Next Generation Leadership

I recently read a book that changed my life. I have about a dozen books that I describe this way, including Pedagogy of the Oppressed, The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Ishmael, and The Artist’s Way, read in that order and re-read many times over the years. The newest addition to the list is The Surrender Experiment: My Journey Into Life’s Perfection, by Michael Singer. Singer is a self-described...

By DeEtta Jones For people keen on maintaining relevance and thriving in the ever-changing world of work, the prioritization of lifelong learning is undeniable. On the other hand, most of us are pretty busy. Our discretionary time is limited, and increasingly we are choosing more balance in our lives. Recognizing these factors, a cohort learning experience might be the right fit for you and your...

Often the most ardent spokespeople for valuing diversity and creating equity in our systems also possess a determination that is rooted in wanting to help “those disenfranchised people”, or “that marginalized group.” The assumption is that “those ____ people” (fill in the blank: Black, Asian, Gay, differently abled, etc.) need “our” help. With all of the best intentions, this perspective—and...

As the nation has devoted more attention to racial and social injustice, that lens has also turned to inequalities and disparities in the workplace. Organizations have reacted, clamoring to increase and improve their diversity efforts. After the flurry of activity, now might be the time you ask yourself, what do I do now? Keep moving forward! And we want to help in any way we can. Earlier this...

By DeEtta Jones For months, I’ve been wrestling with my productivity levels. I haven’t felt inspired, haven’t been able to get as much actually done as I need or want to, and I know I have within me. It’s not for lack of ideas swirling around between my ears; if anything, the internal noise has likely been the culprit! Lately, I have been ingesting all the noise of the world in big gulps....

Last week one of our team members was in conversation with a client and the client wished out loud, “We have a sudden influx of requests by our senior managers for executive coaching. We didn’t see this coming and now we are scrambling to find a solution.” We immediately responded, “We offer that and would be honored to help out.” They were surprised and pleased. And we were surprised, too. Why...

By Paula R. Jenkins and DeEtta Jones The trials of the past several years have allowed for learning and growth, yet they have also highlighted places where long-lived bias exists. Though bias is heavily discussed–seemingly everywhere and constantly–a lot of misconceptions continue to exist. A Psychology Today article defines bias as "a tendency, inclination, or prejudice toward or against...

By Melissa Lamson & Jennie Walker

Like so many managers in today's new global environment, you've been tasked with the responsibility of leading a team of employees—many of whom report to you from multiple locations. Congratulations! You're a manager, you have one of the toughest jobs in the company…

Probably one of the most common questions I hear from established and aspiring leaders and those eager to make big impacts is “how do I get more power?”. Now, this may seem like the kind of question that will earn more than a side-eye or skeptical look, but I’ve learned this question doesn’t come from a diabolical power hungry intent, but of an intention most of us have; to have more power to...