Sarah Mirkle, SHRM-SCP

Have you ever participated in an ice breaker that was both memorable and effective? If so, I want to hear about it! I'm looking for fresh ideas to use for team meetings and staff events that are engaging, but not too cheesy. Share your favorite ice breaker activities in the comments below! Let's help each other make our events and meetings more fun and productive. #teambuilding #staffevents #icebreakers

5

1 Comment

Did you know? Congested power lines result in over 184 million megawatts of wasted energy each year – enough to power 16.7 million homes! The right investments in the grid not only alleviate congestion but offer potential to tap the country’s diverse energy resources. Learn how ITC is supporting our grid: https://ow.ly/lEh950U4uf5

6

1 Comment

https://okt.to/tR71B0 Meeting advanced fleet electrification goals requires a significant increase in grid capacity & a shared understanding of how to reach a sustainable & clean energy future. Learn how we can tackle challenges & navigate the funding landscape together. #Power #Utilities #FleetEelctrification #Infrastructure

1

America is connected through our energy grid. When any component is changed – for example, a new powerplant comes online – the impacts are felt across the grid. That means adding new wind energy in the Great Plains or solar energy in the Southwest benefits everyone everywhere in between. 💡 Regulators must assign cost responsibility in a manner that takes into consideration the fluid and interconnected nature of interstate transmission.

1

Thoughtful ideas around implementing skills based learning. Let’s hear it for the early adopters in your company!

5

America is connected through our energy grid. When any component is changed – for example, a new powerplant comes online – the impacts are felt across the grid. That means adding new wind energy in the Great Plains or solar energy in the Southwest benefits everyone everywhere in between. 💡 Regulators must assign cost responsibility in a manner that takes into consideration the fluid and interconnected nature of interstate transmission.

7

Transmission policy reform is urgently needed to strengthen grid reliability and support the clean energy transition. Check out this recent op-ed from RealClearEnergy which establishes critical areas to unlock our nation's energy future: https://ow.ly/Uaeo30sH0kf

9

In the second quarter of 2024, the clean energy industry installed 11 GW of new utility-scale solar, storage and wind capacity—91% more than the same period in 2023, bringing year-to-date installations to more than double the five-year average for H1 installations. Learn more in American Clean Power Association (ACP)'s Q2 #CleanPowerQuarterly Report: https://ow.ly/r57j30sGheZ

1

America is connected through our energy grid. When any component is changed – for example, a new powerplant comes online – the impacts are felt across the grid. That means adding new wind energy in the Great Plains or solar energy in the Southwest benefits everyone everywhere in between. Check out ITC's page on maintaining today's power grid: https://ow.ly/fsFH50U4ueA

3

American-made clean energy is more than just a power source. It’s a cornerstone of local economic development and community resilience. Learn about the economic benefits of clean energy in the communities we proudly serve here: #ACPW24 #PowerTheEconomy 

10

Earlier this year, I spoke about the importance of taking a vacation and using the benefits you’ve earned. As we approach the end of the year, I want to revisit that message—especially for those in leadership roles. If you lead a team, now is a critical time to assess their vacation plans to ensure they’re using their time and that there are no coverage gaps. People often rush to use up their days in December, which can create operational challenges. By being proactive now, you can help your team balance their personal time with our business needs, creating a smoother, more productive end-of-year period. Encouraging people to plan their time off doesn’t just support our operations; it’s a sign of respect for everyone’s well-being. When team members feel empowered to take the breaks they’ve earned, they’re more likely to return with fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and a positive mindset that benefits everyone. A well-rested team is a resilient team. So, let’s help each other finish the year strong. Make sure to lead by example and consider planning your own time off as well! When we prioritize balance, we create a culture where hard work and self-care coexist, setting everyone up for success as we move into the new year.

27

1 Comment

Career Advice -- those simple nuggets of wisdom you get from peers, co-workers, bosses, and mentors that enrich your career. Here are some of the gems that have been directed at me as I worked my way into leadership positions. I will cherish these forever and I hope you will find them useful. I still use them as my guide. The list is long but full of wisdom from others before me. Those of you I have worked with throughout my career will recognize many of these. -> Don't check your phone in a meeting (or I'll take your phone away). -> Take all of your vacation (or you won't get your bonus). -> Do not do it unless it adds value. -> God - family - work (in that order - if you are a believer). -> Spend time with your family. Your boss WILL NOT remember what you did 5 years from now but your family will always remember you were not there. -> If you don't love what you are doing or like your work environment, change it. You're in control. -> You will need to make sacrifices if you want to lead people. -> Be vulnerable - open your arena - the Johari Window. -> Feedback is the breakfast of champions. -> Don't spectate in meetings. If you are invited to a meeting, make sure to interject yourself and have something of value to add. -> When someone does a drive by, stop what you are doing, turn around, square up, and engage with them. -> Rise above the negativity and cancer that can find its way into workplace conversation. -> If you find yourself in the victim loop, work your way back into the accountability loop. Success is your own damn fault. -> Confront issues in the present - issues will not go away. -> Embrace learning. -> Elevate and show up well in meetings. -> Don't bring me a problem unless you come with a solution. -> If you can't make a meeting, reschedule it - do not cancel it. -> Listen to your attorneys but remember they are alarmists by nature. -> Never ask a female in a team meeting to take notes (unless it's her job). -> Be more empathetic. -> Get hot (meaning get quicker). But don't sacrifice quality for speed. -> Develop an edge. -> Challenge the status quo. -> Do what's in the best interest of the company and your fellow co-workers (credit to HPWP) and eliminate the negatives. -> Anticipate questions that may arise and answer them in your presentation before they can be asked. -> If you are driving change, recognize and properly memorialize the work others have done before you. -> Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change itself (LNS). -> network outside of work (so you do not become stale). -> Don't waste your time with CYA activity. There's no value in that. -> Assume positive intent. -> Don't judge others until you get all sides of the story. -> Communicate twice as more as you think you should. -> Work beyond your job description. -> Be here now (lesson I learned at 16 years old). -> Stay loose and have fun! Foster that spirit in others.

58

8 Comments

🌞 According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the 🇺🇸 solar industry hit a major milestone in 2023, installing 32.4 GWdc—a 51% increase over 2022 and the biggest year yet! 📈 SEIA predicts US solar installations will double by 2030 and triple by 2034 👀 🔋 Commercial solar surged, especially in states like California, leading to a 19% national growth. Community solar grew by 3% despite challenges, thanks to robust programs in Illinois, New Jersey, and New York. ✨ At Lumen, we're proud to make solar installations easier and faster. With rising utility prices and falling solar costs, we’re excited for another year of growth! #SolarEnergy #CRE #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #GreenInitiatives #Solar

9

This is especially true when it comes to roles within the trade. Do not underestimate the experience and the skill of those that do not have an advanced degree or even a BA.

18

I'm #XEProud to see that Xcel Energy is partnering with local organizations to invest in high-quality carbon offsets to help reach our net-zero natural gas vision and improve our communities. http://spr.ly/6045ttHqD

5

I'm #XEProud to see that Xcel Energy is partnering with local organizations to invest in high-quality carbon offsets to help reach our net-zero natural gas vision and improve our communities. http://spr.ly/6047vTdPv

10

The forecast for electricity needs in the Pacific Northwest points to rapid growth and increased demand. While more renewable energy is coming online, the existing transmission system also needs to be expanded. Learn more about the plans for the Northwest power grid at https://lnkd.in/gwM2HTj3

6

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)'s Board of Directors has approved the largest portfolio of transmission projects in U.S. history! This historic plan includes 488 projects spanning over 5,000 miles across 15 states, aimed at strengthening grid reliability and supporting new generation. LRTP Tranche 2.1’s $21.8 billion investment will enhance infrastructure, help meet load growth needs and enable 28 GW of new generation, ensuring a resilient and reliable grid for decades to come. https://ow.ly/SHBW30sIPZo

4