ZingTrain – Zingerman’s Training

Great place to learn about open book management and servant leadership. This place is a must if you want to step outside the box

Full disclosure: I work for Zingerman’s. Not ZingTrain, but the same organization.
That said, I’ve attended way more than my fair share of professional development and seminars over the past two decades, traveling all around the country to do so. No place treats attendees like ZingTrain! I don’t want to spoil the surprises, but know that your experience will be customized for you, based on what you like. Left handed? Don’t worry, you’ll be taken care of. Food allergies or restrictions? No need to feel embarrassed or unsure here.
Tip: ladies, be sure to check out the drawers in the ladies room. You’ll find just about anything you might need in there Trust me.

I second all that Cleetus has said — the two-​day seminar entitled «The Zingerman’s Experience» is not only great for small business owners, but non-​profit leaders, and really, anybody in a leadership position in any kind of organization. I finished the seminar feeling inspired, re-​energized, and full of new ideas and ways to make my own work better and implement positive change at my non-​profit organization.
Zingerman’s approach to business is mission driven, focused, with a clear vision, guiding principles, structures, and a passionate culture of people who are crazy about what they do. It’s about believing in your work, doing all you can do for your clients (or customers), and making your people successful.
No matter what kind of work you are in, everyone can learn an incredible amount from these seemingly-​obvious-​yet-​hard-​to-​implement ideas. What am I taking away from the program? A LOT. The concept of shared success and shared responsibility, open book financing, a brilliant new way to build a vision and road map for our organization, and much much more (including a new addiction to Zzang bars!).
I cannot recommend this program enough. If you have an opportunity to take any of their ZingTrain classes, DO IT!