BUILD SKILLS, CAPACITY, AND MORALE ALL WHILE BUILDING STRONGER, MORE TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES.

“I would have done this for 3 more hours! The growth I experienced in today’s session was so visible, and it was such a gift to get to hear the stories my colleagues told!”
“The storytelling techniques coupled with multiple rounds of feedback were most enlightening for me as a leader. The feedback I received was specific and actionable.”

Program Overview

Articulating your connection to your mission through personal storytelling has the power to foster connection with those in your team, allowing them to appreciate each other’s unique paths. This program operates as a space for participants to be seen and heard by one another and practice appreciative listening. 

Participants will explore the wealth of stories in their own personal and professional histories that can be tapped for communicating one-on-one or in group settings. This program allows teams and cohorts to quickly build relationships through authenticity and vulnerability.

The small group program is designed to enable every participant to get one-on-one coaching from the facilitator.

“This was one of the best professional learning experiences I ever had. My facilitator was amazing, and I absolutely loved the small group atmosphere. It suited me perfectly.”

The large group program leverages peer-to-peer coaching in addition to facilitator coaching, and is great for all-school PD. Both large- and small group AYW are excellent team building and morale boosting experiences.

Core Objectives

  • Enhance storytelling skills, to be used as a tool to effectively share experiences, build relationships, and connect others to your mission/vision. 

  • Practice the use of vivid language, speaking in snapshots, recognizing the need for a beginning middle end structure, and using body and voice to convey key messages.

  • Refine ability during stakeholder communication to listen for strengths & values. 

  • Deepen personal connection to mission and ability to draw on that wellspring to deal with challenging times. 

  • Strengthen relationships with colleagues through shared experience of storytelling and teambuilding exercises.

Program Components

  • Understanding a model for leadership presence and communication

  • Being present and flexible

  • Articulating communication strengths and challenges

  • Using vocal and breathing techniques to expand dynamic range, passion, and flexibility

  • Using storytelling to make communication personal and memorable

This program can be offered virtually. Our virtual programming is delivered through Zoom and includes: 

  • An expert IE facilitator, trained for virtual program delivery 

  • A comprehensive slide deck developed for the virtual context 

  • Opportunities for whole group, small group, and 1-on-1 discussion 

  • Option for IE tech host to facilitate smooth implementation

How does a program about articulating your “WHY” contribute to educator wellbeing? While many of us can informally reflect on our careers and consider our possible reasons for choosing to work in education, there is immense value to going about this process deliberately, with intention. Grounding yourself in your sense of purpose can function to stabilize you in the work that you do. Being able to effectively communicate your WHY and have others identify and name your strengths and values, can strengthen relationships and cultivate authentic connections with colleagues, students, families, and any other stakeholders with whom you engage in your work. Together, a sense of stability and strong, authentic relationships in the workplace have the power to sustain leaders, teachers, and other staff in the (often very challenging) work that they do.

“I would love to engage in more sessions like this one that involve listening strategies. Listening for someone’s values and their ‘why’ was an awesome experience I can use in my daily work.”
“It was wonderful to hear all of my group members’ stories and to spend time really crafting a singular narrative to share with my staff. I have many takeaways that will positively impact my leadership presence.”