Our story is likely no different from those of many others considering opportunities for personal and professional development. Most people recognize the need for it, but few take the time and actually follow through with a commitment. The good news is that there are so many options with videos, webinars, seminars, and conventions, to name a few, that if someone has the desire, it\u2019s only a matter of setting aside the time to do it.<\/p>\n
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE<\/h2>\n
The conference we attended was the National Leadership Development Conference<\/a> at Grand Casino Hinckley<\/a>, sponsored by the fine folks at Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures<\/a> in support of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. The four objectives of the event, held annually each June, are for participants to:<\/p>\n Of many great takeaways, one staggering stat was that approximately seventy percent of employees are not engaged in their job.<\/p>\n Seventy percent!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Another speaker complimented the attendees for participating in the conference, and then challenged everyone to not fall into the ninety-eight percent who get excited to bring energy back to their organization, but end up not applying any meaningful enhancements.\u00a0These two stats are connected. If the leaders of organizations are only managing, and not leading and inspiring, employee engagement level will reflect that culture. It\u2019s not about controlling, it\u2019s about empowering. Don\u2019t be a boss, be a leader.<\/p>\n Another great discussion centered on technology \u2013 email, texting and mobile devices \u2013 being such a blessing. And a curse. How many people hide behind email for their internal and external communication? One speaker talked about a company that implemented an \u201canti-email afternoon\u201d once a week, requiring everyone in the company to walk over and have a conversation with someone rather than emailing them. Have a question for a client? During the anti-email afternoon, employees pick up the phone and call. The result? More business from these clients as conversations evolve into what else that group could do to help the client.<\/p>\n Many poignant topics during the two days inspired us to take out our blueprints and reevaluate our game plans. We\u2019d made a decision to carve out a couple of days and are better for it, both individually and organizationally.<\/p>\n So, when will you take two, for you?<\/p>\n\n
![\"National](\"https:\/\/www.primeadvertising.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/NLDClogo-1024x510.jpeg\")
<\/h2>\nEMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT<\/h2>\n
TECHNOLOGY<\/h2>\n
TAKE TWO FOR YOU<\/h2>\n