Mark Larson Keynote Information

Here are summaries of training sessions and keynotes. Keynotes were given at local, regional, and national conferences. Each session can be customized for the audience. Professional training sessions usually last two hours but can be changed as needed. Keynotes last about one hour and include audience interaction. Examples include:

Conflict

Researchers initially believed conflicts could be "resolved," but later findings show they are rarely fully resolved and are better "managed." Now, we understand that conflicts and their effects are complex. This session will help participants grasp the origins, types, and ways to handle conflicts. It is also important to learn how to prevent conflicts. Skills will be developed in areas like the Drama Triangle, Curse of Knowledge, Framing, and Intention. Additionally, attendees will identify their preferred conflict management styles and how to effectively use them to handle conflicts.

Participants will be asked to recount a minor conflict they recently had with the entire group as a real world example of conflict and conflict resolution.

Feedback--Effective strategies for giving and receiving feedback

One of the toughest parts of leadership is giving and getting useful feedback. When we give feedback, we often think the person isn't good at accepting it. When we receive feedback, we feel the person giving it isn't skilled at sharing it. In this session, participants will learn how to give and receive feedback effectively.

Participants will focus on key triggers, such as Truth, Relationship, and Identity, that can hinder feedback. They will also learn to categorize feedback into Appreciation, Coaching, and Evaluation. By understanding and practicing these concepts, participants will enhance their skills in giving and receiving constructive feedback.

Systems Thinking (Upstream)

We often respond to problems that could be prevented with "Upstream" thinking. If you've ever said, "We need to prevent this from happening again," you understand the difference between upstream and downstream thinking. Be ready to share a similar example.

In this interactive presentation, participants will learn about practical things they can do to be more proactive and less reactive. Problem blindness, lack of ownership, and tunneling will be examined as barriers to upstream thinking. We will also dissect an example from the group and develop upstream solutions.

The Age of the Heart

This presentation outlines the history of "Ages" in America, beginning with the Agricultural Age. During the Industrial Age, most jobs involved manual labor, while the Information Age shifted focus to mental work. Now, we are approaching the Age of the Heart, which will require skills that involve the hands, brain, and especially the heart.

Advocate, Don’t Aggravate

This presentation uses Human Centered Design to help people work through conflicts and struggles without aggravating others. It provides practical advice on how to successfully advocate on your own behalf or advocating for a student, a loved one, etc. 

Emotional intelligence

Emotions are crucial for our daily functioning. Using examples and humor, we’ll explore how emotions impact our lives, the need to know their origins, and how to manage them for better home and work experiences. Primary source: Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett.

Email mark@mjlarsonconsulting.com to arrange a no obligation consultation session to answer questions and discuss pricing.