Elevate Consulting, LLC

Did you know that April is Community College Month? To celebrate, Eastern Iowa Community College is offering some FREE classes throughout the month, including one with me! Join me on April 4, at noon for a "Problem-Solving Tune-up." (Side note: It's a preview of a full problem-solving and critical thinking class in late April.) To sign up for the webinar, visit https://lnkd.in/ejgitag4.

I'm excited for a conference breakout session on Friday about finding greatness through differences (sneak peak slide below). "Embrace differences. It may just be what the team needs." Thoughts?

Something unique happened this week. Teams of employees walked into a room. There were what seemed like random items on their tables and some photos, locked boxes, and miscellaneous items around the room. Legos, rocks, a map. Clues… It was puzzling, until it wasn’t. Engaging team building activities bring people together. We have FUN and learn some things – about ourselves, about each other, about working and communicating well, and more. Every team succeeded. There was laughter, learning, and a little help along the way. If you’re looking for a unique experience for your team, organization, event, or friends and family, contact me. We can create a meaningful memory for all involved.

Finally, the temperatures are rising here in Iowa. If we hadn't been longing for spring, most of us were this week. Good news: By this time next month, it will be spring! Also good news: One month from today, I will be speaking at Indian Hills' 20th Annual Diversity Conference! You can find details about the conference and register to join me in Ottumwa at https://lnkd.in/e7GBhWAW. My session, "Finding Greatness by Daring to Be Different," is all about embracing and maximizing the strengths, perspectives, and range of experiences each person brings to work so that we can strengthen teams and support each other. Session Description: Each person has their own set of unique qualities. Building teams that are comprised of a variety of strengths, skills, and styles can elevate the team – and each individual. Truly valuing this type of diversity is something that everyone can support in their organization, as they hire, grow and develop themselves and others, collaborate, and build and strengthen teams. Join us to remember the importance of bringing your unique strengths and skills to a team and to emphasize seeking out and embracing others’ uniqueness.

Plans change. That's not news, right? Today is a great example, though. Some may be singing ?? "Let it snow...", while others of us are doing our best Ross from Friends impression - "Pivot!" One successful pivot complete: We moved a 3-hour training from in-person to virtual and ran the training at the planned time this morning. Great partners - like Megan Lebeda, Debi Stark, Kirkwood Corporate Training and Kirkwood Continuing Education - and great participants (not pictured, but I promise they attended!) make pivoting easy. Other changes in plans are still in progress while we identify new training dates, and those plans will fall into place. Just like the snow that keeps falling... ??

This was a fun statement to read after a training! Good news - It was shared in December, rather than yesterday. ?? After trainings, I review all feedback and utilize it to improve and better meet others' needs, especially when I identify trends or quick wins that will only benefit the product provided. I work hard to practice what I share with others - including delivering and receiving feedback so that it's meaningful and helps us grow and get results. That applies to work and life. ?? Can we create a "favorite class of the year" opportunity for you and your team? Let's explore the possibilities.

This was a fun statement to read after a training! Good news - It was shared in December, so there was a whole year's worth of trainings to be compared to. ?? After trainings, I review all feedback and utilize it to improve and better meet others' needs, especially when I identify trends or quick wins that will only benefit the product provided. I work hard to practice what I share with others - including delivering and receiving feedback so that it's meaningful and helps us grow and get results. That applies to work and life. ?? Can we create a "favorite class of the year" opportunity for you and your team? Let's explore the possibilities.

A little reminder for our Monday. Also, I believe you can find inspiration in many places, including a chocolate wrapper. ??

I'm excited to facilitate another Let's Get Down to Business session! Will you join me on February 13 for an engaging discussion about the impact delegation can have on professional growth and outcomes? You will walk away with some tips you can use - maybe even that day!

What do you do to close chapters in your work well?