Teams perform at their best when accountability is clear, shared, and built into the rhythm of daily work. Accountability is not about pressure. It is about alignment, ownership, and clarity. When teams understand what success looks like and how their work connects to others, performance improves and friction decreases. The most effective leaders do not …
by Betsy Barnich 
The final stretch of the year often brings pressure, deadlines, and an overwhelming number of priorities. Leaders feel it. Teams feel it. The combination of holiday schedules, project wrap ups, and strategic planning can quickly drain energy and focus. Strong leaders know that the final months of the year require intention. Energy management is not …
by Betsy Barnich 
For many managers, delegation can feel… scary. The thought of handing over responsibility can trigger worries about mistakes, missed deadlines, or losing control. Yet avoiding delegation can be even more frightening: overworked leaders, stagnant teams, and missed opportunities for growth. The truth is, effective delegation is not about offloading work—it is about strategically distributing responsibility …
by Betsy Barnich 
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 
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 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 
As a team member or manager, it’s crucial to ensure your leader understands what you and your team require to succeed. Clear communication about your needs not only improves team performance but also strengthens the relationship with your leader. Here are three key strategies to help your leader support and understand your team’s needs: Provide …
by Betsy Barnich 
Developing leaders within an organization has many benefits that are often discussed. However, what happens when an organization neglects leader development? In this week’s video blog, Matt Meuleners explores the costs associated with not prioritizing leadership growth and how these costs can harm organizations over time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ASqMn-oEPA&t=1s
by Betsy Barnich 
Imagine you are driving, and someone cuts you off. You might quickly think they are a bad person. This quick judgment is due to attribution bias, where we make assumptions about others’ actions without knowing the full story. This bias can disrupt workplace harmony by creating negative cycles of assumptions and reactions. The Cycle of …
by Betsy Barnich 
As leadership development experts, we have seen firsthand how emotional intelligence (EQ) can transform good leaders into exceptional ones. While technical skills and industry knowledge are important, it is often a leader’s EQ that sets them apart. But what exactly is emotional intelligence, and why does it matter so much in leadership? Simply put, EQ …
by Betsy Barnich 
