Every great project and event starts with great strategy. This is why we carefully guide our clients to identify their intent: What do they want to accomplish? How will success be defined? Once goals are determined, we identify constraints, such as time, financial resources, human resources. We think through possible risks and barriers. We expect that good strategy will save time, money and mental energy. And, of course, everything will proceed smoothly. Except sometimes it doesn’t. Surprisingly, one of the biggest threats to a successful project isn’t poor strategy or poor planning: it’s the seemingly harmless fuzzy bunny. Fuzzy bunnies are well-meaning distractions that keep you from focusing on what needs to be addressed. Speaking of fuzzy bunnies, when I hear the phrase I picture a small rabbit that my dad found in a field nest and brought to our house one Easter. My cousin Maggie, at age 3 or 4, was visiting. She wore a red print dress with a white overlay and she carefully cuddled that little bunny in her tiny hands. So cute. So adorable. And so off on a tangent. See? The point is that fuzzy bunnies are cute and good and cuddly. The latest, new idea is pretty darn cute, too (or at least some individual or group you are working with will think so). That is a problem when the great idea derails a project or doesn’t align with the strategy. Fuzzy bunnies come from anywhere. Sometimes it’s the visionary folks who thrive on the big picture who can’t help themselves. They enjoy coming up with lots and lots of ideas and they’re pretty good at it, too. Sometimes it’s the more detail-oriented members of a group who fixate on ideas that won’t actually move the project forward. We’ve worked with clients who wanted to spend precious meeting time discussing menu items that were too expensive for the budget. We’ve guided teams who kept contributing “great ideas” for programs well beyond the time they could be implemented. Yes, when managing a project you need to be flexible and nimble. But there’s a difference between changing plans because there isn’t a staff member available and changing plans because a new idea popped up. Bad ideas, of course, are easy to dismiss. But the good ones? That’s when we turn to the strategy document. If good strategy work has been done, it is relatively easy to determine whether an idea should be explored or set aside. A strategy document can be simple or complex, but it can’t be placed on a shelf. Its true value appears when it is kept close at hand throughout the entire project. It can be used to review all new ideas, all new solutions to determine whether the idea is helpful or a fuzzy bunny. Should you entertain the idea of serving lobster on the lunch buffet? Check the budget in your strategy document. Should you rent a billboard because it’s a good deal? Review your strategy document. It’s powerful and rewarding to see real and tangible experiences rise up from strong strategy. Even more so, it’s exciting to see strategy used to combat the fuzzy bunnies that rear their crazy heads in midst of shaping a project or event. Let’s keep the fuzzy bunnies where they belong. -- Anita EDITOR'S NOTE: Blog adapted from 12/2/14 post.
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It’s no secret that gratitude is part of our DNA at Reach Partners. That said, the holidays bring new emphasis to something I feel strongly about even when it’s not the season of gifts: the thank you note.
The most important thing about a thank you note is that you send one. Did somebody go out of their way to help you? Send a thank you note. Was somebody a pleasure to work with? Send a thank you note. Did somebody bake you special treats? Send a thank you note. Nobody can argue with the ease of sending a thank you note by email. And we believe there is value in quick shout-outs of gratitude via Twitter and Facebook. Yet when it comes to saying thanks, email can’t replace the personal touch or lasting impression left by a handwritten note. It takes time to address an envelope, find a stamp, and deliver it to the mailbox. I believe that effort is noticed and appreciated by the recipient. Here are some additional tips for writing a meaningful thank you note:
Anita We are big believers in looking for ways to improve ourselves professionally and personally. It’s good for our work, and it’s good for our souls.
It also means we’re big fans of podcasts. And, apparently, we’re not alone. Podcasts have seen an enormous surge in popularity this year. Each week 42 million Americans, about 15 percent of the population, listen to these digital audio programs. (In case you’re wondering, about 3 percent of Americans go to the movies weekly.) We understand why podcasts have become so popular. They’re easy to listen to when you’re driving, working out, or even needing a short break from the work day. Depending on the program, you can learn something interesting or be inspired to do better. As more and more podcasts get produced, it can be challenging to narrow down what programs to listen to. Below are some of our favorites. Some of these are more work-focused, while others expand our horizons in other ways. Either way, we’ve found these all worthy of our time and hope you will enjoy them, too. What’s your favorite podcast? Inspirational Podcasts The Kindness Podcast: I love to support friends who have delved into the world of podcasts. Nicole Phillips is a champion for kindness who has shared her message in a weekly newspaper column, as an author, and as a public speaker. She recently took her message to a new platform as she shares stories about how kindness has transformed individual lives. Every time I hear her, I am reminded that being kind is simple, yet not easy. – Anita I find deep wisdom in the words of authors Brene Brown and Danielle LaPorte. Any podcast host who books these women as guests gets my full attention (and adoration!) – Anita Personal Growth Podcasts Good Life Project: This project (and its accompanying podcast) is the brainchild of Jonathan Fields, who wears numerous hats including those of author, entrepreneur, community-builder and teacher. In his own words, he sits down with some of the “wisest, most-accomplished teachers, creators and leaders, learning at their feet, then sharing their wisdom …” I have to agree. Every time I listen, I’m inspired to grow and do better. – Anita Professional Development Podcasts Zenger Folkman Leadership: I’m a fan of a produced show where there is little banter and opinion, and the topics are well-researched. This podcast fits that definition. Dr. Jack Zenger and Dr. Joseph Folkman created leadership training and development programs based on research for their best-selling book, “The Extraordinary Leader: Turning Good Managers into Great Leaders.” I always learn something from them. – Rachel Read to Lead: This podcast came highly recommended by members of the Chamber’s Business Training Committee that I volunteer with. Host Jeff Brown interviews successful and inspiring business book authors. He believes intentional and consistent reading can help to hone leadership skills and advance personal growth. I’m subscribing. – Anita Educational Podcasts The Allusionist: This is a podcast about language, and it’s delightful. Expect to learn about topics as diverse as the role played by hyperbolic numerals (zillion and kajillion) and how we use terms that apply to humans on the move. This podcast always stretches my understanding. Bonus: the host has a cool British accent. – Rachel 99% Invisible: This podcast gives us a glimpse into all the thought that goes into the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world. It makes me think about things like “what would happen if we got rid of road signs?” and the role of the U.S. Postal Service. Fascinating listen. – Rachel On Being with Krista Tippett: I’m new to podcasts, but have always loved examining new concepts and theories. “On Being” explores the big questions: What does it mean to be human, and how do we want to live? Nothing excites me more. – Sean Wow in the World: I’m diving into this podcast for my math- and science-loving daughters. The team behind it strives to tell stories that inspire families to use their imagination and follow their curiosity. We love the podcast because it helps us look at the everyday world around us while reinforcing our daughters’ interests in STEAM concepts. – Sean Communication is key to the success of every project we manage. From brainstorming to delivering the final product, we work hard at making sure everybody is heading toward the same goal. We then ensure our stakeholders know what’s happening and when.
To get to that point, we participate in and facilitate numerous conversations. Some are easy and straight forward; some are challenging and uncomfortable. This is why I looked forward to reading Susan Scott’s Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and Life, One Conversation at a Time with my Mastermind group recently. Scott believes that interpersonal difficulties, at both work and home, are often a direct result of our inability to communicate well. She encourages us to use conversations to connect deeper with colleagues, partners and family members, and suggests ways to handle strong emotions – those icky outbursts that can pop up when difficult conversations take place. Fierce Conversation has a different feel to it than some of my other Mastermind favorites: Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose and Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly. Still, I took away four key messages from Scott and am working hard to incorporate these tips. 1. Remove the word “but” from your vocabulary and replace it with “and.” I use “but” a lot when I talk and write, so I need to be intentional about swapping these short connecting words. Scott suggests that “but” stops a conversation while “and” continues it. For example, if somebody needs my assistance and I am busy, I may be tempted to say: “I want to help, but I am in the middle of something right now.” The listener doesn’t hear me say that I want to help; she hears that I’m busy. If I replace “but” with “and,” I can continue the conversation with more details about when I can help. Of course, this suggestion isn’t always perfect. Recently I caused considerable confusion when I responded to a group text invite with: “Gathering sounds lovely and I already have a full weekend with family and activities.” The friend who issued the invitation had no clue whether I was coming or not, and I spent the next few minutes trying to explain my new philosophy. Oops! 2. Have fierce conversations with myself. I always thought that having a conversation meant having it with others. Scott suggests that we use the same model and tools we use to communicate with others to communicate with ourselves. Begin by asking yourself, “What fierce conversations am I not having with myself that need to happen?” Do you need to ask yourself why a relationship is strained? Or why work isn’t as fulfilling as it was three years ago? Granted the conversation might not happen out loud in a coffee shop. Try journaling instead. Sometimes the best energy we can give is to ourselves. 3. Accept that fierce conversations cannot be dependent on how others respond. We’ve all been there: there are conversations we avoid because we know the other person will be upset, angry, defensive. Scott says that if I know something must be changed, I am the one who needs to change it. Or as Tolle puts it, I need to not be attached to the outcome of a conversation. Gulp. To help, Scott clearly lays out how to have tough conversations like The Confrontation (and these references are clearly labeled in the appendix. Score!). She recommends using an opening statement that is either written down or practiced out loud. This statement includes naming the issue, an example that illustrates the situation you want to change, your emotions about the issue, clarification on what is at stake, your contribution to the problem, your wish to resolve the issue, and an invitation for the other person to respond. And she says that this statement should last 60 seconds or less. Let me repeat: 60 seconds or less. I have yet to use this tip, and I appreciate that Scott includes in the book numerous examples of how this model has worked. 4. Believe that a careful conversation is a failed conversation. What?! As a person from the upper Midwest, I thrive on gentle, careful conversations. (I bet you do, too.) Scott isn’t advocating that we move away from being kind and respectful. She does challenge us to ask questions when we don’t understand something. She advocates for being curious about others’ ideas and really digging deep into them. When we’re careful, we’re not vulnerable, she says. Vulnerability is something I’ve explored by reading Brown, who has researched and lectured on the topic extensively. Brown sees vulnerability as the birthplace of connection and the path to feelings of worthiness. If we’re not willing to be vulnerable, we deprive ourselves (and others, frankly) of growth. If we’re not willing to be vulnerable, we’ll have lots of careful conversations that lead to frustration, if anywhere. Fierce Conversations came with suggested assignments, which felt more like practice than homework. Thanks to that, these concepts feel applicable and like something I’d use the next time I need to have a difficult conversation. What great books have you read lately? Anita When an idea shows up twice in the same week I know it’s a message I need to hear. I’m reading Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott with my Mastermind group. Scott teaches how to have powerful conversations with yourself, those you work with, live with and love. She lays out a process to have one conversation at a time about topics you’ve been unable or unwilling to have. This includes showing appreciation. Scott writes, “Who needs to hear from you? Who needs to know what you appreciate about him? If there is any possibility that people don’t know how much you value them, there’s a conversation that needs to occur.” Mike Bernard posts why he carves out time to write handwritten notes to his team instead of a text message or a Facebook wall note.
I write a lot of notes and send them snail mail. I’ve blogged about my handwritten notes of congratulations, thanks, to mark a change of life and notes of comfort and yet I wonder who needs to hear how much I value them. I’m off to go grab my pen and notecards. Anita Reach Partners
Does a concept ever show up in your life multiple times before you really stop and take notice? That’s how the 7 Mindsets – A Life Changing Revolution was for me. First I was curious when I heard about the book from a friend. It showed-up in my MasterMind’s reading list. Then, I met the authors who were booked at an event I was hired to coordinate. The 7 Mindsets showed up everywhere! Once I spent time studying the material and understood the power, my pre-teenager attended a 7 Mindsets weekend camp to become immersed in the ideas and framework.
7 Mindsets For Success
Date: January 29, 2015 Time: 1:00 – 5:00 pm Cost: $90 investment Speaker: Teresa Lewis, certified 7 Mindsets speaker Registration: http://www.teresainspires.com/event/the-7-mindsets-for-success/ Without the right mindset, skill loses its impact. What if everyone embraced mindsets that led them to be fully engaged at work, appreciate the diversity of co-workers and take inspired action every day? Mastering the right mindsets can put businesses on that path. Research has proven that the 7 mindsets are critical to your happiness and success. This session will teach the mindsets, identify the counter mindsets that can derail us and identify strategies to get better results. Discover the power of your mindset and learn how to master and sustain each of the 7 Mindsets. The 7 Mindsets CAN change your life! Our reflections on 2014.
1. A successful Fargo Marathon Charities raised over $200,000 2. SOLD OUT the Women’s Health Conference, Bismarck (twice) 3. Hosted the biggest crowd ever at the Worksite Wellness Summit 4. Worked with the talented women of OTMOM 5. Produced the Women’s Way calendar – an organization dear to Anita’s heart 6. Developed new relationships and fostered existing ones 7. Volunteered with The Chamber, ND Cancer Coalition, FMAF’s Women’s Fund Committee 8. Expanded our knowledge in social media strategy and tactics for events 9. Still can’t spell 10. Took deserved time away from the office to recharge 11. Anita was honored with a YWCA Woman of the Year Nomination 12. Mentored students through internship program 13. Mailed 146 handwritten notes 14. Initiated the planning process for a remarkable 2015 Wishing you an amazing 2015! Anita & Rachel Reach Partners and the Women’s Health Conference were excited to partner with Onsharp, a digital marketing company that helps build strategy for online marketing with clear and defined focus. We came to them with no idea how to engage a meaningful online conversation with the audience of the Women’s Health Conference, how to measure success (or failure) or focus our time and efforts. Whitney Nelson, Digital Marketing Strategist and Advanced Funnel Certified, changed all that with a clear road map for content and a schedule for execution. Onsharp truly delivers. This clarity and focus is a subject found in the first issue of the #ONcrew Insider, a newsletter that highlights Onsharp’s success. It describes the partnership and our tremendous success at engaging women and drawing the right people to our website.
When you need a strategy, road map and some clarity when thinking through your digital presence consider working with Onsharp, we are so glad we did! Subscribe to #ONcrew Insider Read more about our work with Onsharp Anita & Rachel I was delighted to share my experiences when a college student studying event management emailed the following questions for an assignment of interviewing an industry professional. How long have you been involved in this industry? I’ve been managing projects, events, trainings and workshops since 1998. I’ve owned Reach Partners since 2005 and was employed by the company from 1998 to 2005. What education did you receive before getting involved in the industry? I have a B.S. degree from a liberal arts college (Concordia College, Moorhead) and majored in political science with a minor in women’s studies. I’ve learned much through experience. What is a typical day like for you? I don’t know if there is one! Reach Partners is a project management firm – we manage all kinds of projects, including events. Examples of other projects include managing the team and details to publish a book on an organization’s history, scheduling locations for a commercial video, handling the details for the creation and installation of a large piece of public art. What are your hours like? As the business owner I have the flexibility to be a Mom when I need - I can to go to my son’s football game in the middle of the workday - yet the work has to get done so I choose to work later at night after my kids go to bed. I’m in the office most of the time between 8-5 Monday through Friday and work evenings and weekends as needed for the project or event. What are some job responsibilities you have? As a small business owner, I do everything. In addition to client work, I manage the company finances, office and staff and I spend a great deal of time in marketing Reach Partners’ services through networking and project proposals. What are some certain skills and attitudes needed for success in this career?
Attention to detail. Attention and the willingness to double and triple check details. Can Do. I don’t stop just because a barrier gets in the way. I find a way to make it happen (so long as it’s not illegal). Calm. When an issue comes up in the middle of a project or an event, people tend respond emotionally because they are overwhelmed and under pressure. If I also respond emotionally, I can’t help the situation and a solution is not going to come any easier. This leads to the next point… Know that something always goes wrong. There’s no way around it. For an event, think through the day/s from a myriad of perspectives so that you can imagine a solution or imagine what you’ll need in place to respond, so when that one thing you didn’t think of actually happens, you have time to deal with the issue. You aren’t fully prepared if you haven’t planned for risks. It’s effortless (so it seems). When a project or an event is done well, people won’t see or understand the work and effort it takes to deliver. Honestly, that’s what I want in an event: all the right pieces in the right places. Often, it’s only when a detail is forgotten or a mistake is made (big or small) that people notice an event planner’s work. What is the most exciting part about your job? I get to work with passionate people, people who work in industries that care about the mission and the people they serve. I learn so much about their industry and topic when planning an event with them. For example, I’ve learned how I and the media communicate stories of suicide and balance of timeliness of news and not create additional stress on the surviving family or cause contagion (additional suicides). I love the challenge of creating the experience that the client has envisioned. I love when my planning allows an event to flow smoothly, without issues. Finally, I enjoy learning and growing to make the next event even better. Anita, Reach Partners |
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