“The fact is that most companies are structured to maximize efficiency and minimize risk, resulting in an environment that ultimately prevents meaningful innovations,” explains Elliott Parker, author of the new book, The Illusion of Innovation.  Adopting inefficiency, experimentation, and messiness as a strategy sounds counterintuitive, but Parker – backed by 25 years’ experience working with Fortune 50 companies – proves it’s necessary for progress.  “The hard truth is there is no formula for innovation success because every innovation is new and every organization unique. The only ..read more

Speaking about his new book, The Generous Leader, author Joe Davis says, “This book is about the ways in which you can become a generous leader to be part of something bigger than yourself.”  He adds that the old model for a leader – a top-down, unilateral, single-focus boss, isn’t effective in today’s workplace. “That old model no longer attracts talent, invites collaboration, or gets the best results from the team. That leader’s time is passed. Today, there is a need for a more human-centered, bighearted, authentic way to lead,” adds Davis.   To help you become a generous leader ..read more

Years ago, Entrepreneur magazine offered these timeless and valuable tips on how to give praise: Praise followed by criticism is not praise. Praise followed by praise is probably a little too much praise. Ending an expression of praise with "...and stuff" nullifies the praise. And, Make it timely. The closer the recognition is to the behavior, the more likely the behavior will be repeated. Be sincere. Be impromptu.  Remember, a handwritten note is worth more than a gift card. Having trouble writing your handwritten note of praise? Try this template to ge ..read more

The new book, Shine, is a transformative guide that illustrates how looking inward is the key to unlocking true entrepreneurial freedom. Certainly, Shine is a book for entrepreneurs, however, it is bound to benefit any business leader.  “Entrepreneurs often have a burning need to succeed. But that same relentless brilliance that propels you in your career can take a toll on your teams, personal relationships, and even your health,” explain author Gino Wickman andcoauthor Rob Dube. “Our book will help you strike a crucial balance between those inner and outer worlds while taking your succ ..read more

Forbes named, A New Way To Think, as one of the 10 must-read books for 2022.  In the book, authored by Roger L. Martin, he urges business leaders to toss out the old ways of thinking, and instead try new models in every domain of management – from competition and customers to strategy, data, culture, talent, mergers and acquisitions, and everything in-between.  More specifically, within 14 chapters, Martin explores his recommended new ways of thinking about: Competition Stakeholders Customers Strategy Data Knowledge Work Corporate Functions Planning Execution Talent ..read more

“Uncertainty is here to stay. Rather than seeing it as an obstacle to overcome, integrate it into your strategic approach to invigorate your high-growth potential and outperform competition under any market condition,” explains Rebecca Homkes, author of the new book, Survive, Reset, Thrive.  “Most books aren’t honest enough about how hard it is to reset,” adds Homkes. Yet, resetting and leaning into change is essential. “If you are ready to embrace change as a central element of your growth strategy, this book is for you.” Homkes’ book is a timely, comprehensive, and essential rea ..read more

  Today brings a must-read book for anyone who makes presentations at work, a club, a non-profit, or to any group of individuals the reader wants to persuade to take action.  The book is, Presentation Ready, by Terri L. Sjodin, one of America’s leading experts on persuasive presentations. Her specialty is blending communications theory, field research, and practical sales experience to help professionals and non-professionals become more polished and persuasive presenters.  When you read the book, you’ll discover the 12 common sales presentations mistakes and you’ll learn why t ..read more

  Yikes. It's already March. Hopefully, you've mastered or are achieving good progress with your New Year's resolution(s) for 2024.  If you need another resolution to tackle this year or haven't yet selected one, now is a good time to review this list below.  New Year's Resolutions for leaders: Don't micromanage Don't be a bottleneck Focus on outcomes, not minutiae Build trust with your colleagues before a crisis comes Assess your company's strengths and weaknesses at all times Conduct annual risk reviews Be courageous, quick and fair Talk more about values more than rules Rew ..read more

Here are some of my favorites quotes from John C. Maxwell's book, The 5 Levels of Leadership that I believe should become a must-read book by any workplace/organizational leader: Good leadership isn't about advancing yourself.  It's about advancing your team. Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others. Leadership is action, not position. When people feel liked, cared for, included, valued, and trusted, they begin to work together with their leader and each other. If you have integrity with people, you develop ..read more

Spring break is just around the corner for many people. When you have some downtime to relax and ready, I recommend these compelling books about leadership ..read more