Weekly Posts and Insights
The One Document Every Team Should Have
High-performing teams don’t happen by accident. A team charter - your team’s roadmap - clarifies mission, goals, roles, and accountability. Drawing on insights from Lencioni, Tuckman, and Deborah Mackin, this post explores why teams stall in the storming stage and how a clear charter acts as a compass to bring them back to alignment, clarity, and results.
Why the World Needs Catalytic Leaders | Direct Application with Matt Harrington
In this solo episode of Direct Application, Matt Harrington explores the power of catalytic leadership - leaders who spark transformation, align communities, and create momentum when it matters most.
Take Your Public Speaking from Panic to Power I Direct Application with Matt Harrington
Welcome to Episode 8 of Direct Application. In this solo episode Matt Harrington shares his best public speaking strategies - whether you’re in a boardroom, on a stage, or sharing a vision with your team. Based on years of speaking to audiences large and small—from chambers of commerce to boardrooms to conferences — Matt reveals the practical techniques that make all the difference between surviving and thriving in front of an audience.
The Power of Teams: More Than the Sum of Their Parts
Teams represent both a philosophical approach and a “means to an end.” Being a team is never the goal, but rather the approach that will determine the success of the goal. However, teaming is also a culture or mindset that transforms the way we interact with other people that, quite frankly, is not always familiar or comfortable for us.
Why the World Needs Catalytic Leaders
In today’s fast-changing world, urgent crises often crowd out the important work of long-term transformation. Drawing inspiration from outgoing Southwestern Vermont Health Care CEO Tom Dee—a humble, strategic, and community-minded mentor—this post explores the power of catalytic leadership. Catalytic leaders don’t just manage organizations; they spark momentum, align diverse stakeholders, and drive systemic change.
The Leadership Flex of Listening, Honesty, and Trust I Direct Application with Matt Harrington
Welcome to the inaugural interview episode of Direct Application, the podcast where leadership theory meets Monday morning reality. Hosted by Matt Harrington, this show explores how to turn good leadership ideas into better workplaces. In this episode, Matt sits down with Karin Tierney, a seasoned HR consultant with over 25 years of experience in leadership development, organizational culture, and fractional HR.
Building Trust Through Better Listening with Surveys I Direct Application with Matt Harrington
In this Solo Blogcast episode of Direct Application, Matt Harrington unpacks the underestimated power of surveys during strategic planning. Too often, surveys become checkbox exercises - sent out, ignored, and forgotten. But when done right, surveys become powerful trust-building tools that surface real insights and show your stakeholders that their voices matter. This episode dives into the leadership mindset behind meaningful surveying and gives you a checklist to ensure your survey efforts actually drive decisions and build credibility.
Harrington named one of VermontBiz’s 91 Influencers of 2025
Vermont Business Magazine (VermontBiz) has named Matt Harrington, Executive Director of the Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce and founder of Harrington Brands, to its inaugural list of 91 Influencers of 2025.
Don’t Skip the Discovery Phase with SWOTs I Direct Application with Matt Harrington
In this Solo Blogcast episode of Direct Application, host Matt Harrington revisits the classic SWOT analysis - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats - but with a modern, practical twist. If your SWOTs feel like checkbox exercises or dusty whiteboard sessions, it’s time for a refresh.
The Future (Should/Could) Be for Coaches and Trainers, Not Just Motivational Speakers
Motivational talks can inspire, but lasting change comes from skilled coaching, training, and facilitation. Discover why organizations should invest in trainers and coaches who transform people, strategies, and results.