As we kick off the conference, learn about The Golden Circle and how it helps you identify the what, how and -- most importantly -- the why of your role as a leader. Consider how the limbic brain and neocortex impact your leadership influence, and how nested your individual and organizational motivations might be.
Then, using the conference workbook and guide, begin to consider the stories of your life that made you a leader – reflecting upon the specific events, people, and experiences that had the greatest impact on your life and shaped you into the leader you’ve come to be.
There will be a break during the morning session.
Working in small groups, you will take turns as a storyteller, partner and observer. Through story exploration, you’ll examine your life events and experiences from new perspective to define the impact and significance they had, the feelings and emotions they evoked, and the recurring themes or patterns that shape your leadership style.
As you review your history, you’ll be able to consider your own contributions and impacts as a leader, culminating in writing your own “Why” statement to keep you focused and guide you. The story exploration experience is intense, personal, and incredibly motivating – this is the kind of exercise that will truly take you to the next level of leadership.
As you explore your stories through the conference workbook, you’ll also learn how to cultivate stories from other leaders within your organization. You’ll become a skilled facilitator to better understand the leadership motivations of your management staff and your Board of Directors.
Story exploration will continue in small groups, with a mid-afternoon break.
Join the AGRiP Board of Directors for an informal conversation about the efforts and projects you think are going well, and share your thoughts about possible improvements.
Consider what is most present based upon yesterday’s learning, what is missing, and what you would like to yet learn.
After examining your work from yesterday and reviewing your Why narrative, work to refine your language and narrow your stories to identify notable themes and common threads. Develop those themes into verbs and action statements, drawing on your stories to write examples of how you lead.
Put together, your Why and your Hows will present a powerful picture of the leader you are.
And, as you consider your motivations and your Hows, you might also define aspects of your leadership you’d like to adapt or change to meet the needs of your team, your Board, or your pool’s current challenges.
The “So What?” question is an important one. As you work to apply your Why (and your Hows) you’ll be addressing how it matters to you individually, to your team, and to your pool.
Your individual and organizational Why and Hows are only useful if you communicate them effectively, creating clear context and understanding in a way that can connect with any audience – whether it's at your pool’s annual membership meeting, a staff event, or a one-on-one engagement.
You’ll be introduced to the power of storytelling, considering contextual needs such as audience, outcomes, and communication vehicles. Even the most experienced presenters will learn something new, including tools to find connection with everyone in the room through the power of details, eye contact, voice control, and body positioning.
A mid-afternoon break will be included.
Closing thoughts from the day and a note about what to expect for tomorrow.
This open conversation provides opportunity to share leadership succession stories and plans. Have you talked with your Board of Directors about leadership needs and what is the Board's process for engaging in leadership development efforts? Are you using external resources, and what do find useful (or not)? If you have specific leadership succession challenges or questions, this breakfast forum is your opportunity to ask your peers for input, advice, and recommendations.
Consider how you create and share important content with audiences to effectively share Why and How messages from your pool that are most meaningful. Learn how to begin with the end in mind, painting a picture that will make connections. Draft a content outline and learn how to reverse it to create a more powerful message, no matter what the context.
You’ll gain powerful insight into reframing the purpose and perspective of your communication efforts to build inspiring content and help you be more effective in any outreach from your pool or as a leader.
A debriefing session to help you review all you have learned about storytelling and effectively communicating your Why and How messages. As we wrap up the conference, you’ll have opportunity to share final thoughts and address any outstanding questions.
