An ancient martial arts approach to modern leadership challenges

This is what people say about our workshop: "Chaos to Kata: Leading with Focus & Flexibility" "Super Amazing & Wonderful experience!!" "Loved the experiential format" "Excellent transition between kata and the nature of work and/or professional work." "The doing portions were fantastic. It was well presented and engaging. I am interested in hearing more about creating mushin." "Really enjoyed the connection between mind, body and experience" "I loved this experience and feel it will vastly change future interactions with clients. I appreciated that you didn't "tell" us what to experience but forced us to what actions and reactions mean on our own." "I enjoyed the combination of lecture and "physical" activity combined as it assisted with the retention of the material" "Very fun and interactive workshop. Enjoyed the examples and then getting to practice." "It was helpful to engage with the material in various ways - talking, listening, watching and doing." Martial Arts for Leaders? Here is Why and How:

For those in stressful job roles, dealing with  the challenges of interacting with needful clients, co-workers and employees can lead to burnout,  anxiety and a loss of meaning at work. Existing role stereotypes can also encourage perceptual bias and tunnel vision, preventing leadership effectiveness and quality work relationships.  The fresh approach taken in this workshop teaches 1) a simple yet powerful set of physical and mental activities that enables increased mindfulness and of ones’ own reactions and  2) a practical kata (process)that helps to act and react with both focus, flexibility calm authority in challenging situations. Based on a mind and body movement approach, the workshop is derived from principles of Japanese martial arts that reinforce current management research about mindfulness and body language. As an active participant, you will learn how to effectively deal with intense, chaotic and conflict-filled situations by applying a mindset free of preconceptions, yet high in awareness and attention to the situation at hand. In a safe and friendly environment, you will develop and practice a leadership kata which can be applied in a wide variety of situations, improve relationships and reduce the perception of stress. All persons in business leadership positions, as well as healthcare and non-healthcare positions are encouraged to register and attend. To sign up for this unique leadership workshop at the Washtenaw Community College please click here. Social Workers can get 4 contact hours as approved by the Michigan Social Work Continuing Education Collaborative. Facilitators: Nicklaus Suino, JD, is an author, certified martial arts instructor, has taught martial arts since 1986 and consulted for businesses since 1998.  Andrea Derler, MA, has trained and coached leaders in local and international settings since 2006. She is currently writing her PhD dissertation in Economics (Leadership & Organization).