Blog Archives
Engage. Coach. Develop.: Building Strong Relationships That Drive Individual and Team Performance
Artell Smith’s Engage. Coach. Develop. is a no-nonsense, practical guide for anyone in a leadership position who wants to build meaningful relationships with their employees. The book revolves around a simple yet powerful framework: engaging employees to build trust, coaching them to improve performance, and developing them for long-term success. Smith blends research-backed insights with personal anecdotes, creating an informative and relatable book. He doesn’t just throw theories at you; he shows you how to implement them in real-world scenarios, making this book a valuable read for managers at any level.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is its focus on real engagement, not just the corporate buzzword kind, but actual, meaningful interactions. Smith points out that engagement isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing process that requires genuine interest in employees as people. The chapter “How to Engineer Engaging Experiences” lays this out beautifully, with practical tips on how to create consistent, positive interactions. He gives examples of small but impactful gestures, like remembering personal details or simply asking thoughtful questions, that can turn a routine conversation into a trust-building moment. It’s clear that Smith understands the power of human connection, and he makes a compelling argument that good management starts with authentic engagement.
Smith doesn’t just tell you to coach employees; he walks you through the mindset and habits of a great coach. He highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, curiosity, and adaptability, illustrating these ideas with personal stories. One particularly memorable example involves a leader named Butler, with whom Smith initially struggled to connect. Instead of forcing his own approach, Smith took the time to understand Butler’s perspective, eventually turning what could have been a contentious relationship into a highly effective partnership.
The final pillar, development, is where the book takes a more strategic turn. Smith argues that true leadership isn’t about keeping employees in their current roles but preparing them for future opportunities. He challenges managers to create intentional development plans, provide meaningful stretch assignments, and advocate for their people. The example of Damien, an overlooked employee who was given the chance to grow and ultimately thrive, drives this point home. It’s refreshing to see a leadership book that doesn’t just focus on short-term performance but also emphasizes long-term career growth.
Smith writes in a clear, conversational style that feels more like getting advice from a seasoned mentor than reading a business textbook. The book is especially valuable for new managers who need a straightforward guide on how to build strong relationships with their teams. But even experienced leaders will find nuggets of wisdom to refine their approach. If you want to be the kind of manager who employees respect, trust, and genuinely want to work with, Engage. Coach. Develop. is well worth your time.
Pages: 96 | ASIN : B0CKQ6D2P1
Higher Levels of Performance
The Intentional Leader is a comprehensive guide that explores the differences between leadership and management and how to effectively foster a thriving work culture. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I have been working with small business owners for over 10 years and I find that many of them spend their time every day putting out fires rather than growing their business. There is a saying that sophisticated business owners work ON their business, not IN it. The most fundamental first step in growing your business is building a team and a culture that performs at the highest level and exceeds expectations. You build that team and culture through effective and intentional leadership.
Can you share with us a little about the research required to put your book together?
I have a diverse background with experiences in the military, law enforcement, and the public sector. Additionally, I have been training and coaching people since 1989. Through those years I achieved a level of knowledge about effective leadership through experience and academic study. I have guided business owners and their teams to higher levels of performance by helping them understand and implement simple leadership principles.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
My primary goal was to finally compile all the information I have accumulated through the years in one manuscript. Through the process, I realized I had too much information! I debated on a longer book or maybe splitting it into two parts but in the end, I decided to adjust the approach to get the most fundamental information into a textbook-like resource. I envisioned a book that leaders could use as a resource. I hope that readers come back to the book over and over to review and better understand the information.
What is one misconception you believe many people have about effective business leadership?
That it is difficult. It isn’t. It just takes effort. A basic understanding of leadership principles will set any leader on their way to becoming more effective. Ultimately, a business thrives on relationships. A business has customers that support their business. Leaders have customers too, their team members. If leaders treat their team members like customers, their culture will improve, employees will stay engaged longer and perform at higher levels, and the business will grow organically.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Do you want to inspire and lead your team to greater success? Discover the traits and practices of exceptional leaders and transform your leadership style. The Intentional Leader: A Guide to Elevate Your Business will show you how to achieve exceptional business leadership and see results like never before.
Effective leadership is a lifestyle marked by humility and consistency that reaps many rewards, including:
Enhanced decision making
Increased employee engagement
Better team performance
Effective communication
Increased innovation and creativity
Stronger company culture
Exceptional leaders possess certain qualities that set them apart and make others naturally want to follow them. Though these traits may seem instinctive, they can be taught, learned, and refined.
Inside The Intentional Leader: A Guide to Elevate Your Residential Service Business, you will:
Understand the basic principles that denote an effective leader
Discover your leadership style
Assess the leadership traits you possess and identify the ones you need to develop
Grasp the distinction between leadership—the ability to get people to work with you to achieve team goals—and management—the administration of day-to-day operations
Further explore the importance of building trust in your employees
Become a pro at workplace motivation and inspiration
And much, much more!
Don’t miss out on the power of intentional leadership. Put forth conscious thought and effort to adapt and grow as a leader. Devote yourself to make the changes and develop the skills outlined in this book, and you will be able to shepherd yourself and your team toward greatness.
Pick up your copy of The Intentional Leader: A Guide to Elevate Your Residential Service Business today and start your journey to effective business leadership!
Lead with Purpose, A Story About Leading In Your Personal And Professional Life
Dr. Kevin McGarry’s Lead with Purpose offers a compelling exploration of leadership, personal growth, and family dynamics, all wrapped in a narrative that feels both deeply relatable and insightful. McGarry shares a story through the main character Eddie who’s journey to understanding leadership came from an unexpected source, as he grappled with balancing his professional and personal lives. Out of this chaos emerged critical lessons, which he skillfully presents to readers. McGarry’s book will especially resonate with those facing similar struggles to the protagonist, Eddie, whose life is a reflection of the challenges many of us face in today’s fast-paced, disconnected world.
McGarry’s writing captures the unspoken tensions within Eddie’s household, portraying a broader theme of disconnection in the digital age and the quest for purpose. The way he transitions from Eddie’s strained family life to the softball field hints at a deeper metaphor. It’s not just about family and sports; it’s about bridging the gaps between our professional and personal aspirations. McGarry’s ability to intertwine elements of corporate leadership within these personal moments adds depth and richness to the narrative, making it more than just a story—it’s a guide for those whose lives don’t fit into neatly tied-up bows. The author blends engaging storytelling with practical life lessons, offering a mix of realism and introspection. McGarry writes with a certain artistic flair, using vivid descriptions and emotional depth to capture the essence of family and work-life struggles without overindulging in flowery language. His focus remains on evoking emotional connections through the characters’ interactions and internal conflicts. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the natural tension between Eddie and his family to unfold, mirroring the subtle yet impactful disconnects that often arise in modern lives. Every element of his writing reflects an intentionality and passion that shines through in every page. The book’s central themes—leadership, family, and personal fulfillment—are thoughtfully woven into a larger conversation about balance and meaning. One of the key takeaways is the importance of remaining open to life’s lessons, which can emerge from the most unexpected places, ultimately transforming both your professional and personal approach. McGarry’s tone and vocabulary are carefully chosen, capturing the weight and emotional complexity of modern disconnection, especially within the family. Yet, he offers a sense of renewal through leadership and engagement. The story’s undercurrent of hope, as Eddie embarks on a journey to rediscover purpose, is balanced with complex emotions like frustration, love, and determination.
Lead with Purpose is a thoughtful, well-written reflection on leadership and life. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to reexamine their life choices, leadership style, or find a better balance between work and family. McGarry’s ability to combine practical advice with an engaging, heartfelt narrative makes this book both powerful and transformative.
Pages: 166 | ASIN : B0D8LLHW9N
We’ve Got This: Unlocking the Beauty of Belonging
We’ve Got This by Ritu Bhasin is a call to embrace the often-challenging journey toward authentic belonging. Drawing from her personal experiences as a child of immigrant parents and her professional expertise in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Bhasin crafts a narrative that is both a memoir and a manual. Her stories of battling racism, understanding cultural identity, and ultimately finding her place in the world resonate deeply, offering readers of diverse backgrounds a mirror and a map.
Bhasin’s writing style mixes vulnerability with vigor. She does not shy away from discussing the pain and confusion of her early years. Moments of racism, cultural dissonance, and personal doubt are laid bare with a raw honesty that is as compelling as it is educational. Her transition from a successful lawyer to a DEI leader is not just inspiring but also instructive, providing practical advice for anyone looking to make a significant life change or to find deeper meaning in their work and relationships, empowering the reader and equipping them for personal and professional growth.
The book shines brightest when Bhasin discusses the concept of “Performing Self,” the facade we often present to fit in or feel accepted. Her insights into how this performance can drain one’s sense of self and belonging are poignant. The personal anecdotes she shares, such as her reflective moments in an ashram or interactions with her parents, are not just relatable but are also used effectively to illustrate broader truths about human nature and societal expectations.
We’ve Got This is a compelling guide to living authentically. Bhasin’s book is a powerful testament to the beauty and complexity of forming a true sense of belonging. This self-improvement book is highly recommended for anyone feeling adrift in their cultural, professional, or personal identity, but it particularly resonates with activists and advocates of DEI, validating their work and inspiring them to continue their efforts.
Pages: 192 | ASIN : B0CZFVNSN5
Retiring Right: Smart Steps for Exiting Corporate America
In Retiring Right: Smart Steps for Exiting Corporate America, Jake Falcon presents a comprehensive guide for corporate professionals navigating the often challenging transition into retirement. Falcon provides a holistic approach that goes beyond the financial aspects to address the full spectrum of retirement life, offering insights particularly valuable for those accustomed to the structured and high-pressure environment of corporate careers.
Falcon’s methodology is inclusive, exploring various dimensions of retirement that are often overlooked. While he covers essential financial planning, he delves deeply into emotional preparation and the myths surrounding retirement, such as the misconception that retirement is a cure-all for unhappiness. By highlighting potential issues like loneliness and the importance of planning engaging activities, Falcon equips readers with realistic strategies to mentally prepare for retirement. He emphasizes the value of maintaining communication about retirement realities and considering encore careers, ensuring that readers take away practical insights from his guidance. The strength of Falcon’s book lies in his clear and straightforward writing style. Retirement is a sensitive topic that requires insightful planning, and Falcon communicates his purpose and ideas effectively. The book is well-structured, incorporating real-life examples that bring his points to life. Unlike theoretical discussions, the practical advice presented can be easily added to a checklist, making it accessible and actionable for readers. Falcon’s realism shines through as he candidly addresses potential difficulties, preparing readers without sugar-coating the realities of retirement.
While Retiring Right primarily targets individuals with a corporate background, assuming accumulated wealth over time, its applicability extends beyond the corporate sphere. The principles and advice are valuable for anyone looking to plan for retirement early in their career, serving as a reminder that retirement planning is a universal necessity. Regardless of background or age, readers who approach this book with an open mind and a willingness to create a fulfilling post-career life will find it an invaluable resource.
Pages: 152 | ASIN : B0D3RYSKDW
