2020 Playbook

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW Southwest Michigan First believes the ultimate catalyst for our region’s growth is a transformational strategy to attract, retain and develop talent. We must identify, engage and empower leaders with the kind of business acumen, strategic agility and civic mindset needed to ensure our region’s shared prosperity. To support talent development in the region, we have expanded our suite of leadership programs and introduced a series geared toward an often overlooked and yet critical segment of the workforce: mid-level managers.

Mid-level managers navigate a unique set of opposing tensions tied to their organizational positions.

How to lead while following? How to manage up, down and laterally at the same time? How to balance one’s own professional ambition while coaching others for performance?

Navigating the tensions inherent to seats in the middle can leave this unique group of talent feeling disengaged and dissatisfied with their work—and the downstream effects can be significant. Middle managers can make or break talent retention efforts, healthy work cultures and effective change initiatives, to name a few. Furthermore, with flatter organizational structures trending, professionals navigating the mid-zone of their organizations are doing so with fewer peers to lean on.

So how can this critical pool of talent stay focused on performance…and truly thrive? A cohort of dynamic peers, intentional skill development and a toolkit to support success can move the middle from isolated to inspired.

Geared toward professionals juggling the complex demands of middle management, managing from the Middle will explore what it takes to thrive as a leader of others while maintaining energy amidst the “squeeze” of it all, and lay the groundwork for the next phase of career.

Program Structure managing from the Middle will convene four times from September through December 2020 for full-day (8:30 am to 3:00 pm), interactive, retreat-like sessions held at Southwest Michigan First’s Catalyst Center in downtown Kalamazoo. Sample discussion topics include: Energy Budgeting: Burnout Prevention for You and Your Team Coaching from the Middle The Trust Equation: Balancing Accountability and Empathy Push Me, Pull Me: Navigating Power Dynamics Leading from Your Sphere of Influence Thriving Through Change

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Ideal Participant managing from the Middle is designed to support, equip and inspire middle managers as they navigate some of the trickiest tensions that animate their roles. Ideal participants for the 2020 cohort will have:

a mid-level position within his/her organization with direct supervisory responsibility; sincere interest in expanding skills within his/her current position and desire for professional

advancement; and full support of his/her supervisor or organization to attend all four sessions.

Applications are competitive and must be submitted online by August 1, 20120.

Investment The financial investment for the program is $1,750 per participant. Payment is due by September 24, 2020.

Additional Details Each session will be held at Southwest Michigan First’s Catalyst Center, located at 261 East Kalamazoo Avenue, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007. Light breakfast and a catered lunch will be served at each session.

PROGRAM CONTACT Questions? Contact Gretchen Slenk for more information at 269.303.5493 or gslenk@southwestmichiganfirst.com.

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2020 Schedule for managing from the middle September Session 1: The Energy Squeeze

Thursday, September 24, 2020 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at the Catalyst Center Self-Development…While Developing Others Self-Care…While Practicing Servant Leadership

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October Session 2: The relationship squeeze Thursday, October 15, 2020 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at the Catalyst Center Taking Care of Business…While Putting Relationships

First Maintaining Accountability…While Showing

Professional Empathy

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November Session 3: The POWER Squeeze Thursday, November 5, 2020 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at the Catalyst Center Managing Up…While Managing Down (…and Sideways) Empowering Others…While Managing the Limitations

of Your Own Power

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December Session 4: The change Squeeze Tuesday, December 1, 2020 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at the Catalyst Center Leading Change…While Keeping the Peace Casting Vision…While Maintaining Status Quo

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