Weekly Posts and Insights
Trust and Credibility and Why They Still Matter
When we talk about what makes communities and organizations truly successful, the first place we should look isn’t strategy documents, technology stacks, or growth plans. It’s our people — and more specifically, how we lead them. Organizations that thrive don’t do so because they’re well-funded, have better technology, or are lucky; they do so because they have the right leaders in the right positions, leaders who are able to capitalize on talents, communicate a clear and compelling vision, rally support — and build trust. This was true yesterday. It’s true today. It will be true tomorrow.
Tuckman’s Team Development Wheel, Revisited — Part 3: The Norming Stage
Explore the Norming stage of Tuckman’s Team Development Model, where teams shift from conflict to cohesion and begin choosing collaboration over individuality. This post blends team-building methods with modern research on psychological safety, accountability, and shared mental models to explain how teams stabilize, strengthen trust, and build the foundation for high performance. Learn key coaching strategies for supporting autonomy, reinforcing positive norms, and guiding teams toward the Performing stage.
‘It’s Faster If I Do It Myself’… and Other Reasons Why Your Culture Lacks Accountability
This post breaks down why excellence starts with belief, not checklists, how psychological safety fuels accountability, why leaders must model the yardstick for quality, and how ownership—not oversight—creates a culture of accountability. This post is a guide for leaders who want to strengthen culture, elevate performance, and develop truly accountable teams.
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.
Influence Starts Within: Influence is Self-Confidence in Action
Influence in leadership begins with a grounded sense of self-confidence—not arrogance, but clarity about one’s values, voice, and impact. When leaders doubt their influence, it often stems from internal narratives rather than external evidence. By exploring personal strengths, seeking honest feedback, and aligning with purpose, leaders can reclaim their presence and lead with authentic influence.
Trust Broth
Just like crafting the perfect dish, building trust and connection within your team requires the right ingredients and careful preparation.
The Leadership Compote: Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Leadership Dish
Over the next few weeks, we’re taking a delightful detour from our in-depth writing to focus on our newest e-book, The Leadership Compote. Designed as a recipe book for leaders, this e-book offers simple, powerful, and fun “recipes” to inspire and guide great leadership.
While you can always download the full e-book, we invite you to follow along as we share a new recipe each week. And if you find this content helpful, the best way to support us is by sharing this post with another leader who might enjoy or benefit from it.
The Leadership Compote: Simple, Soul-Warming Recipes for Growing Resilient Leaders
Easy, applicable and scrumptious leadership recipes for everyone. Sometimes it takes some creativity (and a touch of humor) to better understand key leadership principles. It’s our hope that this book, above all else, sparks some ah-ha (or even ha-ha) moments for you. Leadership should be loose, fun, and adaptable. As you read through these recipes, I hope you not only chuckle but also picture exactly what we’re talking about when we think of best leadership practices and take something meaningful away.
A Leadership Recipe for the Holidays
Good food is all about timing, intention, and a willingness to experiment. Leadership is no different. So, this holiday, let’s take a detour from boring leadership jargon and straight into the heart of the kitchen—a place where raw ingredients transform into something magic. Great leadership, like great food, can feed the soul. Here are the essential ingredients for the perfect leadership dish.