Resource International co-founder, Dr. Robert Pennington, is an educational psychologist who specializes in working with leaders and their direct reports to increase productivity by reducing resistance to change and/or conflict. Trained through the National Training Laboratory (NTL) in organizational development in the early 70's and a former faculty member of three universities: the University of Houston, la Universidad de Guadalajara, and Sam Houston State University, Dr. Pennington travels extensively consulting with corporations and government agencies undergoing massive change.

Dr. Pennington received his undergraduate degree in computer science and psychology (1970) and his Ph.D. in educational psychology (1976) from the University of Texas at Austin. As a Research Associate with the R&D Center for Teacher Education he worked with Frances Fuller, Ph.D. and Ollie Bown, Ph.D. to develop practical applications of the Concerns Based Adoption Model, a process for facilitating the successful adoption of any innovation within an organization by addressing employee concerns for Self, Task, and Impact. While at the R&D Center he was instrumental in the development of the Interdisciplinary Faculty Teaming Manual and Workshop.

Trainer

His multiday, highly interactive seminars, Successfully Managing the Stress of Change and Successful Work Relationships have become standard "flagship trainings" in some of our nation's largest organizations. For instance, Dr. Pennington has offered between 50-120 days a year to Fortune 100 employees for 25 years. His programs are consistently rated, "the best I have ever attended" & "I wish my spouse and supervisor could attend."

Organizational Consultant and Executive Coach

Dr. Pennington works indepth with organizations by supporting managers who are tasked with leading stressful and rapid change. Coaching executives to more effectively integrate interpersonal skills into their leadership repertoire he assists organizations from the top down as well as the bottom up. He has consulted with the U.S. Navy during base closings; supported the Architect of the Capitol to enhance supervisory skills; coordinated NASA's Johnson Space Center assessment of it's workforce's effectiveness in dealing with change; and assisted employees of British Petroleum and Amoco in addressing their merging of different corporate cultures. His consultation and organizational diagnosis skills assist management in many large corporations, government agencies and professional associations in identifying critical issues and relationships which produce constructive change. In the spring of 2003, he was invited to teach Managing Change in the Workplace through the College of Technology at the University of Houston.

Professional Speaker

A presenter for numerous national associations such as the National Safety Council, Meeting Professionals International and the American Society of Association Executives, Dr. Pennington's presentation and speaking style is refreshingly informal and uniquely engaging. He involves his audience directly as few professional speakers can, making complex issues understandable in a delightfully common-sense manner. His entertaining insights and delivery make him one of today's most powerful and unforgettable speakers. Four-time recipient of the Mental Health Association's Outstanding Speaker Award and one of Meeting Professionals International's original Platinum Presenters Dr. Pennington is consistently rated, "one of the best presenters I've ever heard". You can count on Rob to create a memorable and transforming program for your organization.

His 'signature story' of having been shot in the center of his chest by an unknown assailant armed with a 38 caliber gun amazes every audience. His presentations include practical tools and techniques which he uses himself in dealing successfully with the everyday challenges of being self-employed while also caring for a spouse who is challenged with multiple sclerosis. The insights and wisdom he shares represent a credibility born of extensive academic research and profound personal experience.

Leadership Article Series

by Stephen Haslam and Robert Pennington


Dr. Pennington and his business partner of 25 years, Stephen Halsam, have written a series of articles on Leadership. By clicking on the following title, you can go to a web page where you can download the whole series of five articles or just the one that interests you most, "Reducing Resistance to Change and Conflict: A Key to Leadership".