Blogs
Designed to provoke reflection and dialogue
Is it Time to Refresh Your Strategy?
As one year draws to a close and another begins, it’s natural for business leaders to reflect. This period of transition can serve as a pivotal moment for evaluating and recalibrating your business strategy. While your current approach may still be yielding results, the question remains: how can you determine if it’s time for a strategic overhaul?
Expressing Gratitude is Not the Same as Recognizing Performance
Gratitude is not the same as recognition. Great leaders do both…
What is Executive Presence?
Let’s discuss executive presence. There appears to be a consensus that leaders require executive presence to succeed and be promoted to higher positions. However, few people are able to offer a concrete definition of it.
From the Founder’s Bookshelf
Looking for your next leadership book?
Here are a few go-tos… some you’ve probably heard of and maybe a couple you haven’t, along with a few comments from Kim on why she appreciates each.
Here are a few go-tos… some you’ve probably heard of and maybe a couple you haven’t, along with a few comments from Kim on why she appreciates each.
Lead by Greatness
By David Lapin
By David Lapin
In my early career, I had the honor of working alongside David Lapin, author of Lead by Greatness. His unique perspective on character and purpose profoundly influenced my own approach to leadership and organizational development. On a personal level, Lead by Greatness inspired me to delve into my own values and purpose and, ultimately, to lead more authentically.
Yes, And
By Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton
By Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton
Who would have thought that improvisational comedy can inform leadership? As it turns out, “no, but” thinking is pervasive, and it shuts down creativity, innovation and teamwork in the workplace just as quickly as it does on the improvisational comedy stage. That’s why improvisational comedians leverage a “yes, and” technique. The book Yes, And, teaches leaders how to use those skills to foster creativity and innovation. This book, along with my own experiences in leadership programs hosted by Second City Works, have forever changed my language and my mindset, helping me to stay open to new and different ideas.
Seeing the Big Picture
By Kevin Cope
By Kevin Cope
Every business leader should be able to explain their company’s balance sheet and create a data-focused business case. If you’re a leader who doesn’t have an MBA in finance, Seeing the Big Picture is the book for you. Kevin Cope breaks down the language of finance in a way that’s easy to understand and apply.
Dark Horse
By General Larry O. Spencer
By General Larry O. Spencer
This is an excellent choice for those seeking an inspirational leadership story. In Dark Horse, General Larry Spencer's journey is both uplifting and motivating. It's a compelling read that is rich in leadership lessons.
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
By Patrick Lencioni
By Patrick Lencioni
Looking to improve teamwork on your team? The Five Dysfunctions of a Team has been a team effectiveness go-to for leaders and/or human resources professionals. It breaks team dynamics down into simple and actionable steps, and even includes a team assessment.
The First 90 Days
By Michael Watkins
By Michael Watkins
Starting a new role? Transitions are hard! This book is a classic, offering timeless advice for leaders who are new to a company or role, and it includes pragmatic tools to guide you.