In mid February over 30 leaders from across Central and Eastern Europe gathered in Warsaw for a three day interactive Inspirational Leadership Training. In the times when constant change is each organization’s everyday reality, one of the organization’s core values should be leadership who can inspire others, is able to draw a common vision of the future and make people follow and engage all stakeholders.
The IL workshop goal was to make attendees understand not only how to inspire, but also how to be inspired. Through range of exercise and sessions they practiced inspirational storytelling, discovered that most of us have been inspired and engaged during our lives, and have given that gift to others and that such experience can be transformed into a skill (it took Martin Luther King 16 weeks of rehearsals to say what he eventually said in Washington DC). And finally understood that the key to success is to stay true to themselves and be authentic.
As of today dare to challenge your leaders on the newly trained skills.
Read what some of the attendees think of the experience:
I was amazed with the power of storytelling and how many live examples of inspiration we find all around if we open ourselves to it. I was deeply inspired to inspire. Inspiring performance versus driving performance , the soul of a company leaving a lasting fingerprint.
Country Manager Caucasus & Developing markets
A campfire in a hotel conference room on a cold winter day in Warsaw was an introduction to three days where things were to be done differently. We got to know each-other (and ourselves in many cases) in a different light. Sharing precious personal stories, learning the art of storytelling, developing awareness of details in the present moment, moving personal boundaries, realizing how our every action can influence others - all this in the company of truly inspiring colleagues. It is an enriching & unforgettable experience!
Country Manager Adriatic
You thought you were somewhat good with inspiring others? Well, have you thought about how you prepare your speech using the principles of ethos, logos, and pathos, and how you paint memorable pictures with words? Or how you walk into the room, and connect with the audience by leaving your ego behind? Have you ever felt the gravity in your legs and arms, controlled your breathing, your voice and pronunciation, volume, tempo, eye contact... and in the meantime kept the logic and raced against time? This training was the most mind-opening experience I came through in the past couple of years.
Marketing Manager
I think this training is something that stays with you for life. (…) what we learned is how to open up and expose ourselves, drop all barriers and not be afraid to take risks. On the closing session, around the campfire, I realized we do need a campfire, we do not need lights off, we do not need music in order to get that specific state of mind to be open, transparent, exposed. It was part of ourselves already. I think we get very good practical learning as well – like inspiring through storytelling and considering the value of I-Thou relationship in our business life.
Area Marketing Manager
It was great experience for me. First of all people were very honest and genuine, all participants were really open and this is not easy to be achieved. The second one: the level of energy and passion were really amazing. The last, but not least: I have learned how the presentation technique is important, how to use it (voice, eyes, body language) and adding the personal stories to make it remarkable. So my summary – yes I’m inspired! Thanks for this.
Supply Planning Manager