Thought Leaders

It’s one thing to say you want to lead a “green” business. Making sure your workplace adheres to eco-friendly standards to achieve that goal can be another thing entirely. Savvy CEOs and business owners have long recognized the inherent value in adapting their products or services to meet consumer demand for sustainable offerings. These same leaders may not always recognize that building a green workplace is part and parcel of the entire organizational strategy. The benefits of going green in the workplace are tangible. “Businesses might enjoy tax breaks that come with

What are the most effective ways to retain valued employees? Experts point to workplace culture, the quality of pay and benefits, and/or opportunities for advancement within the organization. All these are compelling elements, but what may be missing—and is perhaps just as significant a factor—is how well business leaders communicate with their teams. Ongoing internal communications help keep employees informed about company and industry news, but also enable them to feel more comfortable speaking up on issues that affect their job performance. Done correctly, business communications can clarify strategy and

One of the most important and effective drivers of business leadership success is intentionality. For a business owner, intentionality refers to having a clear purpose, a well-defined plan, and a comprehensive infrastructure in place for not just running the organization, but also creating a prosperous business and a thriving company culture. Many business owners conflate the concepts of running their businesses and leading their businesses. But the two are actually different – albeit interdependent – goals that require very different efforts. Knowing how to run a business is certainly crucial,

Leaders with a forceful vision and presence are in great demand these days. With the global marketplace in a state of continuing flux, businesses need talented individuals who understand the power (and occasional pitfalls) of leadership. Are you satisfied with the quality of your own leadership? Or is there room for improvement, so you can better serve your various stakeholders? The potential benefits of strong leadership make the effort well worthwhile: Deeper employee engagement A boost in morale and productivity More consistent team results The capacity to promote from within

Today’s business leaders bear little resemblance to the top brass of yesteryear. Business leadership has evolved significantly over the last 50 years, driven in large part by changes in technology and societal values. Business owners, who in the 1970’s were mostly middle-aged men, tended to run their companies with a top-down leadership approach. This autocratic management style was characterized by a dominant chain of command, limited employee empowerment, and almost non-existent transparency. While perhaps standard operating procedure back in the Disco Decade, today the dynamic feels heavy-handed, unmotivating, and maybe