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Busy teams don’t have time for training – but they need it the most!
Year of Brilliance gives maximum sustained effect for minimum time invested. Just 5 minutes a week, and one 30-minute team conversation per month for remarkable results.
Team members take a very short assessment at the beginning of the module. Aggregate team responses are available to team leaders in the dashboard.
Each week, team members watch an engaging 5-minute video about a topic relevant to creative work or collaboration.
Team members are asked to consider how the topic relates to their own work, and any points they might want to discuss with their team.
A monthly 30-minute guided conversation helps team members discuss what they've learned and apply it. Whether virtual or in-person, prompts will guide you through just the right questions to ask.
Once per quarter, we'll establish a baseline for your team with a ten-minute assessment designed to gauge the overall growth of your team members.
We'll occasionally offer interactive meetups for team leaders to discuss how to get the most out of Year of Brilliance.
Creative work is unique. There are hidden forces that impact on-demand problem-solvers that aren’t present in many kinds of work.
The Year of Brilliance curriculum is designed to cover the most important topics for creative pros and leaders.
Module 1 sets up the building blocks you need to grow, lead, and work together effectively in creative organizations.
Let’s start with Stability & Challenge. Think of it like this: you need solid ground to stand on, but you also need room to grow. We’ll help you figure out when to push forward and when to strengthen your foundation. Best of all, you’ll learn how to talk about these push-and-pull moments that everyone feels but can’t quite explain.
Next up is Trust & Clarity. Here’s where we dig into what makes teams work well together. You’ll pick up practical ways to build trust through clear communication and reliable actions, helping you set clear expectations with your team, clients, and leaders.
Let’s face it – the easy ideas are taken. That’s why we need to take smart risks. In Risk & Reward, you’ll get hands-on tools to evaluate opportunities and make confident decisions about which risks are worth taking.
Finally, Moving Around The Quadrants brings it all together. You’ll learn to use the Stability/Challenge Matrix like a compass, helping you understand where each team member stands and how to move forward with both flexibility and confidence.
This first module gives you practical tools you can use right away. Through real-world examples and group discussions, you’ll learn to spot where you stand in your professional journey, understand the balance between stability and growth, and talk about what you and your team are experiencing. We turn big ideas into action steps you can actually use.
Module 2 helps you build the systems and routines you need for stable collaborative work. You’ll discover the hidden forces that often derail creative pros, and the simple practices that keep you grounded.
We start with Defining Order, where we explore how clarity and certainty work together in creative work. You’ll learn how to set up clear processes that give you structure while keeping your creativity flowing. We’ll look at different ways to organize your work and help you find the approach that fits best with your style and team. The goal is to create reliable processes that can grow with you as your responsibilities increase.
In The Assassins of Creativity, we tackle the common obstacles that can throw your creative work off track. We’ll examine both personal challenges (like perfectionism and procrastination) and external disruptions (such as too many meetings and constant interruptions). You’ll learn to spot these creativity killers early and develop practical ways to handle them before they impact your work.
The FRESH framework gives you a complete system for maintaining creative momentum. This practical approach includes five essential elements: Focus (staying on track with priority work), Relationships (building strong professional connections), Energy (managing your personal resources), Stimuli (finding inspiration), and Hours (making the most of your time). We’ll explore each component thoroughly and practice putting them to work.
We wrap up with Daily, Weekly, Quarterly Checkpoints, where you’ll learn concrete ways to manage your work across different time spans. You’ll develop daily routines that keep you productive, weekly planning sessions that maintain progress, and quarterly reviews that align with your bigger goals. This layered approach helps you balance your immediate tasks with long-term growth while maintaining steady output.
Module 3 helps you understand and tap into what drives creative energy. You’ll learn practical ways to keep your momentum going while consistently producing your best work.
The Mapping, Making, Meshing session shows you how to optimize your workflow. Mapping helps you plan and allocate resources wisely, Making guides you through efficient execution, and Meshing shows you how to blend these elements with your team’s dynamics and organizational goals. You’ll see how these three pieces work together to keep your creative edge sharp and your leadership effective, with hands-on techniques you can use right away.
In Productive Passion, you’ll learn how to turn your creative enthusiasm into real results. We’ll explore ways to stay motivated during tough projects, channel your creative energy effectively, and build work habits that prevent burnout while keeping innovation alive.
The Elements of Curiosity session shows you how to keep an innovative mindset fresh and active. You’ll discover practical ways to nurture your intellectual curiosity, stay connected with your field, and develop habits that spark creative thinking. We’ll look at strategies that help you stay flexible and open to new ideas while keeping your core objectives in focus.
In The Growth Curve, we explore how creative professionals develop and advance in their fields. You’ll learn to recognize where you are in your growth journey, see what challenges lie ahead, and develop strategies for steady improvement. This helps you navigate your career path while keeping both stability and forward momentum.
Module 4 helps you discover and strengthen your unique voice as a creative professional. We’ll explore how your personal style, vision, and leadership approach work together to help you guide others with confidence.
We start with Identity, Vision, and Mastery – three key elements that come together to shape who you are as a professional. You’ll learn how these pieces fit together to help you stand out in your field.
In Your Pillars, we look at how your work resonates with others. You’ll discover your natural strengths and learn ways to consistently show them in your work. This isn’t about creating a flashy personal brand – it’s about understanding and building on what you do best.
During Your Vision, we’ll work on developing a clear picture of where you want to lead others. You’ll learn how to share your ideas in ways that truly connect with your team or organization. We’ll help you tell stories that give your work deeper meaning and keep everyone moving forward together.
Finally, Your Skillset focuses on building the abilities you need to bring your vision to life. We’ll look at both your technical skills and leadership capabilities, helping you create a practical plan for growth while staying true to your authentic style.
Module 5 helps you build strong communication patterns and set healthy boundaries in your creative work. You’ll learn practical ways to improve how your team talks to each other and remove roadblocks that slow down great work.
Setting The Rails shows you how to create guidelines that help everyone communicate better. We’ll walk through setting clear expectations, creating reliable communication habits, and making sure everyone understands project goals. You’ll learn how to document and share these guidelines in ways that support rather than restrict creativity.
Talking With, Not Past Each Other helps you master real dialogue. You’ll discover ways to listen better, share ideas clearly, and make sure everyone’s on the same page. We’ll help you spot and fix common communication problems, while building better ways to work together and share ideas.
Pruning Ghost Rules looks at those unspoken rules that often hold creative work back. You’ll learn to spot these hidden limitations and figure out which informal rules actually help and which ones need to go. The goal is to create space for innovation while keeping helpful structure in place.
Defining The Edges wraps up the module by helping you set good boundaries. You’ll learn how to create and maintain professional limits that protect both your creative energy and your team’s effectiveness. We’ll show you practical ways to communicate your boundaries, manage what others expect from you, and keep working relationships strong.
At the halfway point, we’ll take time to check in on how everyone is putting the core ideas into practice.
We’ll look at how you’re using key tools like the Stability/Challenge Matrix, FRESH system, and Mapping/Making/Meshing approach in your daily work. You’ll have a chance to share what’s working well, talk through any challenges, and fine-tune your approach with your peers.
This review helps you see both your personal progress and how your team is growing together. We’ll look at real improvements in your creative work, team collaboration, and leadership skills, while identifying where you might want to focus more attention in the coming months. Think of it as a friendly checkpoint to make sure you’re getting the most from the program before we dive into the second half.
Module 6 helps you work better with others and build strong teams in creative settings. We’ll explore the key skills you need to collaborate effectively and build lasting partnerships.
We start with Conflict Resolution, where you’ll learn practical ways to handle team disagreements productively. You’ll discover how to turn challenging situations into opportunities for growth while keeping relationships strong. We’ll show you how to spot potential issues early, handle tough conversations well, and find solutions that work for everyone.
In Building Effective Partnerships, we look at how to create and maintain strong working relationships. You’ll learn the essential elements of successful partnerships, from building trust to setting clear expectations. We’ll help you recognize how different strengths can work together and use various perspectives to create better results.
Fostering Team Dynamics explores how groups work together effectively. You’ll learn about how teams form and develop, and what makes them perform at their best. We’ll pay special attention to working with different styles, making sure everyone contributes, and keeping your team’s energy high throughout projects.
Finally, Creating Collaborative Environments shows you how to set up spaces – whether in person or online – where teamwork thrives. You’ll learn to design workflows that make collaboration natural while respecting everyone’s creative space. This includes practical ways to run better meetings, manage group projects, and create an atmosphere where ideas flow freely.
Module 7 helps you master key leadership skills for guiding creative teams. You’ll learn how to lead with influence (not control), and inspire your team effectively.
The Decision-Making Framework shows you how to make smart choices as a creative leader. You’ll learn to blend analytical thinking with creative intuition, bring your team into decisions at the right moments, and keep projects moving forward while maintaining quality. We’ll focus on making choices that support both creative excellence and team unity.
In Building Trust and Autonomy, you’ll discover how to create an environment where your team members can truly excel on their own. We’ll explore ways to delegate effectively, set clear expectations, and help your team members grow. You’ll learn to find that sweet spot between providing guidance and giving creative freedom.
The Leading Through Change session helps you guide your team through transitions and challenges. You’ll learn how to keep your team stable during uncertain times, communicate changes clearly, and help everyone adapt while staying focused on what matters. We’ll cover practical ways to handle resistance and keep creative momentum going even when things are shifting.
Finally, Developing Leadership Presence helps you become an authentic leader. You’ll learn how to build real credibility with your creative team, communicate with purpose, and develop your own leadership style. We’ll focus on leading by example and creating an environment where trust and respect naturally flourish.
Module 8 helps you develop real courage and resilience at work, giving you proven tools to build confidence in yourself and your team.
In Defining Brave Action, we explore what it means to be truly courageous at work. You’ll learn how to tell the difference between unnecessary risks and smart bold moves, understand what makes a decision brave, and develop your own way of knowing when to step forward. We give you practical ways to move ahead even when things are uncertain, while still making smart choices.
During Your Optimistic Vision, we look at how your outlook shapes your ability to be brave. You’ll learn to stay positive while facing challenges, not through empty optimism, but by building a realistic confidence that sees both obstacles and opportunities. We’ll show you specific ways to look at challenges differently and keep moving forward when things get tough.
Your Sense of Agency shows you how to stay effective when facing uncertainty. You’ll discover ways to take charge of situations, handle setbacks well, and keep your confidence strong during difficult times. We give you real strategies for bouncing back and staying focused on your goals, even when obstacles appear.
Finally, Brave Teams shows you how to build courage throughout your organization. You’ll learn to create an environment where people feel safe taking smart risks, speaking their minds, and trying new solutions. We’ll help you build trust within your team, support each other through challenges, and celebrate the brave moves that help everyone succeed.
Module 9 helps you master real communication at work. We’ll show you how to handle those important conversations that matter most while building stronger relationships with your team.
In Handling Difficult Conversations, you’ll learn practical ways to address challenging topics with confidence. We’ll walk through how to prepare for important discussions, manage emotions effectively, and guide conversations toward positive outcomes. You’ll discover tried-and-true approaches for raising concerns and working through conflicts while keeping your work relationships strong.
During The Art of Feedback, we look at both giving and receiving feedback well. You’ll learn how to offer constructive feedback that inspires rather than discourages, and how to make the most of feedback you receive. We’ll focus on getting the timing right and choosing words that encourage growth and understanding.
Building Trust Through Candor shows you how good communication builds stronger work relationships. You’ll learn the key elements of trust-building conversations, from really listening to showing genuine understanding. We’ll help you create an environment where people feel comfortable speaking openly.
Finally, Fostering Open Communication helps you create and maintain clear communication channels in your team. You’ll learn how to break down barriers, welcome different viewpoints, and set up regular practices that keep information flowing. We’ll show you practical ways to build a culture of openness while maintaining professional boundaries.
Module 10 wraps up our year together by helping you build clear plans for your future creative work. We’ll take everything you’ve learned and show you how to turn it into practical strategies that work for you and your team.
Vision Development helps you paint a clear picture of where you want to go. You’ll learn how to create goals that excite both you and your team, while keeping them grounded in reality. We’ll show you how to turn big ideas into clear direction without losing the creative spark that makes your work special.
Priority Management helps you focus on what really matters. You’ll develop reliable ways to evaluate opportunities, use your resources wisely, and stay on track with important work. We’ll look at how to balance the urgent tasks that pop up daily with the bigger projects that move your creative work forward.
Action Planning shows you how to turn your vision into reality. You’ll learn to break down big goals into manageable steps, measure progress in ways that make sense, and create systems that keep everyone accountable without stifling creativity. We’ll give you practical tools to plan projects, set milestones, and track your progress.
Maintaining Focus helps you stay on track when things get busy. You’ll learn how to regularly check and adjust your plans, handle distractions, and keep your team moving in the same direction. This final session ensures you can keep using everything you’ve learned long after the program ends.
Finally, we’ll review how well you’ve put the key ideas into practice – everything from balancing creative stability and challenge to growing as a leader and communicating effectively.
You’ll have a chance to reflect on your progress in important areas like creative output, teamwork, leadership, and decision-making.
This review is your time to recognize what’s working well, identify where you’d like to grow further, and create practical plans to keep using these tools moving forward. We’ll look at real improvements in your creative work, team relationships, and organizational impact, while mapping out ways to keep building on your success after the program ends, or heading into Year Two.
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