Leadership

The Forgotten Business Case for Every Employee: Why Contribution Matters

Every employee, at some point before they were hired, whether for a new role, a backfill, or a stretch position, someone made a business case to support the need for their hiring. You might not have written it out, but the thinking was clear:We believe this person will help us generate revenue, reduce expenses, enhance […]

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Understanding The Why

“When employees understand the ‘why’ behind their work, they’re not just doing a task — they’re participating in a mission.” While working in the yard yesterday, I noticed something out of place in my neighbor’s yard. The downspout extension was directed directly towards the house’s foundation. Clearly, someone did not understand the purpose of the

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The Double-Edged Sword of Recognition: When Rewarding Good Work Goes Wrong

Recognition is one of leadership’s most potent yet underutilized tools. It inspires loyalty, reinforces values, and creates momentum. I discuss some of the applications in Mission First, People Always. But, like any sharp tool, it must be used carefully—or it can cut in the wrong direction.  People will go to extraordinary lengths when they feel

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