About CSC

CommonSense Consulting@Work (CSC) is a Minnesota-based advisory firm rooted in Minneapolis. We work with national and international organizations. Our work crosses multiple sectors, industries, and organizational settings, from government and nonprofits to healthcare, education, professional services, and private-sector businesses. That range has given us a broad view of the challenges organizations face and, just as importantly, an appreciation for how differently those challenges can show up from one workplace to another.

We integrate human resources, organizational development, behavioral insight, and systems thinking. We look at the relationships between people, practices, policies, leadership, culture, and the structures that shape how work gets done.

CSC is supported by a close-knit core team and a trusted network of seasoned consultants and specialists, allowing us to draw from a deep well of knowledge while staying responsive to the needs of each client.

What ties it all together is a practical view of organizational change. Good ideas have to work in the real world, with real people. We help organizations understand what is happening, make informed decisions about what comes next, and create changes they can put into practice and sustain.


LEADERSHIP

About Our Founder & President

Janice Downing

EMAIL: janiced@cscworks.com

CELL: 612.298.9095

Janice Downing

Janice Downing has over 30 years of experience as a broad human resources professional. As a certified Professional in Human Systems Dynamics (PHSD), she is able to assess an organization’s issues and facilitate change in a systematic, cost-effective manner. She also uses formal Project Management and Business Process Quality Improvement training in her work.

Janice works with organizations large and small and across industry lines conducting investigations that identify the root cause of a problem and determines what needs to be done from the human resources perspective or through a Human Resources or Organizational Assessment. Many times she will also conduct team development initiatives. Janice’s down-to-earth style and straightforward manner make it easy for her to adapt to multiple situations and styles. She also has an innate ability to translate technical human resources theory into ideas and practices that are easy for others to understand and use.

Areas of expertise

  • Affirmative Action
  • Creative Recruiting and Staffing Practices
  • Education and Training Services
  • Recruiting and Retention Programs
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Employee Handbook Development and Updates
  • Employee Relations Support
  • Employee Training
  • Equal Employment Opportunity
  • Executive Coaching
  • HR Manager On-Call Services
  • HR Processes
  • Human Resources Assessments
  • Workforce Practices
  • Investigations
  • Job Descriptions
  • Job Design
  • Leadership Skill Development
  • Management Training
  • Performance Management
  • Policy and Procedure Guidance
  • Project Management
  • Recruiting Techniques
  • Team Building
  • Training Facilitation

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Business Process Improvement
  • Affirmative Action Planning
  • Human Systems Dynamics Certified
  • Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i) Certified
  • Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI)

HONORS & DISTINCTIONS

2007 - Minority Business Award from, The Business Journal

2013 - Class One Supplier of the Year Award from the North Central Minority Supplier Development Council Inc.