Be an Active Listener How can we listen to build community? Active listening is a tough thing to do.  We have to speak less, eliminate distractions, and get beyond the small talk. We have to avoid giving advice unless asked.  We have to repeat to clarify and follow up with someone after a conversation.  It’s […]

Be an Encouraging Developer How can we develop others to create community? Develop those around you by cheerleading, complimenting, challenging, and displaying gratitude. Sometimes, we simply forget to point out what people are doing well.  If we maintain a culture of “catching people doing something right” and pointing it out, it will have a ripple […]

Be a Thoughtful Connector How can we connect others to build community? We have to be unselfish and put others before us.  At every opportunity we should introduce people to one another; it will strengthen and build upon our communities.  We should invite folks to different settings and situations with different people, especially when someone […]

Can we intentionally build community? Google community and you will find article after article, study after study, meme after meme on the topic – about 4.4 billion hits.  There are countless thoughts, scholarly publications, and opinions on it.  It elicits frequent conversation and copious amounts of research.  The want and need for it is a […]

Can we be done dogging Millennials now?  Thank you. We’ve heard them all – Participation ribbons.  Super flexible work schedules.  Asking for promotions way too soon…Snowflakes, right?  If this sounds like your mindset on Millennials, you’re taking a big risk and missing a huge opportunity.  The key to your organization creatively overcoming future challenges lies […]

From the onset of my professional career, I was always looking for the corporate, stable job. I worked at a 1,000+ employee business to begin my career and then a company that had been in business for 50+ years. Both seemed to have good track records, obviously. I learned a lot at both of these […]

  I have learned many valuable lessons in my life through teaching, coaching and mentorship.  These came primarily from my upbringing and from my experience as an assistant men’s lacrosse coach at Division III lacrosse program in Lexington, Kentucky. As I have reflected on my life and how my life has lead me to this […]

My experience as a business owner is an emotional roller coaster. There are days when our company is running so smooth that you get all tingly on the inside. Other days you want to turn off the lights and lock the door for good. What I have learned from this is to handle the emotional […]

“If you don’t listen to your teammates, you’re just a 1-person team not using the talents of those around you.” Want to lead a team?  In your first leadership role and not sure how to start?  Here’s 5 simple steps to point you in the right direction.   Have a vision – Before you bring […]