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Featured Resource
Create learning bridges between what you know to be true as a facilitator and what leaders do in their daily activities. Focus on all the best practice areas of facilitation – and don’t forget the power of truly listening!
Click on the link below to download a simple, yet powerful exercise that will quickly illustrate points in action.
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Client Spotlight
Here is an example of facilitation in action: a real-world case study with an immediate impact.
In 2010, J.D. Power and Associates, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, contacted Brainard Strategy for assistance on how to position and approach their first executive team off site session. “We agreed to meet with Michael so that we could thoughtfully design the right approach for an effective leadership offsite, including assessment and rapport building, and the actual agenda and objectives. It was clear that Michael had a wealth of experience in high level, strategic team development work and I had a great deal of confidence when putting him in front of my peers, the executive team.” -Head of Global Human Resources
Michael designed a custom interview that was reviewed in advance of him conducting the interviews with each executive. The information he was able to glean from each executive was rich and unbelievably candid. Also from the interviews each executive had a chance to get to know him which generated optimism for the upcoming session. Michael prepared a comprehensive report from the interview data. All findings were discussed in detail with the head of HR and the CEO to collaborate on the agenda and outcomes for the actual session.
“Michael’s approach in the session enabled the team to identify and address core issues, even when uncomfortable. We had an inclusive dialogue that led to action items that were measurable and value-added. The team development process changed many of the key leaders’ approach to teaming and leadership. Michael has a unique ability to quickly build credibility, facilitate executive sessions, and blend theory and street smarts for business relevant solutions. I appreciate Michael and his firm and they are a trusted partner for us, I would refer him without reservation.”
Did you know…
Americans of all ages and income brackets continue to grow increasingly unhappy at work. In fact, 22% of respondents said they don’t expect to be in their current job in a year. A report, based on a survey of 5,000 U.S. households conducted for The Conference Board by TNS, found that only 45% of those surveyed said they are satisfied with their jobs, down from 61.1% in 1987, the first year in which the survey was conducted. The survey found that the youngest employees (those under age 25) had the highest level of dissatisfaction ever recorded by the survey for that age group.
Read more:http://www.worldatwork.org/waw/adimComment?id=35985
Ranked as the number one factor for a preferred work environment by U.S. employees is secure and stable position. Followed by substantially higher levels of compensation. The table below is the percentage of U.S. employees indicating that this item is important in their preferred work environment.
| Ranking | Factor | Percentage |
| 1 | Secure and stable position | 87% |
| 2 | Substantially higher levels of compensation | 74% |
| 3 | Opportunity to rapid develop skills & abilities | 62% |
| 4 | A wide range of jobs and work experience | 55% |
| 5 | Opportunity to develop innovative product/services | 39% |
| 6 | Ability to influence the direction of the business | 38% |
Source: Towers Watson; “The new employment deal: How far, how fast, and how enduring? Insights from the 2010 Global Workforce Study”
Michael’s must reads
Looking for good insights on management? Check out these recent favorites from our resident bookaholic Michael Brainard.
What the Dog Saw
Author: Malcolm Gladwell
A collection of essays that highlight everyday genius. Gladwell points out that ordinary people, all of us, have insights and ideas that are of great value. He tries to highlight that uniqueness, genius, and market alteration comes from moments and insights over sheer intellectual horsepower. Gladwell re-constructs great failures and offers insights that were not made to highlight their potential avoidance. He also highlights the power of individual gifts and individual differences and their power over and above external factors to create acts and works of genius. These ideas, for me, are akin to the phrase: We all have greatness in us but none of us are always great… This, along with the fact that Gladwell is an inspiring writer, makes this a special read.
My Stroke of Insight
Author: Jill Bolte Taylor
This book was written by a Harvard neurobiologist who documents what is happening to her during her own stroke. She documents her recovery and does it from the perspective of a woman, neurobiologist, and professional. It is an amazing book in that it highlight the power of persistence, the love of a parent, and the unique power of perspective. This book is an indirectly powerful leadership development book in that much like great leadership her story is ultimately about the journey, the need for social connections, and the power of insight.