Contact: contactus@enleadership.com Phone: 303-729-0540

…Just-in-Time Learning and Development for the Busy “Manager” I wonder if you can relate to this... ? I received a promotion into my first management job with Hewlett-Packard a few decades ago. Going into it, I expected my new position would be a bit easier than my previous job... that I'd be able to relax a bit, get my work done pretty quickly(through other people ?) and maybe even play a round of golf or get in a little tennis during the week. Well, you can imagine what really happened.

After only a couple weeks, I realized that this management thing was not all it had been cracked up to be. I began to realize just how difficult it really is to get people to do what needs to be done and be accountable for it and stay inspired to do it. What's more, I discovered that the ability to lead people isn't something I came hard-wired with. It wasn’t natural for me. Can you relate?

Fortunately my survival instincts took over, and after some embarassing failures, I made a new decision and launched onto a quest to understand what it takes to bring out the best in people, then teams, then organizations – as I climbed up the organizational ladder.

I simply had to find answers to the people problems I was facing. This is what sparked my lifelong passion for leadership – although I didn’t call it that then ?.

Since then, I have invested decades of my time to discover how to develop leadership at all levels of organizations. And other members of our team have similar investments in this topic. We’ve now been in the management and leadership development business for 21 years.

All Organizational Processes
Have Two Critical Parts...
In all my years of working directly with hundreds of organizations around the world, I've discovered a unique dichotomy of skills within every company and at all levels of management. That is, there are two parts to the success of any organizational process. One is what I call the "Hard Part"; the other is the "Soft Part."

What exactly do I mean?

Simply this. In any process, there are two areas on which you must focus. The "Hard Part" includes tools, processes, structures, procedures, systems, and performance measurements. The "Soft Part," on the other hand, includes creativity, concerns, resistance, excitement, buy-in, and the attitudes of the employees who actually do the hard part.

Here is a picture to help explain...

As the illustration shows, the hard part is all about management and the soft part is all about leadership — bringing out the best in people. Most people are thoroughly trained in management – the processes, procedures, the how-to stuff, but receive little development in leadership. Which brings up an important point...

If It’s Not Simple, It Won’t Work!
One more thing you should know about our work. The engineer in me insists that all our management and leadership concepts, tools and processes be simple and practical. If it isn’t, people won’t use it. And if they try to use it and it doesn’t work right away, they won’t use it again. So you can count on the concepts, tools, perspectives in Making Managers into Leaders Institute will be simple, practical and actionable.

We guarantee it!

Ed Oakley is the co-author of Enlightened Leadership and Leadership Made Simple. More than 267,000 copies of his books have been sold worldwide. Stephen Covey says, "Enlightened Leadership is a useful and practical tool for shifting a reactive mindset to a proactive mindset--a vital key in becoming a principle-centered leader."

Here's Why I'm Writing You Today... My name is Ed Oakley. For more than 20 years, our company Enlightened Leadership Solutions has served over 2,557 companies from mid-sized organizations to the very largest, including 23 of the current Fortune 100. We have conducted 627 live public seminar events and many others inside organizations. And over 50,000 managers from 67 different countries have benefited from our service. During this time, we have perfected what it takes to quickly turn managers into more effective leaders. We are experts at the "soft part" involved in any and every organizational process--and how to naturally find the balance between the two. In the past, the only way to receive our unique brand of leadership development was to hire us to come to your company or attend one of the live public training sessions we used to hold around the country.

But things have changed…

The uncertain economy is causing companies to be more conservative in their investments in people.

Organizations are watching their budgets more closely. Some are cutting back on training, sacrificing their long term success for short term cost-savings.

Travel is more expensive and more difficult, and some companies are cutting back on “non-essential” travel. (Ironically, there is probably not a lot more essential to an organization than the continuous learning/improvement of it’s people – especially leadership – but it is a reality of our times).

Meanwhile, there has never been a stronger demand for effective management and leadership.

On the other side of the equation…

Technology is changing and improving rapidly.

It is becoming easier and less expensive to develop learning products through technology.

More and more people have access to high-speed internet that can be used for learning.

Younger people are showing us how to use technology for just-in-time learning (and we better take a cue from them and catch up or be left behind).

Technology offers an opportunity to leverage learning dollars and time. The key is to figure out how to keep the learning environment “human,” not just hard, cold technology.

Technology allows us to get closer and closer to the ultimate just-in-time learning (i.e., you quickly find the solution when and only when you have the need).

Why Are the Institute Learning Approaches Better than the Traditional All-Day or Multi-Day Seminar?

Learning is not an event. It is a process. Leadership development is a process. So what we've done with our Institute is put together a system where we can deliver actionable "chunks" of learning in short sessions of as little as 2-3 minutes each for audios and 10-15 minutes for videos, as well as written material. This allows you to fully absorb the information and apply it before moving on to a new learning module.

In a one-shot seminar or workshop, many people “learn” a lot, certainly enjoy the process and the social interaction, but go home and implement very little, because the majority of the material might not be applicable to their immediate needs. By the way, we do lots of these, so we aren’t demeaning the value – and we are committed to proving there are ways to ADD to the value of those sessions, and in some cases, replace them altogether.

The Making Managers into Leaders Institute even allows you to go straight to one or more learning segments that you NEED RIGHT NOW – based on management challenge categories! Do you need help with Performance Appraisals, Conflict Management, Running Effective Meetings, etc.? …go right to the content in those categories and read the description to see which best fit the need you have RIGHT NOW!

Furthermore, by learning in a step-by-step process over time – as you can find a few minutes here and there, and as you have the NEED, you'll have the opportunity to apply the information and come back eager for the next piece.

So when it's all done, you've not just learned what you need to do, you've actually done it and experienced the benefit from it. That action and success dramatically impacts the real learning.

Do You Prefer a Well-Structured Learning & Development
Process That Challenges You and Your Organization to Become Great?

MMIL Institute provides this too. We call this virtual learning program the "Making Managers into Leaders Webinar Series" because it is a proven, effective way of developing leaders at all levels of organizations.

How do we do this? Well, we start with the proven content and processes we’ve developed over the last twenty years.

Then, to make it available 24-7, much of the learning is delivered by recorded webinar, which is just a fancy way of saying it will be conducted over the Internet by video made up of voice and slides. These tools combined make for a powerful learning experience. It has the visual component of slides and handouts, as well as the instructor presented perspectives, insights and stories. It is a convenient way for people to learn and develop without ever having to leave their office (which means no travel time and no travel expenses).

The program can be experienced at your own pace. Some people will do 10-minute segments here and 15 minute segments there – all tightly linked in a powerful learning process. Others might choose to do an entire 60 minute learning module at once. The "Making Managers into Leaders Webinar Series" will take you and your managers through a paradigm shift in how you think, how you work, and how you lead. Before you know it, you will be noticing significant changes within your company and the departments within it.

A.J. Hiltenbrand

If you are like most organizations we work with, you may currently be struggling with communication problems, missed deadlines, lack of motivation or buy-in, low morale, some challenging employees, and a host of other symptoms. Or you may be doing quite well already and you simply want to take your organization to the next level of effectiveness.

Here's the bottom line. After going through "Making Managers into Leaders," you’ll have a simple, practical proven approach for dealing with your greatest management challenges. You will have solved some key management challenges, aligned your team to what needs to be done, substantially raised the level of motivation, dealt effectively with some of your toughest situations, and leveraged your time, energy and knowledge more effectively.

Here’s What Others Said About the Making Managers into Leaders Webinar Series – just one part of the MMIL Institute:

“I have loved being able to use the technology that you have offered (Webinar, InstantTeleseminar, conference calls) to listen to each new concept presented in our Webinars and then be allowed to PRACTICE them while still in training. I didn’t have to travel into a “fake” environment where all I learned were theories and then try to remember to use those theories when I finally returned back at work. I love being a part of a worldwide (at least more worldly than my current group of managers!) group of folks seeking to be enlightened leaders. I feel connected to more of the managers “out there” who, from the questions being asked, are being challenged in the same ways I am being challenged. I get stuck from time to time in the thought pattern that WE (my division) are the only ones with these challenges. I am feeling “hope” that I can be a better example of a leader.” Kathy Tyler, IT Manager, State of California, Sacramento

“I appreciate that you include a variety of speakers who can talk about their experiences. I'm really glad that you provide so many resources - the books, slide presentations, handouts, etc. I enjoy the things you do to make the sessions interactive. I also appreciate your willingness to offer special sessions and to find out how you can tailor things according to what the group wants. Your openness to providing some extras beyond the "set" agenda is very impressive.” Bridget McKeage, Director, Primaris, Columbia, MO

“Our operations manager is a very passionate and proud person. This is what makes her a great manager in the fact that she will do what it takes to get things done. The challenge is and was that often when in a situation of offering advice and/or constructive criticism that pride would trigger the natural defense mechanism that we all have. Often, it would be a situation emotions would get in the way of what was trying to be accomplished, despite both sides wanting the same result. Since attending this seminar, our meetings have been extremely effective. It is amazing how just a slightly different approach has opened up communication. Not only have I seen it in the one on one meetings but the overall aura, if you will, in the office has been a much more positive one. I really look forward to continually improving my approach to leadership going forward. Greg Nicklas, General Manager, Maid Brigade, Portland, OR

Organizationally, Some Case Studies Show the Value!

Case Study #1: Fortune 500
Computer Company Saves $9 Million

Time and time again, "Making Managers into Leaders" has proven its worth to small and large companies alike.

For instance, a Fortune 500 computer company implemented the principles and tools contained in the "Making Managers into Leaders" webinar program. The tools were specifically applied within a team of managers, supervisors, and key contributors who were responsible for inventory control because this department was already facing pressure from finance.

How did the training impact this department within this major company?

Within six months, the team celebrated because they had saved over $9 million, all of which was due to our unique leadership concepts and tools and placing a greater emphasis on their employees' "soft" skills.

But these were the results achieved by a small team. What if only one person went through the training? How much of an impact could the training possibly have?

Rather than tell you myself, let me tell you story...

Case Study #2: How One Manager
Saved Over $250,000 in One Meeting

Dave Malenfant managed the global supply chain at a Fortune 500 company. After going through the "Making Managers into Leaders" process, he called the managers together to deal with a significant lead-time issue in Europe.

Rather than point fingers, he used the concepts he had learned to run the entire meeting, which happened to involve some "difficult" people in a cross-cultural environment.

Within hours, the group had come up with specific action plans for reducing lead-time by an amazing twenty days and a commitment to accomplish it within 30 days.

Here is the amazing part. This one simple meeting produced an ongoing cost savings of over $250,000 annually.

So... can one person participate in the "Making Managers into Leaders" training and make an impact? Absolutely.

What You Can Expect to Learn – among other things!

When you and your team members participate in the Making Managers into Leaders Institute, you will learn... How to motivate people to new levels of effectiveness... so they are eager to take action and achieve company goals. (Plus, how to keep them motivated. You don't want fireworks that go off with a bang. You want to kindle a slow-burning passion that burns from within.)

Gary Laman

How to facilitate major change quickly, easily, and effectively--even when you don't have authority over all the stakeholders.

How to establish accountability within your organization so people actually do what they say they are going to do.

How to trust others that things will get done without your direct involvement. Plus, how to get managers to trust that you can get things done without their direct involvement.

How to effectively manage the "extreme" performers. (Discover how to get "underperformers" to do more, be more, and achieve more... and... how to channel the raw motivation "star performers" have for organizational success.)

The amazing way of quickly resolving conflict between people and teams without getting too involved yourself. Best of all, it's almost completely...

…Stress-Free!

How to help people deal with change in a positive manner. (This is especially important for employees who have been in the company or industry for more than five years.)

How to receive sincere commitment from all the people involved in a particular goal. (This is so effective, it works for virtual teams and companies that have employees spread out across multiple work sites.)

How to develop leadership skills and emotional intelligence within your organization, even if you have limited time and budget constraints that may conflict with such a goal.

How to stay focused and aligned with the goals and missions of your business. (Gain clarity, avoid distractions, and continue moving in the right direction.)

How to successfully communicate with employees, managers, and peers so they actually want to do what you want them to do. (Optimize communication up, down, sideways, and across boundaries.)

How to capture the knowledge and wisdom of baby boomers before they retire, taking it all with them.

How to develop new vision, missions, and goals with long-term clarity--and get instant buy-in from stakeholders. (Do it right and you can keep your organization focused and motivated... at the same time.)

How to effectively use your time when you have been saddled with competing priorities. (No more feeling torn or divided every hour of the day.)

How to achieve the right balance between managing and leading... between the "Hard Part" and the "Soft Part" of your role.

How to build collaborative, cross-functional teams for optimum results. (Get things done faster and more effectively every time you launch a new project or initiative.)

And much, much more.

As you can see, this live learning system is packed with real-world information that will help you develop leaders within your organization... and... build a thriving 21st century business. But don't take my word for it...

What CEOs & Managers Are Saying...

"Takes down the barriers..." "I should tell you, I'm a clinical psychologist by training, and I've never seen anything take down the barriers for folks quicker than the [Enlightened Leadership tools]." --Dr. John Van Sky Bio-Terrorism Preparedness Training Manager Orange County Healthcare Agency

"Practical, results-oriented..." "Effectively balancing the 'hard' with the 'soft' is critical to good leadership. [Making Managers Into Leaders] provides a practical, results-oriented approach for accomplishing that. The philosophy is proven and effective. I highly recommend it." --Jacqueline Fouse 2005 Financial Executive of the Year Former Sr.VP of Finance and CFO Alcon Laboratories

"Clarity and simplicity..." "You have simply captured the essence of leadership! What I find most impressive about your work is the clarity and simplicity with which complex ideas are put forth--clarity that makes intuitive sense even to people without previous training in leadership." --Ms. Ariane David, Ph.D. National University Center for Organizational Excellence

"Flexible and creative..." "Making Managers Into Leaders is so flexible and creative that it can be used at every level of an organization with astonishing success. It is incredible for implementing change management. I highly recommend it." --H. Joseph Marshall, Ph.D. Managing Partner Resource Management of Boston

"A powerful framework..." "Effective communications is vital within and between organizations and their stakeholders. Your work provides a powerful framework for making that happen smoothly--even when conflict is involved." --Jeff Julin, President MGA Communications

"Positive results that provide long-term solutions..." "Making Managers Into Leaders demystifies what it takes to be a true leader but also does it in a simplified way that enables the reader to put the principles into effect immediately and start leading with positive results that provide long-term solutions. Very well done." --Ken Banks, CEO KAB Marketing

Are these folks any different than you? I doubt it. They simply put their doubts aside... and put the "Making Managers into Leaders" concepts and tools to the test. And they've been rewarded with happier employees, faster growth, and greater profits.

You see, "Making Managers into Leaders Institute" isn't just a training program--it's a learning community of successful managers, executives, supervisors and team leaders who are supporting each other in the personal and professional development process.

What Making Managers into Leaders Institute Includes...
The Making Managers into Leaders Institute includes:

Three short learning videos each month. A continually growing educational database of highly focused, practical and informal, 10 to 15 minute video learning segments that will be available online and for downloading. Include printable handouts where appropriate. Hundreds of reviewers of our “Experiment in Approach to Leadership Development” have raved about these videos. We’re committed to doing three new ones per month. Note: This was not even included in the Institute until you told us how valuable they were! (Value: ??? All I know is that one 22-27 minute professional training video costs $895. That’s the standard price. What’s it worth to have THREE every month – even if a little shorter and a little less “professional - that you can share with others?” :-) $hundreds?)

Discussion Forums by category of management challenge and Enlightened Leadership concepts and any others members want to create. This provides another approach to getting other peoples’ perspectives about your specific situation, as well as an opportunity to build a community of like-minded, developing leaders.

Ability to use the learning materials in meetings and learning sessions to supplement company training and provide a continuous development process. Improves retention of the best people, too, because surveys have shown consistently that top talent considers it important to have ongoing learning opportunities! (Value: What is the value of being able to leverage content across a team or organization? $hundreds?)

And more… including some surprises. We want you to make your decision based on what you’ve already seen. We want the opportunity to over-deliver!

As soon as you join, we’ll ship to you the hardcopy version of Leadership Made Simple. After one month of membership, we’ll send you Enlightened Leadership. (The two are valued at $38.95 plus shipping costs.) A goldmine resource for the active leader.

What is all that worth?

What I've already described would be extremely valuable to any person or team or organization that is interested in grooming leaders. If you add everything up, it's a minimum value of $1,138.95 per month as an individual – the team value is much more. and we didn’t even put numbers on some of the benefits. We’re trying to be realistic and not put out a bunch of hype. We only put numbers where there are pretty clear standards.

Remember the recent video about Return On Investment of Enlightened Leadership Solutions training – from 2:1 to 13:1? And that was with investments of well over $25,000!

With this in mind, you might be wondering...

Pricing has been a real challenge, because I am conflicted about it. I have a bit of a belief that something of real value should be priced according to that value, and if it is priced too LOW, people will think it couldn’t very valuable and lose their interest. Then, we don’t get to make a difference for that person or organization, and they don’t get the benefit.

That actually happened to me recently. I “guessed” the price for something I wanted was going to be about $300. When it turned out to be $30, I thought, “something must be wrong with this,” and didn’t buy it. Actually, I later did buy it, but the low price threw me off initially.

So, why don’t we just price it high? That’s my dilemma. My ego wants it priced according to it’s real value. I honestly think this service is worth every bit of $300 a month for a single manager. I believe that any individual will get multiples of that number in value every single month they are a member. When I shared that with a marketer I respect a great deal, he said, “then the price should be $600/month!” My ego loved that!

However, based on the survey we did, and comments you’ve made, I know that there are quite a few people/companies who would really like to benefit from membership, but couldn’t possibly do so at either of those prices.

Remember, my personal passion is to make the greatest direct difference to the most number of people I can while I’m still here – through developing their leadership skills. To the extent we are successful at that, many MORE people will gain the indirect benefit of being influenced by those leaders. By the way, leadership is needed at all levels of organizations.

With that passion, I’m going to take the risk of pricing it low so more people and organizations can take advantage of it. My marketing friends and professionals are screaming at me. They’re saying, “Charge the higher prices. You’ll probably bring in more income and have to serve fewer people – which is easier. You’re crazy to price this low! It has tremendous value.”

But I’m clear. We’re going low on the price and trust our friends will know a good deal when they see it.

The results of the survey suggested the need for several levels or tiers of membership – Individual, Team and Site License.

Individual Membership – intended for individual “managers,” consultants, entrepreneurs…

Team Membership – intended for small intact teams, where each team member has direct access to the Institute site, all the content, the group coaching sessions, etc.

Site License – intended for entire small to medium-sized companies or large company departments/divisions who would like to put our content on their secure sites for internal use.

Although marketing consultants are screaming, we have chosen $97 per month for the Individual Membership. That is likely be the long-term price for individuals – if we can maintain it.

We feel that $297 per month is a bargain for a Team Membership, allowing multiple team members direct access to all the benefits. The long-term price could easily double on the Team Membership, as it is very inexpensive on a per person basis. Any single person on a team could get many times the entire team's cost in Return on Investment by utilizing just one of the tools or concepts available to them.

We feel that $1,997 for a Site License is easily justified for a substantial division or organization who wants to put the content on their own secure site for access by numerous people.

One more thing about pricing is that a number of people said it was easier in their organization accounting systems to pay a single fee in advance for a longer period of time than a month, yet they all have upper spending limits.

So, we offer payments for 6 months and 12 months.