What we have here is a failure to communicate. Sound familiar?  That’s because everything begins with a conversation. The ability to engage in meaningful dialogue is critical to individual professional development, as well as the success of any team.

Deeper discussions contribute to stronger relationships.  How can you drive change by connecting disparate opinions or promoting cross-sector collaboration? This skill is a competitive advantage that is often underutilized, resulting in dysfunctional teams and poor interactions.  In this session, participants will learn how to initiate and engage in intentional, mutually beneficial, connected conversations.

Communities worldwide are reminded daily of their limitations and restraints – especially when it comes to financial resources and volunteers. The typical community assessment contributes to this reminder by primarily focusing on the needs and problems within specific areas. However, forward-thinking communities have adopted a solution-oriented, asset-based approach to assessments and engagement efforts.  If you are asking the right questions, look in the right places and align the right partners, you can find a vast array of resources and capabilities even in the most challenging environments.  This session will not only explore how to document needs and problems, it will help participants expand their paradigm and understand how to identify overlooked resources, develop creative solutions, and presents findings in a manner that creates value and meaning for key community stakeholders.

Leaders that encourage and embrace diversity can help establish organizations that have the greatest impact in their communities. This participant-centered session provides a platform for individuals to engage in Courageous Conversations that challenge assumptions and expand thoughts regarding the entire subject of diversity.  The unique experiences and backgrounds of the presenter contributes to a lively and meaningful exchange and will provide real-world recommendations along with practical tools.