About Jerry Kraus
Jerry brings a unique perspective and practical approach to performance improvement, leadership development, and culture change.
Background & Consulting Philosophy
Education and Certifications
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B.A. Psychology - Hobart College, Geneva NY
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SYMLOG - SYstematic Multiple-Level Observation of Groups - Certification
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Leadership Development - McBer & Company, Development Dimensions International, Zenger-Miller
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Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA) - Certification in Animal Food Safety
Consulting Philosophy
Jerry Kraus is an advocate for high-involvement management practices, team-based structures, and employee participation and empowerment. The key to change management and continuous quality improvement efforts is “walking the talk” every day which requires practicing “future culture” behaviors in the process of bringing about the desired change. The approach encourages a consultative posture and role for executives and managers at all levels, and aims to help the organization learn and grow together on an ongoing journey of self-renewal. Jerry believes that organizations must learn to lead their own change and improvement process.
Personal Background
Jerry Kraus is originally from Geneva, NY in the Finger Lakes Region, and after graduating from Geneva High School, he bridged the "Town-Gown" divide and attended Hobart College in his hometown. He has lived and worked all over the country, from Southern California to Chicago to Amarillo to Ithaca, NY, and is married to his wife of nearly 35 years, Lori, a Registered Nurse. They have three grown children, Jeremy, an Aquatic Biologist, Tyler, a Construction Manager, and Meghan, a Registered Nurse.
In his younger years, Jerry was a three-sport athlete in High School, and member of back-to-back NCAA Hobart Lacrosse Championship Teams. He was selected as a Lacrosse All-American in his Senior year at Hobart, and is also an inductee in the Geneva Sports Hall of Fame. More recently, he played Mr. Bumble in the the musical production of "Oliver!" by the Encore Players Community Theater in Trumansburg. Jerry enjoys playing golf, hunting, and fishing in his spare time.
Significance of the Logo
The off-center concentric circles represent the concept that change and improvement does not happen in a vacuum. Leadership must be considered in the context of the small group or team and the organizational culture levels. Any assessment, change, and development effort should be conducted in a strategic, comprehensive, and integrated way.
The irregular line represents the non-linear nature of the change and improvement process -- the path is not a straight line often with progress and setbacks. Be prepared to make mistakes and build on experience.