By David Gardy Ermann // The default assumption in professional football is that the starting quarterback is more than just the best passer on the field; he is expected to be the team leader. I previously wrote an article (available here) on three psychological principles that underlie the success of NFL starting quarterbacks: self-efficacy, preparation, and patience. Starting quarterbacks serve a role on their teams much the same as business leaders do their companies. To that end, business leaders would significantly benefit by incorporating the practices that are founded upon these three psychological principles.
Culture of Respect: Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Kate Kalnes, Ed.D. and Jim Davis, Ed.M. Strategy always falls victim to implementation. Implementation depends on people and the culture within which they operate. Healthy company culture can increase productivity, decrease burnout, and improve employee retention. It creates secure relationships so creativity and collaboration may thrive. Challenges to company culture can derail operations. When those … Continue reading Culture of Respect: Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Top 3 Misconceptions About DEI Work (and why you should be doing it)
By Maurice McDavid and James Davis / Why isn’t your company doing effective DEI work? There are clearly hurdles. Some people more receptive than others. And to be fair, consultants approach this work in different ways. We take a thoughtful approach. After countless culture and leadership development engagements, here are the top three misconceptions about DEI that we have encountered.
The Value of a Coach
by Maurice McDavid; Tom Brady has won 7 Super Bowls, gone to 15 Pro Bowls, and been the league's MVP 3 times. He has a coach. In fact, he has about six of them. We could all benefit from coaching. For the professional athlete, it might be a skills coach, or a sports psychologist. For the executive, manager or department head it comes in the form of an executive coach. These are the people that drive performance in others.
Toss the Trophies
Wait. Don’t toss the trophy… The title is a misnomer. Trophies are awesome. Goals are essential and when they are accomplished, they should be celebrated. In sports, it comes in the form of a trophy or a ring, in business it might be a bonus or promotion. Celebrate the milestones, you’ve earned it. When the celebration is over, take time to frame the experience. That is, tell the story of what just happened. Work to understand the process that led to the outcome. Celebrate the process.
Does Exercise Increase Productivity?
We delude ourselves into thinking that there is no time for a walk, taking a longer lunch in search of healthier food and a good laugh with a colleague. Making time for certain activities can replenish, invigorate, decrease stress and increase bandwidth. Is exercise one of those activities??
Concept Over Script: Commander’s Intent
Concept comes first. What are you hoping to accomplish? Directions to bring that concept to life should follow, accompanied by all the skills the mission might require. Healthy, effective leadership prioritizes concept over script. It is an idea that extends beyond business.
Understanding Stress
By Jim Davis, Ed.M, MA “I’m overloaded”; “I’m underwater”; “I’m struggling here man” – those are three direct quotes from three different people currently sitting in my email inbox. Real, high-quality leaders, feeling overwhelmed. Leaders are looking for “less stress” in their lives. Makes sense. Stress can be painful, frustrating, and make even small tasks … Continue reading Understanding Stress
Celebrate Truth Telling
By Max Newlon, Ed.M.; President, Brain Co. “I don’t want to look bad,” and “I don’t want to get in trouble.” Are these excuses, or signals that your culture needs an overhaul? We don’t always share the whole truth for fear of looking bad. Our boss might think we’re not good enough. We don’t want … Continue reading Celebrate Truth Telling
Learned Optimism
Imagine the difference between spending time stressing about whether or not a teammate will meet the deadline, versus sending them a note to that says 'you got this, looking forward to seeing the final product!' From a core of #optimism, behaviors and interactions shape themselves