Five Years Later, This Leadership Training Stuck and It's Still Paying Off

One company that experienced this transformation firsthand is CMG Leasing in Blacksburg, Virginia. We connected recently, almost 5 years after their engagement with Cortex.  It turns out that when Lynda Foster led a leadership training session for their team, it set in motion a fundamental shift in the way they worked together. Today, the lessons they learned are still shaping how they lead and communicate.

Through Cortex, Sarah Boor and her team didn’t just learn about DISC behavioral assessments and the Dreaded Drama Triangle. They reshaped their entire approach to leadership, communication, and conflict resolution.

A New Mindset on Conflict and Leadership

For Sarah, the change was personal. She had always avoided conflict, doing whatever it took to sidestep difficult conversations.

“I would do anything to avoid it,” she said. “But after working with Lynda, I realized that avoiding conflict only led to miscommunication, overpromising, and unnecessary stress.”

DISC helped Sarah develop self-awareness and recognize her instinct to retreat when confronted with tension. She learned that for someone like her, the first step wasn’t engaging in conflict. It was simply staying still.

“I had to practice pausing before reacting. Just creating space changed everything,” she explained. “Instead of knee-jerk reactions, I started responding with intention. My team learned to do the same.”

Building a Stronger Team Through Better Communication

The training didn’t just change individual behaviors. It transformed how the team operated as a unit.

“We started holding each other accountable in a way that made us stronger,” Sarah said. “Instead of reacting emotionally, we reminded each other to take a step back, ask questions, and truly listen.”

These lessons also reshaped how they interacted with customers.

“In the past, I dreaded difficult calls. Now, it’s my favorite part of the job,” Sarah said. “When you take the time to understand where someone’s frustration is coming from, you can de-escalate situations, improve communication, and create better experiences for everyone involved.”

Leadership That Lasts

Perhaps the greatest testament to the power of Cortex’s training is its lasting impact. Even as time has passed, Sarah and her colleagues continue to apply what they learned. As new team members join, they pass down these leadership principles, ensuring that the investment in development continues to pay off.

“For companies thinking about leadership training, my advice is simple—do it,” Sarah said. “Employees don’t just want a boss. They want a coach who helps them grow. That’s what Cortex gave us.”

Transforming Leadership at Every Level

Sarah’s story is just one example of how Cortex Leadership Consulting helps leaders and teams redefine the way they work. If you’re ready to create stronger leaders, build a more cohesive team, and foster a culture of emotional intelligence, now is the time to take the next step. Cortex doesn’t just teach leadership. We transform it.

Contact us today to learn how our training programs can impact your team and your business.

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