Women s Wisdom Retreat

Transcription

1 Women s Wisdom Retreat For Women in Leadership The following examples have been edited to protect the identity of past retreat participants whose stories are the basis of each Case Study. For more information or to discuss a specific situation in your organization, please contact Daryl directly at or by at daryl@womenswisdomretreats.com. You can also read testimonials and learn more about the s at

2 Page One Janine At 53 years old, Janine doesn t have to prove her worth to the company. Her work ethics, loyalty and creative visioning have been an asset for the eight years she has been with the organization. During that time, her unblemished record has kept her moving up the ladder with ever increasing opportunities that she has excelled at. Seven months ago, Janine s world fell apart. She found herself in the middle of an unexpected divorce and dealing with an angry teenager. As much as she has tried to regain her balance, she is constantly torn between the demands of her three children, the interference of her worried parents and the loss of her most important relationship. She frequently breaks down in tears at her desk and her productivity has plummeted. She also takes a higher than usual number of days off because she is unable to cope with her feelings and stay focused on her job. Janine needs help. She knows it, but so far she hasn t been able to find a safe and supportive place to explore her feelings and recover the joy she once had in her life. Elizabeth When Elizabeth joined the company she was on the rebound from a corporate downsizing. She worked harder than expected to solidify her position and has been praised for her efforts. Her greatest asset has been her flexibility and contribution to a team environment. Seen as a leader, Elizabeth has often carried the responsibility of bringing members together on key issues in an effective manner. Unfortunately, recent shuffling of various departments added two new co-workers to her team and they quickly became active in Elizabeth s group. Suddenly, Elizabeth felt she was no longer needed in the role she had held for the past few years. Even though she has been reassured many times that her value to the team is still essential, Elizabeth s behaviour has become detrimental to the group. She intentionally sabotages projects and repeatedly gossips negatively about those she feels threatened by. Elizabeth is at risk of losing her job and leaving a void in her team. She is angry and frustrated because she doesn t know what she can do to change her feelings of betrayal.

3 Page Two Andrea Andrea is one of the most likable staff members in the organization. She started at the bottom and has worked her way up to a management position. Some of her colleagues have moved along with her and others are now reporting to her. Andrea has always been careful to nurture all of these friendships. Every evaluation reflects the loyalty of her staff and admiration of her peers. Andrea often socializes outside of work with people from all levels in the company. Gradually over the past year, a growing unrest amongst the staff over changes to structure, compensation and management style has put Andrea in a difficult position. Frequently drawing her into their negative laced discussions, her friends are now urging her to confront senior management with their complaints. Andrea is afraid of losing these close ties and disappointing the people who look up to her. She understands the need for change and is very anxious about jeopardizing her position if she is seen to be siding with employees instead of head office. Andrea feels trapped. She knows that she is near a breaking point emotionally and afraid she will make irrational and irrevocable decisions under stress. Gillian Celebrating her twenty years of service with the company was a pinnacle in Gillian s career. She loves her job in the busy sales department and it shows. With her long history, she is the go-to person when client issues arise and her skill at putting the right person in place to handle customer needs is unparalleled. Gillian is a strong woman who mentors several interns in the organization and plays an active role in the development of the corporate leadership program. Gillian is a huge asset to the company and while her loyalty is clear, she has privately declared that she feels she must leave for personal reasons. Gillian has admitted to a ten year affair with a married co-worker that recently ended. She works with this person on a daily basis and has realized that to continue would be more than she can handle. They are striving for an amicable front in the work environment but Gillian feels awkward and emotionally compromised when working directly with him. Gillian is torn apart with having to give up the job she loves but finds the stress of coping unbearable. She knows she is too distracted to clearly assess her situation.

4 Page Three As you might guess, I believe that sponsoring each of these women to enroll in the Women s Wisdom Retreat is an excellent option because each woman: is an important asset to the organization with potential to add significant value now and in the future understands that there is a problem and is asking for help either directly or indirectly through her actions clearly needs to be away from her workplace AND her home environment to sort out her feelings would benefit from tools and sustainable practices that empower her on a consistent, long term basis has, over time, demonstrated a willingness to learn and grow to improve her position within the company In Janine s case, the WWR will give her back her self-esteem leading to significantly increased confidence. She will learn and practice tools for stress management and create a self-designed template for effective decision making that will support her personally and professionally. The biggest benefit of the WWR for Elizabeth will be in uncovering the triggers that sent her off track in the first place. She will learn powerful skills of self-reflection and discernment to dramatically change how she interacts with others and what to do with her reactive emotions. Andrea will find the WWR an excellent resource for understanding why she is unable to set boundaries with others and what keeps her dependent on external validation. She will develop a specific plan for self-acknowledgement and effective methods of dealing with rejection and criticism. For Gillian, the WWR will give her much needed time to reflect on the decision she is facing. She will reconnect with and apply her ability to think through her options from both a logical and emotional perspective. Ultimately her final decision will be made with a clear mind and solid foundation of personal awareness.

5 Page Four Specific Comments from Past Participants: Better focus, attention to work, look outside of the box for problem solving. I believe it impacts the bottom line of a company because you become more focused and deliberate when you are living on purpose. After experiencing the retreat you are more aware of the possibilities that surround you and view obstacles as just things to get around or over, not to stop you. Returned to work with increased focus, positive attitude that improved relationships, and renewed energy; techniques to reduce stress. Better relations with staff, increased collaboration, ability to adapt. By learning to stop sabotaging myself, having the courage to "get out of my own way" and allowing my real self to show up and stand out, my best work could be done and the company's bottom line increased accordingly. Increased engagement in my job, less sick days, increased job satisfaction from knowing my employer supports my health and well being. Biography for Daryl Wood, CPCC "I am intentional about reminding people that they have the capacity to change their thoughts, feelings and beliefs so that they are empowered to live authentic, fulfilling lives." Experience, Education and Accomplishments: Graduate of The Hoffman Quadrinity Process (1997) Facilitator of Women's Self-Empowerment Retreats and Workshops since November 2000 Co-Owner of Healing Rock Retreat since 2000 Extensive study of consciousness work by Caroline Myss, Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, Debbie Ford, Lama Surya Das, Robert Ohotto, Marianne Williamson, Colin Tipping and more Completed The Shadow Process with Debbie Ford (2004) Certified Co-Active Professional Coach with the Coaches Training Institute ( ) Graduate of The Coaches Training Institute's innovative Leadership Program ( ) Certified TED* (The Empowerment Dynamic) Practitioner Published author of four books including So What, Now What? And Little Puffs of Wisdom Wife, mother, grama, sister, auntie, cousin, niece, daughter-in-law, friend