Weekly Posts and Insights
Speed, Momentum, and the 20-Mile March
Discover why momentum beats speed in leadership and business strategy. Drawing on insights from Chuck Hollingsworth on the Direct Application podcast and Jim Collins’ Great By Choice, this post explores the 20-Mile March, Agile sprints, and high-performance team practices. Learn how to show quick wins, build sustainable momentum, and lead with discipline in a world obsessed with speed.
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
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.
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 One Page Strategy That Gets People to Buy In | Direct Application with Matt Harrington
In this episode of Direct Application, Matt Harrington breaks down the One Page Strategy (OPS) - a simple but powerful tool to turn big ideas into real action. If your strategic vision has ever stalled after a board meeting or team presentation, it might not be the idea - it might be how you're delivering (or showcasing) your idea.
The 4 Personalities on Every Team | Direct Application with Matt Harrington
In this Solocast episode of Direct Application, host Matt Harrington breaks down a powerful leadership concept called the “Get Family” — four essential personalities you’ll find on every team or board: Get It Done, Get It Right, Get Along, and Get Appreciated. Whether you're leading a staff meeting, managing a board retreat, or trying to strengthen your team dynamics, this quick leadership lesson will help you better understand how to identify and honor different work styles—and how to help them function together in harmony.
Launch Day: Direct Application Podcast with Matt Harrington
Direct Application, a new podcast and video series hosted by leadership trainer and Harrington Brands founder Matt Harrington, officially launches today. Designed for leaders at every level, the podcast focuses on practical, people-centered leadership strategies that work—both in the office and in the community.
Pre-Season Strategic Planning: Discover Before You Decide with SWOT Analysis
Kick off your strategic planning season with two essential tools: SWOT analysis and surveys. This blog explores how to facilitate meaningful SWOT sessions, engage stakeholders across sectors, and use dot voting to identify top priorities. Start with data-driven discovery to guide future decisions and build trust throughout your organization or community.
Pre Season Strategic Planning: White Papers and Executive Memos
As we hit the middle of summer, organizations should start to prepare for a new fiscal year and big picture planning; this is an ideal season to engage in strategic planning. We often encourage our clients: before setting your sights on bold goals and new horizons, you need to ground your team in knowledge, insight, and shared understanding. That work begins with curiosity about your organization, its history, its people, and the context in which it operates.