What are your strengths…how could you utilize your strengths to accomplish your dreams?
As an HR professional, I had noticed that when I spent time coaching and training the managers within my various companies, wonderful things happened…morale went up, retention went up, and managers became competent and confident in their decision making! My goal became to utilize my training techniques to duplicate these results for other organizations. So, on November 18, 1998, I created my company Management Skills Resource, Inc.
There were quite a few “neigh sayers” who questioned my sanity and thought I would give up the dream and find a “real job” within the year. They probably had a point since I was leaving a six figure VP of Human Resources position with a great benefit plan, four weeks of vacation, and which was located only three miles from my house. I had a business plan but not a single client lined up but I took a chance and it was one of the best decisions of my life.
After 26 happy, successful years I am taking another chance and closing my company Management Skills Resource at the end of this year. I feel have achieved my vision and am overwhelmed by the difference my training classes have made for countless managers. I am so grateful to have had this experience. In December 2024, my website www.ManagementSkillsInc.com will be shut down along with the email Deborah.Avrin@ManagementSkillsInc.com. The Management Map…Navigation Tools for the New Manager book is still being used by several companies and it can be ordered by emailing me at avrin@verizon.net. My long-term collaborator Julie Chance (https://www.action-strategies.com/) is assisting me with this transition.
It is time to start something new and I am already embracing retirement life filled with travel and a variety of experiences. My appetite for lifelong learning is fed with a book club focused on historical fiction, art appreciation, a weekly discussion group on the Great Courses, and game night. Do I somehow find myself facilitating a few of these events? Absolutely…you can’t take the trainer out of me just because I’m retired!
Thank you to everyone I met on my Management Skills Resource journey who encouraged me, took a chance on me when I first started, celebrated with me, and taught me how to be a successful business owner. The list of people is too numerous to name but a special thank you to these organizations that contributed to my growth and introduced me to some of the best people I’ve ever met: ATD Dallas Chapter, Dallas HR, The University of Dallas, and Wiley Publishing.
Best wishes to everyone on pursuing your dreams and please keep in touch.