Weekly Posts and Insights

Building Bridges: The Transformative Power of Hospitality in the Workplace and Communities
People, Leadership, Culture Matthew Harrington People, Leadership, Culture Matthew Harrington

Building Bridges: The Transformative Power of Hospitality in the Workplace and Communities

Community, a term encompassing our town halls, spiritual centers, workplaces, and backyards, holds diverse meanings for different people. It can signify gathering, progress, workplace teams, civic justice, or merely the coming together of a people. Amid these various perspectives, one often overlooked concept stands out as a powerful force capable of transforming communities from the inside out: hospitality.

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Craving Connection: The Deep Roots of Belonging in Human Existence
Culture, People Matthew Harrington Culture, People Matthew Harrington

Craving Connection: The Deep Roots of Belonging in Human Existence

In the intricate tapestry of human existence, one common thread binds us all – the innate need for belonging. Recent research underscores the significance of finding a sense of belonging within close social relationships and communities for overall well-being. At our core, we are social beings, interdependent on one another for survival, and the ability to belong is a powerful force shaping our lives.

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Culture vs. Community: Navigating the Truth of Connection
Culture Matthew Harrington Culture Matthew Harrington

Culture vs. Community: Navigating the Truth of Connection

Culture and community are two intertwined concepts that shape the fabric of societies, defining the uniqueness of each group. While culture helps us differentiate societies, community goes beyond mere description, fostering a sense of fellowship among individuals who share common attitudes, interests, and goals within a specific area

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The 4 Things You Need To Be a Great Remote Leader
Culture, Leadership, People Matthew Harrington Culture, Leadership, People Matthew Harrington

The 4 Things You Need To Be a Great Remote Leader

When it comes to remote work or some variation of it (hybrid work), the only negotiable is the speed at which we are willing to change our workplaces, not the change itself. Hopefully these 4 elements will give you a head start in adapting your workplace. Don’t wait to go completely remote, these tools work well with traditional workplaces too!

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Building a Long-Lasting, Great Company By Answering These Fundamental Questions
Culture Matthew Harrington Culture Matthew Harrington

Building a Long-Lasting, Great Company By Answering These Fundamental Questions

Thesis: If you don't know who you are, where you're going (or want to take other people like your customers) or why you're doing this (the business), no amount of marketing in the world will help you create a great, lasting company, product or service. The story you share with your customers and could-be customers has to be true, authentic, passionate and align with your internal self (as a business).

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Using a One Page Strategy To Get People To Buy Into Your Vision
Culture, Leadership, People Matthew Harrington Culture, Leadership, People Matthew Harrington

Using a One Page Strategy To Get People To Buy Into Your Vision

The One Page Strategy (OPS) has helped many pull together strategic and yearly plans and goals all on one sheet. The idea is that by putting it on one sheet you can look at it throughout the year to make progress on those goals. Not only are all your goals and projects on one sheet, it also holds you and your team accountable as you look at it from time to time throughout the year to measure your effectiveness in achieving your goals.

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Why your organization’s new vision is failing and what you can do about it
Culture Matthew Harrington Culture Matthew Harrington

Why your organization’s new vision is failing and what you can do about it

When I start to tackle a vision for a new project, committee or for an organization, I think of it as “change.”  You are asking a group of people to go from where it’s comfortable, familiar and the way they’ve always done something to a new place that can be scary, as well as exciting.  That’s a big ask.  You’re asking people to change and realize your vision. Implementing a successful vision shouldn’t be left to the elite or once-in-a-generation geniuses.  You can do it too.  You’ve heard the quote 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration.  I think there’s a lot of that quote in the implementation of vision statements. 

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5 Ways To Bring Your Organization’s Values To Life Every Day
Culture Matthew Harrington Culture Matthew Harrington

5 Ways To Bring Your Organization’s Values To Life Every Day

Perhaps contrary to popular opinion, defining and exercising your organizational values is one of the most powerful tools you have at your disposal as a leader of your organization. Workplace values set the tone for your chamber or association’s culture, and they identify what your organization, as a whole, cares about.  

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Who Needs a Strategic Plan?
Culture Matthew Harrington Culture Matthew Harrington

Who Needs a Strategic Plan?

You might hear, “strategic planning doesn’t work because things are moving too fast.” Or, “we’ve operated just fine with no plan so why start now?” And finally, “you can’t plan 3-years out with the pace of societal change.” No matter the reasons, a volunteer driven organization needs the buy-in, commitment and a check on its relevance. Without a plan how will alignment with finances, committees and staff be checked?

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