Sample Workshops

Although individual workshops are typically created, from scratch, with the specific needs of the client in mind, the following list provides examples of established classes that can be modified as needed. Class times range from 30 minutes to 4 hours.  

How to Hug a Porcupine

We all know those people. They’re defensive. Offensive. Suspicious. Impatient. Just…. plain….. prickly. We can’t respond in kind. It’s bad business. So, we try. To be patient. Compassionate. Helpful. Understanding. But is that even possible? It is. It’s just not easy. In this session we’ll explore ways to stay calm and effective even when those quills are aimed and ready to fire.

Mind Matters

Which came first – the chicken or the egg? Does the health of your mind determine the health of your body or does the health of your body determine the health of your mind? Yes. According to a recent article, the relationship between our minds and our bodies “is only a part of the overall picture, but it is the part that is invariably overlooked.”

So, let’s stop. Overlooking it, I mean. What would happen if we began to see the health of our minds as part of our overall wellness? If we gave time and attention to our thoughts? And our knowledge? And our beliefs?  

It couldn’t hurt, right?

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Angry, rude people. We try to ignore them. That edge to their voices. The scowl on their faces. We commit to overcoming their ability to affect our mood and, sadly, our day. But it never fails. One conversation later and we, too, have an edge to our voices and a scowl on our faces. Why is it so hard? 

Well, mirror neurons, that's why. Our brains are designed to mirror what we see. Good or bad, it's how we learn. The challenge? Outsmarting our brains. It's not easy. It's not natural. But, it is possible. Join us as we create strategies for using mirror neurons to interact effectively with those people who are not the fairest of them all. 

Strategic Planning 101

Strategic planning is an integral part of any non-profit, ensuring that resources are focused on those activities that best support the organization’s purpose. Creating a strategic plan, however, can be challenging – especially if your knowledge and experience is limited. 

During this workshop, we will discuss the foundational components of an effective strategic plan - mission, vision and value statements - as well as the process for creating purposeful goals and objectives. 

The Me in Team

You’ve heard it said – there is no I in team. But there is a Me and, these days, as you’re caring for your colleagues and your families, the Me can get lost.

So, what do you do?

In this workshop, we will explore how your brain processes stress and, with this information, develop a plan for minimizing its negative impact on your effectiveness. In doing so, you will also learn strategies and techniques for helping others in your life to do the same.

Communicating Non-Defensively

“I know you are but what am I?” Ah, the memories of those long-ago-days on the playground. Or, wait, was it actually last week in the office? At the grocery store? On a Zoom call with a particularly snarky customer? How does that happen? When people get rude or pushy or suspicious, we resort to fighting back.

The good news is…. That’s how we’re wired.

The bad news is…. It rarely works.

But there are things that will. In this workshop, we will talk about why our first instinct is to fight and how we can overcome that instinct in order to choose a strategy that leads to effective resolution.