Stepping into a managerial role is exciting—but it can also be daunting. New managers often find themselves juggling priorities, guiding teams, and making decisions without a clear roadmap. As organizations evolve and expectations shift, certain skills have become critical for new managers to succeed. At FOCUS Training, our Accelerate Institute™ provides emerging leaders with the …
by Betsy Barnich 
CEO turnover in S&P 500 companies is approaching 15%—the highest in decades. For many organizations, this is not just a headline; it is a wake-up call. Succession plans are thin, internal pipelines are dangerously underdeveloped, and the risk of leadership gaps looms larger than ever. Does this sound familiar? Perhaps your organization has faced unexpected departures, …
by Betsy Barnich 
For many leaders, one of the biggest challenges is leading when they do not have formal authority. You may be managing a project, leading a cross-functional team, or driving initiatives without direct reports. Success in these situations requires influence—the ability to inspire action, gain buy-in, and foster collaboration without relying on positional power. Why Influence …
by Betsy Barnich 
As we head into the busy fall season, many organizations are thinking about goals, performance reviews, and year-end planning. One topic that deserves attention is leadership development—and not just for the executives in your corner office. Investing in rising leaders like your managers, supervisors, and high-potential contributors can transform your organization from the inside out. …
by Betsy Barnich 
Effective leadership goes beyond just making decisions and delegating tasks. The most successful leaders understand the importance of empathy in creating a positive, productive work environment. Understanding Perspectives and Building Trust Empathy allows leaders to step into their team members’ shoes, gaining valuable insights into their motivations, challenges, and aspirations. By truly understanding others’ perspectives, …
by Betsy Barnich 
A member of your team has requested $3500 to pay for an important certification course, but your Director recently reinforced the priority of controlling costs this year. How can you make the best leadership decisions when confronted with messy problems like this? When it comes to strategic decision-making, middle managers are often tasked with navigating …
by Betsy Barnich 
Organizations and teams today must navigate rapid change to succeed. Leaders at all levels are tasked with adapting quickly, solving problems efficiently, and finding ways to improve continuously. It is easy to feel like we’re constantly firefighting—solving the same problems over and over or scrambling to keep up with new demands. For middle managers, these …
by Betsy Barnich 
Organizational silos can be a significant barrier to innovation, efficiency, and growth. As leaders, it’s crucial to foster a culture of collaboration and open communication across departments. Here are five practical tips to help break down those stubborn silos: 1. Promote Cross-Functional Projects Encourage teams from different departments to work together on joint initiatives. This …
by Betsy Barnich 
As we turn the calendar to November 1, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the year’s progress and set the stage for a strong finish. For managers, this is not just about meeting deadlines; it’s about empowering your team to maximize their productivity and achieve their goals. Effective time management is crucial in this …
by Betsy Barnich 
In today’s business environment, organizations understand that collaboration is essential for fostering innovation, productivity, and overall success. Creating a collaborative culture is not just a trend; it’s a strategic necessity that promotes teamwork, breaks down barriers, and encourages the exchange of ideas. Here are three key steps to help cultivate a collaborative culture in your …
by Betsy Barnich 
