Jennifer Mitchell Earley

Each year, leaders (i.e. Chairmen, Chief Executive Officers, Executive Directors, Presidents, etc.) in public and private sector reflect on their past year; evaluate relationships; examine areas where time, money, and energy were invested; evaluate whether or not the goals set were reached; and, if not, revise new ones accordingly. This is referred to as Strategic Planning which is an organization’s process of identifying its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy, including its capital and people (Wikipedia.com).  Simply stated, it is the process of determining your long-term goals and then identifying the best way to achieve those goals. The State of the Union Address is an example of Strategic Planning.  The President outlines where we’ve been as a country (our nation’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats); where we’re going (our goals, key initiatives, reforms, etc.); and how, specifically, their administrati

When you’ve been doing something for a period of time, it’s easy to get bored.  I’ve been doing adult learning, in one form or fashion (Trainer, Instructional Designer, Professor, Facilitator, Presenter, Author, Minister, and Learning and Development Consultant), for twenty years.  One thing that I’ve always loved about my profession is the autonomy that I have to design programs that engage participants by encouraging them to think outside of the box (sometimes getting their hands dirty), and to synthesize, apply, and retain new information (otherwise known in the industry as “transfer of training”). I like to have a good time. I don’t enjoy talking “at” individuals- I’d much rather engage them in a discussion and take them on a journey.  Training can get stale.  Can you remember a time when learning was engaging or how excited (motivated) you were when you discovered some new, impactful information? Of course you do- that’s the point! I’ve delivered a communication/bonding session fo

I don't like change.  There, I said it. However, while I don't "like" change, I know that it is necessary. Anything that doesn't evolve and grow, dies.  As a Learning and Development Consultant, I have helped countless employees, supervisors, managers, and stakeholders embrace, adapt to, and, ultimately thrive under changing circumstances, expectations, and/or outcomes.  As an Elected Official, I've done the same with my colleagues, constituents, and partners. And as a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, I've even had to challenge my own preconceived notions, negative thoughts, and fears regarding change.   Around 4th quarter of 2017, I began to feel the slight breeze of change.  Up until that point, I was content - I had a great opportunity to make good money and an impact professionally. Despite this, I knew deep down inside that change was coming.  By July 2018, the gentle breeze of change turned into wind gusts... and everything that could be sh

The New Oxford Dictionary defines conflict as  “a serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one”.  The very connotation of conflict is negative, but conflict can actually be good for organizations as it encourages creative, out-of-the box thinking and open-mindedness.  Thus, avoiding the tendency toward groupthink. Whenever you have a group of individuals with different frames of reference, experiences, ideas, and expertise working together, the opportunity for conflict exists.  However, conflict isn't necessarily a bad thing.  Healthy and constructive conflict is a component of high-functioning teams. When people with varying viewpoints and opinions come together, this collaborate effort can provide highly successful results. However, to reconcile their differences, team members must be willing to try new things or to hear and consider new ideas. Conflict, by itself is not destructive, but the way that conflict is handled can be debilitating.  Effective leaders und

I’m a big proponent of setting expectations. As a Learning and Development Consultant for over 20 years, I have yet to encounter a leader, supervisor, frontline manager, or individual contributor who has not felt flustered and discouraged when expectations, roles, and responsibilities are not clearly defined. Everyone benefits from clear expectations, relevant work knowledge, and clearly documented processes and procedures - even Elected Officials. # Adopted # Resolution2019 -28

In 1997 as a new Elected Official, I was thankful to have my dad to help me navigate my first four-year term.  My dad’s guidance helped me steer clear of the slippery slopes that entice, entangle, and sometimes envelop novice elected officials... Nearly fourteen years into my career, I truly understand how vital it was to have had the tutelage of my dad.  For many newly elected officials, it’s an exciting yet overwhelming period.  Without having prior political knowledge or the wisdom of a mentor, this begins the “sink or swim” or “trial by fire” season of their political life. As a learning and development consultant with over 20 years of experience designing, developing, and delivering training programs, I can attest to the necessity of providing individuals with the opportunity, encouragement, and tools/training that they need to succeed.  To this end, I developed a handbook to assist Council by documenting acceptable practices and clarifying expectations to help our colleagues car

My mother always told me that “action speaks louder than words”.  Going all in as a leader requires action.  It requires showing up each day, with a positive, steady, appreciative, team-focused attitude and open mind.  The people that you lead and/or serve see through vain repetitions, hollow accolades, and false bravado/humility.  Authenticity cultivates trust - actions speak louder than words. True leaders lead by example. They cultivate an environment where others feel safe and inspired to go all in, because that’s the attitude that they see demonstrated each day.  Positive energy begins with being grateful. Be grateful for the opportunities and the challenges; the contributions made by others, the complimentary strengths of the team as a whole, and the ability to serve others (clients, constituents, customers, etc.). Gratefulness goes a long way as it relates to having a positive outlook and impact on those around you.    hashtag # leadershipmatters How To Go All In As A Leader W

As an Elected Official, I have always believed in the importance of keeping my constituents informed.  So much so that for the last 10 years I have provided my residents with a monthly, quarterly, or semiannual newsletter containing news that they can use on policies, processes, laws, budget, state and federal issues, municipal matters, etc. No tax payer dollars have been used for the production or dissemination.  Rather, the newsletters are paid for and delivered to each resident by me.  This was something instilled in me by my father who did the same throughout his 25-year record of public service. Knowledge is power and I want my electorate (home owners and apartment dwellers) to be actively engaged in order to effectively participate in our local democracy. Keep in mind, your target audience won't always come to meetings, town halls, or events.  Some won't visit your website due to capability, access, or other issues.  Various avenues should be used to provide relevant inf