From 1992 to 1997, at Stanford University's Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), Dennis Matthies developed several experimental courses that have subsequently become known to a wider public.
These include: Precision Questioning (which was initially taught in the Stanford Philosophy Department), Self Coaching, Mental Ecology, Think on Your Feet, and Concept Busting.
Through broadcasts on the Stanford Instructional Television Network, Precision Questioning and Self Coaching acquired a following in Silicon Valley.
From 1996 to 2004 the concept of Precision Questioning was developed further as a result of Dennis’s work as an independent contractor at Cypress Semiconductor in San Jose, California, at Microsoft Corporation, in Redmond, Washington, and at a number of other companies in Silicon Valley.
In 2004, with Professor Dr. Monica Worline from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University, Dennis co-founded Vervago, a content creation and training company that focuses on higher-order cognitive skills used by knowledge workers in areas of high complexity.