Years ago, someone I used to work for called me out of the blue. He wanted to build an HR department where one did not currently exist and asked if I’d consider joining as Director of Human Resources. I was honored … and a little surprised … to hear from him. But there was just one small problem: I had zero HR experience. My background was in restaurant operations and learning & development. I started to explain that … but… Continue Reading »
Most leaders know feedback matters, but knowing how to give it effectively is where many stumble. A well-intentioned comment can motivate one person and completely deflate another. The difference often comes down to how the message is delivered. Done right, feedback builds clarity, confidence, and connection. Done poorly, it erodes trust and engagement. In fact, a 2024 Gallup report found that only 26% of employees strongly agree that the feedback they get helps them do better work, yet 80% of… Continue Reading »
For many, we are approaching the time of year when much of our focus turns to performance evaluations. I’ll discuss in another post, pros and cons of annual reviews. In either scenario, effective feedback is one of the most powerful levers you have to raise performance, strengthen engagement, and retain talent. In fact, Gallup research shows that 80% of employees who receive meaningful feedback weekly report being fully engaged. Meanwhile, Forbes cites another Gallup finding that teams with high engagement… Continue Reading »
Defining your leadership brand is a powerful first step. But how do we move from thoughts or on paper to having impact? The real work comes in communicating it consistently so people know what to expect from you as a leader. Ways to Communicate Your Leadership Brand Lead by example – Every action you take communicates your brand. If your brand is about collaboration, are you inviting others into decision-making? If it’s about accountability, are you owning mistakes… Continue Reading »
I’ve been thinking a lot about Leadership Brand lately. This is the first post in three part series about what it is, why it matters, how to develop it and communicate it. When we hear the word brand, we often think of logos, marketing campaigns, or big corporations like Apple or Nike. But leadership has a brand too and it’s just as powerful. Your leadership brand is the distinct impression others have of you as a leader. It’s how people… Continue Reading »
Change is hard even when we choose it. Whether you’re navigating a career transition, recovering from a setback, or simply managing the uncertainty that comes with life, one mindset can make all the difference: resilience. What Is Resilience, Really? We often hear the word “resilient” and imagine someone who powers through adversity without missing a beat. However, resilience isn’t about being invincible or unaffected. At its core, resilience is the ability to recover, adapt, and grow through challenges. It’s the… Continue Reading »
Let’s talk about one-on-ones — the underrated leadership superpower that too often becomes a rushed check-in or, worse, another meeting to survive. But when done well? One-on-ones are where the real magic happens. At their core, one-on-one meetings are intentional conversations between a manager and a team member. They aren’t just about tasks or status updates (though those can come up); they’re about connection, support, development, and trust. They’re one of the most valuable ways leaders can truly show… Continue Reading »
No leader succeeds alone. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of a new leadership role, scaling a business, or refining your personal and professional growth, a mentor can be a game-changer. A great mentor provides guidance, offers fresh perspectives, and helps you accelerate your development. But finding the right mentor isn’t just about choosing someone successful—it’s about finding someone whose experience, insights, and approach align with your goals. So how do you select a mentor who will truly support your growth?… Continue Reading »
Mentorship is more than just a professional relationship—it’s a catalyst for growth, learning, and long-term success. At every stage of a career, the guidance of a mentor can provide clarity, encouragement, and insight that might otherwise take years to develop. At the same time, mentoring strengthens organizations by fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and leadership development. Whether formal or informal, mentorship has a profound impact. It shapes careers, builds stronger teams, and creates lasting connections that extend far… Continue Reading »
Are you thinking about investing in development for your leaders and/or teams? You’ve probably realized that development is not a “nice-to-have” anymore, it is a must-have for any organization that wants to stay competitive, retain top talent and boost performance in 2025 and beyond. Development is more that just gaining new skills, it’s about building stronger, more successful organizations. When companies invest in their people, they see higher engagement, better retention, increased productivity, and stronger business outcomes. Here’s some of… Continue Reading »
Thankfully Janet came our way! Janet plays a critical role in the history of our turnaround at Enlivant! Janet has a unique ability to read an audience and to maximize the output of individuals that she does not know well. This is because Janet builds immediate trust and folks want to participate with her as they achieve shared objectives. Janet is 100% reliable and partners to meet deadlines on the clients time table. Most importantly, Janet becomes a friend and is dependable once a project is complete to offer advice and to fine tune her work.
- Peter C. Smith, CHRO, Enlivant
As the year winds down, many teams are pushing... Read More »
Years ago, someone I used to work for called me... Read More »
When we take a moment to notice and appreciate... Read More »
Most leaders know feedback matters, but knowing... Read More »
