Keynotes + Workshops

Cara consults with leaders and companies ready to create the best win-win-win -- happy team = happy customers = happy business. She developed a framework called L.I.T. U.P. to help teams achieve just that - here’s the brief summary of its components. Workshop details and points of focus are tailored to the specific needs of each client.

L.  Life-work balance (in that order)

Everyone has a rich multidimensional life, of which work is an important part. When other arenas of life: health, relationships, interests, etc. are cared for and fortified, people show up so much more engaged, creative, and connected in their work. The concept of work-life balance is outdated as it assumes work is primary, and deprioritizes the rest of what creates satisfaction and fulfillment in all arenas of life, leaving us dull and disconnected. And we all know that burned-out zombies can only go so far before they crash, sometimes taking the whole organization out with them. Perhaps you've already learned this the hard way, as I once did.

I.   Innovation

Fresh solutions and breakthroughs  are cultivated only when teams have a broad array of perspectives and experiences. On high-performing teams, all are invited to contribute their unique insights and best work. Fresh, creative, connected problem solving never comes from people who haven't slept in a year; it comes from those running at full capacity - those who are fully alive, healthy, and engaged.

T.  Teamwork

True teamwork is reciprocal and members give and receive feedback and support. Continuous learning is part of the culture and best practices are shared freely. People’s time is respected, and policies, practices, and tools are designed to be useful, effective,  and additive. It is understood that people do their best work when they are centered, balanced, and supported. Meetings, email, and other tools for productivity and connection are used effectively and respectfully and every strategy employed either moves the needle forward or is jettisoned -- people are not driven to burnout.

U. Unity

Leaders model company values in their actions, communication, and expectations. Teams have a shared vision of success for all involved and feel valued and a sense of ownership. Feedback is regular, real, and useful, and people are invested in and developed. In cultures like this loyalty runs both ways and turnover is low, saving leaders thousands of hours, $$$ and headaches.

P. Play (+ fun, joy, humor)

These not extras, superfluous, or a waste of time - they are essential to creativity, connection, and excellence in both life and work. Even Stanford's business school has a class on cultivating a sense of humor - they know all too well how important it is for leadership, engagement, connection, innovation AND competitive advantage in business! Happy team equals happy customers equals successful business outcomes. Play, fun, joy, and humor are the best tasting burnout prevention medicine in the world, and they fortify every single other aspect of business and life.

Taken together, the elements of this framework are a win-win-win for employees, leaders, and companies as they cultivate engagement and excellence, reduce turnover, and create healthy cultures people want to be part of.

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Cara Houser is The Burnout Lady and a workplace engagement leader building burnout-free teams and cultures. She makes burnout recovery accessible and fun. She spent 20 years creating them in the world of commercial real estate development and management and now she helps companies of all kinds do their best work, attract (and keep) the best people, and achieve excellence, all while enjoying their lives.