Weekly Posts and Insights
The 3 Big Things You’re Trying to Accomplish with a Strategic Retreat
What are you really trying to accomplish with a strategic planning retreat? Couldn’t a Level 5 leader, to use a Good To Great reference, figure out the risk-taking decisions, gain knowledge of the future, organize efforts, and measure results? So, why then do we gather people together to work on the above definition? Here is why we actually bring teams, boards and diverse people together for a strategic retreat….
4 Personalities on Your Board or Team: Get It Done, Get It Right, Get Along, & Get Appreciated
Do you ever feel like you’re in a team or on a board where you’re mixing water and oil? Some people go hard right, while others go hard left? Even their approach to a topic or challenge is, well, different! Did you know your board or team members have four distinct personality profiles? Using the Lens of Understanding we can identify the Get It Done, Get It Right, Get Along and Get Appreciation personalities on our teams.
How Do We Begin To Evaluate the Success of Organizations?
The list provided is about attaining objective, quantifiable data. It is not about the single opinion of the executive leader, the marketing campaign or the board president. Facts over opinions. True success over the need for money or your vote. Or as Deming is famous for saying, ”In God we trust. All others must bring data.”
More People At and Around the Table, Not Less
The Fs Exercise is a great group exercise to point out minority voice and opinion and how important it is to listen to all perspectives of the group.
A Culture of Purpose Through Mission, Values and Vision
Relationships equal culture. Relationships equal retention. People may leave a job for a variety of reasons, but they will stay because of the intrinsic motivation that only culture and relationships can provide.
The Two Most Important Words This Year: Yes, And
As we begin to rebuild or recreate what work, community, and relationships mean to us in a post-pandemic world, we will need to use the words “yes” a lot more. And, we’ll need to use “and” more.
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).
Immediate, Real Time, Practical Ways You Can Make Yourself Indispensable This New Year
As a New Year is upon us yet again, here are a few ways over the last decade and half that I have both seen and practiced becoming indispensable in career, professional life and in organizations. These are immediate, real-time, start today ways that can transform you as a leader and any organization, business or side-hustle attached to you!
Harrington's Reading List
This library is a collection of the many books and years that I have spent studying and enjoying a healthy pursuit of excellence. They range from books on creativity, on conflict, on culture to books on marketing, leadership and to my surprise, a lot on grit and resilience. At the top of the page I wanted a quote that I thought universally said what I think of when I think of books and Harrington Brands; I think Albert Einstein said it best: “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.” So, please enjoy and of course, if you have a recommendation please let us know! We’re always looking for the next great book to improve.
Preparing for Strategic Planning Season After A Pandemic
August is a time when a board or organization should start to look at their strategic plan and decide whether they need to update it or create a new one. One such organization did reach out, having not a lot of other options, and decided to work with me on their strategic plan. Here’s what we did in 30 days…