For anyone learning a new skill or developing expertise, the process and the challenges you face are always the same. The Developing Others tool helps us understand those realities, and gives us a simple process, framework, and best practices for how to master it most effectively. There are 4 primary stages of this growth journey, and in each, there is a specific role for both the “learner” (aka “apprentice”) and the “expert” (aka “master-craftsman”). Effective progression around the square toward mastery means responsibility and support/challenge are gradually increased for the individual at each stage over time – not all at once, but calibrated to keep pace with the learner’s ability to handle it.
At some point along the way, when they are learning to master a new skill or environment, there is a period where there is danger of falling into the Pit of Despair. This is the place where they feel like no matter how hard they’ve tried, they just can’t make it, they don’t understand the expectations set for them, or they feel in-over-their head and overwhelmed. The result can be abdication and just doing enough to get by, or depression, or unhealthy behavior at work as they seek to cope with this sense of failure and feeling trapped. But there is hope! There is a way out.
Join me Friday, February 16 from 12-1pm, for our next lunch and learn to learn three tools that can help you develop yourself and others and get out of the Pit of Despair.
Special thanks to our signature sponsor the The Women’s CEO Business School and our community partner Smart Settlements.
Signature Events
Annual Meeting & Community Leadership Awards
The Loudoun Chamber celebrated its 57th Annual Meeting & Community Leadership Awards on January 24, 2025. We honored top community leaders and celebrated the success of the 2024 Board of Directors Chair, Angela Mitchell, owner of ARM Consulting LLC. We also welcomed our 2025 Board and the new Chair, Scott Loftis, of Atlantic Union Bank. 2026 Info Coming in the Fall
Annual DEIA Summit
The Loudoun Chamber will host its 3rd Annual DEIA Summit on October 17, 2024. Keynote speakers and workshops will focus on helping your business or nonprofit gain competitive advantages by leveraging diversity and accessibility tools. Event Page Here
Chamber Classic
This event has been Loudoun County’s premier business golf tournament for over four decades. The Chamber Classic offers our sponsors tremendous marketing exposure and an incomparable day of golf. More Info Coming Soon
Small Business Awards
For 30 years, the Loudoun Small Business Awards have been the most prestigious honors celebrating our Loudoun community’s best small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations. Winners are announced in front of a live audience of Loudoun’s top business and community leaders. 2025 Information Coming Soon
Valor Awards
In April of 2025, the Loudoun Chamber celebrated 40 years of honoring our community’s real-life heroes, including several truly heroic citizens, for their courageous and often lifesaving actions. Stay tuned for 2026 information
State of the Loudoun Market
The Loudoun real estate market has rarely experienced the number of challenges and opportunities it does today. It is difficult to make sense of these current market conditions and their impact on economic conditions. In 2025, the Loudoun Chamber will bring together the region’s top economic and real estate experts to examine how the economic and cultural forces influencing this market will impact your business. Stay tuned for more information.