Leadership Seminars
Leadership is not a skill, a set of inspiring words, or a great speech. It is more fundamental, more basic, and more permanent than that. It is a way of being. As Max DePree explains in Leadership Jazz, “One examines leadership beginning not with techniques but rather with premises, not with tools but with beliefs, and not with systems but with understandings.”
Leadership is an art, something to be learned over time, not simply by reading books. It is more tribal than scientific, more a weaving of relationships than an amassing of information. As Stephen Covey has said, “What we are communicates far more eloquently than anything we say or do.”
Creating Possibility: The Art of Effective Leadership
(2 or 3 Days)
This seminar has been designed around the concepts of self-determinism, creating possibility and leading from wherever you are regardless of title or position. Drawing on literature that reflects or supports these ideas, and incorporating interactive exercises and group discussion, this session will:
- Challenge traditional paradigms of leadership
- Discuss leadership as a way of being
- Examine influence versus impression
- Increase individual awareness of leadership contributions
- Provide examples and suggestions of how to lead from any level of an organization
- Inspire participants to ‘Step Up and Lead Now!’
NOTE: Shorter sessions can be arranged.
“Titles are granted, but it’s your behavior that wins you respect.”
~ Kouzes & Posner (2002), p.14.
Communication Seminars
All Communication seminars are highly interactive and experiential by design. Prepare to be engaged!
All programs will be customized to meet the specific needs of the participants.
Effective Communication: Fundamental Principles and Practices
(1, 2, or 3 Days)
With a heavy emphasis on self-awareness, Effective Communication seminars have been designed to help participants recognize and take responsibility for the role they play in communication interactions, and to provide skills and understanding that will help to enhance dialogue, improve relationships, and increase productivity. Depending upon the length of the seminar, the following topics will be covered:
- Communication Theory/Models
- Common Patterns in Interpersonal Communication Exchanges
- Stumbling Blocks to Effective Listening
- How to Say Anything to Anyone in Four Easy Steps
- How to avoid ‘Fighting Words’
- Rules for Effective Communication
Understanding and Improving Workplace Interactions
(1 or 2 Days)
Have you ever wondered why some people are more difficult to work with than others? Have you ever found yourself frustrated by the fact that people seem to have different priorities, or don’t do things the way you wish they would? In addition to select topics covered in the Effective Communication seminar, the following will be addressed:
- Personal communication styles and personality types
- How to handle ‘Difficult people’
Communication For Groups and Teams
(1 Day)
Building upon the information delivered in the Effective Communication seminar, participants will be introduced to elements of communication specific to groups, all with the goal of proactively altering processes and interactions to achieve optimal performance and collaboration. Among other topics, this seminar will examine roles and functions in groups, communication barriers specific to groups, stages of group development, and will discuss the impact of such factors as group size and physical arrangement.
Communicating Through Conflict in the Workplace
(1 Day)
Clear and effective communication is important and beneficial in all situations, but it becomes critical in circumstances where conflict exists. However, in order to move through and resolve conflict we must not only communicate effectively with one another, but also have an understanding of the nature of conflict itself. In addition to a brief overview of effective communication techniques, participants will be introduced to the signs, symptoms and sources of conflict, along with the predictable pattern of conflict escalation, all with the goal of encouraging early intervention. A multi-step process for resolving conflict will be provided.
“In a world of constant change, the fundamentals are more important than ever.”
~ Jim Collins
“Margaret is a very professional, personable and charismatic facilitator. She creates an environment where people feel open and intrigued to explore the topic at hand. She can openly draw an individual or group into effective and constructive core discussions that benefit everyone.”
Workshop Participant
“Margaret is an excellent presenter, extremely knowledgeable about the subject matter and very approachable. I would highly recommend her services.”
Sheryl McCormick
Executive Director, Cold Lake Primary Care Network