Practical ideas to help you manage your work with less overwhelm and more confidence

A THOUGHT FROM JENNIFER

Want to make God laugh? Make a plan.

Pretty odd statement coming from a person whose job is literally to make plans! But when you know that plans rarely go…well…as planned, you can either deny it, fight it, or prepare to pivot.

Where I live, we have power outages a couple times a year. Do I plan each day to not have power? Nope! I plan my days assuming all will work well. But what’s in our closet? A portable power station, a space heater, battery-powered phone chargers, and flashlights. We’re prepared to pivot because we know the unexpected will eventually happen.

Adaptability is critical for healthy projects. You don’t have to plan for every possible scenario. But, if you establish core best practices and expect the unexpected, you’ll be prepared to navigate change proactively and efficiently. Then, you'll have more time and energy to focus on the goals you want to deliver, and your team and stakeholders will have more confidence in the project.

In the next three issues, I’ll share:

• Why core values are integral to adaptability

• How to adapt when the unexpected happens

• A scenario our team encountered and how we adapted in response

In the meantime, check out this blog on how to build adaptability into your projects from the start using the hunting tactics of a cheetah. It’s a great object lesson for this series.

On the journey with you,

POINT TO PONDER

When was the last time your plans went awry?

What were the circumstances, and how did you navigate the changes?

What best practices can you put in place to better adapt next time?

A RESOURCE WE LOVE

Up Your Presentation Game

By Phanith Yaletchko, Project Strategist

A meticulously designed slide deck with concise bullet points, compelling images, and a balanced use of white space can significantly enhance your audience's engagement during a presentation. But, traditional slide transitions can sometimes feel as dull as watching a movie without background music.

Our team is using Prezi to turn regular presentations into dynamic visual journeys that captivate audiences. Unlike typical slide-by-slide presentations, Prezi's unique canvas easily allows us to navigate freely through our content, creating a more natural flow. Because we can jump to different sections of the canvas based on audience interaction or specific needs, the experience is more engaging and responsive than with a traditional slide deck.

We found it easy to get started using Prezi. It offers templates that allow you to add videos, images, and text for a smooth, cohesive presentation. Plus, it’s compatible with Webex, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, so its features work for both video conferencing and in-person presentations.

If you’re looking to elevate your presentations and capture your audience's attention, try Prezi!

BRAIN BREAK

Visit the Water Cooler

By Carolyn Wildermuth, Communications Director

Here's a daily brain break that will boost your energy, brain function, and mood.

Take a walk to the water cooler (or your kitchen) to revive yourself with a refreshing glass of water.

Did you know that even mild dehydration can make you feel tired, anxious, and depressed? No wonder plants look so glum when they’re thirsty! Apparently we do too, but on the inside.

Summertime is a great time to try infused water using fresh fruits and herbs. Here are some tasty combinations:

• Lemon and rosemary

• Strawberry and mint

• Orange and basil

Enjoy!

Your friends and fans,

P.S. If someone forwarded this to you and you'd like to get it in your inbox, subscribe now!