Speaking Topics

Jen Berton, Founder of JMB Coaching / Consulting, is available to speak in small or large group settings on a range of topics. Contact jen@jmbconsultantsllc.com to arrange a session.

Why Every Senior Leader Needs to Operate Like a Chief of Staff

Chiefs of Staff are often described as dot connectors, the “glue” across the leadership team, operational ninjas, change agents, the utility player. They tend to have high EQ, are intellectually curious, and manage up/down/around the organization effectively. They move the ball forward and orchestrate teams and people to achieve common goals. Leaders who possess Chief of Staff traits, lead teams that both thrive and drive results.

Learn how to incorporate core competencies of the Chief of Staff into your leadership approach and management routines.    

  • People: Relationship building, leadership team relations, and leveraging a broad network
  • Diplomacy: Managing through influence, managing up, and navigating difficult conversations
  • Mechanics: Time management, prioritization, concise and transparent communications, project management, and meeting management
  • Magic: The importance of humility, humor, authenticity, and connecting with empathy

Signs of Burnout and Ways to Manage It

Burnout is not a new phenomenon, in fact, it dates back to the mid 1970’s. Fast forward to 2019, more than 40 years later, and The World Health Organization adds burnout to its International Classification of Diseases. Workplace burnout is characterized by three dimensions: 1) feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; 2) increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and 3) reduced professional efficacy. If you are experiencing burnout, you are more likely to take sick days and go to the ER, you are less likely to take problems/issues to management, you are more likely to job search, and overall you are less confident in your job. 

Learn to identify burnout and provide actionable steps to minimize its impact on your overall well-being. 

  • What is burnout? 
  • What causes burnout?
  • How to recognize burnout in yourself and those you manage
  • What can individuals do to manage burnout?
  • What can organizations do to improve conditions that cause burnout?
  • How to harness the power of empathy

10 Tips to Transition from an Independent Contributor to Manager

It’s common practice for independent contributors to get promoted into a management role with little or no training. This can create a “sink or swim” mentality. Unfortunately, managers without the proper support can produce under-performing teams with low engagement and high turnover. This is costly to the organization in hard dollars and to employees who are on the receiving end of poor management. As a new manager, it’s critical to start off on the right foot and establish a rapport with your team that leverages a mix of soft and hard skills. 

Learn 10 ways to lead people and teams successfully.

  1. Building Relationships & Supporting Team Members
  2. Communicating Clearly, Frequently & Authentically
  3. Managing Time & Prioritization
  4. Delegating Responsibilities
  5. Project Management that Empowers 
  6. Holding People Accountable
  7. Giving Constructive Feedback
  8. Conflict Resolution
  9. Goal Setting
  10. Mentorship that Matters