Bringing the “Drop of Oil” to the Conversation
“It was like putting a little drop of oil on us! Whenever we felt stuck, you just made an observation, or asked a question that, like a drop of oil, got us going again!”
Engaging Young People in Community Decision-Making & Leadership Development
Struggling to connect with young adults in your community? Discover inspiration for fostering a thriving intergenerational community.
Actionable Insights, Not Just Reports
Hard work goes into plans, initiatives, and projects. Yet, how often do those "next steps" just sit unused?
Getting to YES
Developers, planners, and community members: Learn how to break through impasses and achieve "YES" in housing decisions through impactful communication and collaborative solutions.
Starting Your Project with Purpose and Clarity
Avoid project pitfalls! Discover a powerful approach to project planning that starts with goals, assumptions, and facts to build a strong foundation for success.
The Power of Silence
How often have you conducted a meeting and posed a question – only to be met with silence? That happens a lot, and our first instinct is to rephrase the question or otherwise keep talking.
A Breath of Fresh Air: NH's Affordable & Efficient Alternative for Zoning Disputes
Discover the NH Housing Appeals Board: your alternative for timely, affordable zoning appeals in New Hampshire. Explore resources, understand the process, and benefit from expert insights.
Goal Setting & Making Plans
Embrace September as a new beginning. As the pace quickens after Labor Day, consider your goals for 2023. What impacts do you seek in work and life? Jot down ideas now and solidify them in writing later. Forge your path for the months ahead.
Let’s Start Talking About Us…
Explore the vital elements influencing our well-being beyond healthcare. Discover how factors like safety, community, and social connections play a pivotal role in fostering longer, healthier lives for all. Join the conversation on building a stronger, united community for a brighter future.
Virtual Meetings
Enhance your online meetings with these invaluable tips! While virtual gatherings differ from in-person interactions, we've learned over three years that incorporating certain practices can foster genuine connections with attendees. Discover how to create a sense of togetherness that will elevate your meeting experience – and these tips are just as effective for in-person gatherings too!
Home, Sweet Home: Do NOT lead with solutions
Addressing the housing shortage in New Hampshire: Join the conversation and be part of the solution in your community. Explore the challenges and factors behind the lack of inventory, and discover how community collaboration can pave the way for more places to live. Together, let's shape a vibrant and inclusive future for all.
It’s The Personal Connections
As members of a community – whether where we work, where we live, or other community – we must be aware of how we show up for others, and what we can do to contribute to the whole. At the same time, we need to support everyone else in the community, drawing out their gifts and being part of creating that sense of safety and belonging.
From Problem to Possibility
Most of us are faced with situations in our organizations that need attention: “There is not enough diversity here.” “There is no collaboration – but a lot of confrontation.” “We need better communication.”
How can you say “We welcome YOU here?”
April is a time to finally get outside for yard work – and also to start cleaning up the local parks, playgrounds, trails and beaches in our communities. It is never too late to look at these spaces in terms of welcoming inclusion (I just made that up): are they welcoming people who might not otherwise be able to enjoy these important places?
Connection Before Content
Whether a monthly Board meeting, a new project team, or even a municipal Planning Board meeting, people will be working together, exploring ideas together, making decisions. All of that tends to go more smoothly if/when there is a personal connection among those at the table
Now What NH
RHL Strategies recently had the opportunity to sit down with Now What NH. A newly-founded organization on a mission to make New Hampshire more sustainable, more livable, and accessible to residents of all ages. Their commitment to keep New Hampshire communities strong and vibrant is truly inspiring. Here is what Nick Taylor, Now What NH’s Leadership Team Member had to say!
Getting beyond “yes”, “no”, and other one-word answers.
We often find ourselves in situations when we are trying to understand how the other person - or even a group - is thinking. All we get are one-word comments, which really don't clarify things. Or we may ask "Why did you....?" and the answers are defensive - and again, not clarifying.
Belonging by Design
Most of us are in some position to make a difference for people who are usually not included in our “traditional” ways of doing things. As designers and leaders, we can have tremendous influence. How can we create a sense of belong - for ourselves and for others? Why should we care?