The Cramer Institute - Our Services - Keynotes Change the Way You See Everything
Dr. Kathryn Cramer, Founder of The Cramer Institute, has developed and brought to life a revolutionary (and refreshingly simple) concept called Asset-Based Thinking - a practical approach to taking the positive side of life's ledger and using it to full advantage in everything you do.
Asset-Based Thinking calls for small shifts in the way people absorb, perceive, filter, and interpret information. It changes the way we see everything, leading to dramatic improvements in the way we live and work. Asset-Based Thinking zeros in on what's working rather than what's not (Deficit-Based Thinking) and favors inspiration and aspiration over desperation - and it is infectious. Through Asset-Based Thinking anyone can lead more productive and personally fulfilling lives.
Dr. Cramer's new breakthrough book, Change the Way You See Everything Through Asset-Based Thinking (Running Press), details the results of her extensive research and findings in an innovative, visually dynamic fast-paced read. As author James Patterson writes in his forward, "When I read Change the Way You See Everything I saw that it does what it promises to do and more. This is a simple but brilliant thesis that gives us information we can actually use."
This powerful new keynote harnesses the core message of the book and the dynamic personality of Dr. Cramer. Throughout this keynote, Kathy teaches audience members how to tap the power of Asset-Based Thinking and apply it to their personal and professional lives. This program is divided into three parts: - Change the way you see yourself
- Change the way you see others
- Change the way you see situations
Within each part, Kathy provides practical advice, case studies, and exercises that help participants modify their management, leadership, communication skills, performance, and satisfaction, and take them to the next level.
Part I: Change the way you see yourself
In the first part, Kathy explains to the audience that being able to imagine what's possible (rather than solving problems) is the key to moving forward in a world full of uncertainties, insecurities, and constant change.
Kathy illustrates the difference between Asset-Based Thinking (ABT) and Deficit-Based Thinking (DBT). Using diagrams and stories, she explains that DBT is fear-based, while ABT is desire-driven. DBT creates internal anxiety while ABT fuels passion. She states that ABT is a choice (not a personality trait) and offers research findings to confirm that ABT can be learned and will foster optimism, resilience, and creativity, and will ignite possibilities.
She also reveals how we are barraged by headlines, news clips, and messages of doom and gloom. She reveals through personal stories and research findings how these constant DBT messages rob us of our sense of hope and confidence, drain our energy, tax our immune system, strain our relationships, and reduce our productivity. She asks the audience to step into ABT - a small shift that makes a seismic difference.
Finally, Kathy walks the audience through several essential ABT exercises that will change the way they see themselves so they can achieve their greatest aspirations. - Leap out of bed with your vision turned on
- How to cure Asset Blindness
- How to coach (not criticize) yourself
Part II: Change the way you see others
Kathy introduces the first ABT relationship skill of finding role models to Imitate Shamelessly and Often. She tells stories of famous people (athletes, singers, scientists) who have imitated someone who they greatly admired. Kathy reminds the audience that ABT imitation is the quickest way to learn and express to others profound appreciation for their gift - the most rewarding type of conversation possible.
Next, Kathy asks the audience to stand, find a partner, and then have a "no-no" exchange, followed by a "yes-yes" exchange. These DBT (no-no) and ABT (yes-yes) conversations reveal the emotional dynamics that permeate each type. The audience experiences first-hand the paralyzing, depleting dynamics of DBT and the energizing, proactive dynamics of ABT that happen even in content-free, issue-free interactions.
Finally, Kathy offers the audience members 3 essential ABT exercises that will Change the Way They See Other People so that others will join them and support them in achieving their goals and realizing their vision. - Give everyone an "A"
- Leverage the Affirmative Zone
- Get a charge out of conflict
Part III: Change the way you see situations
Kathy introduces the audience to ABT skills for shifting from a "threat" to a "challenge" when frightening, disappointing, or harmful things happen. She reminds the audience that the most admired characteristic among Americans is resilience.
Kathy shows the ABT steps involved in calculating the losses and gains associated with every calamity or crisis. She shows the audience how to avoid the tendency to exaggerate problems by gaining a more accurate, useful perspective. Here she introduces an ABT skill that helps makes the best use of the time we have available. Instead of making time our enemy and constantly struggling against it, Kathy shows how to view time as a loyal ally. The "just enough" mental posture can be applied to other assets as well to keep on track in the face of adversity.
Kathy introduces the audience to concrete ways of spending 80% of ones focus on what is going well, what is working, and what is possible. Simple yet powerful strategies are demonstrated: - Shift from threat to challenge in tough situations
- Widen the lens to seize opportunities
- See the problem as a pause and a positive source of power
Closing
The program ends with The ABT Ripple Effect and So, What's Next … Oceans of Possibilities. Kathy gets the audience on their feet and provides them with ABT feedback. Back and forth, they make observations on the assets they have seen in audience members throughout the program. Kathy links their observations to actual findings in psychology about the contagious beneficial properties of such assets as risk-taking, humor, candor, compassion, curiosity, and commitment. |
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