Tag: Clear Focus

In today’s fast-paced, performance-driven workplace, one trait consistently sets top performers apart: their ability to embrace feedback. While many professionals view feedback as criticism, high achievers see it as a strategic tool for growth, innovation, and sustained excellence.

The Power of Feedback in High Performance

According to a study by Zenger/Folkman, top-performing employees are significantly more likely to seek and act on feedback than their peers. In fact, those rated in the top 10% of performance actively solicit feedback 400% more than the average employee (Zenger/Folkman, 2022).

This mindset fuels continuous improvement. Rather than fearing perceived shortcomings, elite performers recognize feedback as a mirror — one that reflects blind spots and reveals new avenues for advancement.

What Top Performers Do Differently

1. Shift Their Mindset
Top performers don’t see feedback as personal criticism but as data. They understand that feedback, whether from a manager, peer, or customer, is an external perspective that can improve results.

2. Ask Specific Questions
Instead of waiting for vague performance reviews, they ask questions like:

• What’s one thing I could do better in client presentations?”
• “How can I support the team more effectively this week?”
  This targeted approach elicits more actionable responses and demonstrates a growth mindset.

3. Follow Up and Follow Through
Feedback isn’t helpful if it’s ignored. High performers document the insights, set goals, and measure progress. They close the loop by checking in with those who offered feedback to show growth.

4. Normalize the Feedback Loop
By giving and receiving feedback regularly, they create a culture of mutual trust and improvement. This culture reduces defensiveness and increases psychological safety.

Tools and Solutions to Embrace Feedback

• 360-Degree Feedback Tools make it easy to gather balanced insights from peers, managers, and reports.
• Personal Reflection Journals: Simple apps like Day One or Notion help top performers track recurring themes in feedback and spot growth trends.
• Feedback Frameworks such as SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) or “Start-Stop-Continue” help organize feedback in a constructive format.

Embracing Feedback: Tips for Every Professional

• Start Small: Ask for feedback on one specific behavior or task.
• Detach Emotion: Listen with curiosity, not defensiveness.
• Act and Reflect: Implement suggestions and evaluate their impact.
• Celebrate Progress: Recognize when feedback has led to growth — and thank the people who helped you.

Final Thought

Embracing feedback isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. Top performers know that the fastest route to mastery is paved with insights from others. By welcoming, applying, and following up on feedback, professionals at any level can unlock their potential and become indispensable.

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.

Free TAB Webinar

Employee Motivation That Works

Business leaders are challenged every day trying to inspire their teams.

Are you confused and frustrated by failed efforts and significant time and money spent on various compensation schemes? Many leadership blogs are filled with articles on this topic, and corporations employ full-time HR professionals who strive constantly to answer this question. You will leave this webinar with a better understanding of human motivation.

In this webinar, we discuss:

• What tools in the management toolkit, when used appropriately, will achieve greater employee focus, satisfaction, and engagement.
• Why different rewards and recognition must be used for different employees.
• How to know when to use which employee motivation tools.

Watch now and free and on-demand.

https://www.thealternativeboard.com/webinar/employee-motivation-that-works

#tabboards #businesscoaching #webinar

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 dynamic business landscape, leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about influence, accountability, and results. According to TTI Success Insights (TTISI), which specializes in human behavior assessments, research shows that five critical qualities consistently define effective leaders: influencing others, personal accountability, self-management, goal achievement, and interpersonal skills. These aren’t just theoretical attributes—they are practical capabilities that can be cultivated with intention.

1. Influencing Others

At the core of leadership is the ability to inspire and persuade. Influential leaders articulate a compelling vision and gain buy-in through authenticity and empathy.

A study by Zenger/Folkman found that leaders who influence others effectively have higher employee engagement and performance levels (Forbes).

How to improve:

• Practice active listening.
• Master the art of storytelling.
• Build trust by following through on promises.

2. Personal Accountability

Accountability means owning decisions, actions, and their consequences. Leaders who model accountability foster cultures of transparency and high performance. According to a Harvard Business Review study, teams with accountable leaders experience 20% higher productivity.

How to improve:

• Use reflection tools like journaling to evaluate decisions.
• Set clear expectations for yourself and others.
• Adopt feedback as a growth tool.

3. Self-Management

Great leaders manage time, energy, and emotions effectively. They maintain focus under pressure and demonstrate consistency. Emotional intelligence (EQ), a vital component of self-management, is often a stronger predictor of success than IQ (TalentSmart).

How to improve:

• Use time-blocking techniques to prioritize tasks.
• Incorporate mindfulness or stress-reduction practices.
• Develop emotional regulation through coaching or EQ assessments.

4. Goal Achievement

Leaders drive progress by setting clear goals and staying committed. Goal-oriented leadership improves organizational alignment and results. According to Gallup, goal clarity improves employee engagement by 27% (Gallup Workplace).

How to improve:

• Use SMART goals to create clarity.
• Review progress weekly using KPIs or OKRs. (Key performance indicators / Objective and key results)
• Celebrate small wins to maintain momentum.

5. Interpersonal Skills

Strong interpersonal skills enable leaders to build strong relationships, manage conflict, and communicate effectively. This quality fosters collaboration and psychological safety, both essential in high-performing teams.

How to improve:

• Take personality or communication style assessments like DISC or EQ.
• Invest in team-building experiences.
• Practice empathy and curiosity in every interaction.

Final Thoughts

Leadership isn’t innate—it’s developed. TTISI’s research underscores that effective leaders share these five qualities, and each can be nurtured with focused effort. Whether you’re an emerging manager or a seasoned executive, investing in these areas can elevate your leadership and empower those around you.

For those looking to deepen their leadership capabilities, tools like TTI Success Insights assessments can provide a personalized roadmap for growth.

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.

When business leaders think about growth, they usually focus on things like strategy, sales, and innovation. But another powerhouse driver of success is company culture.

A strong, clearly defined culture influences everything from product quality to customer loyalty to employee retention. And so much more.

But a thriving workplace culture doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention, alignment with business goals, and a commitment to fostering an environment where employees feel valued and customers feel connected.

To further explore the ways a strong workplace culture can elevate your brand, read “How Does Company Culture Affect Business Growth?” at The Alternative Board (TAB).

https://www.thealternativeboard.com/blog/how-does-company-culture-affect-business-growth

#tabboards #businesscoaching #businessgrowth #companyculture #businessleadership

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.

As business owners, we all have our preferred way of working. You might be an early bird, a night owl, or somewhere in between. But what does your work style say about your leadership? Understanding whether you’re instinct-driven or data-driven, or a tortoise versus a hare, can make all the difference in how you approach tasks and lead your team.

While it’s important to understand and accept your natural tendencies, it is also essential to have the willingness and agility to adapt to situations that may require a different approach from you.

Ready to leverage your work style to its fullest potential? Read “What’s Your Work Style (and Why It Matters)” at The Alternative Board (TAB).

https://www.thealternativeboard.com/blog/whats-your-work-style-and-why-it-matters

#tabboards #businesscoaching #workstyle #businessleadership #leadershipdevelopment

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 fast-paced and often unpredictable world, maintaining a positive mindset is more than just wishful thinking—it’s a powerful tool for personal and professional success. Positive thinking involves focusing on solutions rather than problems, opportunities rather than obstacles. It doesn’t mean ignoring life’s challenges but rather approaching them with a constructive and optimistic outlook.

Research has consistently shown that individuals who practice positive thinking experience lower levels of stress, improved cardiovascular health, and increased resilience. This mindset can lead to better decision-making, stronger relationships, and higher levels of productivity. In the workplace, positivity fosters collaboration, creativity, and motivation—key drivers of both individual and team performance.

Moreover, a positive attitude is contagious. Leaders who model optimism and solution-oriented thinking create environments where others feel encouraged and empowered. This cultural shift can enhance employee engagement, reduce turnover, and contribute to a more cohesive and adaptive organization.

Cultivating positive thinking takes practice. It involves self-awareness, gratitude, and reframing negative thoughts into constructive insights. Techniques such as journaling, mindfulness, and setting achievable goals can help shift perspective and reinforce a positive mindset.

Ultimately, the power of positive thinking lies in its ability to shape not only how we see the world, but how we respond to it—turning challenges into opportunities and setbacks into stepping stones for growth.

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.

Case Study

Drive Growth and Alignment One Department at a Time with StratPro

StratPro is a transformational and empowering program that equips businesses with enhanced leadership, stronger communication, and better strategic alignment.

Originally designed for SMBs and their teams, these workshops are now also empowering enterprise companies to drive growth at both the departmental and organizational levels.

In this StratPro Case Study, we share how an enterprise-sized leader in the food industry transformed its Quality Assurance Department through facilitated StratPro workshops.

Discover the positive impact this department-level approach had on team performance, communication, and alignment, benefiting not only the QA team but the entire organization.

StratPro continues to be a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. I urge you to give this quick case study a strong look.

https://www.thealternativeboard.com/stratpro-for-enterprises-case-study-0

#tabboards #businesscoaching #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipalignment #departmentalleadership

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.

Great teams don’t just happen. They are built by hiring and developing the right people. But how do you spot your next peak performer in a crowded field of job candidates?

In his article on Entrepreneur.com, The Alternative Board (Worldwide) President & CEO Jason Zickerman explains how to recognize the qualities that set peak performers apart, and then identify those candidates who possess them during the hiring process. You might be surprised that many of these peak-performance characteristics have more to do with soft skills than experience.

Want to learn more about the best ways to identify the top talent that your business needs? Read “How to Hire Peak Performers with These 5 Proven Strategies” at Entrepreneur.com.

https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/how-to-hire-peak-performers-with-these-5-proven-strategies/486797

#tabboards #businesscoaching #peakperformance #entrepreneur #businessleadership

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 diverse and dynamic work environment, fostering a company culture that values both individuality and belonging is not just a noble goal—it’s a strategic imperative. Employees who feel seen, heard, and valued are more engaged, innovative, and committed to their organizations. Here’s how leaders can build such an inclusive culture:

1. Embrace Individuality Through Inclusive Practices

Traditional corporate cultures often promote a one-size-fits-all approach, expecting employees to conform to a singular mold. However, recognizing and celebrating individual differences can lead to a more vibrant and innovative workplace. For instance, allowing employees to have a say in designing company merchandise or choosing team-building activities can empower them to express their unique identities.

2. Cultivate a Sense of Belonging

Belonging goes beyond inclusion; it’s about creating an environment where every employee feels accepted and valued. Leaders play a crucial role in this by demonstrating commitment to their teams and fostering open communication. Regular check-ins, active listening, and genuine engagement can make employees feel connected and respected.

3. Lead by Example

Leadership sets the tone for company culture. When leaders embody the values they espouse—such as integrity, respect, and empathy—they inspire their teams to do the same. Anna Blackburn, managing director of Beaverbrooks, emphasizes the importance of leaders living their values to cultivate a cohesive and engaged team.

4. Implement Transparent Communication

Transparency builds trust. Sharing company goals, challenges, and successes openly with employees fosters a sense of ownership and alignment. Regular updates, town hall meetings, and open-door policies can encourage dialogue and collaboration.

5. Provide Opportunities for Growth

Investing in employee development signals that the company values its people. Offering training programs, mentorship, and clear career progression paths can help employees feel supported in their professional journeys. This commitment to growth can enhance job satisfaction and retention.

6. Celebrate Diverse Perspectives

Encouraging diverse viewpoints can lead to more creative solutions and a richer workplace experience. Creating forums for employees to share ideas, experiences, and feedback can foster innovation and inclusivity. Recognizing and celebrating cultural events and milestones can also reinforce a culture of respect and appreciation.

Conclusion

Building a company culture that values individuality and belonging requires intentional effort and authentic leadership. By embracing diversity, fostering open communication, and investing in employee growth, organizations can create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best selves.

By prioritizing both individuality and belonging, companies can not only enhance employee satisfaction but also drive innovation and success.

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.

Free and On-Demand Webinar

Building Business Success One Strategy at a Time

In this essential webinar, we explore why every business needs a solid marketing strategy, how to effectively collaborate with a marketing agency, and the key steps to plan and budget for impactful campaigns.

You’ll also learn about the importance of having a well-designed website and discover smart strategies to stretch your marketing dollars.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this webinar will help you make the most of your marketing efforts and resources.

https://www.thealternativeboard.com/webinar/building-business-success-one-strategy-at-a-time

#tabboards #businesscoaching #freewebinar #marketingstrategy

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.