How to Lead in Fast-Paced, People-Centered Workplaces

Young Business Team At A Meeting at modern office building

Leaders, they say, are not born, but made. Often, when we talk about leadership, we do so in the context of a choice a person makes. The decision, perhaps, to rise to the occasion. Yet to do so, the leader in waiting must, inarguably, hold a set of soft skills that are difficult to learn…

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Never Give Up: From My High School Prom to the G7

“Never give up” is easy to say. It’s harder to live—especially when things start to fall apart. Trust me—I know. My career’s had ups, downs, and then a few more downs just for good measure. From getting hacked by Putin while working for Secretary Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election, to taking anonymous hits while…

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Recruiting for Success: Choosing the Right Person, Place, Time

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Did you know the cost of replacing an employee can be one half to two times that employee’s salary (Gallup)? Or that 38% of new hires leave within the first year—and almost half of those do so within the first 90 days, because of a lack of development opportunities (Forbes)? That’s why I’m a fan of…

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How to Build Trust as a Small Business Leader: Part 2

Business people shaking hands at office showing trust.

Trust is the foundation of all strong relationships, whether with clients, partners, or teams. Building trust means aligning words with actions, showing vulnerability, practicing empathy, being transparent, and fostering a sense of confidentiality. Read on to learn how to build trust in your small business, from these successful leaders. Align Words with Actions I worked…

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Great Leaders Start By Asking Questions

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Questions are essential for great leadership. They encourage open dialogue and make employees feel valued and heard, leading to a more engaged and motivated workforce. Asking questions will create a culture of continuous learning and improvement.  And, questions can uncover root causes of issues and facilitate collaborative problem-solving, leading to more effective solutions. Good leaders…

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How to Excel at Your Job

For a lot of people, there will come a time when you think you deserve a promotion or want to work towards one. Or maybe you own or manage a business and want to up your game and excel at your job. Moving ahead isn’t easy, but if you work hard and are consistent, anyone…

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How to Show Leadership During a Crisis: 6 Stories

sad woman sitting with upset businessman in office

In times of crisis, true leadership is tested. Whether it’s adapting to unexpected changes, managing rapid growth, or dealing with the loss of a key client, how a leader responds during critical moments can determine the future of their business. Effective leaders remain calm, strategic, and adaptable, ensuring their organizations not only survive but thrive.…

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How to Handle Employees Who Ignore Your Emails

Stressed frustrated female CEO or boss closing ears abstracting from annoying colleagues or subordinates, woman feeling despair avoiding bothering clients, ignoring solving problems, do not want work

In an era where communication is key to business success, knowing how to handle employees who ignore your emails can be both frustrating and disruptive. You send out important messages, updates, or instructions, but some employees simply don’t respond—or worse, they don’t even open the email. This challenge can erode productivity and create unnecessary friction…

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A Presidential Election Year is a Great Time to Examine Your Management Skills

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When you’re an entrepreneur running a small business, a presidential election year offers a unique opportunity to reflect on and enhance your management skills. The summer conventions of the Democratic and Republican parties provide a wealth of insights into various management styles and campaign strategies. Observing how presidential candidates run their campaigns can offer valuable…

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What Type of Entrepreneur Are You?

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Entrepreneurship can take many different forms, whether you’re starting up solo, buying a franchise, or partnering with others. But the common denominator with any new venture is knowing your own strengths and weaknesses and using them to your best advantage. Discover what kind of entrepreneur you are with this short quiz, developed by SmallBizClub.com. We’ll…

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