This intriguing seminar is based on a study that originated at Yale University. Researchers tracked successful individuals in large organizations from 1985 to 2005 and discovered clear characteristics which distinguish professionals who achieve positive impact on a large scale from their less influential counterparts. The program examines the following techniques as critical for consistent success:

• Presenting new ideas or different points of view
• Developing a base of support
• Reducing risk in large organizations

You will gain an expert’s perspective on how organizations really function and how high-impact corporate professionals work behind the scenes to gain acceptance of their ideas by colleagues and influence leaders within their organization.

Delivery: Poll on organizational savvy practices, summary of research and key tools, case studies, and examples of how to expand your influence and form a strategic network. Small groups will be formed to practice the techniques.

Recent research finds that the success of High Performers is linked to their ability to form quality relationships with those who are strategic to their careers/success and who extend their current level of knowledge/approach.

In this program, Kathryn illustrates how to think strategically about, communicate with, and work with those in your informal networks. Participants will review their own net¬works to identify both strengths and gaps discuss where they get their information in a virtual world. The goal is to increase effectiveness and efficiency in building relationships with the right people who can help them grow professionally and achieve career goals.

Delivery: Program includes case studies, discussion of research, and networking self-assessments.

This program demonstrates how a “Collaborative Competitive” approach to forming strategic partnerships—derived from the world of athletic competition—can accelerate your career and reduce stress.

Research demonstrates that having many types of mentors leads to success, and this program will show women how to leverage their strengths as relationship-builders to build a strategic network of alliances. A pacing partner is a colleague with whom you collaborate to stimulate each of you to your best performance. The relationship can function on four levels based on varied degrees of trust and expertise: friendly competitor, challenger, mentor, and role model. The seminar examines ground rules for, stages of, and pitfalls in cultivating pacer relationships.

Delivery: Program includes a self-assessment, discussions on how to practice healthy competition, and case studies on building “pacing partner” relationships. We will break into smaller groups to practice.

Those who succeed in highly competitive environments tend to adopt a Collaborative Competitive mindset of continuous growth and make it easy for others to give them feedback. Feedback is defined as “information that enables you to develop or improve your performance, usually given after an event or performance.”

Research has shown that honest feedback from management is one of the most important elements necessary to advance women’s careers. Yet many women find it challenging to obtain candid feedback at work. This seminar teaches how to:

• Ask for and receive four types of feedback: developmental, idea generation, stretch, and supportive in a way that will increase the frequency and usefulness of the information.
• Handle feedback conversations and common barriers including managing emotional reactions and working in an environment in which feedback is not commonplace.

Delivery: Program includes descriptions and demonstration of how give/receive feedback correctly and incorrectly. The group will break into smaller groups to practice.

We are now in the age of constant invention with most new products lasting a few years. Doing great work is no longer enough. Success in the 21st century requires both quantity and quality – meaning sometimes 75% effort is good enough. To harness this new age of failure, individuals must learn how to quickly bounce back from mistakes.

Perfectionism is critical in roles where mistakes can be fatal, but relentlessly striving for perfection will limit your effectiveness as a leader. According to current research on gender and leadership, women tend to demonstrate more perfectionist tendencies.

Based on Kathryn’s forthcoming book: The Productive Perfectionist: A Woman’s Guide to Smashing the Shackles of Perfectionism, this program provides a step-by-step approach to smart risk-taking for risk-averse perfectionists—how to “lean in” and strive for excellence instead of perfection. Participants will develop new habits to maintain equanimity and learn simple practices to work more efficiently and effectively—with less stress.

Delivery: Program includes an interactive exercise to examine standards or “shoulds” and an individual assessment with the five Productive Perfectionist habits as a takeaway.

Effective leaders tap their team’s knowledge and skills to accomplish a common goal. They draw out commitments to achieve results. They have mastered the art of balancing two important factors: understanding and managing individual relationships while accomplishing the organization’s goals.

This becomes trickier during a crisis. Emotions run high, people are under additional stress, and the business can be experiencing huge challenges that require moving fast and discussing uncomfortable topics.

The goal of this conversation is to explore how successful leaders are navigating these unique times, including:
• Insight on how leaders apply five approaches: Compete, Collaborate, Compromise, Accommodate, and Avoid
• Learn how successful leaders balance people and tasks--maintaining sensitivity to people while being productive in a crisis

Delivery: Program includes descriptions of the five approaches and examples of both effective and ineffectual practices. Participants will break into small groups to practice.

This program is based on Kathryn’s new eBook: How to Stay Sane and Successful Even During a Crisis.

During these unprecedented times, many of us may experience a lack of control, isolation, or negative emotions.

We will discuss Kathryn’s SANE approach:
• Small steps to keep you calm and focused
• Accelerate experimentation with new ways of working so you can quickly adapt to the ever-changing environment
• Nurture: learn how to replace negative emotions with self-compassion, gratitude, and kindness
• Exercise your network: reach out to key stakeholders to learn how the rules have changed, identify where you can be of service, and ask respected outside experts for feedback and ideas

Delivery: This virtual workshop/support group takes place in over two months (four 1-hour sessions). Participants will be paired with a partner for peer mentoring/coaching outside of the group meetings. This program includes polls on current issues, brief lectures, discussions, and simple practice exercises.

As 2021 begins, I’m feeling hopeful and optimistic, but we still have challenges ahead. I’d like to invite you to learn about the SANE Formula I created to thrive and succeed in a fast-changing and ambiguous world.

Please consider joining me for an opportunity to learn more, in a lively and interactive session. You will learn my SANE Formula and get support and guidance on how to thrive during these crazy times. I promise new ideas, inspiration, and camaraderie.