Organizational culture isn’t always easy to define but we know a strong work environment when we see and experience it. There is probably no greater leadership responsibility than creating an environment where people not only feel safe and respected but want to thrive and push the boundaries of their potential. Moreover, the best cultures always put the welfare of the organization over the needs of any one individual.
Build The Organizational Structure That Fits Your Strengths “There is no one perfect org chart—only the one that helps you win.” This blog was triggered by a Vistage group meeting today. We were…
High performance is achievable You don’t need jargon to run a tighter, faster shop. You need a simple way to set priorities, make decisions quickly, and keep work moving without drama. I think…
Each generation has its own definition of what it means to be a professional, a leader, and a committed team member. And sometimes, those definitions collide. Boomers may see structure; Gen Z sees…
Achieving organizational alignment is more than just getting everyone on the same page—it’s about creating a culture where strategy, structure, and people work seamlessly toward common goals.
When HR aligns with company values and culture, it creates a positive environment where employees feel valued, and the business can thrive. By fostering a strong culture through thoughtful HR practices, your organization…
In any high-performing organization, accountability is not just a buzzword—it’s the foundation upon which success is built. Accountability ensures that every team member understands their responsibilities, takes ownership of their work, and fully…
Loyalty matters, but it isn't the most important factor when running a business. In countless discussions, from team meetings to one-on-one chats, a recurring topic often emerges: the mismatch between an employee's tenure…
The journey toward financial transparency is a transformative process that can redefine the way you do business. By fostering a culture of openness, you enhance your operational efficiency and stakeholder trust and position…
Words Matter In many workplaces, achieving clear communication is a distinct challenge. We might assume that everyone understands industry terms or company lingo. However, even a straightforward word like “accountability” can take on…
We are all earning our business stripes these days. There is considerable economic uncertainty. It's challenging to make sense of both the short-term and long-term implications. When do you pivot? When do you…
The best leaders encourage dissent through rigorous dialogue and debate. They care less about who’s right and more about getting to the right answer. They shift some of the decision-making burden from themselves…
Leadership isn't rocket science. Creating the conditions for business success is actually pretty basic: be clear about where you are going and why; define what success looks like and track performance; make sure…
If you employ people, the reality is that they will come and go. It is extremely rare for someone to take the entire business journey with you (or for you to want them…
Lately, I’ve watched as many of you have allowed the power dynamic to shift unexpectedly. Given the scarcity of talent and the limited supply of qualified candidates, you may inadvertently be giving too…
I’ve always told my clients that business fundamentally comes down to two things: math decisions and people decisions. In today’s hyper-competitive world for talent, you have no choice but to acknowledge this latter…
As we approach another Labor Day, it's disheartening to see how many people dread going to work. I've read many different statistics, some claiming that as many as 90% of employees are unhappy…
I am in and out of many businesses and the one characteristic all high performing organizations have is good people. You can feel it in the atmosphere. There is a certain way the…
I recommend that anyone in a leadership position watch this movie and identify the commonalities with their experiences. Change management is a critical leadership skill. At its best, it feels like an accurate reflection…
It is easy to get caught up in your own world. However, leaders need to elevate their thinking to incorporate the bigger picture. The organization's needs must take priority over any one person's…
People will make or break your business. The best leaders intuitively understand this reality and surround themselves with the best talent possible. You can only ever accomplish so much alone. Achieving anything significant…
Leaders must be clear about and enforce standards of acceptable behavior. A situational approach to moral and ethical issues will not lead to long-term success. People will get easily confused if you take…
I encourage you to make achieving organizational clarity a top priority. Even if you are not the CEO or business owner, you can provide answers to the basic questions every employee needs to…
What made American industry great was that we had a solid, albeit often informal, contract between employer and employee. If you show up, pay your dues, and do a decent job, we will…
I often get asked for a checklist of business management improvement ideas. While the following list isn't exhaustive, it is a good start for anyone who would like to audit their existing business…
Whenever I hear a business owner say that their employees are like family, I wince and get a bit nervous for them. No matter how much you care for your employees, they are…
Language and the Pursuit of Leadership Excellence How Extraordinary Leaders Build Relationships, Shape Culture and Drive Breakthrough Results(2nd Edition) Leadership Isn’t Just About Action—It’s About the Words That Shape It We’ve all seen…
Armstrong walks you through the layered approach, showing how great leaders don't just build businesses; they build other leaders. The book breaks down how to intentionally create layers of leadership that align with…
Urgency isn’t running hot; it’s running clear. It’s fewer, better fights—and faster finishes. Build it, protect it, and your business becomes the kind of place where people do their best work and customers…
Layered Leadership by Lawrence R. Armstrong Book Excerpts INTRODUCTION Leadership, whether of a startup; Small, mid-sized, or large firm; team; church; or any organization, must work as a whole across the continuum…
Introduction …they have chosen not to focus on revenue growth or geographical expansion, pursuing instead other goals they consider more important than getting as big as possible, as fast as possible. To make…
Introduction: “The shortage of (exemplary) leaders is a result of three primary factors: demographic shifts, insufficient training and experiences, and the prevailing mindsets that discourage people from learning to lead.” “Exemplary leaders strive…
Skill 1: Build Safety Chapter 1 “Safety is not mere emotional weather but rather the foundation on which a strong culture is built.” P. 6 “When you ask people inside highly successful groups…
Central Thesis Leadership is layered, not linear. Enduring organizations align several layers—self‑leadership, team development, clear strategy, disciplined execution, market focus, innovation, culture, and succession—so each layer reinforces the others. The leader’s ongoing task…
Introduction In the pursuit of organizational excellence, aligning the hearts and minds of employees is crucial. Jon R. Katzenbach’s “Peak Performance: Aligning the Hearts and Minds of Your Employees” provides a comprehensive guide…
Effective leadership and management practices that prioritize employee satisfaction and engagement are critical for retaining top talent. By addressing the needs and concerns of employees, providing opportunities for growth, and fostering a positive…
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