Impactful Training Capsulized

Another Netflix binge. Another hour shopping online. Another hour lost scrolling. After a challenging 2025 for so many of us, we’re looking for ways to use our time in a more constructive and fulfilling way. And what better way than taking classes to build new skills?

But who has the time to sit through weeks of coursework? Fortunately, there’s a highly effective – and proven – way to increase your knowledge and skill base without a huge time investment. Focused training broken down into micro series of capsulized learning is the answer.

Focused courses are an increasingly popular way to foster growth in a fraction of the time. Designed to upskill team members rapidly, these attentive training programs are flexible, practical and targeted. And they yield measurable outcomes, making them a worthy investment for organizations.

In a 2019 study, Gallup discovered that one of the most important factors in creating a high-performance workplace is cultivating a culture that values the growth of individuals. Gallup found organizations that made a strategic investment in employee development report 11% greater profitability and are twice as likely to retain their employees.

These manageable courses are not just an investment in your teams’ professional growth — they’re a commitment to your organization’s success. By fostering a culture of learning, you ensure everyone is ready to tackle future challenges. And if 2025 taught us anything, it’s that challenges can come at us quickly and fiercely!

Sound interesting? Leah M Joppy and Associates has created Impact60, a micro series of highly focused, skills-based courses covering a variety of leadership topics, such as Managing Compassion Fatigue, Foundation of Effective Communication, and Adapting to Change, to name a few. More impact in less time!

Learn more by calling us at 301-351-9523 or email us at leah@lmja.com.

Focused Training For Greater Retention

While the idea of skills-based development and training sounds so appealing and a worthy investment, what’s the one thing that holds us back? Time. We’re already being pulled in a thousand different directions and the prospect of adding something else, even though we know it could be incredibly beneficial, just doesn’t seem possible. So, we put it on the backburner or forget about it all together.

Fortunately, there is a solution and it comes in the form of short courses. And the benefits are numerous. This month, we’ll break down some of the biggest ones:

Teaches in less time, but with lots of impact

As we all know, time is a precious commodity, and capsulized courses meet the need for skills-based learning in a fraction of the time. Students often report higher levels of retention when courses are offered in smaller, focused ‘chunks’, rather than longer, drawn-out lessons.

Offers rapid skill acquisition

Short courses are designed to meet the needs of fast-moving organizations. They allow team members to acquire new skills quickly and start putting that knowledge to work right away.

Addresses skill gaps

Every organization has areas where skills are lacking. Every leader, both new and seasoned, has areas where they could use some support. Capsulized learning provides a practical solution to bridge these gaps in a format that doesn’t require a huge commitment of time and resources.

Boosts confidence

Learning new skills and knowledge can boost team members’ confidence and self-esteem, particularly those new to leadership roles. And it can have a positive impact on all aspects of a person’s life, not just work performance.

Ready to start putting the power of short courses to work for your organization? Leah M Joppy and Associates has created Impact60, a series of highly focused, skills-based courses covering a variety of leadership topics such as Leading From Where You Are, The 3 Drivers of Motivation, and many more. More impact in less time!

Call us at 301 -351-9523 or email us at leah@lmja.com to learn what we’re offering and how we can help your organization.

Reconnect With What Matters!

If you’ve felt like the past year has been an emotional roller coaster of uncertainty and anxiety, you’re not alone. As we get ready to flip the calendar, now’s an ideal time to reflect and reset with purpose. Setting goals for 2026 isn’t about reinventing yourself. It’s about reconnecting with what matters and building a plan that you will actually follow through on.

Set aside some time and really think about your habits, attitudes and well-being routine over the past months. Write down (or make a note in your phone) some points that you can continuously refer to when inspiration strikes.

First, let’s start by reflecting on where you are today. Here’s a few questions to get you started:

  • What patterns do you notice in your current life?
  • Which areas feel fulfilling?
  • Which areas feel out of alignment?

Once you’ve taken a clear look at your life today, the next step is vision. Not just what you want to achieve, but how you want to feel and live. Here are some more questions to consider:

  • What habits/routines/attitudes will you stop?
  • What will you start?
  • What will you continue to do?

Finally, choose one clear priority and write a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound) goal around it.

  • What progress could you make in the next 90 days that would feel meaningful?
  • Which areas of life need the most attention right now?

Setting goals and making meaningful change can seem like an impossible feat when we feel like we can barely keep our heads above water. But you don’t have to do it alone. In our next article, we’ll look at why an accountability partner is an invaluable part of the process and sets you up for success. And that’s where working with a coach, like Leah M Joppy and Associates, can help.

Ready to shake off 2025 and walk into 2026 with a fresh perspective and strong action plan? Learn more by calling us at 301-670-0051 or email us at leah@lmja.com.

Starting Off 2026 With An Accountability Partner

December can be a very busy month, but it’s also an ideal time to look back on the past year and think about what worked, what didn’t and some areas you’d like to change in 2026. After reading our last article, maybe you’ve identified one key goal you’d like to focus on and you’re motivated to get started!

But if you’re like most of us, you start a goal with the best of intentions and then life gets in the way and your efforts fizzle out. It can be difficult to hold ourselves accountable for our own goals. That’s where an accountability partner can make all the difference.

So, what exactly is an accountability partner?

Simply put, it’s someone who acts as a coach, a cheerleader and a confidant to help you achieve a goal. And the benefits of having an accountability partner are numerous:

  • Provides support and encouragement
  • Breaks you out of your comfort zone
  • Stops the cycle of procrastination
  • Keeps you motivated when the going gets tough

But not all accountability partners are created equal. You want to look for someone who has some specific characteristics:

  • Encouraging
  • Sees great potential in you
  • Challenging
  • Compassionate (but not TOO compassionate!)
  • Willing to give constructive feedback
  • Gives you a break when setbacks happen and gets you back on track

Maybe you can think of someone who fits the bill. Or maybe you have no idea who can fill such large shoes. Working with a coach, like Leah M Joppy and Associates, provides a source of motivation and encouragement, while also helping you create a realistic action plan and keeping you accountable.

Ready to say goodbye to 2025 and start the New Year with renewed purpose and enthusiasm? Call us at 301-670-0051 or email us at leah@lmja.com to learn more!

The Uncertainty Of The Shutdown

As humans, we are wired to seek predictability, control and clarity. But with the current government shutdown, we are dealing with the exact opposite: questions, fears and high levels of uncertainty. It can have a big impact on your life, particularly on your physical and mental health. We’ve looked at how uncertainty and negativity can impact our lives in some of our past articles, but given our current situation, let’s revisit its impact and what we can do to help ourselves work through it.

Negative thoughts and emotions are a natural response to challenges in our life, but extended periods can result in physical and mental health issues. Negativity sends our body into ‘fight-or-flight’ mode. We deal with stressful situations by releasing cortisol into the bloodstream, making us more alert and focused. And although some stress is good for us, extended periods of negativity can cause a number of side effects, including:

  • Slower digestion and upset stomach
  • Irritability
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Decrease in the immune system’s ability to fight inflammation
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep problems or insomnia
  • Changes in metabolism (i.e. overeating or under-eating)

You’re probably wondering if there is any way to break the cycle, particularly right now. Negativity is a habit and, luckily, most habits can be broken with awareness, motivation to change and putting in the work. Here are 3 ways to get started:

  • Manage your expectations: When we expect things to work out one way and they don’t, we set ourselves up for disappointment. That’s why we don’t want to place a lot of specific expectations on an outcome we can’t predict. By managing our expectations, we’re able to be more resilient when change inevitably happens. 
  • Monitor your social media time: Be mindful of the time you spend on social media and how it makes you feel. You can even set a timer on your phone to set limits for scrolling. Think about replacing “doom scrolling” with something that brings you happiness and fulfillment. We’ll look at some ways to use our newfound “free time” in our next article.
  • Let negative thoughts come and go – and question their accuracy: First of all, allow yourself to have negative thoughts. It’s natural when you’re dealing with stress and upheaval. Acknowledge the thoughts and then let them go. Also, question whether your thoughts and concerns are even true. So often, we allow our emotions to become truth and let them dictate how we react to situations.

The stressors of the past month have caused many of us to feel like we’re in ‘fight or flight’ mode. It can be challenging dealing with the day-to-day, much less feel like you can plan for the future. Sometimes you need some extra support to feel like you’re moving forward. That’s where working with a coach, like Leah M Joppy and Associates can help. You can’t change what’s happening in the workplace, but you can find ways to feel less ‘stuck’ and move towards your goals.

Learn more by calling us at 301-670-0051 or email us at leah@lmja.com.

Conquering Anxiety

As we move into November and the second month of the government shutdown, the stress and anxiety can feel incredibly difficult day-in and day-out. Our routines have been upended and our days can feel long. By the time you’re reading this, the government may be open again (here’s hoping!) and we can get back to work. But it’s always helpful to look at how we use our free time outside of the office and if we’re taking time to care for ourselves both mentally and physically. Here are a few ideas to consider if you’re struggling right now:

  • Build in some structure – Right now, it might be challenging to plan your time and you may feel disorganized and disjointed. This is where building more structure into your day can help create a sense of order and calm. It can also help with some of the decision fatigue you may be feeling. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day and set some daily goals to give yourself a feeling of accomplishment.
  • Check some home projects off your ‘to-do’ list: Is there a room in your house that you’ve been wanting to paint? Has your basement become a breeding ground for clutter and you’ve been meaning to clean it out? Keeping busy with projects that make you feel productive and give you a sense of accomplishment is a great way to take your mind off of current events and get things done!
  • Take advantage of continuing education opportunities: If you’ve been meaning to boost your skills in a certain area or become certified, right now is a good time to build your skill set.  
  • Look for free or reduced-price classes in your area: A quick internet search will probably find classes, like painting or pottery, that are available to government workers at a reduced cost. It’s also a bonus to enjoy a class with other people and get out of the house.
  • Look for ways to volunteer in your community: Helping others during difficult times is a proven way to get out of your own head and feel like you’re making a difference.
  • Tap into your creative side or other hobby you enjoy: If you’ve felt like you don’t have enough time to pursue a passion project, like painting, writing or anything else on your list, make time for it now. Working on something you enjoy provides an outlet for stress and anxiety and it sure beats doom scrolling on your phone. Some government workers are even using their talents as a side hustle to earn extra money.
  • Get outside: Go for a walk or find other ways to enjoy the fall colors and cooler temperatures. Getting out in nature is a proven way to boost mood and relieve stress.
  • Find ways to socialize: Taking a break from the stress of the shutdown and connecting in-person with friends, family or co-workers can be a real mood booster. Some restaurants are offering reduced price happy hour for federal workers. Others have food specials to get people in the door. There are other free ways to connect with people: for example, if you like to hike, you can organize an outing with friends to enjoy the fall weather.

So many of us are facing unprecedented challenges with the government shutdown and all of the stresses of past year, but feeling stuck and unable to plan for the future doesn’t have to feel like your ‘new normal’. Working with a coach, like Leah M Joppy and Associates, provides a fresh perspective, goal setting and strategies to move from merely surviving to thriving. To learn more, call us at 301-670-0051 or email us at leah@lmja.com.

Effective Leadership During Crucial Times

Strong leadership within an organization is important under the best of circumstances, but in times of uncertainty, it’s absolutely essential. This year has really put leaders to the test, as they try to help team members navigate change while still attempting to get work done. But understanding the psychological and emotional impact of uncertainty on teams is crucial for effective leadership. It requires leaders to really sharpen their emotional intelligence skills and place a strong emphasis on support and communication.

Let’s take a look at some of the biggest obstacles facing team members right now:

  • Stress and Anxiety: Uncertainty can lead to increased stress and anxiety among employees, affecting their mental well-being and productivity.
  • Resistance to Change: Fear of the unknown and loss of control can cause a major resistance to change and make it challenging for leaders to introduce new projects, meets deadlines, etc.
  • Decreased Morale and Engagement: Long periods of uncertainty can have a huge impact on morale and employee engagement, leading to reduced motivation and job satisfaction.
  • Trust and Confidence Issues: A lack of clear communication and direction can cause distrust in leadership and strain confidence in the organization’s future.
  • Adaptation Fatigue: A constant need to adjust can create burnout and fatigue.

This paints a bit of a dim picture, but every organization’s secret weapon during times of change is effective leadership. Leaders must act as pillars of support and rely on crucial traits like empathy, resilience and adaptability. Here are 4 top examples of how strong leadership can make all the difference when uncertainty is the norm:

  • Provides clarity and direction: Strong leaders have a clear vision and strategy to deal with unpredictability and they know how to set and communicate priorities.
  • Fosters Stability: We all know leaders who seem unflappable when the going gets tough. Those leaders create a sense of stability and security that trickles down throughout their team.
  • Builds trust: Transparent, consistent and honest communication builds trust and loyalty within a team.
  • Offers motivation and inspiration: When leaders show empathy and compassion, it builds team resilience and helps them persevere through challenging times.
  • Promotes problem solving: Times of uncertainty can force organizations to think more creatively. The leaders who embrace this tend to foster greater innovation in the long term.

Leading through times of change requires an inspiring vision, clear communication and the ability to provide support. Fortunately, there are some essential habits and mindsets that can help leaders and their teams operate more effectively during these periods of uncertainty. . Leah M Joppy and Associates can help leaders by providing teambuilding opportunities during times of uncertainty. Learn more by calling us at 301-670-0051 or email us at leah@lmja.com. For a catalog of our services, please send an email to lmjainc@gmail.com.

Four Steps To Leading During Uncertain Times

During uncertain times, team members look to leaders for support and guidance to overcome the challenges thrown at them. It takes a strong leader to be adaptive, not just reactive, when it seems like every day brings a fresh set of changes. It can be particularly difficult for new leaders, who may be dealing with all of this for the first time. But even the most seasoned leaders can feel tested by everything that’s going on right now. How can managers continue to lead effectively and maintain a strong, reassuring presence?

In most cases, organizations that emerge more aligned and resilient have leaders who lean into these 4 principles: inform, guide, unite and connect. Here’s a closer look at each one:

Inform

As team members struggle to make sense of all the changes going on, they are particularly hungry for information and open communication. That’s why it’s important for leaders to communicate early and frequently. Honesty is crucial and leaders must be candid in acknowledging the unknowns. This helps create credibility, builds trust and helps squash catastrophic rumors that may be filtering through the office. Remember, it’s a leader’s job to help team members make sense of all of the uncertainty going on around them and what these changes mean for them. Empathy, patience and compassion go a long way.

Connect

Now more than ever, it’s important to cultivate trust with employees. Team members need to feel a connection and leaders who reach out and build an environment of support will be viewed as more credible and reassuring. Now’s the time for leaders to get out of the office and into the hallways. They need to reach out to employees on a personal level and give them opportunities to safely express their thoughts and emotions. Leaders also need to acknowledge that they’re affected by uncertainty and trying to navigate the changes. Everyone, including leaders, may need to seek out support—from friends, family members, mentors or a coach.

Guide

During periods of uncertainty, team members want strong leaders who are comfortable giving direction on what to do – and what not to do. Talking about long-term visions and strategies aren’t going to be very effective when people are bracing for more bad news or still trying to recover from previous upheaval. Leaders may find it helpful to keep things a little more basic and focus on shorter term goals and priorities. Now’s the time for steady guidance and providing as much stability as possible.

Unite

Uncertainty and change remind us of the importance of community. People naturally look to rally around what brings them together, such as shared values, meaningful purpose and knowing that they’re not alone. Leaders can help reinforce these feelings of belonging by celebrating their team’s contributions and resiliency. It sends a strong message of, “We’ve adapted to changes before, we’ll get through this and we’ll be stronger for it.”

Leaders at all levels are being tested by the uncertainty and changes in today’s environment. When you have to lead through stressful circumstances, you often don’t know what you’ll show up to—but as a leader you always choose how you’ll show up. Leah M Joppy and Associates can help leaders by providing teambuilding opportunities during times of uncertainty.

Learn more by calling us at 301-670-0051 or email us at leah@lmja.com. For a catalog of our services, please send an email to lmjainc@gmail.com.

Gen Z And Return To Office

The Return to Office mandate has been a challenge for so many workers, from navigating a long commute to finding affordable child care and managing family schedules. However, there’s a generation that started their career at the beginning of the pandemic and may only know work life as remote employees. For Gen Z and even younger Millennials, the return to office can be overwhelming. They may struggle with the cultural shift and find it difficult to adjust to office life norms that many of us take for granted. And it’s an issue that can’t be ignored in the hopes that younger workers will just “adjust”. By 2030, Gen Z is projected to make up about a third of the workforce and their needs and influence will only continue to impact the office.

Why is Gen Z struggling with returning to the office? After all, we’ve read reports that many of them feel lonely and isolated working remotely and crave in-person contact. Let’s take a look at 4 top challenges they’re facing:

  1. They’ve never experienced office norms. From in-person meetings to casual chats while getting a cup of coffee, this is all new to many younger workers. This also includes things that are often learned through direct experience (aka, the hidden language of the office), such as:
  2. Reading the tone of meetings and knowing how (and when) to speak up in groups
  3. How to deal with making mistakes and take accountability
  4. How to build visibility at work
  5. They’re used to autonomy: Working remotely forced many early-career employees to be self-starters and find their work rhythm and direction without a lot of external help or validation. Now, being watched and interrupted can feel distracting and even undermining. They may feel like they’re not trusted and start to become disengaged with the workplace.
  6. They’re feeling overwhelmed and overstimulated in the office: For a generation used to remote work, office life presents a whole new set of sensory overload: constant noise, lack of space, social anxiety. This can quickly lead to fatigue, a loss in productivity and burnout.
  7. They feel like they might be “misunderstood”: In a remote setting, the work spoke for itself. Now, it’s not just about productivity, but there’s pressure on younger workers to present themselves in a certain way. This can cause anxiety about being perceived as “antisocial”, “awkward” or “checked out”. They may fear that this could impact their career advancement.

If you’re struggling with the challenges of returning to the office full time and the stresses of life in general right now, working with a coach, like Leah M Joppy and Associates, can help. Coaching can provide a fresh perspective, goal setting and strategies to make this major life transition a little easier to handle. For managers, we can help you learn the most effective ways for managing the growing number of younger workers and dealing with the challenges they’re experiencing in the office.

To learn more, call us at 301-670-0051 or email us at leah@lmja.com.

Tips For Transitioning Gen Z Employees

For employees who were used to working in an office full time before the pandemic, the return to office mandate has been challenging enough. But imagine if you’d never really worked in an office environment before and started your career as a remote employee. For members of Gen Z, the return to the office can be daunting and intimidating. And for managers, it can create a whole new set of issues that they may not be used to dealing with.

Gen Z values transparency and inclusion, so the best way for managers to help ease the transition back to the office is to listen, communicate clearly and show empathetic leadership. Here are a few other suggestions to help:

  1. Don’t assume everyone knows how to work in an office environment: Many Gen Zs and even younger Millennials may not have experienced office norms, structure and everyday interactions. Leaders shouldn’t assume that something that seems simple is understood. For example:
  2. Clarify the basics: Where do people eat lunch? Is there a dress code? Is there a noise policy? To help answer these questions, consider creating a return to office guide and placing additional reminders throughout the office. 
  3. Explain logistics upfront: Although things like booking a meeting may seem like common sense, the reality is that for many younger employees, they have questions. Don’t assume that things you may think are obvious are second nature for them. Clarifying office etiquette and making sure young employees feel comfortable asking questions goes a long way.
  4. Lead by example: Make curiosity part of the office culture in a non-judgmental way. If managers openly model asking questions and learning something new, others will follow.
  5. Create a detailed resource hub: Whether it’s a quick-start guide, detailed FAQ, or resource for casual questions, clear communication can greatly reduce uncertainty and embarrassment.
  6. Show them the value of being in the office: If younger workers spend their days in Zoom meetings and in-office work mimics what they were doing at home, you can expect disengagement and even “task masking” (a term for looking busy without actually doing any meaningful work). Look for ways to make the in-office experience more meaningful, such as:
  7. Provide mentorship opportunities: Offer formal and informal mentorship programs that pair Gen Z employees with experienced team members for learning and skill building.
  8. Foster a collaborative environment: Structure some office time around collaborative projects that require face-to-face interaction and feedback.
  9. Provide visibility to leadership: Gen Z values access to leadership for career growth. Providing this kind of give-and-take helps break down traditional hierarchies and makes younger workers feel more comfortable and engaged.
  10. Explain the “why”: Always clearly explain the reason behind in-office requirements or initiatives. Gen Z needs to understand how their contribution impacts the organization’s mission. Clearly explaining the reasons behind decisions and their role within the organization can have a huge impact.

Returning to the office full time is a big change and younger workers in particular may feel stressed, overwhelmed and have a hard time navigating it all. However, leaders with the right mindset and strategy can help ease the transition and manage the challenges that come with it. Leah M Joppy and Associates can work with you to face these hurdles head-on. Learn more by calling us at 301-670-0051 or email us at leah@lmja.com.