Holistic Leadership: Become Your Best Self Through Action

A proud manager with his arms crossed, practicing holistic leadership

What makes a leader effective? Why should leaders shift from a passive role to an active one? Holistic leadership development requires more than just theoretical knowledge, as explained by Herminia Ibarra in her book Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader. Her research reveals that meaningful leadership growth emerges from engaging in new experiences and roles, rather than solely through introspection. Discover how action-based learning can revolutionize your approach to becoming an influential leader.

The Agile Business Strategy: 3 Principles for Companies

Employees' hands surrounding a circle on a whiteboard, representing the agile business strategy

What’s an agile business strategy? What are the correct priorities of companies? According to The Age of Agile by Stephen Denning, companies can only thrive if they set the correct priorities and goals in response to economic challenges, which allows them to make swift changes as necessary. He covers three things companies should prioritize with an agile strategy: customers, the future, and continued innovation. Below we’ll break down the agile business strategy with three principles.

What Is Strategic Leadership? The Key to Long-Term Success

A businessman holding a dry erase marker and practicing strategic leadership

What makes some professionals naturally excel at leading others? What is strategic leadership? The transformative power of strategic leadership forms the core focus of Herminia Ibarra’s Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader. The book reveals how professionals can evolve from tactical operators to visionary leaders by reshaping their perspectives, networks, and approaches to organizational challenges. Keep reading for insights that will provide a practical roadmap for your journey.

Prioritize Customer Needs: Why They Always Go First

A sign on a window that reads "CUSTOMER FIRST" to show that the business prioritizes customer needs

Why is it important to prioritize customer needs? What information is required to satisfy customers? In The Age of Agile, Stephen Denning argues that the customer should be the company’s highest priority, not shareholders. Additionally, firms should focus on delivering value that excites their users. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of putting the customer first.

How to Build a Professional Inclusive Network That Benefits You

An inclusive network of coworkers

Do you want to build an inclusive network of workers? How can you strategically build your professional connections? Herminia Ibarra’s book, Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader, emphasizes the critical role of building an inclusive network for career advancement. Strategic networking goes beyond collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections—it’s about cultivating meaningful relationships across various organizational levels, industries, and backgrounds. Continue reading to learn how to grow your professional network and advance your career.

Invest in Research and Development but Avoid These 2 Practices

A female scientist investing in research and development

Is research and development important for every business? How much should you spend on these ventures? To create products and services that fulfill future demand, companies must continuously innovate. Therefore, Stephen Denning argues in The Age of Agile, companies must invest heavily in building capacity for research, development, and production. Here’s more on why every company should invest in research and development that’s beneficial to their strategy.

Leadership Identity: Balancing Authenticity & Adaptation

A female business leader standing next to her reflection, thinking about her leadership identity

What does it mean to evolve as a leader? How can you maintain authenticity while adapting to new leadership challenges? Leadership identity development is a transformative journey that requires both personal growth and professional adaptation. In her book Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader, Herminia Ibarra explores how leaders can successfully navigate this evolution while staying true to their values. Keep reading to embrace your leadership transformation and overcome common obstacles that emerge along the way.

3 Agile Management Practices That Help Companies Thrive

A business leader crossing his arms in the workplace who follows agile management practices

How can you apply agile management to your business plan? How can managers encourage a collaborative work environment? In The Age of Agile, Stephen Denning argues that to thrive, companies must ensure their management is as agile as their strategy. Denning highlights three important principles of agile management: small, self-managing, multi-disciplinary teams; networked coordination between these teams; and guidance from upper management. Let’s explore each of these practices below.

The 4 Benefits of Agile Team Management for Business

A group of employees working together at their desks under agile team management

Do you want to speed up development in your company’s timeline? Why are smaller teams better than larger teams? In The Age of Agile, Stephen Denning argues that companies can continuously innovate their products and services by organizing their workers into small, self-managing, multi-disciplinary teams. These teams work at their own pace and have the authority to make decisions on their own, rather than higher-ups approving things for them. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of agile team management.

The Benefits of Highly Sensitive People (HSP) at Work

A kind looking young woman with glasses sitting at a desk at work

How can being a highly sensitive person (HSP) at work benefit you? What are the traits of an HSP? High sensitivity is a genetic trait that enhances how deeply people process information and respond to their environment. Organizations that provide flexible work arrangements and create supportive environments help HSPs thrive while strengthening overall workplace culture and productivity. Here’s why being an HSP at work can be a superpower rather than a detriment.