Conversations Worth Having Blog

In my work with leaders, I’m seeing a clear pattern. Even the most capable leaders—those with strong strategy, experience, and frameworks—are feeling the strain of constant change. What worked before ...

AI is accelerating how work gets done—but not always how well people work together.

In our research conversations with senior leaders across technology, HR, sales, operations, and security, the same ...

"Tell me what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
Mary Oliver

This week’s Positive Framing Challenge came from a consultant who was struggling with prospecting and sales and wa...

Do you remember Johnny Paycheck’s hit “Take This Job and Shove It”? That song of workplace frustration might feel a little too familiar when working with employees who are nearing retirement. Some may...

A guest blog by Dr. Renee Owen, based upon her teaching and her new book Becoming a Transformational Leader.

If you’re involved in school improvement, the following pattern is probably familiar: revi...

A guest blog by Dr. Renee Owen, based upon her teaching and her new book Becoming a Transformational Leader.

If you’re an educator stepping into leadership, or even considering it, you probably did n...

There’s a quiet epidemic of loneliness and despondency spreading across the U.S. Some cynics argue it’s by design—isolated people are easier to distract, divide, or co-opt. Others say it’s simply the ...

Decision-making can feel hard enough on your own (cue the internal soundtrack of “Should I stay or should I go?” from The Clash) but add another person into the mix and the complexity increases expone...

The holidays are here—a season of twinkling lights, shared meals, familiar faces, and those moments of genuine joy that remind us why this time of year matters.

And yet… 
Alongside the celebration, ma...

Most leaders already know one or two popular frameworks for handling difficult conversations. But even the best models can fall flat when the moment is tense, unclear, or emotionally charged. Conversa...