In spite of the best possible plans, leaders are often faced with outcomes they couldn’t have predicted and do not desire. At those moments, they embrace flexibility and adaptability. Disappointments and setbacks are inevitable. A leader knows a bend in the road is never the end of the road unless you fail to navigate the curve. ─ Deb Miller ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc

The human brain’s number one priority is to ensure the survival of its owner. Imagine – 100,000,000,000 brain cells dedicated to your well-being! A leader protects this most valuable asset with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest. Take care of your brain so it will continue to take care of you. ─ Deb Miller ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc

By Beth Lanier Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc. Layoffs, job cuts, downsizing or rightsizing: no matter how you phrase it – or how necessary it may be – letting people go is difficult and disheartening. Living through a severance process is hard; leading others through one may well be the biggest challenge of a leader’s career. There are savings to target, costs to lower and staff levels to reach. Employees worry about their futures and their co-workers, while managers (though worried as well) shoulder the additional burden of making the hard decisions that affect both. Employee confidence is shaken on many levels: belief in their own abilities, belief in management and belief in the stability of the company as a whole. Even the best employees in the organization begin searching elsewhere ” just in case.” The only thing becoming more productive in the near-term is the rumor mill. Companies going…

A local restaurant I frequent has a “Suggestion Box” hanging on a wall. Interestingly, it is made from Plexiglas, so I am able to see into the box. I am certain the same two pieces of folded paper have been in the box at least six months. Every time I see the box, it compels me to reflect on how often I ask for feedback or suggestions yet give the impression that I really do not want input from others. Effective leaders constantly ask for feedback and behave in a way that demonstrates sincerity in wanting the feedback. ─ Christy Beem ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

Nate Pizzini, Asst GM of Kennedy Valve Co. in Elmira, New York has spent 2020 leading a manufacturing plant through an unprecedented modern pandemic. What has he learned along the way? Where did he have to pivot? What did he do right from the start? Who have been his partners along the way? What changes made during the pandemic will likely be permanent? Which leadership skills has he leaned on most heavily? EPISODE RESOURCES:Connect with Nate on LinkedInRead Nate's BioKennedy Valv...

Yes. Accurate self-reflection is key to effective leadership in any setting, for leaders in a company, nonprofit, government, or any other entity. Without accurate self-reflection a leader can become increasingly disconnected from reality, without realizing it. Always focusing on the daily ‘hottest fire’ without time to self-reflect and think out strategies and responses to current issues sets up a leader for failure. Self-reflection requires designated and prioritized time (scheduling) for ‘time to think.’ This is one of the most under-estimated and under-realized requirements of effective leadership. Self-reflection aids in avoiding dangerous blind spots. Self-reflection is critical to continual improvement and growth. If you want 40 minutes of practical insight on all of this and how to accomplish accurate self-reflection, listen to the below podcast episode. You can listen here directly or find the episode under “Brain Chatter Podcast” on Apple podcasts, Amazon, Spotify, etc.   Also, see the answer to…

The person most likely to get hurt on the job is experienced and well trained. They know what to do and how to do it. They have had extensive safety training and most of the time they follow safe work practices. The person most likely to get hurt on the job is someone just like your co-worker. Do you have his back? ─ Deb Miller ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

Sometimes the most courageous thing a leader does is tell herself the truth. Humans have an uncanny ability to color the truth to avoid pain or discomfort. Continuing to say “I am my best self!” does not make it true. Looking at our behavior critically and soliciting feedback from those we trust takes courage. No matter how painful the truth, it is never as painful as a lie. ─ Christy Beem ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

Leaders know the problem is not that there are problems. The problem is expecting otherwise and thinking that having problems is a problem. Problem solving is not merely normal. Problem solving refines a team’s competence and confidence. ─ Ken Chapman ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

Cherri Lee, Director of Human Resources at Automation Personnel Services, Inc., shares takeaways from years of working with and leading remote teams. Automation is an industrial staffing company with thousands of team members based out of over 30 locations across the US from the Atlantic to the Pacific. How directly accessible should a director or manager be to team members on the front lines, remotely or otherwise? Why is trust in an organization important to making problems less expensive a...