Local author teaches leaders to be effective

“The world is changing fast; resources are finite. Traditional sources of leadership have yet to grasp the way ahead is teamwork.”

So reads the first of 140 insights compiled in Caroline Nicholl’s newly released book “#TEAMWORK tweet,” which she wrote for “thinking adults who lack the time or desire to read long books, but want to improve themselves with knowledge of the most up-to-date subjects.”

A former member of London’s Metropolitan Police, Nicholl recognizes high performing teams are the key to an organization’s success. Her premise about teams is simple: We rely on each other to achieve a common goal. But her work was not so simple. She helped change one of the world’s largest law enforcement departments from a “force” into a “service.” As chief of police for the city of Milton Keyes, her work in restorative justice led to national legislation. Restorative justice attempts to repair the harm done to the victim, where offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and to repair the harm they’ve done — by apologizing, returning stolen money, or doing community service. Her innovative work in policing attracted widespread attention for the results she accomplished — a drop of repeat offending from 48 percent to 3.4 percent.

Nicholl’s groundbreaking work attracted the attention of the Commonwealth Fund in New York City, which awarded Nicholl a Harkness Fellowship, and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, whose chief asked Nicholl to join their team. Nicholl’s systems approach (analyze the components, identify the issues, develop a solution) was applied to create a new model for reducing family and youth violence and to cut down the disruption caused by street prostitution. A 2008 study showed her program has successfully prevented 3,500 offenders from returning to the justice system.

After 20 years in public service, Nicholl brought the knowledge and experience of working on teams to start Blue Apricot Solutions, focusing on organizational development and coaching. That was in 2002, shortly after Sept. 11. Nicholl describes the lessons from the disastrous events as, “A stark reminder of what can happen when organizations fail. Everyone wants to achieve and do well but the fact is seldom can we achieve in a vacuum: We rely on others, just as others rely on us.” Blue Apricot is the platform through which she pursues her passion to explore what leadership truly involves and means.

Caroline Nicholl teaches leaders how to be effective. Her tweet handle to follow is @execteamcoach. Her book “#TEAMWORK tweet” is available at thinkaha.com.

New faces at CAGLCC’s networking event

“There were more new people at the NT (Network Thursday) than I have seen in a long time,” said Eileen Kessler, president of OmniStudio. She observed a growing trend occurring at CAGLCC’s signature networking event “Network Thursdays.” More and more new business professionals are finding connections and value in networking at the monthly event.

For the last 20 years CAGLCC’s Network Thursdays have provided a place for LGBT business people to network, exchange ideas and build relationships. The NT’s are held on the second Thursday of each month at various members’ places of business. Although many long-term members are always in attendance, the last several months have welcomed more new faces than ever before.

“We offered a special; members could bring a guest for free” says Travis Slocum of United Bank. Generally, members attend for free, and non-members pay a cover. Slocum, co-chair of CAGLCC’s Membership Committee is enthusiastic about the response. “New faces, new members.”

CAGLCC member news

Stone Lyons of Stone Lyons Media launched a web video for Pet Peeps LLC, owned by CAGLCC member Gus Elfving. Watch the reality TV-style video at Stone Lyons Media on Facebook.

Marry Me in DC, founded by Sheila Alexander-Reid, is hosting Baltimore’s first gay wedding show. The Marry Me in DC LGBT Wedding Expo is on Aug. 22, 1-6 p.m. at Club Hippo, 1 W. Eager St. Visit marrymeindc.com/expo for details.

CAGLCC means business, caglcc.org.