Heart to Heart Communications

Heart-to-heart conversations at work — happening enough or not? Why?

Jody — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 01:31:32 +0000

Do you need to have a heart to heart conversation with someone at work? Too often the in organizations there are the “unmentionables” – significant issues which are not discussed out of fear. Some people are respectful and polite to one another when meeting face to face but get “down and dirty” in the informal conversations which happen after the meeting.

Mike (not his real name), a supervisor who attended one of our workshops, had often told his staff that he wanted them to feel comfortable approaching him on any issue. However, he remarked that few people ever came to him. His initial response to this was – “Why isn’t my staff better at communicating? What’s wrong with them?” He eventually came to realize that as a leader in his department, he usually communicated with his staff in a negative manner. Mike recognized that he was the one who needed to become a better communicator – especially by suspending judgment long enough to genuinely hear what people were saying.

Bob Pacanovsky – January

Jody — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:45:28 +0000

Bob Pacanovsky established The Caterers by Paparazzi’s (now known as Robert J. – Events & Catering) in 1997. Since 2001, Robert J. – Events & Catering has typically achieved annual double digit sales increases amounting to over 250% sales growth. Under Bob’s leadership, Robert J. – Events & Catering has achieved Preferred or Exclusive Caterer status at many area venues including the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Akron Art Museum, Glidden House, Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, Andrew Jackson House, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association. Over the past two summers, Robert J. catered nine induction parties at the Pro Football Hall of Fame serving almost 3,000 guests of NFL teams including the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the New England Patriots.

Prior to owning his own business, Bob was in advertising sales with Advo and Patrick Media. Bob is a graduate of The University of Akron (BS, 1988) and Padua Franciscan High School. He currently serves on the College of Business Alumni Board. Bob is also a Board member for the Greater East Ohio Alzheimer’s Association. In addition, he is a member of Leadership Akron, and is a member of CaterSource, a national catering consortium. He and his wife, Connie, live in Akron with son, Adam.

To register, click here.

In the Midst of Stress: Moving toward Greater Work/Life Balance

Jody — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:00:38 +0000

Identify the deeper causes of stress and imbalance within each individual’s life and work. Discover and draw upon the inner resources and outer practices which facilitate lifelong renewal of mind, body and spirit. Determine ways to move yourself and others toward a more balanced and resilient life.

Renewing Purpose and Spirit at Work

Jody — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:59:19 +0000

Discover ways individuals can come to a greater awareness of their own life purpose and strengthen their commitment to the organization’s mission, vision and values. Explore how the organization, especially its leaders, can foster an ongoing renewal of appreciation, community, purpose and spirit at work.

Spiritual and Religious Diversity at Work: What Is Appropriate?

Jody — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:57:53 +0000

Clarify in what ways organizations can appropriately acknowledge and permit the expression of employees’ diverse religious and spiritual practices. Explore how individual coworkers can remain faithful to their convictions, be respectful toward people with different spiritual perspectives, and seek mutual understanding.

Integrating Business Ethics and Spirituality in the Workplace

Jody — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:56:06 +0000

Clarify what is meant by business ethics, what is meant by spirituality. Explore the interplay between sound business ethics and a strong spiritual life. Determine what is valuable and appropriate and what is inappropriate in giving expression to spiritual values in the workplace.

Strengthening Character and Ethical Commitment

Jody — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:54:40 +0000

Define universal, ethical values and how they apply to work. Identify what contributes toward strong character and sound ethical living. Assess your own and the organization’s ethical values and priorities within the workplace and in relating to the wider community. Establish personal and organizational steps to take to be more mindful of and consistent in living ethical values and deepening trust on a daily basis.

Resolving Conflict, Reconciling Relationships

Jody — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:51:53 +0000

Become more aware of your style of dealing with conflict: your strengths and limitations. Identify practical ways to minimize or prevent conflicts from escalating. Learn a constructive process for not only resolving conflicts but also fostering healing and reconciliation among people, if needed.

Dealing with Difficult Emotions at Work: Yours and Others

Jody — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:49:42 +0000

Develop a deeper awareness of your own and others’ emotions, where they come from and how they impact work and relationships in both positive and negative ways. Learn how to better monitor and manage your own emotions on a daily basis and how to assist others in doing the same. Explore ways to positively influence the emotions and motivations of others.

Communicating Effectively in Important Conversations

Jody — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:48:09 +0000

Recognize and evaluate how well you practice the fundamental aspects of honest heart-to-heart communications. Clarify the most effective ways to give and receive feedback at work. Identify practical steps you can take to improve as a communicator.