OUR Leadership BLOG

Nick Metler | 5/10/2022

Burnout continues to take organizations by storm. The APA’s 2021 Work and Well-being Survey found that "Nearly 3 in 5 employees reported negative impacts of work-related stress, including lack of interest, motivation, or energy (26%) and lack of effort at work (19%). Meanwhile, 36% reported cognitive weariness, 32% reported emotional exhaustion, and an astounding 44% reported physical fatigue—a 38% increase since 2019." These trends are not very encouraging and shine a light on toxic cultures that exasperate these problems.

Nick Metler | 5/3/2022

Conflict becomes a bit of a catchall for various leadership challenges. Leaders often move to describe situations characterized by conflict to mean anything that pushes them out of their comfort zone and into discomfort. The reality is that the little feeling you get in the pit of your stomach during those uncomfortable situations isn't always a sign of the pain to come. 

Nick Metler | 4/26/2022

There is an abundance of conflict in the world today. You don't even have to turn on the news to see it. More than likely, the global polarization touches your family or workplace somehow. Conflict is undoubtedly one of the most significant leadership challenges we all face. However, shifting our perspective on what effective conflict looks like illuminates its importance in bringing about a profound change in our work communities. 

Nick Metler | 4/21/2022

Many leaders fall prey to the trap that reaction to employee needs is an excellent way to address concerns or handle organizational growth. However, these leaders forget that reaction is often the last line of defense before turnover takes an organization by storm. Open-door policies may not be good enough because employees will not take the first step when they don't feel safe doing so. Scotch tape, town halls, and pizza parties will not sustain a culture through difficult times. Honestly, they won't even be enough in successful seasons, either.

Dr. Fred Johnson | 4/20/2022

During our April Think Tank, Dr. Fred addressed the importance of focusing on your inner narrative when leading and how this relates to maximizing your impact.

We all deal with the inner critic in our heads. It’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole each passing day. Our thoughts hold significant power over our lives, but change is possible! When you change your thoughts, you change your behavior!

Regina Woods | 4/15/2022

What does it really mean to have an open door policy? 

Nick Metler | 4/13/2022

Creating A Competitive Advantage Culture

Competitive advantage is the holy grail of business. Finding ways to differentiate, lower costs, and elevate performance above the competition creates a level of effectiveness and efficiency that all firms strive toward in their operations. Ultimately, the broad goal of every company at the highest level, far above the vision or mission, is to choose a path that creates a competitive advantage. We all know this, but it's easier said than done.

Dr. Fred Johnson and Nick Metler | 4/12/2022

We all battle the inner critic that lives in our heads. Negative self-talk sabotages our effectiveness and, in return, our ability to serve, impact, and lead those around us. In short, we get in our own way. However, ​there's hope. If you want to change your behavior, you must begin by changing the way you think. And that change is possible.

Dr. Phil Ertl | 4/7/2022

Have you ever had to give difficult feedback? Dr. Phil Ertl explains 3 ways to have the necessary, challenging conversations to lead people toward their best selves.

Nick Metler | 4/5/2022

As employees and employers alike look to creative solutions to plug holes left in the wake of the Great Resignation, we continue to find the importance of organizational health rising to the top of the list. But why are so many employees leaving at such rapid rates? Are there steps employers can take to become more attractive to job seekers?