Millennials and Leadership Development

photo credit: Todd photography

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By Sarah Flores

Entering a new company or organization can be intimidating and invigorating all at the same time. As more and more millennials enter their careers, the workforce will begin to change its usual ways. Employer’s and mentors must progressively welcome and encourage new ideas from the newcomers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is predicted that by 2030 millennials will make up 75% of our workforce.  Although millennials may have a different approach to operations, it is important that we all learn from each other. Millennials bring fresh new ideas, but also seek guidance from leaders to eventually turn themselves into the leaders of an organization or company.

A study conducted by Deloitte, a professional services firm, found that 71% of Millennials that leave within the first 2 years felt their leadership skills were not being fully developed. However, that percentage decreases to 54% for those who stay more than 5 years. This shows not only does supporting leadership development help to retain employees longer but also helps to increase their satisfaction in leadership development. As we look at these numbers, 54% feeling their leadership skills are being underdeveloped is still a concerning number. We as current leaders and mentors must take it upon ourselves to guide the leaders of tomorrow.

The Center For Purposeful Leadership works to help leaders become leaders that listen and make a positive impact on their employees. The workplace is always changing; we are here to help guide and adapt. Check out more insight to Millennials values in the workplace to see how you can incorporate a leadership development plan to grow your employees professional and personal life here: The 2016 Deloitte Millennial Survey.

Follow us on our LinkedIn account and subscribe to our blog to see how CPL is laying the way for leaders of today and tomorrow.

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Just-in-Time-Convening: A Client Success Story

Photo Credit: Craig Neal

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by Rachel Harris

There are many key aspects in convening with purpose and productivity. To ensure your organization's meetings are highly effective for attendees, Heartland presents a list of 10 key Principles of Convening. Many of our clients use these 10 Principles to further their convening skills. One of our recent clients - a team leader in a regional engineering agency - often finds himself in interdepartmental team meetings led by people of varying abilities.

He has taken the Art of Convening training and understands there are always opportunities to take advantage of employing the Principles of Convening in meetings. In his role, he travels from building to building meeting with different teams. He also understands the Principles of Convening are great equalizers in meetings within his role.

Wanting to ensure his time is effective, he envisioned an opportunity for convening principles to be posted and referred to in meetings. Upon hearing his request, Heartland collaborated with the Organizational Development department to install the Principles of Convening Poster in conference rooms. Once added, the interdepartmental teams' ability to collaborate increased. Here at Heartland, we have created a list of 10 key principles to advance and improve the practice and art of convening.

Listen: Respect everyone’s voice; hear their contribution and refrain from fixing, problem-solving, advice-giving.

Speak from your own experience: Speak from the “I”, your personal experience creates trust.

Slow down the conversation: Allow pauses between speakers to create space for collective genius and innovation to emerge.

Speak with sincerity and brevity: Speak your truth and make each word count.

Suspend certainty: Ask yourself, “What don’t you know?” Look for the surprises.

Allow space for difference: Seek to understand, welcome the divergent and convergent views.

Explore new ways of thinking and being: Look for and expect surprises.

Presume positive intent: Be aware of your judgments.

Each person has a role to play: Know that everyone is needed and each person has come to contribute the outcome.

Any engagement can be transformed through essential conversations: Intention to speak and act authentically from a common vision can transform any meeting Heartland's 10 Principles of Convening.

Following Heartland's 10 Principles of Convening will allow for your organization to conduct proactive meetings more successfully and thoroughly. These principles will encourage clarification, engagement, and open-mindedness within your convening. If you have meetings with people of varying skill level who seek to collaborate effectively and are occasionally challenged in doing so, consider adding the Principles of Convening your conference room. Contact Heartland today to maximize your collaboration, leadership or convening capacities. Follow us on our LinkedIn page to receive weekly updates on our blog and convening skills! Contact us at 612.920.3029 for your next consultation on the Art of Convening.

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Operationalizing and internalizing for possibility

Photo Credit: Craig Neal

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"The art of convening operationalizes the dialogue principles and practices." Daniel Pesut, Director, Densford Center for International Nursing Leadership, University of Minnesota School of Nursing

Craig and Patricia are engaged in co-creating an annual Retreat with a leadership group at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. As we organize and plan around the 9 Aspects of the Convening Wheel, the value of the AoC book as a "roadmap" for authentic engagement emerges as we not only operationalizes, but internalize the practices and principles that inform convening.

"Convening was, and is, one of the most powerful, life-altering forces in the universe. The genesis of this book can be traced back to the art of convening to energize communities and stir us to survive and envision what might be possible." -Richard Leider, Foreword, The Art of Convening

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Please help us title our new book- by 4/15

photo credit: Craig neal

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by 10am Pacific Thurs 4/15

Dear Friend of Heartland,

As many of you know, Craig and I are writing a book and your participation is needed! We ask for your help in selecting the best title for the book. Please take a few minutes to complete a quick 7-question survey.
*For your contribution to count, respond by this Thursday, April 15, at 10:00 am Pacific time.

Please click on this link to take the survey (and see a short description of the book): http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22AGZ6A763E

Thank you for your help.

Patricia & Craig

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