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Crescendo Inc. Newsletter
Committed to the growth & development of healthy organizations.
In This Issue
Good Learning
Good Fun!
Good Giving!
Good Feedback
In search of... EQ in Action!

Lisa Griebel Photo

 
Working with our strengths is a perfect example of EQ in Action! Research proves that we make our greatest contributions and enjoy our highest level of satisfaction and energy when we use our strengths repeatedly  throughout our lives.

In the context of Emotional Intelligence (EQ)  several EQ competencies are tapped: Emotional Self-Awareness, Self Actualization, Happiness, Optimism, Independence and Flexibility.
 
The Working with Strengths workshop is a structured storytelling process that helps individuals reflect on and share peak experiences from all aspects of their lives. Other participants provide feedback and help to clarify key strengths.
 
For More information about this workshop, please contact Patty Bales.

Note: This workshop is based on the Dependable Strengths Articulation ProcessŪ from the Center for Dependable Strengths, University of Washington, Seattle.

If you are interested in sharing an  EQ in Action story  please contact me. I would like publish it in future newsletters.
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Lisa Griebel
Crescendo Inc
(612) 718-4389
CrescendoInc.com

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Greetings!  

Recently, I attended a wonderful workshop entitled, Working with Strengths (see sidebar for details) offered by Patty Bales, a Twin Cities based Career Consultant.

What stands out most about the experience is that it helped to reinforce what I already knew to be true about my personal strengths but was not consistently applying.

At the end of the day, I was able to describe in detail four core strengths. I feel strong when...
  • I am creating something unique and exciting.
  • I am inspiring others to learn and apply.
  • I am giving back to my community.
  • I am connecting others to value added resources.
And then came the moment of truth...how am I currently using these strengths and where can I use them more often? These are simple questions yet not easy to answer.

Gandhi is quoted as saying, "We must become the change we want to see in the world." For me, using my strengths more often will help me become that change.

Warmly,
Lisa
Good Learning

EQ-i Certification Training

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a critical competence for personal and professional success. Help your clients lead a more successful and satisfying life by developing their EQ.

The EQ-i (Emotional Quotient Inventory) is the first validated assessment to measure emotional/social functioning. It is being used by coaches and consultants worldwide to support life/work coaching and mentoring, organization, leadership and team development.

Certification training will teach you what you need to know to successfully administer the EQ-i. The session is designed to provide hands-on practice to help you internalize and strengthen your skill at analyzing, interpreting and debriefing the EQ-i.

At the end of EQ-i Certification, you will understand the Bar On model and concepts of emotional intelligence as well as the science behind the instrument.
Note: This program has been approved by the Minnesota Board of Psychology for 21 Continuing Education Hours. 

2009 EQ-i Certification Training Dates
  • June 17-19 (registration deadline: May 22)
  • Sep 16-18 (registration deadline: Aug 23)
  • Dec 1-3 (registration deadline: Nov 13)
Note: Classes are limited to 15 participants, so be sure to register early.
Good Books etc...

Check out Lisa's List for a larger selection of books etc.

I am always adding to this list, so be sure to visit often (and let me know what you are reading.)

Here are a few of my current favorites:

Far Arden
by Kevin Cannon (Author, Artist)

FarArdenEarlier this year, I introduced you to Kevin Cannon, a remarkable young artist and graphic novelist. A couple of weeks ago, I had the honor of attending a book signing for his newly released book, Far Arden. You won't be able to put it down!

"Meet Army Shanks - crusty old sea dog and legendary brawler of the high Arctic seas! He's got just one mission: to find the mythical island paradise known as Far Arden, which lies hidden (so they say) in the wintry oceans of the far North. But there's more than just water standing between Shanks and his goal: he'll have to contend with circus performers, adorable orphans, heinous villains, bitter ex-lovers, well-meaning undergraduates, and the full might of the Royal Canadian Arctic Navy! Not to mention he's not so sure how to get to Far Arden in the first place." Read More

The Story Factor
by Annette Simmons (author)

StoryFactorI've been intrigued by the power of storytelling for some time now. And since this played such a critical role in the Working with Strengths workshop I just attended, I thought you might be interested in learning more about it. This is an excellent book - very practical and easy to apply.

"Over one hundred stories drawn from the front lines of business and government, as well as myths, fables, and parables from around the world, illustrate how story can be used to persuade, motivate, and inspire in ways that cold facts, bullet points, and directives can't.

These stories, combined with practical storytelling techniques show anyone how to become a more effective communicator. From "who I am" to "I-know-what-you're thinking," Simmons identifies the six stories you need to know how to tell and demonstrates how they can be applied. This revised edition offers a guide to using storytelling in specific business circumstances, including corporate reorganizations, layoffs, and diversity issues"  Read More

Trombone Player Wanted
Starring: Marcus Buckingham Director: Marcus Buckingham Format: DVD

Ttombone Player WantedI LOVE this DVD set. It is a brilliant short film series that brings his book, Go Put your Strengths to Work alive. I appreciate his ability to creatively demonstrate the strengths messages. This would be a great addition to a small group career development discussion.

"Trombone Player Wanted provides powerful lessons for managers and employees striving to be more productive and more focused today than they were yesterday. It is is a series of six short films (approximately 15 minutes in length) that motivates personal and team performance." Read More
Good Fun!

As Team Leader again this year for the Rein in Sarcoma Party in the Park, I would like to invite you and your family/friends to join us on Monday, July 20th at Como park in St. Paul. We have planned a lot of really great entertainment and activities that include rides on the Como park carousel, Cyril Paul and the Calypso Monarchs, fantastic silent auction, and a ton of activities for young kids.

We are making a difference. Last year we raised more than $80,000 at our summer event. This allowed us to award more than $120,000 in Sarcoma Research Grants to the University of Minnesota Cancer Center this past February.

Background:
This past May, I celebrated my third year of being cancer free! The Rein in Sarcoma organization was extremely helpful to me during my recovery so supporting them as this year's event Team Leader made good sense to me.

The Karen Wyckoff Rein in Sarcoma Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for Sarcoma Cancer.  In eight years, RIS has raised more than $500,000. Sarcoma doctors and researchers at the University of Minnesota Cancer Center use this money to fund research focused on the detection, treatment and cure of this devastating cancer.  We are making a difference.

One of our initial $10,000 research seed grants (made in 2004) led to an award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in excess of $1,700,000 in 2007.  Without the preliminary work funded by our "seed" grant, the Cancer Center would not have been able to apply for this very significant research funding - the largest osteosarcoma study in the country.

Rein-in-Sarcoma is a total volunteer effort. More than 95% of revenues earned go to our charitable mission. Please contact us if you would like to support us as a volunteer or with a tax deductible donation. Both are welcomed.
Good Giving!

Social Responsibility and community service have been core values for Crescendo Inc. from the beginning. Since 1996, we have contributed financially, physically, emotionally and spiritually to many non-profit organizations in Minnesota and around the U.S in the names of our clients.

We know that we have and continue to make a difference. For this reason, Crescendo Inc. rewards you for referrals by giving back to your community!

When someone you refer to Crescendo Inc. completes EQ-i Certification Training, we make a contribution in your name to the non-profit organization of your choice. For more information, contact Lisa Griebel
Good Feedback

"Lisa Griebel, EQ-I practitioner and trainer, delivers with excellence.  Lisa's EQ posture is one of professionalism and authenticity, Lisa ignites others with her wealth of knowledge surrounding Emotional Intelligence and models a participative leadership approach in the EQ-I workshop format.

Lisa creatively illustrates the facets of behavior associated with EQ and instills an invaluable level of understanding and confidence.  Lisa will  positively enhance and elevate an individual's repertoire of emotional intelligence." 
~  Leadership Coach & Consultant

"I was originally certified to use the EQ-i 5 years ago and frequently use it in my consulting practice. Every time I administer the EQ-i, I am reminded how robust the instrument is and how much more there is to learn. Periodically, I seek Lisa's guidance on more challenging EQ-i interpretations. Last year, I decided to attend one of her EQ-i training sessions as a refresh and I am glad that I did. Even though I am EQ-i certified and use it regularly, I learned more than I thought I would.


Lisa is a skilled trainer who has developed and delivers a first-rate learning experience.  Her knowledge and skill using the EQ-i coupled with her attention to details is a clear benefit for all participants. This is evident in the quality and practicality of the materials she has developed and generously shares. She has a relaxed training style that encourages participation and learning.
I went into the Refresh training hoping to learn more about the competencies and left with that along with invaluable tools I have been using ever since. 

I am happy to recommend Lisa's EQ-i training program for first-time certification or a refresh. It was a good investment at a good time."
~  Partner, Leadership Development Consulting

"Lisa Griebel is not only superbly experienced as an EQ-I practitioner, she is also a master facilitator and teacher. She approaches the entire learning experience totally committed to her students and their learning. She approaches the subject of emotional intelligence with keen insight developed over years of experience working with the EQ-I in a broad variety of settings. She makes learning fun, enjoyable, and relevant. If you want to learn how to use this tool to help you in your area of practice, this is THE qualifying workshop for you."
~ Leadership Development Consultant

Testimonials continued
(see bottom of the page)...
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Lisa Griebel
Crescendo Inc