Carolina Blitz - Spring 2024

Carolina

NOBODY OUT- NERDS RALEIGH.

Meet in Raleigh, N.C., for what piques your group’s interest, sparks their joy and fuels their passion. With live music they can’t get enough of, chef-inspired meals that blow them away or exhilarating museum exhibits that cultivate wonder, meeting attendees can fully embrace and celebrate their inner nerds in a place where like-minded folks totally get it.

visitRaleigh.com/meet

VOLUNTEERS

are the heart of our organization

Make a difference. Volunteer today.

Help make a difference in our chapter and shape its future. Volunteering on a committee is a great way to elevate your membership, engage with fellow planners and suppliers, develop your leadership skills, and learn new professional skills.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS NEEDED

Board: Vice President of Education

Marketing & Communications: Social Media Chair

Publications Committee Chair

Membership Engagement: Director of Volunteer Engagement

Auction Committee: 3 positions

___________

Visit mpi.org/Carolinas or email Rachel Whitten, CMP, MPI-CC VP of Member Engagement, rwhitten@greenvillenc.gov for more information on getting involved.

Carolina Blitz

The Carolina Blitz is the official publication of the Carolinas Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and is published quarterly. All contributions, articles, and photographs should be submitted to MPI-CC VP of Marketing & Communications. Send to Melanie Mason, CMP - Melanie.mason35@gmail.com

EDITORIAL AND NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE

VP of Marketing and Communications

Melanie Mason, CMP • EnsembleIQ

Editor

Melanie Mason, CMP • EnsembleIQ

Contributing Writers

Najauna White, CMP, CDE®, Miles Partnership; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University; Cathy Carpenter, Le Meridien Sheraton Charlotte; Lynne Krekelberg, Renaissance Hotel Asheville NC; Kristin Walker, Elon University; Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ; Rachel Whitten, CMP, Visit Greenville NC; Mitch Savoie Hill, SavHill Consulting

Photographer

Mica Parekh, CMP • IWP Photography (Annual Meeting)

Proofreaders

Molly Pusateri, The Management Office; Melanie Mason, CMP, EnsembleIQ; Nicole Filippo, CMP, Duke University

Publisher

Molly Pusateri • The Management Office • molly@themanagementoffice.com

Advertising

Molly Pusateri • The Management Office • molly@themanagementoffice.com

Design

Kistin Creative Studio • 704-724-9188 • kistincreative.com

MPI-CC Web Site: www.mpi.org/carolinas

(3 1/2”W x 9 1/2”H) 3X $400/issue $530/issue 6X $360/issue $490/issue

Full Page 1X $640 $840

(8 1/2”W x 11”H) 3X $620/issue $820/issue 6X $580/issue $780/issue

Full Page Insert 1X $700/issue $910/issue 3X $680/issue $890/issue 6X $640/issue $850/issue

(Produced and provided by advertiser)

There are four issues of the Carolina Blitz published yearly. Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall

NOTE: Rates are published as of January 2023, and are subject to change without notice. All published rates are net non-commissionable. Any cost incurred by the BLITZ for art that is not fully press ready (e.g. reductions, halftones) will be billed to the advertiser, or art that is not press ready may be refused.

DUE DATE: Due by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Artwork is due to the publisher within 10 days after deadline for space reservations.

SEND MATERIALS TO: Molly Pusateri at The Management Office, 1307 West Morehead St, Suite 207, Charlotte, NC 28208 molly@themanagementoffice.com

• Fax: 704-333-6927

For more advertising information contact Molly Pusateri at molly@themanagementoffice.com or 704-377-5648

Visit our website at www.mpi.org/carolinas for additional advertising and sponsorship opportunities!

Inspiring Spaces Igniting Greatness

Centrally located in North Carolina, Winston-Salem is a welcoming meeting destination with a history committed to reinvention and innovation. Named one of the South’s Best Cities on the Rise by Southern Living, Winston-Salem boasts the recently expanded 150,000-square-foot Benton Convention Center in the heart of our vibrant, walkable downtown. Elevate your next event in Benton South’s reimagined meeting space featuring the 24,000-square-foot Gallery Ballroom. Winston-Salem will have you looking forward to playing, meeting, and staying in our hip and historic city. To learn more, contact Christian Schroeder, Director of Sales and Services at Christian@VisitWinstonSalem.com, or Karen Wall, Senior Sales Manager, at Karen@VisitWinstonSalem.com, or visit VisitWinstonSalem.com

5,300 HOTEL ROOMS

1, 200 Downtown

100+

Restaurants

President’s Message

Spring

Najauna White, CMP, CDE ® Miles Partnership MPI-CC President

As Spring blooms around us, it's a reminder that it's time for some spring cleaning at MPI Carolinas Chapter! As we welcome the warmer weather, we're also looking to refresh and update our materials, meetings, and membership experience. This season is about more than just tidying up; it's an opportunity for growth and innovation. We're on a mission to add new resources, sessions, experiences, and members that can help our chapter flourish and engage with the industry in ways that promote both innovation and tradition.

As we spring clean, we are focusing on the importance of building meaningful connections in the meetings and event industry and what that means to our members. We know as a member, you gain access to a valuable network of industry professionals who are dedicated to supporting each other's success, but what else do you need to be successful? Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned veteran, being part of our association should provide you with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive in your career. From networking events to educational workshops, we will continue to evaluate and offer resources and support to help you stay ahead of industry trends and build lasting relationships that can propel your career forward.

So, as we head into Q2, I encourage you to stay active as a member. Staying active and engaged as a member of MPI Carolinas Chapter is key to maximizing the benefits of your membership. Here are some ways you can get involved and build relationships within our community:

Attend our quarterly meetings and events: Join us at networking events, education sessions, and industry conferences to connect with peers and learn from industry experts. Register for GMID and our other events HERE if you still need to.

Engage with our online community: Follow and stay connected with our chapter's online community through social media channels: LinkedIn, Instagram , and Facebook . This is a great way to network with other members, share insights and best practices, stay informed about chapter news and updates – and, OF COURSE, steal some of our great photography from Mica!

Share your expertise and insights: Share your knowledge and insights with our community by presenting at chapter events, writing articles for our newsletter or blog, or participating in panel discussions. This not only helps you establish yourself as a thought leader in the industry but also allows you to connect with other members who share similar interests and challenges.

Volunteer for committees or leadership roles: Get involved in our chapter's initiatives and projects by volunteering for committees or leadership roles. This not only allows you to contribute to the success of our chapter but also provides you with valuable leadership experience and opportunities to connect with other members. We're thrilled to announce the addition of two new board members to our team for the remainder of the year: Our VP of Education & Programming and our Director of Volunteer Engagement. Their dedication and expertise will undoubtedly enrich our chapter and contribute to its ongoing success. We also want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our previous board members for their valuable contributions and support. Thank you for continuing to show up, engage, and welcome new members into our community.

As your president, I am grateful. I am committed to supporting you in your journey as a member of the MPI Carolinas Chapter. Whether you're looking to build relationships, expand your network, or grow your career in the meetings and event industry, I encourage you to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities available as a member. If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for how we can better serve our members, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

OR - If you just want to chat, I'm down for that too!!

Thank you for a great Q1 – Happy Spring!

Our Members

New Member Spotlight

Jason Arnold Explore Cabarrus

Where do you currently work and how long have you been there?

I currently work at Explore Cabarrus CVB and have been on the team since August 2023.

Tell me about your position and the organization you are with.

I am the Sales Manager for Corporate and Association groups for Explore Cabarrus. I assist with group business leads coming into the county in my role. I work to build relationships with partners, bring new business to our hotels and venues, and spread awareness of the incredible options available within Cabarrus County.

What are your hobbies?

I love hiking, travel, and all things exploring. Be that trying out a new local coffee shop, or summiting the nearest mountain peak, I thrive on new adventures. With a young family, North Carolina has been the perfect location for memories to be made, and expeditions to be launched.

Why did you join MPI Carolinas Chapter?

Within my role it is important to invest time and build relationships with key partners; MPI has consistently offered this alongside great educational opportunities.

If you were able to meet a famous person, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Sir Richard Branson. He has lived an incredibly interesting life as an entrepreneur, seemingly creating a multitude of new businesses while having a blast every step of the way. It would be amazing to have the time to pick his brain and try to absorb some of his values that have led him to success.

What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in our industry?

Try a role, experiment, stretch outside of your comfort zone. Be willing to search to find the right fit for you and what you enjoy, and then strive to build value every step of the way in that place. The more you can lift others up, the more valuable you can become in your role, leading to a great career, whether that be as a CVB / hotel / service supplier, meeting planner, or another piece of the meetings & events industry.

What is your ideal vacation/vacation spot?

A tropical beach with crashing waves and coconuts swaying in the palm trees. A snowy mountain ski resort. City hopping in Europe. Anywhere with friends or family, great food, and excessive downtime.

Welcome New Members!

February 2024 - March 2024:

Susan Ballard

HelmsBriscoe

Casey Deans

Jasmine Foust

Discover Durham

Charlotte Grant

Sarah Hubbard

Hilton Beachfront Resort & Spa

Danna Lilly Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau

Anna Monroe AICPA & CIMA

Mike Wise

Marquee Limo and Bus

Lindsay Wood AICPA & CIMA

MPI-CC Anniversaries

20 Years

Catherine Mauldin, CMP (CDM Smith) DESA, Inc.

10 Years

Sarah Davis, CMP

Hickory Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau

Mica Parekh

Mica's Sweets and Treats

5 Years

Shelley Cromartie AICPA

Simone Farrar, CMP

Valerie Ward, CPCE Blackwell St. Mgt/American Tobacco

Rachel Whitten, CMP

Visit Greenville NC

Welcome

The Gastonia Conference Center, located in the revitalized downtown and adjacent to the boutique Esquire Hotel, is a state-of-the-art facility providing 30,000 square feet of tech-savvy space accommodating groups of up to 450 and located only minutes from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

GoGastonNC.org

Why Your Feedback Matters!

Greetings! We hope this message finds you in high spirits and with memories of our recent conference still fresh in your minds. As members of this incredible community, your experiences, thoughts and feedback are invaluable to us. Today, we'd like to shed light on the importance of providing feedback, whether through our post-conference surveys or the sneaky suggestion box lurking on our website.

Why Speak Up? Because We Want to Read Your Minds!

You might be wondering, “Why should I bother with those surveys or that suggestion box?” Well, friends, it's not because we've mastered the art of mind-reading (though that would be quite the superpower). Instead, your feedback helps us tailor our events, services and offerings to meet your needs, preferences and, dare we say, secret wishes. By sharing your thoughts, you're essentially helping us become wizards of event planning, turning your dreams into reality.

The Anonymity Advantage

We get it. Sometimes offering feedback can feel a bit like standing on a stage in front of a spotlight. That's why we've designed our suggestion box to be as anonymous as your favorite masked superhero. Found on our website, tucked away in the shadows under About Us and Board of Directors and Contact Us, this mysterious box is your opportunity to be the hero our chapter deserves, without revealing your identity.

So, go ahead and share your thoughts, ideas or even your wildest event fantasies without fear of judgment. Your input

[Assisted by ChatGPT] Unlock

will be treated with the utmost care and confidentiality, allowing you to be the unsung hero behind the scenes.

The Power of Numbers (And a Dash of Humor)

Did you know that studies have shown a direct correlation between feedback and event success? Okay, we might have just made that up, but humor us for a moment. Imagine if the power of your collective feedback could be measured in laughter, with each suggestion adding a sprinkle of joy to our planning process. The more feedback we receive, the merrier and more successful our events become! Let your creativity run wild, sprinkle some humor into your suggestions, and let's turn our events into the talk of the town.

Your feedback isn't just appreciated; it's downright crucial. By sharing your thoughts, you're helping us create events that cater to your desires, preferences and maybe even whims. So, the next time you stumble upon that suggestion box, don't pass it by like a hidden treasure. Dive in, share your thoughts and let the magic of collaboration unfold.

Thank you for being a vital part of the MPI Carolinas Chapter. We can't wait to hear from you!

Happy Springtime!

We want to hear from

Rachel Whitten, CMP

Visit Greenville NC

MPI-CC VP of Membership Engagement

Share your feedback with the MPI-CC Board of Directors on ways we can enhance your membership at the chapter level. Visit our digital suggestion box

Monthly Meeting Planner

April 11, 2024

Global Meetings

Industry Day (GMID) and Business Exchange

Charlotte Motor Speedway Concord, NC

August 22-23, 2024 Chapter Meeting

Doubletree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Myrtle Beach, SC

Reminder: Deadline for submissions for the next Carolina Blitz is Friday, June 28, 2024. Please submit any articles or photographs to be considered for publication to MPI-CC VP of Marketing & Communications, Melanie Mason, CMP, at Melanie.mason35@gmail.com

Photo by 2hmedia on unsplash

MPI-CC 2023-2024 Board of Directors and Chairs

Leadership

President

Najauna White, CMP, CDE Miles Partnership Najauna.white@gmail.com

Communications

VP of Marketing and Communications

Melanie Mason, CMP EnsembleIQ

Melanie.mason35@gmail.com

Education

Interim VP of Education

Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University nicole.filippo@gmail.com

President-Elect

Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke University nicole.filippo@gmail.com

Immediate Past President

Brandon Crumpton

Key Signature Entertainment brandon@keysignatureonline.com

Chapter Administrator

Molly Pusateri

The Management Office Molly@ themanagementoffice.com

Education Committee Chair

Kristin Walker

Elon University kwalker19@elon.edu

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair

Tessa Barrier, CMP MHI

TBarrier@mhi.org

Professional Certifications Committee Co-Chair

Tarshi McCoy, CMP, CHSP, TMP Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County tmccoy@cravencountync.gov

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Finance

VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Kathryn Short

Visit Raleigh kshort@visitRaleigh.com

DEI Committee Chair

Star Robertson Parks Hospitality Group star.robertson@parkshotels.com

VP of Finance

Karen Wall

Visit Winston-Salem karen@visitwinstonsalem.com

Member Engagement

VP of Member Engagement

Rachel Whitten, CMP

Visit Greenville NC RWhitten@greenvillenc.gov

Tradeshow Committee Chair

Christian Schroeder

Visit Winston-Salem Christian@visitwinstonsalem.com

Auction Committee Chair

Nicole Keshler

Visit Raleigh Nkeshler@visitraleigh.com

Member Engagement Chair

Olivia Terrell

The Flat Iron Hotel oterrell@theindigoroad.com

Look Who We Spotted...

at the February Annual Meeting

March Recap

Empowering Gen-Z+ in Your Multigenerational Workplace

The MPI Carolinas 2024 Annual Meeting, held at the new Embassy Suites by Hilton in Asheville, North Carolina, included an engaging session from Luke Goetting on the Gen-Z+ opportunity.

Luke, an award-winning communications expert and founder of Puffingston Presentation, walked us through how to better understand the multigenerational workforce and maximize the emerging workforce’s talents.

He talked about the “Quiet Quitting” and “Great Resignation” trends and the need to overcome generational stereotypes. By blending and maximizing multigeneration talent pools, managers can improve retention and output.

Providing a deeper dive into getting to know GenZ, Luke highlighted they are digital natives, idealistic, entrepreneurial, flexible and value work-life balance. They look for opportunities to grow via professional development

and learning, and prioritize their output versus the number of hours they are sitting at their desk. They value transparent communication, including clear expectations, understanding the “why,” and high-touch, honest and constructive feedback.

Employers can empower employees to thrive by delivering growth opportunities, transparency and value.

Cathy Carpenter

Le Meridien Sheraton Charlotte

MPI-CC Education and Membership Committees

Reflecting on “Sort It Out”

With a fervent dedication to professional development, Kristin Walker, associate director of employer experience and technology at Elon University's Student Professional Development Center, eagerly shared her expertise at the MPI Carolinas Annual Meeting.

Her session, aptly titled “Sort it Out!,” drew enthusiastic participation from attendees. Building upon the foundation laid by a previous session led by Luke Goetting on empowering Gen-Z in the workplace, Kristin guided participants through an interactive journey of reflection and action.

Against the backdrop of uplifting music, participants embarked on a collaborative journey, sharing insights

and prioritizing key learnings. Attendees harnessed the collective wisdom of the group, distilling it into actionable steps for implementation in their respective workplaces. This engaging session not only empowered attendees to maximize their learnings from the Annual Meeting but also equipped them with a versatile framework applicable to any professional development endeavor. Participants departed with practical strategies to apply their take aways to make meaningful change within their organizations.

Kristin Walker

Elon University

MPI-CC Education Committee

Melanie Mason, CMP

EnsembleIQ

MPI-CC VP of Marketing & Communications

Exploring Audio-Visual: A Collaborative Journey

Many times, the most effective way to learn about a topic such as audio-visual is to let the pros talk about it. At the MPI Carolinas Annual Meeting, we were gifted with insight through a discussion panel moderated by Ricardo Hicks, Jr., CEO of Tech Factory. The panelists, Mike Mincello, business development manager at AVEX Audio Visual; Seth Macchi, CEO of Live Events Media Group (LEMG); Kristie Hicks, lead project manager at Tech Factory; and John Self, national sales manager for American AV; each related their experiences and discussion with a hospitality industry focus.

Highlights from the panel discussion:

What should be included in the RFP process? What questions should planners be asking up front so that they offer the best possible solutions to their clients?

It’s very helpful for planners to include a production schedule and overall scheme of the event including what the end-product will look like. Providing the event schedule will allow for a more accurate quote, including labor, equipment, set up/strike costs. Providing equipment lists from previous events and offering your best guess on the number of attendees that will be in each room is helpful.

materials and manufacturing. These costs should be stabilizing now but will never fall back to 2019 pricing.

The planner should ask as many questions as needed to gain a good understanding of what AV will be needed.

What details should planners provide on AV once the project has been assigned?

AV providers want to know as much as possible about the schedule/timeline for the event. Equipment load-in and load-out time will need to be included in the schedule. Make sure the venue is reserved with enough time for setup and strike. Discuss how often you’d like to meet or discuss the AV component. Add the times for room flips and/or any setup changes into the schedule so the provider can plan accordingly.

Prepare drafted diagrams of the room/space so the AV team can best assess where to place their equipment. Find out from the venue what is allowed and not allowed and if/when additional costs may apply. Ask the venue if the AV company can contact them directly to discuss arrangements.

Many of the new equipment needs and skills arising from hybrid and virtual meetings are considered standard in meetings today.

Planners need to understand that labor costs have significantly increased and this will affect AV quotes. This increase is due to the new technological needs that developed during the pandemic, such as hybrid conferencing, livestream viewing and webcasting. These needs required technicians to develop a hybrid skills base. Many of the new equipment needs and skills arising from hybrid and virtual meetings are considered standard in meetings today. Other costs affected by the pandemic made their way into the AV pricing structure, such as trucking,

Do you ask the planner up front what their AV budget is?

The planner needs to know that the price of AV will be in their final cost workup. It is more helpful for the planner to share their AV budget in the beginning and have a good understanding of what AV pricing looks like (labor, added fees, extra equipment etc.).

Planners tend to ask how to save money on AV. Providers should share how they differentiate themselves from other companies. Do not use the word “discount.” Rather, look for solutions within the event to help strategize costs. For example, if the planner is open to contracting for multiple years, then the AV company can look at offering more benefits/package pricing. Look at the equipment list and make sure the equipment is well suited for the room. A high-end projector may not be needed for a small room, so replacing it with a lower-grade projector will save money

and still get the job done; this is not a discount, but it is a substitution and win-win for both parties. Make sure the planner understands that the initial AV quote may change as the program schedule is finalized and each need is met.

Using an in-house AV team may be cost effective for the planner because if the in-house team is selected, they may receive other benefits, such as a reduced rental fee or reduced Wi-Fi fees. Sharing the AV requirements, where the in-house company manages the small breakouts and the outside company manages the main event, could also be beneficial. The venue may require a minimum AV spend and then anything needed above that can go to an outside company.

What are the most desired tools and apps to use with clients?

Collect a good working email address and phone number for updating everyone. Keep the communication as much as possible in writing so there is a paper trail and point of reference.

Spreadsheets are awesome for good planning and execution. Use a living Word document or Google Doc so that as changes are made in real time, everyone is kept up to date. This is preferred over static PDF files that you need to find and/or save somewhere else.

Utilize Zoom calls so that everyone involved with the planning is in the “room” together for better collaboration. DropBox is used for transferring larger files. Discord Channel is also recommended for communicating with the AV team.

How are multiple AV companies differentiating themselves when multiple RFPs are sent out for the same event?

AV companies should tell their story and build rapport, sharing past experiences and customer feedback. They should talk about their high level of service, attention to details, communication skills, equipment and knowledgeable staff. A company can share how the number of technicians they will have to do each respective task is balanced. In other words, the same

three guys who drove the truck and setup the equipment will not also be running the program tired and sweaty. Each person on the team has a role and all tasks are covered efficiently.

When a planner receives a quote that is lower than all the rest, it will most likely have very different costs associated with the number of labor hours or the type of equipment. Planners should compare each piece of equipment listed so that you are running a fair analysis of the quotes. If one quote is shy on labor hours, ask the company why. Or if one company’s equipment is listed much lower than the rest, ask about that equipment and ask if it will provide the output or clarity expected for the room.

AV companies can look at quotes and explain to you why they are different. Planners need the quote that best represents the program’s specific equipment needs with a time schedule that makes sense.

Lynne Krekelberg Renaissance Hotel, Asheville, NC MPI-CC Education Committee

Meetings Matter

There’s power in convening. Meetings provide undeniable value to people, businesses and communities.

On April 11, join MPI Carolinas, PCMA Southeast, SITE Southeast, IAEE Southeast, TEF NC, AENC, NCTIA, ILEA Greater Charlotte, Charlotte Area Hotel Association, NACE Charlotte, HSMAI NC, and DMA NC at the Charlotte Motor Speedway as we champion the value and importance of professional meetings and events in honor of Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID). The day will include a legislative session, education and a celebration.

GMID, fueled by the U.S. Travel Association’s Meetings Mean Business Coalition, spotlights the proven value that business meetings, conferences, conventions, trade shows and exhibitions bring to businesses, workers and the economy.

Help us show #MeetingsMatter. See you in Charlotte!

Nicole Filippo, CMP Duke Center for International Development MPI-CC President-elect

LINE UP

12:30 Lunch

sponsored by Explore Cabarrus and Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Legislative Session

hosted by the North Carolina Travel Industry Association, about how politics are affecting the meetings industry

1:30 Airlines and the Economic Impact of Group Travel with Tracy Montross from American Airlines

2:30 AI Revolution: Elevating Events with Smart Strategies for Planners and Suppliers with Cynthia Barnes

4:00 Planner & Supplier Panel Discussion on elevating in-person meetings

5:00 GMID Celebration

How to Create an Inclusive Environment

Inclusion is about engaging the people in the room, the team or the audience. It is about making people feel like they belong in the room and are perceived as valuable to the conversations and the activities therein.

How do we create an inclusive environment? How do we foster a culture of belonging and open communication? Sometimes it begins by inviting different types of people to the table and then being brave enough to spark difficult, deep and even uncomfortable conversations.

These are the opportunities in which we learn and stretch our horizons most. These are the conversations that may begin with you asking what you feel may be a “stupid question,” seeking to understand a culture, point of view, or way of life that is foreign to your own.

A colleague once asked me, “What do I call someone like you? Is it Latina, Hispanic or Spanish?”

Are you brave enough to ask a question like that?

In the workplace, having a difficult conversation involves asking the questions you may not like the answers to. A little, or a lot, of discomfort is sometimes what it takes to achieve growth. Just think about building a muscle.

I was not offended. As a matter of fact, no one had ever really asked me that! I was glad she asked. It opened the door for not only clarifying that question for her, but even for myself! I had to research it to make sure I had the correct

answer, and I actually learned a few important things in that process, things I ended up including in my first TEDx Talk on the subject, “Which Box Do I Check? ”

In the workplace, having a difficult conversation involves asking the questions you may not like the answers to. A little, or a lot, of discomfort is sometimes what it takes to achieve growth. Just think about building a muscle.

So, if uncomfortable conversations lead to expansion, why do we avoid them at all costs?

Well, basically, FEAR:

• Fear of looking stupid

• Fear of offending

• Fear of having our own beliefs tested

• Fear we may not like what we hear

• Fear we may not know how to react or what to say

• Fear of bruising a relationship

• Fear of getting shunned

• Fear of getting fired

All of the above are valid fears.

Many clients I work with ask me, “What does it take to have an uncomfortable conversation gracefully?”

It takes:

1. Respect

2. Honest Interest

3. True Attention

4. Intention to learn something new, and

5. A child-like curiosity and wonder

That's right, I said “wonder.” Do you know how a child's face lights up when they ask a question and learn something totally new, something that answers their question and beyond? That look of “Wow!” I love the curiosity of

children. Everything is uncharted territory, something to know more about!

When do we lose that quality of wondrous questioning?

Perhaps when the adults or even our fellow playmates ridicule us for asking. Maybe it was that time the mean kid in class rolled her eyes and yelled out loud, “That's a STUPID question!”

Let me assure you, even if someone rolls their eyes and yells, you can handle it. You can allow yourself to feel novice for just a moment if it means learning something new. In this case, the something new has to do with gaining a better understanding of people, ultimately increasing your personal growth and success.

You can allow yourself to feel novice for just a moment if it means learning something new. In this case, the something new has to do with gaining a better understanding of people, ultimately increasing your personal growth and success.

If you are seeking cooperation and expansion, you may want to have regular roundtable discussions and encourage open communication around challenges and proposed solutions. Let every voice be heard, especially paying attention and making room for the ones that are not as assertive as others. Those voices are valuable and often get disregarded over the louder voices in the room.

So, in summary, to be effective in engaging teams, clients or just everyday people in your life, you may have to dig deep, have uncomfortable conversations, be transparent and be willing to learn. Get out of your box. Get to know other people's stories. We are all individuals with unique backgrounds, life histories, and our share of adversity.

Ask questions with the intent of truly raising your understanding and your cultural intelligence.

Note that your questioning should not sound like a debate. A conversation like this is about communication, an interchange of ideas. It is not a debate, a way for you to prove your side is right.

What if you don't agree?

How do we make a safe space for uncomfortable conversations?

With that same grace and curiosity, you dig deeper and ask questions that at very least will get you to understand why they think as they do. You can always say:

“While I may not agree with that point of view, I understand where you are coming from, and I respect your right to have a different opinion.”

In the workplace, you can always bring in a facilitator or coach to work with the group and smooth these conversations along. We may have more experience in guiding the talks so that they remain productive.

Inclusivity begins with truly understanding who you are trying to include, their beliefs, likes, dislikes, challenges and customs, so that you don't disregard them or discourage their willingness and loyalty.

Cooperation begins with true engagement. True engagement is the beginning of inclusion. Begin by asking deep and meaningful questions with the curiosity and openness of a child. The quality of your questions will determine the quality of your understanding, personal growth and success.

Mitch Savoie Hill, “Engagement Expert”, Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach, and DISC Certified Corporate Trainer is the Founder and CEO of SavHill Consulting.

With over 25 years of experience in Sales, Hospitality, Training and Leadership, she delivers engaging and energetic presentations for any company or group wanting to increase engagement, productivity, and success!

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