When Admiral Mike Mullen became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he recalls receiving this warning from his predecessor: “You’ll eat some very good food, but be prepared never to hear the truth again.” The higher the leader is in the organization, the more reluctant others are to risk the leader’s displeasure by voicing a dissenting opinion or sharing bad news. Leaders know the value of receiving candid and timely input. A leader’s success may well depend on how safe an employee feels speaking truth to power. ─ Deb Miller ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

Leaders know personal development is not just about learning new things. It is also about forgetting some things which are best forgotten. In other words: There’s no future in the past. ─ Ken Chapman, Ph.D.

Bari Watson Beasley, CEO of The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County (Franklin, TN) explores the impacts of her grandfather's example of active service to others. A simple question changes everything when there is follow through. "How can I help you?" How does his example impact how she leads herself, her team, and her organization today? Listen as she discusses his fascinating 95 year life that made a difference to many. EPISODE RESOURCES:Connect with Bari on Linke...

Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce the election of Ms. Kimberly McNany as its Chief Operating Officer effective September 8, 2023. Kim joined KC&A in 2018 following a 28-year career in human resources management. She is a graduate of Muskingum University and received her MBA from Franklin University. As COO, Kim is responsible for all day-to-day operations within the firm and for maintaining continuing client relationships.

Leaders choose their attitude. Leaders have an intrinsic understanding that while we cannot always choose what happens, we can choose our response. Leaders know to remain positive in the face of adversity and disappointment signals a refusal to accept defeat. Such optimism strengthens and renews the efforts of the entire team. ─Deb Miller, Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.

The More Things Change… Part II by Ken Chapman, Ph.D. Listen to an audio version of this article by clicking here: Ken Chapman and Associates, Inc. · Generations Series Part 2: The More Things Change… In Part One of The More Things Change, the focus was on what all human beings share in common. While generational differences do exist, people continue to be people. All human beings share a need to be valued, to make sense of the world around them, and to discover a sense of purpose. The article ended with a recommended “place to begin” in bridging the gap between generations. Create a company culture where Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z give your company high marks in response to the following questions: 1. Are you treated with dignity and respect by everyone you encounter during the workday (No matter their position, department, shift, or generation)? 2.…

The sandbox tree grows pumpkin-shaped fruit that explodes when ripe. The explosion launches the seeds as far as three-hundred feet at speeds up to 150 mph. Its nickname is the “dynamite tree.” Leaders know business, just like nature, often confronts us with the strange and unexpected. The best strategy for minimizing the dynamite tree effect is thoughtful planning. ─ Ken Chapman, Ph.D.

The More Things Change… Part I by Ken Chapman, Ph.D.   Listen to an audio version of this article by clicking here:  Ken Chapman and Associates, Inc. · Generations Series Part 1: The More Things Change… I hear the question everywhere I go these days. Sooner or later every manager, supervisor, and, of course, human resource department asks the question. The question they ask is, “can you help us make sense (and make progress) out of the generational differences we are seeing in our workforce?” Some (Boomers and Millennials) more candidly pose the question in its raw form and ask, “can you help us make sense out of the differences between “Boomers” and everybody else?” Behind these questions, in their various forms, assumptions are aimed at whatever generation the questioner happens “not” to be a member. To the younger generations, Boomers, those born 1945-64, are selfish and have ruined everything.…

By Ken Chapman, Ph.D Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc. Did you know that polite executives are more in demand these days than abrasive ones? That’s a switch from earlier years when greed was big and barreling over the opposition was the way to go. Basic things don’t change that much, but it’s become a matter of how you do it. Verbal polish counts. Soft-spoken executives get more respect than the leftover “Masters of the Universe” who populated Tom Wolfe’s novel Bonfire of the Vanities. You don’t have to pull out your mother’s copy of Amy Vanderbilt, wear a hat and white gloves to work, or make a dress-for-success fashion statement. You should, however, review the little things that make a good impression on other people. Be polite. Say “good morning” and “good night” to co-workers, from your boss to the mail room clerk. Smile. Offer to get a colleague coffee…

Leaders know it is not so important to know everything as to know the value of everything—What is worth a leader’s time and what is not? What has durable value and what does not? ─ Ken Chapman ─ Ken Chapman & Associates, Inc.