A new year brings fresh opportunities to grow your childcare community. Gaining enrollment isn’t about relying on the same tactics—it’s about stepping up your game with creativity, authenticity, and a focus on building meaningful connections. Let’s explore some bold strategies to help you stand out in 2025: 1. Stop Trying to Be Unique—Start Being Relatable Forget buzzwords and clichés. Parents don’t need to hear you’re “the best” or “unique.” They want to understand how your center aligns with their family’s values and needs. Showcase what makes you special in a way that feels personal and real: Share moments that matter.  Post genuine stories of joy, learning, and connection happening at your center. Answer the unspoken questions.  Parents often wonder, "Will my child feel safe and loved here?" Use your messaging to address these concerns with empathy and clarity. Show your humanity.  Parents connect with people, not perfection. Let your passion and personality shine through in everything you do. 2. Redefine Community Engagement Move beyond the traditional open house. Host immersive experiences that give families a true taste of your center’s atmosphere. Consider these ideas: A “Day in the Life” event where parents can engage in hands-on activities with their children. Parent workshops or Q&A sessions hosted by your educators. Pop-up community art shows or family movie nights on your grounds. 3. Take a Leap with Storytelling Imagine telling a story that parents can picture their child living in—something that speaks directly to their hearts. Instead of simply saying, “We offer small class sizes,” try this: “In our classrooms, your child will feel seen, supported, and inspired to explore their creativity in a warm and caring environment.” It’s not just about listing facts; it’s about helping families envision their child thriving, laughing, and growing under your care. 4. Revolutionize Your Digital Presence Ensure your website and social media reflect the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of your center. Feature video tours, interactive FAQs, and mini-stories about what makes your center special. Think of every online interaction as a chance to build trust and excitement among prospective families. 5. Think Big About Little Details Sometimes, it’s the smallest touches that leave the biggest impression: Tailored follow-ups:  Use IntelliKid Systems to send personalized follow-up emails and texts to prospective families after tours. A personal touch, like mentioning something their child seemed to enjoy, can make a huge difference.  Memorable gifts:  Consider giving new enrollees a small welcome kit. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression. The new year is a blank slate, and your childcare center holds the pen. By reimagining how you present your center to the world, you’ll not only boost enrollment but also build a community of families who feel truly connected to your vision. What’s your first bold move in 2025?

The new year is here, and it’s bursting with possibilities. This January, let’s not just ease into the year—let’s energize it! Your child care center is a hub of growth, creativity, and connection, and now is the perfect time to embrace bold, fresh ideas that set the stage for an extraordinary year. 1. Turn Over a New Leaf—Literally! Why not give your classroom a mini-makeover? Introduce a rotating "discovery wall" where children's art, seasonal nature finds, or family photos take center stage. Simple changes like rearranging a reading nook or introducing a sensory garden can breathe new life into your space. 2. Dream Big with Your Team Start the year by hosting a “vision casting” session with your staff. Ask them to share one wild idea they’d love to implement this year. It could be as simple as a kindness challenge or as ambitious as launching a mini science fair. Harness their enthusiasm and make it happen together. 3. Shake Up Parent Engagement Host a “New Year, New Connections” family night where parents can learn about your plans for 2025 and share their own goals. Bonus: Add a fun activity, like creating family vision boards or a time capsule to revisit at year’s end. 4. Celebrate What’s Fresh Introduce a “Firsts and Favorites” bulletin board for the children and staff to share something new they’re excited to try and something they already love about the center. Highlighting these small joys can set a positive tone for the year ahead. 5. Invest in a Culture of Curiosity Instead of sticking to the usual professional development, shake things up with an interactive workshop on storytelling, mindfulness, or even yoga for kids. Fresh ideas don’t just engage staff—they transform your entire center. This isn’t just another year. It’s the year to dream boldly, act creatively, and build an environment that nurtures children, empowers staff, and connects families in meaningful ways. Let’s make 2025 the year your center thrives like never before. What bold steps will you take to transform your space, your practices, and your impact?

Change and growth are inevitable parts of life, and transitions—whether in leadership, personal endeavors, or workplace settings—offer opportunities to reflect and move forward with renewed purpose. While times of change can bring uncertainty, they also provide a chance to embrace new beginnings and make positive strides. One of the most important aspects of navigating transitions is understanding their potential for growth. Whether it’s stepping into a new role, adapting to shifts in leadership, or setting fresh goals, these moments invite us to think about what we value most and how we want to move forward. For example, a change in leadership—whether in a community, an organization, or even on a national level—reminds us of the power of collaboration and shared purpose. Each person’s contribution matters, and focusing on shared goals can help build a brighter, more unified future. As we step into this season of new beginnings, consider these strategies for thriving in times of transition: Embrace the Unknown:  Change often involves stepping out of our comfort zones. Approach it as an opportunity to learn and grow, even if the path forward isn’t entirely clear. Set Clear Intentions:  Use this time to reflect on your goals and values. What do you want to achieve? What steps will help you get there? Whether it’s personal growth, professional development, or contributing to a larger cause, clarity can provide direction. Focus on Connection:  Transitions are often easier when navigated together. Build and maintain relationships that support collaboration, empathy, and mutual respect. Adapt and Innovate:  Change can spark creativity. Use it as a catalyst to explore new ways of thinking or approaches to problem-solving. Flexibility and openness to new ideas are key to thriving during transitions. Ultimately, transitions—whether large or small—are part of our shared human experience. They challenge us to grow, encourage us to contribute, and inspire us to think about the kind of future we want to create. By embracing these moments with optimism and a focus on growth, we can navigate change with resilience and purpose. As you look ahead to the coming months, what changes will you embrace, and how will you make the most of this season of transformation? The possibilities are endless, and the time to start is now.

A new year is upon us, and with it comes the promise of fresh beginnings and endless possibilities. As we turn the page to 2025, we have the chance to reflect on what we want to bring into our lives and how we can thrive in the months ahead. Whether you’re someone who embraces resolutions, chooses a guiding word, or creates vision boards, the start of the year is an ideal time to align your intentions with your dreams. Finding Your Approach Everyone has a unique way of welcoming the new year, and there’s no one-size-fits-all method. What matters most is finding a practice that resonates with you and empowers you to focus on what truly matters. Here are a few popular techniques to consider: 1. The Word of the Year Many people find inspiration in choosing a single word to guide their actions and decisions throughout the year. This word serves as a compass, reminding you of your goals and values. Words like "growth," "balance," "courage," or "joy" can be transformational, providing clarity and focus. Spend some time reflecting on what you want to cultivate in 2025 and see what word comes to mind. 2. Resolutions with a Twist Resolutions often get a bad rap for being hard to maintain, but they can be powerful when approached thoughtfully. Instead of creating a long list, try setting one or two meaningful and specific goals. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps to make them feel achievable. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. 3. Vision Boards A vision board is a creative and visual way to bring your dreams to life. Gather magazines, print images, or use digital tools to compile pictures and words that represent your goals and aspirations. Display your board where you can see it daily, allowing it to serve as a reminder of the life you’re working to create. Many people find that visualizing their dreams helps them stay motivated and focused. 4. Journaling Intentions Writing down your thoughts, hopes, and plans for the year can be a powerful way to set your intentions. Use prompts like “What do I want to feel this year?” or “What’s one thing I can commit to that will improve my life?” Journaling helps clarify your priorities and gives you a tangible record to reflect on as the year progresses. Experiment and Thrive There’s no right or wrong way to approach the new year. The key is to try something that excites and motivates you. Maybe you’ll discover that a word of the year provides the focus you need, or perhaps creating a vision board sparks your creativity. The beauty of this time of year is the opportunity to experiment and see what works for you. As we step into 2025, let’s embrace the possibilities before us with open hearts and determined spirits. Whatever method you choose, let it guide you toward a year of growth, joy, and fulfillment. Here’s to thriving in 2025!

As we wrap up a busy and successful year in the childcare industry, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our achievements, assess challenges, and prepare for the year ahead. At IntelliKid Systems, we’re excited about the innovations we have in store for 2025 and the positive impact they’ll have on childcare centers and the dedicated professionals who lead them. We recently hosted a webinar, “A Look Ahead: IntelliKids.ai and What to Expect in 2025,”  where we shared key insights and gave our community a sneak peek into the future of childcare management. If you missed the live session, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Catch the full recording here  and discover how our upcoming tools and technologies will support your center’s success in the year ahead. Here’s a quick rundown of what we covered during the webinar: 2024 Highlights: A Year of Progress and Innovation This year has been full of growth and progress, and we took the time to reflect on the major releases of 2024 that have already had a positive impact on our IKS community. These innovations have helped childcare centers streamline operations, reduce administrative workload, and focus more on providing the highest quality care for children. From new features in our platform to enhancements that make daily tasks easier, 2024 has been a year of transformation. We’re proud of the work we’ve accomplished and even more excited about what’s to come. Exclusive Sneak Peeks: Meet IntelliKids.ai One of the most exciting advancements we’re unveiling is IntelliKids.ai , our AI-powered product designed to act as a virtual assistant for childcare centers. IntelliKids.ai doesn’t just automate basic processes—it works alongside you, helping manage essential tasks so your staff can focus on what matters most: providing high-quality care for children. This powerful tool will revolutionize how your team handles administrative duties, freeing up valuable time to devote to the success of your childcare center. From managing enrollment inquiries to automating follow-ups and organizing scheduling, IntelliKids.ai is designed to support every aspect of your center’s operations. What’s Next for 2025? As we look to the future, we’re focused on providing even more ways for childcare professionals to thrive in 2025. The innovations we’ve shared in this webinar are just the beginning, and we’re excited to continue supporting you with powerful tools, thoughtful strategies, and expert guidance. Let’s Shine and Thrive in 2025!  Watch the Webinar Recording If you missed the live session or want to revisit any part of it, the webinar recording is now available! Take the opportunity to watch it at your convenience and gain a deeper understanding of how IntelliKid Systems can make your work more efficient, impactful, and successful in 2025. Watch the webinar recording here . At IntelliKid Systems, we are committed to empowering childcare professionals, helping you achieve your goals with innovative technology and resources. If you have any questions or need further information about the new tools and features mentioned in the webinar, feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way! Stay tuned for more exciting updates, and let’s make 2025 a year to remember!

In the dynamic world of childcare management, every decision holds the potential to shape the success of a center. That’s why the IntelliKid Systems Academy was thrilled to host Brian and Carol Duprey for our recent webinar, Avoiding Costly Mistakes . With decades of experience and a passion for empowering childcare leaders, Brian and Carol delivered invaluable insights to help center owners and directors navigate the complexities of running a successful business. Meet Brian and Carol Duprey: Champions of Childcare Leadership Brian and Carol Duprey are no strangers to the challenges and rewards of the childcare industry. With 27 years of experience running 10 highly successful childcare centers in central Maine, they have turned their hard-earned lessons into a mission: to help other childcare leaders thrive. As Certified John Maxwell Child Care Coaches and creators of Child Care Genius—the world’s #1 community for visionary childcare leaders—Brian and Carol have become trusted advisors in the field. Their approach combines practical strategies with a focus on mindset, profitability, and growth, making them a beacon of wisdom for childcare professionals everywhere. Key Takeaways from the Webinar The webinar was packed with actionable strategies and real-world examples to help attendees sidestep common pitfalls. Some highlights included: Navigating Financial Challenges:  Brian and Carol emphasized the importance of understanding financial metrics, controlling costs, and ensuring sustainable growth. Their insights on avoiding overspending and maximizing resources were eye-opening for both new and seasoned leaders Building a Resilient Team:  Effective leadership begins with creating a positive and empowered workplace culture. The Dupreys shared their proven methods for hiring, training, and retaining high-performing staff, while avoiding the costly mistakes that can lead to turnover. Streamlining Operations:  From licensing compliance to daily operations, they highlighted the importance of systems and processes that prevent chaos and save time. The Power of Community:  One of the standout themes was the value of learning from others. “Learning from your own mistakes is experience; learning from others’ mistakes is wisdom,” Brian and Carol reminded us. Their dedication to fostering a collaborative community through Child Care Genius is a testament to this philosophy. A Bright Future for Childcare Leadership Brian and Carol’s passion for helping others succeed is evident in everything they do. Their deep understanding of the industry, combined with their approachable and relatable teaching style, has transformed the way many leaders think about childcare management. As we look ahead, the insights they’ve shared serve as a roadmap for avoiding common pitfalls and building thriving childcare businesses. Their message is clear: with the right guidance and a commitment to continuous learning, every childcare leader can achieve their goals. Our Gratitude to Brian and Carol A heartfelt thank you to Brian and Carol Duprey for sharing their expertise and inspiring us all to lead with wisdom and confidence. Their impact on the childcare community is immeasurable, and we’re honored to have had them as part of IntelliKid Systems Academy webinar guests. If you missed the webinar or want to revisit their insights, watch it here . Schedule a demo with IntelliKid Systems here .

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. For young children, it can also bring disruptions to routines, heightened emotions, and the challenge of managing excitement and change. As educators and caregivers, we have the opportunity to help children navigate this season while building resilience—an essential skill for their emotional well-being. Why Resilience Matters Resilience helps children cope with challenges, adapt to change, and develop confidence. These qualities are vital during the holidays, a time filled with both anticipation and unpredictability. By fostering resilience, we can help children embrace the season’s joys while managing its complexities. Holiday-Themed Strategies to Build Resilience Incorporate Holiday Routines: Keep routines as consistent as possible while weaving in festive traditions. For example, designate a daily storytime to read holiday-themed books that explore themes of kindness, perseverance, and family. Stories like How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  or The Mitten  offer great opportunities for discussions about emotions and problem-solving. Create a Calm Corner with Seasonal Touches: Set up a "calm corner" decorated with soft, holiday-themed items like plush snowflakes or wintry colors. Stock it with sensory tools, such as fidget toys or stress balls, to help children regulate emotions when they feel overwhelmed. Encourage Gratitude and Giving: Help children develop a positive outlook by focusing on gratitude and giving. Create a "kindness tree" where children can add leaves or ornaments noting acts of kindness they’ve performed or received. This activity reinforces connection and empathy. Involve Families in Resilience-Building Activities: Host a family night where caregivers and parents can join in creating "resilience jars." Each family decorates a jar and fills it with affirmations or strategies for handling stress, like deep breathing or counting to ten. Plan Festive Group Activities: Collaborative holiday projects, such as decorating cookies or creating a mural of winter scenes, help build teamwork and a sense of belonging. These activities foster peer connections, which are critical for resilience. Model Holiday Stress Management: The holidays can be stressful for everyone, including caregivers. By demonstrating calmness and flexibility during busy times, you show children how to handle unexpected situations. Share simple mantras like “We can figure this out together” to reinforce problem-solving skills. Looking Forward to a Resilient New Year As the holiday season transitions into the new year, consider ways to make resilience- building an ongoing part of your program. Introduce monthly themes, such as perseverance in January or kindness in February, to keep emotional well-being at the forefront. This holiday season, let’s give the gift of resilience. By helping children develop these critical skills, we’re empowering them to embrace life’s joys and challenges with confidence. Together, we can make this a season to remember—for all the right reasons.

The holiday season is a magical time filled with joy, but it can also be a time of learning and connection. In a world rich with diverse cultures and traditions, child care centers have the unique opportunity to celebrate inclusivity by honoring the varied ways families mark this special season. Here are some practical strategies to create a holiday environment that respects and celebrates the beautiful diversity within your community. 1. Learn About the Families You Serve The first step to honoring diverse traditions is understanding the cultural and religious backgrounds of the children and families in your center. Send out a simple questionnaire or have conversations with families to learn about their holiday practices. Showing interest sets the stage for an inclusive and respectful celebration. 2. Incorporate Multi-Cultural Decor Move beyond traditional holiday themes by incorporating symbols and decorations that reflect various cultural celebrations. From Diwali lamps to Hanukkah menorahs, Kwanzaa kinaras to Christmas trees, your center can become a visual celebration of diversity. 3. Host a "Traditions Around the World" Event Invite families to share their holiday customs, foods, or stories during a special event. This could include craft stations where children can create items like paper lanterns, dreidels, or unity cups, fostering hands-on appreciation for different traditions. 4. Read Inclusive Stories Books are a wonderful way to introduce children to different holiday traditions. Consider adding titles like Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat  (Hanukkah), Li'l Rabbit's Kwanzaa , or The Legend of the Poinsettia  (Christmas) to your storytime rotation. These stories not only entertain but also educate. 5. Be Mindful of Language Use inclusive language when discussing holidays. Instead of saying “Merry Christmas” as a default, consider phrases like “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings.” This small shift acknowledges the variety of celebrations happening at this time of year. 6. Highlight Common Themes Focus on universal holiday themes like kindness, giving, and family. These values resonate across cultures and can create a shared sense of community, even as individual traditions are celebrated. 7. Engage Staff in Inclusion Planning Encourage your staff to brainstorm and contribute ideas for inclusive holiday activities. Their input, especially if they represent diverse backgrounds, can enrich the experience for everyone. 8. Keep Communication Open Ensure families know your center’s goal is to celebrate inclusivity, not to impose specific beliefs or practices. Be transparent about your plans, and invite feedback to ensure all voices are heard. 9. Respect Those Who Don’t Celebrate While celebrating holidays can be exciting, it’s important to respect families who don’t observe certain traditions for personal, cultural, or religious reasons. Offer opt-out options for activities and create alternative plans to ensure all children feel comfortable and included. 10. Model Curiosity and Respect Children learn from watching adults. Model genuine curiosity and respect when discussing different traditions. Emphasize the value of learning about and appreciating what makes each family unique. By thoughtfully incorporating diverse traditions into your holiday celebrations, your center can become a beacon of inclusivity. When children see their own cultures reflected and learn to appreciate others, they grow into empathetic and open-minded individuals—a gift that will last a lifetime.

The holidays are a time of wonder, connection, and celebration—a perfect opportunity to bring families, children, and staff together in the spirit of community. In child care settings, fostering these joyful connections can create lasting memories and strengthen the bonds within your center. Here are some simple and meaningful ways to celebrate the season with families and staff while building a sense of togetherness. 1. Highlight Diverse Traditions The holidays mean different things to different families. Create an inclusive environment by inviting families to share their traditions. Consider hosting a “Holiday Around the World” week, where children and staff can learn about and participate in diverse cultural celebrations. This not only fosters inclusivity but also enriches the learning experience for everyone. 2. Organize a Family Giving Project Nothing brings people together like giving back. Collaborate with families and staff on a community project, such as collecting toys, coats, or food for local charities. These acts of kindness can instill a sense of purpose and unity, reinforcing the true spirit of the season. 3. Host a Cozy Holiday Gathering Invite families to a low-stress holiday event, like a hot cocoa and storytime evening, or a cookie decorating party. Keep the focus on connection rather than perfection. Simple, heartfelt activities go a long way in making everyone feel included and valued. 4. Celebrate Staff Contributions Your team works hard all year—use this season to show your appreciation. Host a staff luncheon, give personalized thank-you notes, or surprise them with small tokens of gratitude. Even a few heartfelt words can make your team feel recognized and valued. 5. Create Keepsakes with the Children Holiday crafts, such as ornaments or handprint art, can double as treasured gifts for families. These simple activities not only engage the children but also provide parents with a tangible reminder of the joy their child experienced at your center. 6. Deck the Halls Together Transform your center into a winter wonderland! Get children, staff, and even families involved in decorating. From stringing lights to crafting paper snowflakes, the process can be just as enjoyable as the end result. 7. Prioritize Connection Over Perfection The holiday season can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to focus on connection rather than perfection. Keep celebrations simple, focus on shared experiences, and remember that the warmth and joy you create are what matter most. By embracing the holiday season as an opportunity to celebrate together, you’ll not only create joyful moments but also build stronger relationships within your child care community. Let the season’s magic remind us all of the power of connection, generosity, and shared purpose. Wishing you and your child care family a holiday season fill ed with joy and togetherness!

Chanie Wilschanski is an Early Childhood Leadership Coach and the CEO of Schools of Excellence. Chanie has worked with hundreds of ECE Directors and School Owners who are working to build a School of Excellence with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, and collaborative culture. Re-watch the recording HERE . If you have previously registered, it will launch right away; if not, just re-register and it will immediately play! On our webinar A Conversation with Chanie: Creating Culture and Community in your Center, Chanie shared her thoughts on: Gratitude Matrix Turnover is a problem in every industry. The average turnover rate in early childhood is about 30%, but most schools have an average turnover rate at 50%. The more you increase in gratitude, the less call outs you will see. The change that you want to see starts with the leader. There is a difference between gratitude and appreciation. Gratitude is specific. If you praise a teacher and can go to the next teacher and say the exact same thing, it is appreciation. Appreciation is also gift cards, candy, lipsticks etc. They have their value, but gratitude costs nothing and once mastered has a lasting effect that will change the culture in your school. Gratitude is giving specific details to the teacher about what you saw, heard and felt about what the teacher did. Gratitude lets the teacher know: “I see you, I hear you and I value you”. When teachers are truly valued and feel that they are an important part of the organization, they are less likely to call out sick. They feel a part of something, understand that they make a difference and bring value to the organization. Myth of the Open Door Policy Most early childhood centers pride themselves on having an open door policy that allows the school leader to be available to everybody at all times. Chanie believes a leader that is always available isn't listening. Leaders need to set boundaries on their time and provide specific one-on-one time for their teachers. If a teacher knows that there will be a specific time that she can express her ideas and concerns, she has less need to interrupt the leader. Leaders that have the focus to get tasks done are then able to give attention to their teachers at specific times. Giving from a place of generosity, not obligation. Conflict Resolution During difficult conversations, it is human nature to protect yourself. 4 shields we use to self-protect are: Blaming Crying Deflection Victimhood When there is blame, there is no learning. When we blame, we don’t take ownership for our mistakes. When counseling staff members that are blaming, think about the following: What information am I missing? What pressure is this person under personally or professionally? What possible policy or culture might be influencing their behavior?

Brandy Woods-Smith is a charismatic and passionate educator, entrepreneur, speaker, and consultant. She is known as a thought leader, change agent, community developer and, to many, she is hailed the “Millionaire Midwife”. Ms. Woods-Smith attended Jarvis Christian College in East Texas. She finished her Master in Education Administration in 2005. After serving the public school system for 13 years, Woods opened Imagine Me Academy in 2013 and now has multiple locations. In her quest to help other aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success, she founded Powerhouses United and Childcare Millionaires: business incubators designed to give education, resources and teaching financial literacy to entrepreneurs. Click here to rewatch the webinar. On our webinar “Transform your childcare business in 100 days with Brandy Woods”, Brandy shared her thoughts on: Self-Talk: Self-talk can be both positive and negative. It influences how we respond to situations. Negative self-talk, such as “You're going to look foolish,” “Who’s going to pay for this?”, “You don’t have what it takes,” can destroy you, if you let it. To combat negative self-talk, Brandy suggested facing it head on. Ask yourself: what's the worst that can happen in this scenario? “Could I lose my home?”, “What if I lose all my savings?” Look at the worst-case scenario to deflate your fear. Then, face that fear with facts and positive affirmations. A simple “I can do this” repeated again and again allows your subconscious mind to begin to see yourself doing it. Zone of Genius: What is it that you can do that other people find difficult? This is your zone of genius. Your zone of genius is the area where you are highly skilled and proficient. Do what you are good at and delegate or hire someone for all the other tasks. As owners, directors and leaders your time should be spent on the thing that you do the best. In order to move your vision forward, you must be able to work on sharing that vision with others in ways only you can do. Technology is the bridge to wealth: For child care entrepreneurs, embracing technology is a must. Tech tools help you leverage limitations on your time and energy. They are always working. Technology is the key to saving time and an inexpensive way to overcome obstacles and mistakes. Operational Plan: An operational plan is more than a business plan. It comprises all the elements of the business plan, but also includes how it will be done and who will execute it. The plan must include every facet of your business, from the simplest tasks to an exit strategy. Accountability Plan: Personal accountability is the key to creating the discipline needed to reach your goals. List everything that you need to do within a 10-day period and, at the end of that time period, calculate your completion score. If you have ten things to do in that time period and you completed seven, then your completion rate is 70%. In order to really be effective in business, you need to accomplish your tasks at an 85% rate. Don’t forget to delegate to elevate your score. By combining 10-day periods into 100 days, you can transform your business.

Karen Blatter, IKS Director of Support, and Karen Titolo, IKS Academy Director, discuss the tools needed to manage crucial conversations. How can you step up to life's most difficult and important conversations, say what's on your mind, and achieve positive resolutions. What is a crucial conversation? Karen Blatter defined a crucial conversation as any time there are strong emotions involved, positive or negative, and there is something at stake or something that could be lost. Watch recording webinar recording here . Crucial conversations can be stressful. Typically, there are two ways that we deal with stress. Silence (withdrawing) or violence (becoming verbally aggressive). It's important that you know how you typically respond in these kinds of conversations, so that you can start to see those triggers and avoid them. Before you start a critical conversation, Ask yourself 3 questions about what you want from this conversation. What do I really want for myself? What do I really want for others? What do I really want for the relationship? Once you’ve asked yourself what you want, add one more equally telling question. How would I behave if I really wanted those results? To begin, share your facts. Start your crucial conversation by building trust with observable facts. To succeed in crucial conversations, we must really care about the interests of others - not just our own. Review the observable facts (what you saw and heard). But be very careful that you are not confusing how you see things as facts, or your opinion as facts. Facts tell us what happened and can be proven true or false. Dates and times are facts that can be proven. Opinions are attitudes or judgments that can’t be proven right or wrong. I like vanilla ice cream. Next, tell your story in a respectful way. Our story comes from our personal experiences, perceptions and beliefs and it drives everything that we do. When we see and hear something that affects us, we tell ourselves a story explaining what happened, which then drives how we feel and behave. So, remember your heart and mutual respect. If you move away from those guiding principles, focus the conversation back to those principles. What do I want for myself? What do I want for others? What do I want for the relationship? And am I being respectful while telling my story? Contrasting statements. Practicing contrasting statements is one of the most important crucial conversation skills. When someone in a crucial conversation mistrusts your motives, you can use the technique of contrasting to help reassure them and get the dialogue back on track. You do it by first stating what you don’t want or intend, followed by what you do want. I don’t want you to be hurt or us to just argue. I want us to be able to find a conclusion to this. Talk Tentatively. When you ask others to share their story, how you phrase your invitation makes a big difference. Not only should you invite others to talk, but you have to do so in a way that makes it clear that no matter how controversial their ideas might be, you want to hear them. Talking tentatively helps build trust. It shows concern for another person and may help address your meaning. Move to action. The two riskiest times in a crucial conversation tend to be at the beginning and at the end. The beginning is risky because you have to find a way to create safety or else things go awry. The end is dicey because if you aren't careful about how you clarify the conclusion you can run into violated expectations later on. Decide how to decide. Who will make a decision and when? How will you follow up? Does anything need to be recorded? Focus on your desired result and decide on the next steps. Hold people accountable to their promises. STATE is an acronym and stands for: State your facts S hare your facts T ell your story A sk for the others’ stories Ask Mirror Paraphrase Prime T alk tentatively E ncourage testing Agree Build Compare Patterson, Granny, McMillian, Switzler. (2012). Crucial Conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high (2nd ed.).