“I can do it myself.”

“I don’t need your help.”

“I can do it my way.”

I remember as a child being a little stubborn (I know you’re shocked ) and telling Mom aka FANNY that I could do it on my own.

I have many favorite autumn activities like visiting an apple orchard, maneuvering a corn maze, driving around looking at the changing leaves, and carving pumpkins. This fall, I found myself reflecting on a deeper parallel between pumpkin carving and cohesive leadership. I realized the process of carving a pumpkin mirrors the practices of a learning organization.

Drawing inspiration from Peter Senge’s five key characteristics of a learning organization, I saw that carving jack-o-lanterns can be applied to becoming a jack of many trades and offer valuable lessons on adaptability, experimentation, stewardship, and more.

Data reigns supreme in today's very much online business world. The strategic utilization of information is not an advantage, it's a prerequisite for sustained competitiveness.

Michelle Kimbro, the Efficiency Expert, has over a decade of experience in operational efficiency and she's written a special guest article for our blog.

Check out this week's newsletter to discover:

• A comprehensive exploration of how businesses can leverage data to streamline processes, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization.
• Real-world examples, such as Apex Insurance Agency's remarkable journey. Through this case study, readers will gain actionable insights into how data-driven strategies led to a 45% improvement in customer satisfaction and a 35% reduction in claim processing times.
• Practical steps for businesses to leverage data effectively. From investing in the right tools to fostering a data-driven culture, this newsletter outlines actionable strategies for organizations looking to harness the power of data for operational excellence.

We are living in unprecedented times witnessing 5 generations in the workplace. Spanning from the traditionalists, often referred to as the Silent Generation, to the tech-savvy Gen Z, this multigenerational workforce offers a remarkable tapestry of experiences, skills, and perspectives. While each generation carries its own unique strengths and insights, creating a harmonious work environment requires embracing generational diversity and cultivating inclusivity.

Leaders face tough decisions daily. Sometimes those choices won't win them popularity contests but are necessary for the organization's long-term success.

History is filled with examples of leaders who made tough, unpopular decisions that ultimately proved to be the right call. Take Steve Jobs, for instance. When he returned to Apple in 1997, the company was struggling, and Jobs made the controversial decision to streamline Apple's product line, cutting over 70% of existing products. This decision was not well-received initially, but it refocused the company and paved the way for innovations like the iMac, iPod, and iPhone, transforming Apple into the powerhouse it is today.

As the year winds down and the holiday season is in full swing, many employees face a mix of emotions in the workplace. Some might feel a sense of joy and celebration, while others may struggle with grief or stress. This time of year can leave teams checked out, distracted, or simply exhausted. Yet, it also presents a unique opportunity for leaders to inspire action, create connection, and begin laying the groundwork for 2025.

According to the Institute for Corporate Productivity, around 62% of organizations report a noticeable drop in productivity during the holiday season, indicating a substantial dip in work output during the final stretch of the year.

How can leaders ensure this season isn't a lull, but a springboard for aspiration and achievement?

Ever wondered what goes on in the brain when you ask a question with “why” in the beginning?

For most of us, we know immediately.

Our brain senses conflict and engages our natural defense system.

As we approach the final months of the year, Cohesive Leaders know that productivity doesn't end with the holiday season on the horizon. Rather than viewing these months as a time to slow down, effective leaders leverage this period to strengthen their teams and maintain momentum.

I'm not making a case for working so hard you can't enjoy the holidays. This is certainly a time for family, thankfulness, and holiday spirit. However, for leaders, it's an opportunity to finish the year strong by aligning with team goals, keeping the energy high, and setting the stage for a successful new year.

How we end this year can significantly impact how we begin the next.

The costumes are ready. The candy's been purchased. That can only mean one thing...

Halloween is tomorrow!

Halloween is a holiday where we embrace costumes and disguises, letting us step into roles we wouldn't usually play. You can dress up as something terrifying and grisly, wear a fun couple's costume, or find your perfect pairing by wearing something niche and seeing who gets it.

However, in the workplace, disguises, especially the ones we wear as leaders, can get in the way of genuine connection. When leaders mask who they truly are, it can stunt their growth and prevent them from building authentic, trusting relationships with their teams.

While it's natural to put on a professional face, hiding behind a "MASK" can create barriers to open communication and erode team trust. Let's look at what it means to MASK in leadership, why it's important to remove the MASK in the office, and how leaders can embody authenticity without losing professional presence.

Would you be surprised to know? 80% of Americans indicate that each time the New Year rolls around their anxiety increases due to high-levels of performance expectations, unfinished project work, and too many re-scheduled meetings.

In my co-authored bestselling book, Back After Burnout, according to a report issued by the American Institute of Stress, one in four employees rank work stress as their number one cause of stress.

AND, the Department of Labor determined that two-thirds of workers site stress as very or somewhat significant. What can be done about it?

"When leaders think they know everything, that’s when the trouble starts."

The impact of executive leadership on an organization's success and culture is undeniable. Yet, the challenges faced by executives are more demanding than ever. To ensure organizational prosperity, leaders must consistently evolve, expand their skills, and excel in their roles.

The realm of leadership coaching has emerged as a powerful catalyst for personal and organizational advancement. Studies reveal that 96% of leaders derive value from leadership coaching. This transformative process surpasses conventional leadership development initiatives, providing a personalized and tailored approach to leadership enhancement.