Weekly Posts and Insights

Accountability Makes People Uncomfortable
People, Leadership Matthew Harrington People, Leadership Matthew Harrington

Accountability Makes People Uncomfortable

HB Weekly Leadership Brief

Week of March 9, 2026

Every organization eventually reaches a moment where the systems are in place, the plans are written, and the resources have been invested — yet progress still stalls. At that point, the issue is rarely about strategy. It is leadership.

Read More
Tough Minds, Tender Hearts: Why High Standards Require High Support
Leadership Matthew Harrington Leadership Matthew Harrington

Tough Minds, Tender Hearts: Why High Standards Require High Support

If the expectation is excellence, then the work required to get there usually involves risk: trying a new approach, initiating hard conversations, innovating, confronting conflict, stretching beyond comfort, and showing up daily with discipline. That’s not a small ask. So a reasonable person will quietly assess one thing before committing to that level of effort: Do I believe my leadership (manager, boss, board, etc.) has my back?

Read More
I’m A New Manager! Help!
People, Leadership Matthew Harrington People, Leadership Matthew Harrington

I’m A New Manager! Help!

Many of those that have gone through one of my workshops know that I despise the word manager.  It’s too sterile and authoritarian. It doesn’t describe the actual purpose of the role. When you have entered the arena of manager (welcome!), you take on a new role.  You are no longer suppose to make the widgets, work in the weeds, mow the lawn! Yes, you doing so well at those jobs probably got you there, but it is important to know when you receive the title of manager, supervisor or coach, you are putting down your widget making ability and picking up the skillsets of guiding a team to success!

Read More