Month: February 2025

Hiring the right talent is never easy, especially in today’s competitive job market. Even with all the recruitment tools at your disposal, finding and attracting top candidates can be costly and time-consuming.

So, it can feel like a big blow when you’ve invested all that time and effort, only to have the job candidate turn down your offer. But rejected job offers are also a great opportunity to take a closer look at your hiring process, company culture, and other factors that may be pushing away top candidates.

“Why Top Candidates Turned Down Your Job Offer” includes nine key reasons why job candidates might not be interested in joining your team.

Knowledge is power. Read it now at The Alternative Board (TAB).

https://www.thealternativeboard.com/blog/why-top-candidates-turned-down-your-job-offer

#tabboards #businesscoaching #hiringtips

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Motivation is a driving force behind the success of individuals and organizations. Among the various approaches to fostering motivation, power—when wielded effectively—emerges as a potent tool for inspiring teams and achieving organizational goals. The seminal Harvard Business Review article, “Power Is the Great Motivator,” by David C. McClelland and David H. Burnham, reveals insights into how the need for power, when appropriately channeled, can transform leadership and drive productivity. Here, we explore practical strategies for using power as a positive motivator, bolstered by insights from the HBR article and other research.

Understanding Power as a Motivator

McClelland and Burnham’s research highlights that not all forms of power are equally motivating. Leaders who derive satisfaction from influencing others for the collective good (termed “institutional power”) are more effective than those driven by personal gain. Institutional power fosters a culture of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose, which fuels sustainable motivation and productivity.

Strategies for Using Power to Motivate

1. Foster a Shared Vision — Great leaders use their influence to unite teams around a compelling vision.

By articulating clear goals and connecting them to the broader mission, leaders give employees a sense of purpose. Employees who feel their contributions matter are more likely to remain motivated and engaged.

Tip: Regularly communicate how everyone’s efforts align with the organization’s objectives. Use storytelling and data to make the vision tangible and relatable.

2. Empower Through Delegation — Delegation is a powerful motivator when executed thoughtfully. Trusting team members with meaningful responsibilities not only lightens a leader’s load but also boosts employees’ confidence and skill sets.

Tip: Match tasks with individual strengths and career aspirations. Provide the autonomy to make decisions while offering support when needed.

3. Recognize and Reward Contributions — Recognition validates effort and reinforces positive behavior. Whether through verbal praise, formal awards, or incentives, acknowledging contributions demonstrates that leadership values employees’ hard work.

Tip: Tailor recognition to individual preferences and celebrate milestones both big and small to maintain morale.

4. Lead by Example — Leaders who model integrity, dedication, and resilience inspire similar behavior within their teams. By demonstrating commitment to shared goals, leaders establish credibility and foster loyalty.

Tip: Be transparent about challenges and successes. Authenticity enhances trust and strengthens relationships.

5. Encourage Constructive Feedback — Creating a culture of open communication allows leaders to use their influence to address concerns and uncover growth opportunities. Constructive feedback empowers employees to improve and innovate.

Tip: Regularly solicit feedback and act on it. Employees who see their input valued are more likely to feel motivated and connected.

The Long-Term Impact of Motivational Leadership

Leaders who wield power with the intent to empower others leave a lasting legacy. As McClelland and Burnham argue, fostering institutional power over personal power creates an environment of mutual respect and shared achievement. By prioritizing the collective good and leveraging power strategically, leaders can inspire unparalleled motivation and drive lasting success.

https://www.thealternativeboard.com/blog/5-leadership-mistakes-to-avoid-when-coping-with-economic-challenges

#tabboards #businesscoaching #leadershipmistakes

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Effective leadership is about more than just making decisions—it’s about sharing insights, building trust, and empowering your team to thrive. But despite its importance, many business owners still struggle with true transparency. Transparency fosters a culture of trust where employees feel informed, valued, and more motivated to contribute. When leaders openly share their decision-making processes and high-level challenges, it encourages collaboration and innovation across all levels of the organization. To learn more on how leadership transparency benefits an organization, as well as actionable tips for creating a more transparent workplace in your business, read “Communication Lightbulb: Leadership Transparency Builds Trust” at The Alternative Board (TAB). https://www.thealternativeboard.com/blog/communication-lightbulb-leadership-transparency-builds-trust   #tabboards #businesscoaching #strategictransparency

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the mindset you adopt as a CEO can significantly impact the trajectory of your organization. A growth mindset—coined by psychologist Carol Dweck—emphasizes the belief that abilities, intelligence, and talents can be developed through effort, feedback, and learning. Embracing this perspective can lead to transformative outcomes for your business.

Fostering a Culture of Learning

As a CEO, your mindset sets the tone for your company’s culture. A growth mindset encourages employees to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats. When leaders exemplify this, they inspire teams to take calculated risks, innovate, and continuously improve. By valuing learning over innate talent, businesses foster an environment where employees feel safe to experiment, make mistakes, and grow—a key driver of long-term success.

Enhanced Problem-Solving and Adaptability

A growth mindset equips leaders with the resilience to face uncertainty and adapt to change. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, CEOs with a growth mindset see them as learning opportunities. This approach cultivates a proactive problem-solving attitude, enabling businesses to pivot effectively when faced with market disruptions or challenges.

Attributes of a Growth-Oriented CEO

To fully embrace a growth mindset, CEOs can develop and embody specific attributes:

• Curiosity: Growth-minded leaders are naturally curious. They seek out new knowledge, stay updated on industry trends, and encourage diverse perspectives within their teams.
• Resilience: Viewing obstacles as opportunities to learn fosters perseverance, a critical trait for navigating business challenges.
• Openness to Feedback: Feedback, both positive and constructive, is a valuable tool for growth. Leaders who actively seek and act on feedback demonstrate humility and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Vision for Development: CEOs with a growth mindset prioritize personal and professional development—for themselves and their teams. They invest in training programs, mentorship, and tools that nurture their workforce’s potential.

Strengthening Coaching and Leadership Skills

A growth mindset also enhances coaching abilities, a critical component of effective leadership. According to TTI Success Insights, growth-oriented coaching involves helping team members develop their potential rather than focusing solely on performance outcomes. By recognizing that skills can be cultivated, CEOs can inspire confidence and motivation in their employees, driving both individual and organizational success.

Driving Innovation and Productivity

Innovation flourishes in a culture that values growth. Teams led by growth-minded CEOs are more likely to explore creative solutions and embrace experimentation. This mindset also boosts employee engagement and productivity, as workers feel empowered to contribute ideas and take ownership of their roles.

Conclusion

Incorporating a growth mindset into your leadership approach as a CEO is a powerful way to future-proof your business. By fostering a culture of learning, adaptability, and innovation, you unlock the potential of your workforce and position your organization for sustained success. Shift your perspective, embrace the process of growth, and lead your business to new heights.

https://www.thealternativeboard.com/blog/5-leadership-mistakes-to-avoid-when-coping-with-economic-challenges

#tabboards #businesscoaching #leadershipmistakes

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Effective communication is essential for a thriving business. Employees who feel misunderstood or uninformed can have a dramatic effect on productivity, innovation, and ultimately your bottom line.

To learn the key signs of inadequate workplace communication and practical tips to successfully address these communication gaps, read “The Effects of Poor Communication in the Workplace” at The Alternative Board (TAB).

https://www.thealternativeboard.com/blog/the-effects-of-poor-communication-in-the-workplace

#tabboards #businesscoaching #workplacecommunication

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Leadership is not just a title—it’s a responsibility to inspire, drive results, and foster growth. The best CEOs consistently refine their habits to stay ahead, and these practices are not exclusive to the C-suite. Aspiring leaders at all levels can adopt them to elevate their impact.

Here are three transformative habits to cultivate:

1. Develop a Laser Focus on Priorities

Top CEOs understand that not all tasks carry equal weight. As highlighted by Entrepreneur’s three-step system for leadership excellence, prioritization is key to achieving long-term goals. Begin by identifying high-impact activities that align with your vision. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance, ensuring your time is spent where it matters most.

Actionable Tip: Schedule weekly planning sessions to evaluate your objectives and recalibrate your focus. This routine helps eliminate distractions and ensures consistent progress.

2. Commit to Lifelong Learning

The world’s most successful leaders emphasize continuous education. In a rapidly evolving landscape, staying curious is essential. Whether it’s through reading, attending industry events, professional coaching, or engaging with mentors, learning is a non-negotiable part of your journey.

Resources: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer leadership-specific courses, while podcasts such as “The Knowledge Project” provide insights from global thought leaders.

Actionable Tip: Dedicate 30 minutes daily to self-education. Choose materials relevant to your field or leadership development to keep your skills sharp.

3. Foster a Culture of Accountability and Empowerment

Great leaders don’t just give directions—they inspire ownership. By setting clear expectations and trusting your team to deliver, you create an environment of accountability. Transparency in communication and empowering decision-making builds trust and drives performance.

Actionable Tip: Implement regular check-ins that emphasize collaborative problem-solving rather than micromanagement. Tools like Asana or Slack can streamline team communication and tracking.

By adopting these habits, you’re not only emulating top CEOs but also laying the groundwork for sustainable success. Leadership is a skill—one honed through intentional practice and relentless self-improvement. Begin today, and the results will follow.

https://www.thealternativeboard.com/blog/5-leadership-mistakes-to-avoid-when-coping-with-economic-challenges

#tabboards #businesscoaching #leadershipmistakes

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor, and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.