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 
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 
Raise your hand if performance reviews make you a little… nervous. 🙋 You are not alone. Many managers dread these conversations because they can feel uncomfortable, stressful, and, let’s be honest, a little awkward. But here is the good news: performance reviews do not have to be a source of stress—they can be a chance …
by Betsy Barnich 
Learning and development professionals are under growing pressure to demonstrate the impact of their programs. But doing so requires more than tracking attendance or post-session satisfaction—it means answering the harder question: Are learners doing anything differently as a result? To get there, we need to go beyond Level 1 (Reaction) and Level 2 (Learning) in …
by Betsy Barnich 
Taking on the responsibility of leading an organization or a team comes with both privilege and challenge. It is a role that calls for clarity of vision, confidence in decision-making, and, perhaps most importantly, the ability to bring people together. In a world where diverse perspectives are both necessary and inevitable, the skill of building …
by Betsy Barnich 
When it comes to growing your organization’s leadership pipeline, one of the first significant decisions is how to develop your program. Should you build a custom solution in-house? Or should you partner with an external provider who already has the tools and expertise? There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right path depends on a variety …
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 
