Blog Archives
People Are Complex
Maximizing Organizational Performance is a practical guide that delves deeply into the power of performance coaching within organizations, outlining a clear, real-world approach to building coaching systems that help individuals grow and perform at their best. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The driving force behind Maximizing Organizational Performance: A Guide to Effective Performance Coaching was a need to reframe how we see and use coaching. I don’t view it as a profession in itself. I see it as a tool, one of many that come under the wider discipline of organizational development. As an OD practitioner first and a coach second, I am primarily interested in the system, that is, in how structure, process, leadership behaviors, culture, and other factors interplay and serve to facilitate—or sometimes constrain—performance.
Coaching is a means to that end. It’s a way of helping people and teams work more effectively. I wrote this book because I saw a need for more context in the way that coaching is being applied. It’s too often used as a tactical intervention, deployed against individuals without consideration of the broader system they inhabit. But individual performance can’t be elevated in a vacuum. If we want to build real, lasting performance, it has to be intentional and systemic. It has to connect to strategy, talent, culture, and other levers of organizational transformation.
That’s what this book is about. In it, I try to offer a different perspective on how coaching can be used. I try to give leaders and HR professionals a roadmap for weaving it into the DNA of their organizations so it can become a central part of how performance is created and sustained, not a niche service available to a select few.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I think one of the important ideas I wanted to convey is that performance coaching is not this ethereal thing that only happens at the C-suite level or during major life-or-death situations. It’s an everyday practice — a way of thinking, a way of leading, a way of showing up for and supporting one another at all levels of an organization. In my experience, coaching has the most impact when it becomes part of a manager’s normal leadership routine rather than an event that takes place quarterly, behind closed doors, with an external coach.
Another key idea for me was personalization. We often fall into the trap of thinking that performance can be optimized through standardized processes alone. How many organizations today still have standardized KPIs, standardized quarterly reviews, and serve only generic training programs? The hard truth is, people are complex. They bring unique strengths, challenges, motivations, and life experiences to work every day. Coaching works best when it’s attuned to that complexity, when it’s tailored and human. And it is only through that level of personalization that coaching can do more than keep people compliant. It’s only then that coaching can foster true growth and commitment.
And, I guess, if I have to pick the most foundational idea, it is that organizations aiming to sustain their competitive advantage can no longer afford to treat coaching as a discretionary add-on. If you’re serious about adaptability, that is, if you’re serious about building a resilient, high-performing team that can thrive in the conditions we all face today, then coaching is not a frill. It is a strategic infrastructure.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
If I could send a letter to my younger self, one message would be clear and resounding: “Lead with curiosity, not control.” In the early stages of my leadership journey, I equated being a good manager with knowing all the answers, moving fast, and pushing hard. Hyperfocused on outcomes, I regularly burned out and missed breakthroughs. I didn’t realize, as I do now, that sustainable leadership isn’t about being the best person in the room; it’s about setting the stage for others to be their best selves.
Curiosity makes all the difference. It starts conversations that would otherwise be shut down. It builds trust. It signals safety to experiment and learn. It lets people know that you see them not just as performers but as professionals with potential still to be realized. Shifting my stance from directing to inquiring has been one of the most liberating lessons of my career, one I wish I had learned much earlier.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Maximizing Organizational Performance?
If there is one thing I hope readers take away from this book, it is that coaching is a multiplier — not only for everything we do to strengthen and support individual performance, but also for culture, engagement, innovation, and sustainable success. Coaching is not fixing. Coaching is about unlocking what’s already inside and connecting that to the purpose, values, and direction of the business.
The real beauty of coaching is that it moves us away from the reactionary leadership models that lead so many of our organizations to scramble after performance problems, react to disengagement, and attempt to fill talent gaps at the eleventh hour. Coaching allows us to think and act more proactively, to have an intentional framework to develop people in a way that is both strategic and radically human.
I hope that when readers finish this book, they have more than new tools at their disposal. I hope that they will look at coaching and development as fundamental leadership practices and leave this book even more inspired to create work cultures where development is not limited to the chosen few who receive development, but where it is part of the way we talk to one another every day, the way we measure success, and the very DNA of our culture.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Dr. Patrick Behar-Courtois, with over two decades of international consulting experience, offers a fresh approach to performance coaching that transcends traditional methods. This practical guide tackles pressing issues such as remote work, diversity, employee retention, and technological integration, equipping leaders, HR professionals, and coaches with strategies to measure coaching effectiveness and build high-performing teams. Packed with immediately applicable tools and real-world case studies, Maximizing Organizational Performance bridges theory and practice, offering insights that resonate in today’s complex business environment.
So don’t let your organization fall behind. Unlock its full potential and prepare for the future with this essential resource!
Radicle Growth: Transform into an Unstoppable Leader through Mastering the Art of Questions
Radicle Growth is all about flipping the script on leadership. Dave Reynolds argues that the best bosses aren’t the ones with all the answers; they’re the ones with all the right questions. He shares a coaching framework rooted in asking purposeful questions to help employees grow into problem-solvers and leaders themselves. The book is part how-to, part mindset shift, and full of stories and analogies that make it stick. From managing up, down, and across to creating systems that build accountability, Reynolds wants you to stop managing and start coaching.
I dove into this book expecting another corporate pep talk with catchy buzzwords and vague advice. What I got instead was something surprisingly personal and kind of refreshing. Reynolds opens with a simple question he poses to new managers: “Who was your toughest boss?” and then follows it up with, “Who was your best boss?” The aha moment is that they’re often the same person. That cracked me open a bit. It’s so real. We remember the ones who pushed us because they made us better. I loved how Reynolds used this to frame the rest of the book. It sets the tone: this isn’t about making people feel good all the time; it’s about helping them grow. And sometimes growth feels like friction.
One of my favorite parts was the “don’t feed the ducks” story. Reynolds shares an anecdote about a high-performing salesperson who regularly handed off his leads to underperforming teammates. At first glance, this might seem generous or even admirable. However, Reynolds reframes the situation, revealing that such behavior fosters dependence rather than growth. He points out that the guy was actually creating dependency and hurting everyone’s growth in the long run. That’s what coaching solves. You guide people to find their own fish instead of tossing them one. This idea stuck with me. Reynolds makes it clear that it’s a short-term win and a long-term loss.
I also appreciated that Reynolds didn’t try to be some untouchable guru. He admits he learned all this the hard way, first in telecom, then across industries. The anecdote involving Reynolds offering impromptu coaching to a banking executive during an NHL game stands out as particularly impactful. It’s not about having all the technical knowledge; it’s about knowing how to ask questions that spark clarity. The idea that the less you know, the more you can help blew my mind. It reframes the whole idea of expertise.
Radicle Growth is less of a manual and more of a mindset shift. It’s a book for anyone in a leadership role who feels like they’re constantly stuck in the weeds, answering questions, solving problems, never really freeing up their time or developing their people. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just putting out fires instead of building something lasting, this book is for you. It’s great for managers, coaches, and even parents. Anyone who wants to learn how to lead with intention, not just authority.
Pages: 172 | ASIN : B0DWYQ7HDK
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
Seeds of Leadership
For over three decades, Will Lukang has successfully led corporate teams, drawing on his vast experience and leadership training from Seton Hall University. In Seeds of Leadership, Lukang distills a lifetime of formal education and informal lessons—spanning from his childhood in his parents’ store to his extensive corporate tenure—into a workbook-style personal development manual. His approach to leadership emphasizes growth through actionable steps, which he aptly describes as “planting seeds.”
The book adopts a practical and straightforward tone, offering readers a structured path toward leadership improvement. Lukang incorporates anecdotes from his life to illustrate key points, though these stories occasionally lack the narrative depth or engagement one might hope for in such a book. The inclusion of interviews with other leaders, along with their perspectives and advice, could have added richness and depth, as well as bolstered the book’s credibility. As it stands, the advice is drawn solely from Lukang’s personal experiences—valuable but somewhat narrow in scope.
Targeted at individuals new to leadership, Seeds of Leadership functions well as an introductory guide. The strategies and exercises it presents are accessible, practical, and easy to implement. However, the concepts remain relatively conventional, unlikely to surprise or challenge seasoned leaders. For those already established in leadership roles, much of the material may feel overly basic, offering little in the way of fresh insights or groundbreaking approaches.
The book’s most compelling feature lies in its personal stories, particularly those highlighting Lukang’s journey overcoming learning challenges and navigating cultural expectations. These moments resonate with authenticity and provide a glimpse into the core values of his leadership philosophy. His emphasis on integrity and authenticity as essential traits for effective leaders stands out as a refreshing and powerful message. Lukang’s argument that leaders who embrace their authentic selves inspire and elevate their teams is both meaningful and underexplored in traditional leadership literature.
Seeds of Leadership is a solid recommendation for emerging leaders seeking to evaluate their skills and embark on a path of personal growth. Its workbook-style format enables readers to actively engage with the material, applying the concepts through exercises and reflections. However, for experienced leaders or those looking for advanced strategies, the book may fall short of expectations. Still, its core principles—grounded in integrity and authenticity—remain universally valuable, making it a worthwhile read for those at the beginning of their leadership journey.
Pages: 132 | ASIN : B0DPNG49YL
Seeds of Leadership
In Seeds of Leadership, Will Lukang reframes leadership not as a fixed style but as a dynamic attitude, drawing from his personal experiences to craft a compelling narrative. By weaving together reflections on his upbringing, the challenges he overcame, and the values he embraced, Lukang sets the stage for a book that seamlessly intertwines personal growth with professional development. The book is thoughtfully structured around three core dimensions: self-leadership, leading others, and preparing for the future. Lukang explores these themes through vivid anecdotes from his career, highlighting the importance of adaptability, integrity, and mentorship. His real-world examples, such as guiding a colleague toward success or navigating organizational complexities, bring to life the transformative potential of facing challenges with intention and resilience.
Lukang’s approachable and conversational writing style ensures accessibility for readers across diverse backgrounds. He distills complex ideas into clear, relatable insights while fostering an inviting tone that encourages readers to embrace new perspectives. Reflective exercises at the end of each chapter enhance the book’s practicality, guiding readers to engage deeply with the material and apply it to their own lives. These exercises transform the book from a passive read into a powerful tool for introspection and actionable growth. Lukang avoids one-size-fits-all prescriptions, favoring nuanced, experience-based strategies. He invites readers to refine their own leadership styles, grounded in empathy and ethical decision-making. His candid accounts of early struggles and the lessons they taught him foster a genuine connection, adding depth and relatability to his guidance.
The book also underscores the interconnected nature of leadership qualities. Lukang’s metaphorical “seeds” of leadership—embracing change, fostering team cohesion, and planning for succession—are presented as interdependent elements that thrive when nurtured collectively. These simple yet profound analogies provide a roadmap for cultivating a leadership mindset rooted in authenticity and collective success.
Seeds of Leadership, by Will Lukang, offers an enriching perspective on leadership that resonates with both aspiring and seasoned leaders. Lukang combines practical advice, personal narratives, and thought-provoking reflections to create a work that transcends industries and demographics. His book is not just a guide—it is an invitation to grow, lead, and inspire with intentionality and heart.
Pages: 130 | ASIN : B0DPNG49YL
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!
Leading to Thrive: Mastering Strategies for Sustainable Success in Business and Life
Leadership is a delicate equilibrium, a dynamic interplay between personal fortitude and organizational strategy. In Leading to Thrive, Klaus Kleinfeld unpacks the intricate balance required to become an effective leader, presenting a nuanced exploration of leadership that merges internal resilience with outward-facing strategies. His holistic approach offers a fresh perspective on achieving sustainable success, emphasizing the interplay of what he terms the “Inner Game” and “Outer Game” of leadership.
The “Inner Game” revolves around cultivating energy, focus, and personal resilience across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. By contrast, the “Outer Game” tackles the practical aspects of leadership, including organizational strategies, decision-making, and achieving high performance. Through these dual lenses, Kleinfeld constructs a framework that is both comprehensive and actionable. Drawing thought-provoking parallels between business leadership and high-performance sports, he underscores the importance of maintaining inner well-being to sustain outward excellence. Kleinfeld addresses contemporary leadership challenges with strategies like energy management and the “Completed Staff Work” decision-making methodology, offering tools that are as practical as they are insightful.
Kleinfeld’s writing style is both engaging and methodical, seamlessly blending storytelling with data-driven analysis. Personal anecdotes and research findings create a narrative that is not only compelling but also relatable, enriched by metaphors that simplify complex concepts without diminishing their depth.
One of the book’s standout features is its emphasis on the “Inner Game,” an often-overlooked aspect of leadership. By integrating principles of self-care, energy management, and spiritual fulfillment into a traditional leadership framework, Kleinfeld fills a critical gap in conventional business literature. This approach challenges outdated notions of leadership as either an innate talent or an acquired skill, instead suggesting that effective leaders are shaped by a dynamic combination of innate qualities and intentional practice.
Leading to Thrive is a must-read for leaders and aspiring leaders seeking a balanced, holistic pathway to success. It serves as both an inspirational guide and a practical roadmap, equipping readers with tools to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. Klaus Kleinfeld’s work is a powerful reminder that true leadership begins within and radiates outward, making this book an invaluable addition to any leader’s library.
Pages: 255 | ASIN : B0DKXTS8V9
Everydayness: Intentional Practices for Seeing, Being, and Doing in a Post-Pandemic World
Everydayness by Mike Morrison offers a compelling exploration of how to discover meaning in our daily lives. Tackling concepts like appreciation, purpose, and sensemaking, the author invites readers into a thoughtful conversation inspired by the pandemic’s impact on our collective sense of purpose. Morrison crafts his narrative to guide people in realizing that true meaning can be found not just in grand achievements but also in life’s smaller, everyday moments.
One of the book’s standout features is its practical approach to mindfulness and intentional living. Morrison emphasizes the power of taking pauses, discussing how stepping back from the busyness of life can transform our perception of time and enrich our appreciation for the present. His insights on this topic feel fresh and actionable, giving readers the tools to create natural pauses in their routines and experience life with greater presence. Initially, Everydayness might feel familiar, especially in the chapter on appreciation, where it treads territory common to many self-help books. However, the narrative soon pivots, offering a unique and nuanced perspective on purpose. Morrison makes it clear that the path to finding meaning is deeply personal and non-linear, a concept that reassures readers and affirms that differences in our journeys are not only expected but essential. His discussion of purpose is both illuminating and relatable. The author weaves in additional insights on creating intentional routines and living with purpose, sparking reflection and making the book more than just a guide—it becomes a source of inspiration. Morrison’s ability to balance philosophical depth with practical advice ensures that readers are not only engaged but also equipped to implement meaningful changes in their lives.
I’d recommend Everydayness to anyone feeling trapped in the mundane or yearning for more meaning in their daily routine. It’s a thoughtful, refreshing read that prompts reflection and encourages a deeper connection with the small moments that make life truly meaningful.
Pages: 122 | ASIN : B0DFX7N6BF
LITERARY TITAN 