Summary >>> Theory of Enchantment is substantively different and better. >>> "I can confirm that Theory of Enchantment's approach to inclusion really is substantively different from that of her better-known competitors. Theory of Enchantment elicits unusual openness, trust, and engagement from ideologically diverse observers, including many critics of more conventional DEI-training approaches."

Summary >>> Theory of Enchantment helped me bridge the gap between constructive criticism and genuine care. >> “So, I think I caught my manager using the training. Haha. We sat down for a regular check in. He began with really authentic compliments and reassured me that I was valuable to the team. Then he dropped the hammer - I needed to do better in keeping professional and reducing off-topic discussion. He said this while saying my ability to connect with peers is actually one of my strong-suits. I felt for the first time that I cared so much about him and organization but also because they cared so much about me, which was totally different for a critical conversation.”

Summary >>> Theory of Enchantment’s course really made me think about myself and how I connect with others. >>> “This week's lesson reminded me to listen and use empathy. Spraying my thoughts/ideas/opinion at someone isn't as effective as learning about the nuances of what the other person wants or needs, and simply explaining that. I have been focusing on asking questions to find out what the leads unmet needs are that are triggering the objection! I often find myself asking "What do you need from me?" or "What can I do for you?" Instead of jumping in with solutions at first.”

Summary >>> Theory of Enchantment showed me how to lead with empathy, which really lifted our team spirit and cooperation. >>> I’ve been frustrated with one of my staff. Recently I decided to broach the subject, but instead of accusing them about their lack of care I began by asking them how they’re doing. I discovered some frustrations they’ve had and that they were dealing with some things in their personal life. We talked it out and by then end they helped me better understand what motivates them and how I could support their interests. They went back to work that day with more excitement that they’ve had in a long time.”

Summary >>> Theory of Enchantment taught me how to balance my own life and help others do the same. >>> “I know someone who is going through a lot in their personal life which sometimes affects their work life. I feel I was able to offer good feedback to help them manage their work/life balance and how to keep being the person everyone wants to see. Needless to say I got the strongest hug I think I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

Summary >>> Theory of Enchantment has truly improved how I talk and connect with everyone in my life. >>> “The universal complexity of the human experience combined without inherent tendency to want to categorize and label…this experience is something that very human can benefit from. I’m walking away feeling better equipped to communicate effectively with my team at work, in my personal relationships outside of work, and in how I participate in my community.”

Summary >>> Theory of Enchantment’s training provides immediate results. >> “Last week's training helped me with a fellow manager yesterday. Instead of getting caught up in the heat of things, we were able to talk it out as a team then come to our director with our thoughts laid out, and suggestions ready to go in the most caring way we could. Although he didn't take news great, it definitely could have been worse, and he understood that our hands were tied and these were the absolute best options, and he able to understand that.”

Summary >>> Theory of Enchantment helped me see beyond surface behaviors and assumptions. >>> "I have a recent hire who seemed really resentful about getting feedback from co-workers regardless of how nicely it was shared. After the training, I decided to have a sit down conversation to let her know why I had hired her and brought her into a role with more responsibility - showing that I valued her, and to share how people were reading her responses, while prefacing it with an assurance that what people were experiencing and what she was intending to convey were not the same thing. She opened up to me that because of her past work experiences she was terrified of failure. I realized that I only did this because I assumed that she was doing her best and something else was at the root of what was coming up and that if I had assumed she was surly or a bad team player, like I have with folks in the past, it would have been a very different conversation and relationship now.”