Resources
Everything you need to lead well — free blogs, videos, and panel discussions from people who are passionate about helping leaders thrive.
Sign up to get our resources emailed to you once a month!
10 Traps to Avoid to Make Better Decisions
No organization or leader makes perfect decisions all the time. But during critical points, one bad decision can cause catastrophic failure. To make better decisions, avoid the following ten traps.
How the Mighty Fall: 6 Ways We Can Self-Destruct & Not Even Know It
Already in 2018, there have been multiple high profile stories in the news of influential people who have fallen off or been knocked down from the pedestals of power and prestige. From sports and Hollywood to business and politics, and even to education and religion. Here are the most common ways we can self-destruct and not even know it.
The Most (And Least) Effective Way to Influence Others
When in leadership, whether a formal position or informal, you have the opportunity to positively influence others. But some methods used to influence and motivate are more effective than others. Here is the most effective way (and least) to influence others.
4 Traits Common to Successful Teams, Marriages and Boards
A leadership team, a married couple, and a board of directors are so very different! But they actually have a lot in common since each has a strong potential for conflict and yet cannot accomplish its mission without effectively working together. Here are 4 traits that contribute to success in each of these unique relationships.
10 Tips for Managing a Crisis
Unexpected things happen. An employee embezzles funds. A disgruntled staff member attacks another member. A volunteer sexually assaults a constituent. Such crises can threaten the operations, reputation and overall health and well-being of the organization. While the crisis itself is damaging enough, it can get worse when managed unwisely. The following are ten tips for managing an organizational crisis.
5 Leadership Lessons from a Fool
“Burglar Enters Escape Room, Can’t Escape, Calls 911.” Yes, you read that right. A guy breaks into an escape room (the idea of an escape room is to, you know, ESCAPE!) and can’t find his way out, so he called 911 to recuse him. As leaders, we should always look for lessons in the things we read. Here are some of mine…
“Bring Your Best to Work Day!” – 4 Things to Take to Work with You Every Day
There is “Bring Your Child to Work Day” and “Bring Your Dog to Work Day.” And there is even “Bring Your Parents to Work Day”! Really! But what it would be like if we had a “Bring Your Best to Work Day”? Here is what that day might look like…
Are You Toxic? 5 Types of Toxic People and How to Know If You Are One of Them
We all have to grapple with toxic people – from those who are extremely self-centered to those who always say no. Here are five of the most common toxic people you will likely experience or even become.
Leadership Quiz – How Healthy Is Your Leadership?
Leaders have the opportunity to influence others for good… or bad. How healthy is your leadership? Use this quiz to find out.
5 Quotes worth Discussing as a Team
Sometimes, all you need is a unique perspective to jump start the process at hand. Here are five interesting concepts and quotes that I believe are worth discussing with your team.
Would Your Team Trust a Stranger Over You? Here are 6 Ways to Build Trust
According to a Harvard Business Review survey, 58% of employees would trust a stranger more than their own boss! Ouch! Here are the top six things leaders can do to change that perception and build trust.
![Leaders and Managers: Is there REALLY a difference? [INFOGRAPHIC]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/571fc0ea1d07c0fd6d72c167/1525268206516-R5HV3MTWAT395O6YTOHD/Leaders+and+Managers+Difference+2.jpg)
Leaders and Managers: Is there REALLY a difference? [INFOGRAPHIC]
Quite often, people make it sound as if leaders are first class and managers are, well, somewhere quite a bit below that! In reality, leaders and managers have a lot in common, and sometimes the dichotomy is a bit exaggerated. However, there are a few things that do differentiate a leader from a manager. Not good versus bad, just different.
5 Quotes to Inspire Innovation in Your Team
The innovation process of idea generation, idea evaluation, and idea implementation is critical to create momentum but can also create challenges. The following quotes are worth discussing with your team when considering the strategies, benefits, and challenges involved in the innovation process.
5 Changes Nonprofit Boards Should Consider as They Move into the Future
Serving on a nonprofit board can be very rewarding. However, I have heard complaints about serving on boards far too often. Here are 5 changes many nonprofit boards should consider as they move into the future.
4 Ways to Shape Your Organization’s Culture
“Corporate.” “Casual.” “Friendly.” “Excellent.” “Ruthless.” Every organization, department, board, and even family has a culture – a unique climate created by the values and beliefs of the leader. Here are four ways you can shape the culture of your team or organization.
![9 Things Nonprofits and Businesses Can Learn from Each Other [Infographic]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/571fc0ea1d07c0fd6d72c167/1524572478970-Y6UHNX1SWKOTMIXQ3PDO/What+nonprofits+and+businesses+can+learn+from+eachother.jpg)
9 Things Nonprofits and Businesses Can Learn from Each Other [Infographic]
It's easy to assume that our way is the best way. But nonprofits and businesses can actually learn a lot from each other. Here are 9 important lessons.
What to Do When a Leader Stumbles
The recent news regarding the accusations against pastor Bill Hybels, founder of Willow Creek and Leadership Summit, and his subsequent resignation have caused me to think more about life and leadership. Here are a few of my personal thoughts regarding what I should do when a leader falls.
7 Reasons Why Plans Fail
Planning for the future is essential to create growth and momentum - but there are practices that are more effective than others. Here are seven reasons why plans end up failing.
What Type of Leader Are You?
Your approach to leadership can create health or dysfunction, attract or repel good employees, and lead to effective outcomes or organizational failure. Here are six instinctive approaches to the way a leader leads. What type of leader are you?
![6 Tips to Avoid Leadership Burnout [Hint: Don’t Work Less]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/571fc0ea1d07c0fd6d72c167/1519070930562-I2DBZFOBOX1BV8947SUY/6+Tips+to+Avoid+Burnout.jpg)
6 Tips to Avoid Leadership Burnout [Hint: Don’t Work Less]
Many people attribute burnout to their jobs. But in reality, what is happening at work is only one contributor to stress and burnout. While stress is always going to be a part of life, there are ways to limit or avoid the negative effects of burnout. Here are 6 tips that can help.