What's Inside... A Firm Foundation Data-Driven Strategy Ways to Work Together 1. A Firm Foundation I don't typically START work at 3 pm on a Friday. But I made an exception for a good friend last week... And travelled to beautiful Charles Town, WV in the Shenandoah Valley to lead a strategic offsite for a growing law firm. It was a beautiful, crisp autumn day! Leadership gathered - clearly dedicated to the mission and the team. I was impressed with the quality of the discussion we had. They...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
What's Inside... When the Offsite's Over Three Ways to Embed Strategy into Ops Ways to Work Together 1. When the Offsite's Over Imagine...Your team is gathered for a strategic planning offsite. The coffee and donuts are ordered. Everyone feels a sense of camaraderie (or boredom...😊) Maybe there's a fun ice breaker or even some sticky notes. The team generates some great ideas and a strategy for the days ahead. Then you walk away --- and --- NOTHING HAPPENS. Life is busy - it's back to...
2 months ago • 1 min read
What's Inside... Change is Hard...Even Good Change Back to Basics Ways to Work Together 1. Change is Hard...Even Good Change The end of summer and the transition to September is a new beginning. Days grow shorter. Kids are back in school. Gone are the days of endless summer and ever-changing camp schedules. As our family's schedule begins to solidify for the fall - soccer Saturdays, Scouts, and dreaming of long weekends - it's helpful to get back to basics. What meal can I make in less than...
3 months ago • 1 min read
What's Inside... The Challenges The Solutions June Leadership Offsite Ways to Work Together 1. The Challenges The bigger your company becomes, the harder it is to keep everyone on the same page. Across clients, I see the same growth-related challenges. Lack of Strategic Alignment: Leadership has either 1) not clearly defined the company's direction or 2) they have & it is not written down or well understood beyond the CEO or a small handful of senior leaders. Unclear Roles & Responsibilities:...
5 months ago • 2 min read
What's Inside... First Things First 5 Self-Funded Growth Strategies Ways to Work Together 1. First Things First. It’s worth asking the hard question – “Do I really want to grow my business?” The world often says, “Grow. Grow. Grow.” But maybe you’re happy where you are right now. Or maybe your team is in transition and isn't ready. Or maybe this is just not the right season of life. When it is time, here are five self-funded growth strategies that don’t require outside investment like venture...
6 months ago • 1 min read
What's Inside... Ready, Set, Goals The Keys to Success Ways to Work Together 1. Ready, Set, Goals I enjoy planning and facilitating leadership retreats for clients. Each retreat provides an opportunity to reset, rejuvenate, and renew. Here's a sampling of topics we cover: Define Vision, Mission, & Values Develop a new service offering Create a 90-day plan Improve cross-team communication Clarify roles & responsibilities Streamline processes to save time & money Recently, I asked for client...
7 months ago • 2 min read
What's Inside... The QBR - What & Why 4 Steps for an Effective QBR Ways to Work Together 1. The QBR: What & Why Spring has sprung. Days are getting brighter, birds are singing. The Cherry Blossoms in DC hit a near-record early peak bloom this year. And tulips, one of my favorite flowers, bring dazzling joy. As we usher in a season of new life & growth, we would do well to reflect on Q1. Enter the QBR...The Quarterly Business Review. What: A planned, structured review of your business on a...
8 months ago • 2 min read
What's Inside... A Strategic No Love/Neutral/Can't Stand Ways to Work Together 1. A Strategic No The power to choose is a gift. In business, as in life, a Strategic No opens the Possibility of YES. It may look like: Yes, I will lead a Scout Troop. No, I will not serve on the PTA. Yes, I will focus on professional services. No, I will not try to serve everyone. Just recently, an opportunity arose to lead a strategic planning retreat. Leadership may want to meet on a Saturday. Unfortunately,...
9 months ago • 1 min read
What's Inside... The Question Going Monthly Ways to Work Together This Year 1. The Question During a recent Strategy Power Hour, a client asked, “What if I don’t want to focus on money?” I replied that he’s spot on to ask this question & that revenue is just one measure of success. He's the CEO and can focus where he wants – but it would likely help his team to know where the goal post is. It is like being an athlete but you're uncertain if you’re training for a 5K, 10K, or marathon. Knowing...
10 months ago • 2 min read