Impact Breakfasts: A Year in Review
As 2019 begins to wind down, it’s time to review some of our favorite takeaways from this year’s Impact Breakfast topics and provide tips that you can bring to your team in the coming new year!
These quarterly events are a great way to network with the rest of the business community, learn more about the latest and greatest training topics, and explore opportunities within the Maricopa Community Colleges. Check out the review below to reflect back on our Impact Breakfast topics and discover tips that you can implement in your daily routine today.
January 2019: Own It. Achieve It. Lead. Repeat.
We kicked off 2019 with an Impact Breakfast on personal ownership and empowering employees to make their own decisions in the workplace. Brandi Dixon, our facilitator for this presentation, focused on accepting responsibility and using this skill to foster better decision-making. This attention to personal ownership is a great way to inspire your team by acting as a role model and giving your employees the permission they need to make their own decisions.
Our favorite takeaway?
We love the reminder that it’s important to “know your why”! With jam-packed calendars and overflowing inboxes, it can be easy to overlook the whole reason why you and your team engage in the work that you do. Too often, employees are bogged down in the “what they do” and forget to focus on the “why they do it,” which can cloud your organization's bigger picture. By focusing on your why, you can encourage your team to believe in the mission of your organization, cultivate their passion for the mission, and clearly communicate this passion to clients.
April 2019: Empowering an Unstoppable Team
Our next Impact Breakfast took place in April with our instructor, Otto Siegel. With LEGO bricks and a hands-on presentation, Otto focused on how to boost energy within your team through feedback, honest discussions, and authentic connections with your employees. He also reminded us about the importance of remaining active in the workplace by disengaging from negativity and using exercises to loosen up at work.
Our favorite takeaway?
We’ve all been there: the after-lunch slump when that morning shot of espresso has finally worn off. So how do you keep the energy up in your team? Otto recommends keeping a high energy level during any conversation, which can be an effective and inspiring tool in the workplace. Instead of spreading yawns (remember how contagious those are?), try lively conversations and a good laugh to create energy and genuine connections.
August 2019: Mindfulness in the Workplace
Our third Impact Breakfast focused on creating a calmer, more mindful atmosphere for your team. Raj Sheelvant, the facilitator for this event, led our attendees through a ten minute mindfulness session, where he reminded us to focus on the breath, clear our minds, and just “be” for a few minutes. Although it can be challenging to find time throughout the bustling work day to focus on mindfulness, Raj recommended using lunch as a time to recharge and prepare for the rest of the afternoon.
Our favorite takeaway?
Take a few moments to clear your mind and set an intention before every meeting. This will help your meetings be more efficient, as well as ensure that you are truly present and ready to exchange ideas. You can even use the first few minutes of the meeting itself to allow people to clear their minds, table other projects, and prepare for an engaging meeting.
October 2019: Storytelling: Ancient Skill, Modern Approach
Our last Impact Breakfast of 2019 focused on storytelling in the workplace and using stories to connect more authentically with others. Led by the Storytelling Institute at South Mountain Community College, this event was a great way to end our year of incredible Impact Breakfasts and gave our attendees the opportunity to engage with one another, tell stories, and make personal connections with other business professionals. Storytelling is an ancient skill and can be a great way to connect with your clients and employees.
Our favorite takeaway?
Images + Structure = Emotion
One of the best ways to connect with others and ensure they remember you is to invoke some kind of emotion. In storytelling, images and structure are great ways to both liven up your story and give it more meaning, which helps foster connections between you and your audience.
Want to check out the other tips from this year's Impact Breakfasts? Download all four of our tip sheets!