Hi Reader!!

Whenever I lead a professional learning series and before I finalize a scope and sequence, I poll the group on which topics interest them and what they're struggling with most as leaders and managers.

I do this because I believe that a learning experience should consciously and intentionally meet people where they are. I'm less interested in what people's supervisors and the "powers that be" think people should learn, and a lot more interested in the real questions, concerns, and interests of the unique individuals in the room.

So before I lay out an agenda or learning plan, I ask people to vote. And here's something interesting...

My last three polls, across approximately 60 managers in three completely different industries, have yielded almost identical results. Out of more than 30 topics to choose from (and fill-in-the-blank options), the same eight rose to the top, with more than 75% of respondents selecting them.

The list:

• Giving and Receiving Feedback (>90%)
• Building Trust & Psychological Safety on Teams (>90%)
• Compassionate Accountability (>90%)
• Setting Expectations & Goals + Empowering Ownership
• Managing & De-Escalating Conflict
• Coaching & Mentoring Practices
• Leading with Boundaries & Without Martyrdom
• Managing the Big Feelings of Direct Reports

I've been sitting with this for the last couple of days, and what strikes me isn't just what people chose but what it tells us about what people want and need right now.

The top eight areas of interest are mostly not the technical skills you'd learn in an MBA program (and yes, those types of topics are listed). Instead, people are yearning to talk and learn about the deeply human, deeply relational work of leading people. They want to explore what to do and say when they're sitting across from someone who is struggling or underperforming. They want tools and frameworks to hold others accountable while also being caring and human-centered. They want to understand how to set limits without feeling like they're letting someone down. They want to learn how to build environments where people can actually show up as themselves, feel safe, AND get their work done.

They want to lead and manage in ways that are emotionally and practically responsive to the times we are living through.

Across industries, org sizes, and very different workplace cultures, managers are asking for the same things, and I'd bet that if you or your team took the poll, at least a few of these topics would be requested.

And sooooo, if you need a reminder: This is the work that I do.

Each of the eight topics above is a two-hour workshop that we facilitate OR something we can dig deep into during a one-on-one coaching engagement.

And for teams who want a deeper, more immersive experience, we also offer a set of signature experiences, including but not limited to the Feedback Lab, the Emotional Integrity at Work Workshop Series, and our Conflict Workshop Suite. These specialized learning opportunities help you and/or your team move from wondering to knowing to doing.

These aren't one-size-fits-all experiences. Everything we do—from topic selection to scenario generation to activity design — is built for the real humans in the room and the real dynamics you're experiencing right now.

Whether you're a manager looking to grow, an ED or people leader thinking about what your team needs, or an organization navigating a rough cultural season, I know I can help and would love to connect.

Reply to this email OR book a connection call to get started.

Even if the budget is limited, I encourage you to reach out. We endeavor to make our programming as accessible as possible and work hard to ensure that our rates are fair and nonexclusive for the organizations and individuals who want to work with us. We encourage you to reach out to explore options rather than just assuming you can't afford it. We commit to listening to what feels fair to you and being honest about what feels fair to us, and we can almost always find a way forward!

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Not in the market for professional development right now? No worries. If nothing else, I hope this data at least feels validating and affirming. Because if you've been struggling with feedback conversations, or wondering how to hold someone accountable without damaging the relationship, or trying to figure out how to stop absorbing everyone else's emotions, you're definitely not alone.

These skills are usually left out of the management 101 curriculum, and you're not behind if you have questions or need support! Be sure to check out ChatGMB, my podcast playground for rambling about all of these topics and more! Scroll past my signature to see if there's an upcoming event that might interest you. And keep following along! I'm here for you and will keep showing up in your inbox as long as you'll let me :-)

Looking forward to seeing you soon and wishing you calmness in the week ahead.

Big gratitude,
Marissa