Asking Powerful Questions

Such a powerful question for leaders and planners: “Would I want this outcome even if I didn’t know my role within it?” It’s a bit abstract, but think of it more concretely as “Would I design this process or organization this way if I didn’t know what my role would be?” The question surfaces issues […]

Podcast with Andrew Miller

I had an enormously good time speaking with Andrew Miller about, well, seemingly everything. Have a listen if you’re looking for a fun and wide-ranging discussion! Andrew advocates for Business Enjoyment in his work and his podcast—and that feeling clearly comes across in this conversation. Thanks for having me on, Andrew, and giving me a chance to talk about […]

The Data

Sometimes people invoke “the data” as a way to sidestep their own agency and accountability.

Saying No at the Right Time

The better you get at learning what tasks to take on, the better you get at spotting those tasks that just don’t make sense for you. While some tasks fit your talents and match your personal development goals quite well, others may simply be better suited for other people. You also become adept at seeing which projects and client relationships are part of your overall plan and which ones keep you in stasis or even erode your talents.

10 Kindness Imperatives

An effective communication strategy must always be predicated on kindness. In fact, everything we do entails such kindness imperatives. Here are 10 ways to activate kindness in your daily work and life.

Thought Leadership Challenges Your Whole Strategy

Thought leadership strategy forces you to ask what you can say about yourself that is true, and what you do in the world to make it true. These questions span an entire organization. Answering them and then doing something about them unmistakably requires the input of people empowered to make executive decisions and lead towards change. Including top company leaders in thought leadership strategy discussions takes the best advantage of this transformative opportunity.

Recovering from Information Bankruptcy

High-quality thought leadership from businesses can help play a role in recovering from what has been called “information bankruptcy.” Traits such as trustworthiness, truthfulness, lack of bias, and reliability can help us get back to spending our audiences’ attention wisely rather than destroying trust with superficial tactics. Imagine an entire mindset of marketing and communication focused on creating a virtuous cycle between trust. Imagine that it becomes the expected norm for how institutions communicate with stakeholders.

“Declaring Information Bankruptcy”

The latest Edelman Trust Barometer makes strong claims about the erosion of trust in each category of societal institution (business, government, NGOs, and media). Their conclusion for 2021: “declaring information bankruptcy.” But recovery is possible.

Impact and Aftershocks: What Matters

As shaken as I felt during the awful events at the U.S. Capitol on 6 January 2021, they also reaffirmed one of my most core beliefs. They tell us a lot about what matters. Communication is not just about the words we use or the messages we deliver. Communication is about responsibility.

Ideas-Led Growth

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