Plum Street Consulting LLC

05/01/2026

Yesterday we completed our sixth SOAR (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, & Results) focus group with the Massachusetts protective services network!

Every adult protective service provider in the state was represented. From brand new workers to directors who’ve been there for decades, everyone brought wisdom and energy.

The goal was to gather data for a training needs assessment and we got great data that’s going into the strategic plan.

We also got:
“Today was SO much fun!”
“Our team really needed this.”
“This was like teambuilding.”

The time to connect with colleagues across the network was so valuable.

People engage differently when you invite them to dream instead of just diagnose problems. That’s why I love SOAR!

The assessment is an intervention in itself. The conversations were generative.

The learning and development was already happening in the room, not waiting for the five year plan.

Thank you for this opportunity Pursuit of Discovery (Christopher Dubble)!

If anyone else wants to harness the wisdom of their network or team, let’s talk. It really is SO MUCH fun. (Who says that about a SWOT?) ☺️

04/10/2026

SOAR Focus Groups help harvest the best ideas from those closest to the challenges & show them you truly do value their input. What wisdom is your team holding that could help you meet your goals? Lets find out 🤩

Massachusetts Protective Services is consulting the experts for input on their learning and development plan - the workers, supervisors, trainers, & PS Directors across the state. What an honor to be part of this process and witness their energy and brilliance. I can’t wait to return at the end of...

01/08/2025

How do we build hope among our team? It’s not about sugar-coating challenges or empty motivational words. Research links hope and goals, suggesting that when employees feel empowered to work towards meaningful goals, hope will bloom. How do your practices currently support hope at an individual and organizational level? Here are some strategies to get you thinking.

12/19/2024

Oversimplifying complex ideas is all too easy, often resulting in incomplete or inaccurate interpretations. In the context of strengths-based approaches, there’s a common misconception that weaknesses are overlooked. However, the reality is quite different.

When genuine strengths-based principles are applied, weaknesses and challenges are not avoided but rather openly discussed with transparency. It’s within these authentic, trusting relationships that we find the courage to acknowledge our rough edges, knowing that our leaders have our best interests at heart.

Rather than spend time protecting reputations or dwelling on complaining, we can channel our efforts into collaborating, working together to pave the way forward.

For nearly 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting organizations and individuals in implementing strengths-based principles and have seen the way this work shifts organizational cultures and individual feelings of empowerment.

How have you experienced the power a strengths-based approach to address a weakness or challenge?

11/07/2024

Ever since reading Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Maree Brown a few years ago, her first principle, “Small is good, small is all. (The large is a reflection of the small)” played in my head and heart on a regular basis. Yesterday, I found myself thinking of her second principle, “Change is Constant (be like water).”

How are you like water?

11/06/2024

“How could this happen?!” Remind yourself that your first answer is often incomplete.

11/06/2024

Empathy is a popular topic for leadership these days and it's easy to SAY we have empathy, or "I know how you feel." What about the times when you do not? Can the communication skill of reflecting empathy be of use then? Here I share a time when I stumbled into finding out just how helpful it can be when you're feeling annoyed.

Practical tips for supervisors and other leaders to strengthen communication skills and self-reflection to improve team dynamics and collaboration.

10/30/2024

That eerie silence after you ask a discussion question is filled with opportunity! How do you practice patience and navigate those moments?

12/01/2023

What does struggling up a sweltering, steep, and treacherous mountainside* have to do with the question of whether focusing on strengths risks ignoring problems?

In this article, I share perspectives on how intentionally searching for strengths and opportunities can spark solutions, not ignore challenges. Curious how others have applied this lesson? I also share my tips for using a strengths-based lens when conflict arises or performance falls short.

"Recognizing strengths fosters collaboration and trust. By setting aside 'buts' and allowing complexity, we understand situations and people better. Widening perspectives opens doors to new possibilities."

In what situations have you found it most challenging yet valuable to take a strengths-based approach to gain better understanding or uncover new opportunities?

*moderate hiking trail on a summer's day 😅

What does struggling up a sweltering, steep, and treacherous mountainside* with Barnabas Sclafani have to do with the question of whether focusing on strengths…

11/20/2023

Interested in adding a dash of levity, gratitude, and strengths-based thinking to your Thanksgiving prep? Find them in an unlikely place: chatbots!
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mykapiatt_thanksgiving-conflictmanagement-ai-activity-7132321706035032064-U8tw?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop