3 Reasons Why Feedback and Recognition Are the Not-So-Secret Keys to Business Success
Harvest season’s over. Halloween has passed. With Thanksgiving—and a new year—around the corner, let’s pause. Now, think back on what you’ve accomplished this year. You’ve worked your butt off, and, despite a tough economic...
When It Comes to Engagement and Retention, Managers REALLY Matter
Are you sitting down? We hope so, because here are two statistics that might just floor you. 52% of voluntarily exiting employees say their manager could have done something to prevent them from leaving their job. Over HALF...
Use These Two Short Words to Ensure Clear Communication Is Status Quo (and Not a Random Act of Kindness)
Something curious has been happening lately. During calls with our Leadership Development cohorts, Erin and I always talk about the benefits of using the phrase, “I expect …” to clearly communicate about things like roles...
Yes, You Can Get There From Here: Our New People- and Strategy Roadmap Points the Way
Imagine trying to give someone directions without knowing precisely where they are or exactly where they want to go. Impossible, right? You MUST know where you are in order to get to where you want to be. Yet business...
What’s the Buzz: Turn Buzzwords into Strategic, Measurable Action
As the co-founders of People Spark, we’re leadership junkies. We’re always listening to Ted Talks and podcasts about leadership, and we’ve lost count of how many articles we’ve read and clever quotes we’ve memorized on the...
How to Keep Employees from Cringing When You Say, “I Have Some Feedback for You”
“I have some feedback for you.” When you hear these words, how do you feel? Nervous? Anxious? Optimistic? Maybe this statement instantly puts you on the defensive, ready to rebut criticism from a manager who clearly is out...
5 Tips for Choosing Your Words Wisely—Because, Leaders, It REALLY Matters
A few weeks ago, I was doing one of my favorite things: facilitating a two-day leadership development course for a client. During the session, I handed each participant one of our favorite resources, a bookmark featuring...
Avoid the #1 “Culture” Mistake Leaders Make—Plus, 3 Things to Do Instead
We’ve been on the road a lot these past few weeks, attending and presenting at conferences like GEAPS and MGFA. After countless conversations with ag and feed leaders, it’s clear they’re VERY interested in creating a...
The Secret to True Business Alignment? Think Hay Bales and Stars
In a previous blog, we discussed a common mistake we see business leaders make: trying to fix the symptoms of a problem with short-term, Band-Aid solutions instead of identifying and resolving the more serious underlying...