Together to the Top
This presentation Together to the top is based on the first Dutch ascent of Gasherbrum 1 (8,068 m). Katja initiated and led the small-scale expedition to this eight-thousander in Pakistan. Following weeks of bad weather, the top was eventually reached by the entire team of four: a peak performance. The successful expedition was due in no small part to the cooperation, not only within the team, but with two other teams as well. In this case, it was literally a case of getting to the top, together!
In this presentation Katja Staartjes takes you on a journey to the top with breathtaking images, with a particular focus on teamwork, leadership, and successful achievements in the areas of:
- Cooperation & teamwork: trust, open communication, role assignments, cultural differences, complementing each others’ skills, sharing the hard work, and caring for each other;
- (Personal) Leadership: taking the initiative, taking decisions and responsibility (including when things go wrong), authenticity, and natural leadership;
- Success factors: what determines whether you reach the top or not? And return safely?
Read more about this expedition that underlies the presentation Together to the top.
No doubt you have specific issues you want to handle in your organization. It is usually possible to incorporate relevant themes into the presentation.
Duration
The presentations given by Katja Staartjes usually last between 45 minutes and two hours. Longer sessions, incorporating more interaction with the participants, are also possible. Another option is to add additional meetings in which specific selected issues are the central focus, and Katja functions as the process leader in discussions. If desired, Katja can also offer tailor-made sessions together with other experienced management trainers with whom she works regularly.
Objectives
“My goal is to present an inspiring story that stimulates reflection and gets things moving. I want to have an impact on my audience. Frequently, my clients want to achieve something more than simply stimulating their employees, and there is a clear objective. For example, the presentation is embedded in a team meeting day, and is intended to stimulate deeper discussion about cooperation. In a case like this, I integrate questions that have been agreed with the client beforehand, so that an interactive discussion develops. It often works well to have people work in dyads or small groups. At the end of the discussion I tnen summarise the results, and continue with the presentation. I can work specific standpoints into the presentation, to make it easier to generate discussion. I look for quality in my life, and that includes my presentations. My ultimate aim is to have high customer satisfaction with every presentation.” Katja Staartjes.
What Katja Staartjes says about ...
Risk:
“You won’t reach the top without running into risks.”
“Many organizations avoid taking risks out of fear – but of what?”
“The art lies in taking calculated risks.”
Cooperation:
“The bottom line is cooperation: joint goals, and team members who are considerate to each other.”
“Don’t wait to have a party when you reach your final goal, remember to celebrate the milestones along the way.”
Inspiration:
“You have to put all you’ve got into a peak performance, but the key lies in being inspired.”
“Really wanting to achieve something is completely different from being contented for achievements to happen.”
Personal growth:
“It’s all about development and growth.”
“Development becomes possible when you’re open to innovation, and learn from every experience.”
For more information: see Portrait.
Practical matters
The impact of Katja’s presentations is highly dependent on the photographic material. It is therefore extremely important that they can be shown on a large projection screen; at least 3 metres wide. A screen of this format can be provided, if required. Rooms with a high ceiling are best, so that the screen can be high enough to allow everyone in the audience to see it clearly. The effect is also enhanced in rooms with good lighting, but direct sunlight is a major problem. It should be possible to darken the room to some extent.
Book Peak Performance
Katja Staartje’s second book was created as a result of her presentations. It is a practical reference book, with concise treatments of 60 different themes related to making dreams come true, meeting challenges, and delivering peak performances. Each theme is illustrated with a photograph, taken in the mountains where Katja continues to find her inspiration. The book, which is often ordered by clients as a gift for customers and business partners, costs € 19.95 (English translation, the original Dutch book Top-inspiratie costs € 17.50).
Interested?
Would you like to organize one of Katja’s inspiring presentations in your organization? Get in touch with Katja Staartjes Management Inspiration, by calling directly on: +31 570 550 343
or send an e-mail at: 
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