By Kevin Greer
Lakeside Communications Manager
More than 70 attendees representing 30 nonprofit organizations from Erie, Ottawa and Huron counties gathered at Lakeside for the Erie County Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Team Retreat on Sept. 11-12. The retreat centered around Patrick Lencioni’s book, The 6 Types of Working Genius.
Beth Maiden, CEO of the Erie County Community Foundation, came up with the idea for a two-day event. Each summer, the Foundation hosts a workshop for nonprofits focused on topics like fundraising, strategic planning and leadership. But to mark the Foundation’s 30th anniversary, Maiden wanted to create something larger and more impactful.
After meeting with Gretchen Colón, Lakeside’s Vice President of Advancement & Marketing, and Amy Skolnik, Lakeside’s Strategic Giving & Community Outreach Director, Maiden knew Lakeside was the perfect setting.
“We did some brainstorming,” Maiden said. “I thought, ‘What better way to get our people out of their everyday stuff than to come and work with Lakeside?’ This retreat gives our nonprofits some space. They’re feeling a lot of budget constraints, so this is a stressful time for them. We want to give them the opportunity to have some team building and camaraderie together.”
The retreat opened with coffee and pastries at Wesley Lodge before participants walked down Central Avenue to Orchestra Hall for a workshop led by Elliott Moon, Working Genius Master Facilitator & Consultant. Moon explained the six types of Working Genius, dividing them into two categories: Responsive Geniuses (Wonder, Discernment and Enablement) and Disruptive Geniuses (Invention, Galvanizing and Tenacity). He emphasized that all six are equally valuable and that “disruptive” is not meant negatively.
Moon led group discussions and exercises to see how different mixes of geniuses interacted, wrapping up the three-hour session with a Q&A.
After lunch, attendees split into two breakout sessions. Half joined Colón and Skolnik for a walking tour of Lakeside, filled with stories and history. The other half participated in a Journaling Workshop with Traci Richards, owner of Millie Magoo’s & The Fine Print. Richards shared journaling techniques, her personal experience with the practice, and how it can foster creativity, reduce fear and self-doubt, and help individuals gain clarity.
Day two began with a Working Genius follow-up at Wesley Lodge, led by Michelle Cramer, President & CEO of Cramer & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm based in Dublin, Ohio. A longtime Lakesider, Cramer has led numerous fundraising projects across the state, including Lakeside’s pool campaign, which she described as one of her “favorite projects.”
Cramer asked each organization to reflect on past initiatives, discussing successes, challenges and what they might have approached differently, and to share future plans. Participants explained how they have applied, or intend to apply, the Working Genius framework to achieve their goals. She concluded the session with a Q&A.
“We spent the day at the Erie County Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Team Retreat at beautiful Lakeside Chautauqua,” shared Campbell Christian Community Center. “From the Working Genius workshop to walking tours, journaling and team-building activities, it was a day full of learning, connection, and inspiration. We’re so grateful to the Erie County Community Foundation for this opportunity and for celebrating their 30th anniversary by investing in nonprofits like ours. Your support helps strengthen the work being done throughout our community every day.”
Organizations in attendance were: Artists’ Open Studio, BGSU Firelands, Equality Sandusky, Greater Sandusky Partnership, Child Care Resource Center, Campbell Christian Community Center, Firelands Symphony Orchestra, Huron County Humane Society, Erie County CASA, Harbourtown Fine Arts Center, Firelands Montessori Academy, Humane Society of Erie County, Huron County Growth Partnership, Leadership Ottawa County, Sandusky State Theatre, Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio, United Church Homes, Erie County Community Foundation and Lakeside Chautauqua.
Special thanks to Erie County Community Foundation, Elliot Moon, Cramer & Associates, Inc. and Millie Magoo’s & The Fine Print for their partnership in presenting this retreat.
Thank you to all the participating nonprofits for taking time at Lakeside to strengthen relationships, spark innovation, improve communication and deepen engagement. We hope all left reenergized to advance their mission with even greater impact. As a nonprofit ourselves, Lakeside is proud support and serve fellow nonprofits and community leaders.
