAS RANGER and playing a "bad guy" in the blockbuster TWISTER) to offer these insights as humorous & engaging talks to groups of all size.

When asked why this talented Texan joined the Swedish Chamber, Dean replied, " Basically, I love Sweden. My wife, Lena, is from Linköping and we have a four year old daughter, Sofia. I have spent quality time in Sweden. I believe strongly that BIG PHAT GOALS and my other programs are needed in the Swedish and Northern European markets. I want to work in Sweden and with companies with ties to Northern Europe. Plus, it makes my wife real real happy and that is a good thing."

Joining the SACC-Texas is already paying off for Dean. Anna Walden, a Competence Development Leader for a major International telecom company invited Dean to introduce his DISC and BIG PHAT GOALS programs to the telecom company after meeting at a SACC - Texas function in January. " Our group was excited by both of the products Dean presented. He was enthusiastic and convincing. We will probably invite Dean to bring both products to our groups."

Anna sees the comprehensive DISC report as valuable input for individuals and managers of any business. "The report not only offers a self-evaluation, but also insight about how to interact with and manage individuals for win-win outcomes. I have done many of these types of activities in the past, but was truly surprised at the depth and accuracy of the results of the quick and easy online survey. I can see this as a good cross-cultural tool."

Miss Walden believes the BIG PHAT GOALS program would be beneficial to any business. " Dean has some original ways of looking at goal setting. Dean's passion for his products is impressive. I am looking forward to bringing both of his products to our group. SACC played the role of bringing people together. I hope the business relationship will proceed in a positive rewarding way for both Dean's group and ours."

Mr. Lindsay is not only partnering with SACC to achieve his "big fat" goal. He has already found an established management development company in Sweden to work with to bring BIG PHAT GOALS to the Swedish market. Stefan Stenberg, a founding partner of Competenta (www.Competenta.se) in Luleå, Sweden, met with Dean while in the DFW metroplex. Mr. Stenberg says, " The Set and Achieve Big Fat Goals program offer the Swedish market a structured and well thought-out program to any company wanting to improve their performance. The program also increases the motivation and inspiration for all participants. In all this Dean, himself, is an important part, with his performance - very dynamic and entertaining."

Mr. Stenberg believes Competenta and The dean lindsay Group are a good match because they have mutual interests in the business of management and entrepreneurship, and they both see the advantages in co-operating in the development of tools and in market-activities. "Dean as a person is very UN-Swedish" says Stefan. "He is, of course, a result of the American society and the American culture, which in many ways is very thrilling and almost "exotic" for many Swedes. Since he has had many contacts with Swedes and the Swedish society, I´m sure that he will adjust his speaking style and performance to fit any circumstance."

Stefan feels that, in general, Swedes are more cautious and wary than Americans. "In the States, people are more direct and become personal much faster than in Sweden. The use of language also has differences - due to tradition and other circumstances (the Unions are quite strong in Sweden). I don´t know if you have heard the Swedish expression "Management by MBL" (MBL is the law for the Unions right to be consulted) which sometimes leads to difficulties in decision making and conflicts in Swedish companies. Fortunately the importance of this phenomenon is fading for the moment."

Stefan emphasizes that the Swedish culture, as well as other countries in Europe, are becoming more international, which often means, a more "American" way of life. Still Stefan is well aware that there are small parts of the BIG PHAT GOALS program that have to be adjusted to fit the Swedish culture and way of living. "We are for the moment working with this and we will, together with Dean of course, prepare the program for the Swedish market. Right now we are discussing how to adapt "The LIFE PLATE" to Swedish language and tradition. We are planning for a tour together with Dean in Sweden, hopefully during April / May of this year, where we together can meet many companies and run shorter tests with the BIG PHAT GOALS program on a couple of clients."

When Stefan was asked what he could tell the SACC members in America about the BIG PHAT GOALS program he replied, " If You haven´t tried BIG PHAT GOALS - do it!!! There are only winners as a result of the program." Way to go Dean. Keep up the good work and welcome to SACC -Texas. To reach Dean and The dean lindsay Group, call toll free 1(877) 479-5323 or email Dean directly at dean@deanlindsay.com.

Doug Barkley is a freelance writer in the Dallas- Forth Worth area. Contact him at dougwriter@hotmail.com.

For more information about the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, visit their web site at www.sacctx.com.