With over a decade of experience facilitating leadership development cohorts, we have honed a powerful approach to nurturing first-line and middle managers. Leadership development is crucial for organizational success, and cohort-based learning offers a powerful approach for nurturing these managers. This learning model provides unique benefits that are valuable for both new and experienced leaders. …
by Betsy Barnich 
Investing in employee development is a strategic move that has significant long-term benefits for both individuals and organizations. Here are four key ways that prioritizing people development now will pay off in the future: 1. Boosted Productivity and Innovation When employees receive ongoing training and development opportunities, they acquire new skills and knowledge that directly …
by Betsy Barnich 
As organizations adapt to hybrid work environments, employee engagement strategies have had to evolve. This month we outline three key considerations for maintaining a connected and engaged remote workforce. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68-BXvq1vPs
by Betsy Barnich 
Later this month, Matt Meuleners, FOCUS Training COO and Executive Partner, is going to participate in the 29029 Everesting Challenge in Jackson Hole, WY. In this month’s team spotlight, he shares his experience of learning that the actual value lies not in reaching the destination but in the growth and capabilities developed during the journey. …
by Betsy Barnich 
Fostering a culture of psychological safety within your organization is crucial for driving innovation, collaboration, and overall success. Psychological safety refers to an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas, asking questions, and admitting mistakes without fear of negative consequences. When employees feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to take risks, speak up, …
by Betsy Barnich 
Over the past year and a half, I’ve been consistently leaning into networking. I’ll be totally transparent; there were a lot of last-minute self-pep talks in the car and a lot of “just go for 10 minutes, and if you don’t like it, you can leave” self-negotiations. It took me a while to really understand the …
by Betsy Barnich 
Why is effective expectation setting so important for successful projects and teams? This month on the blog, Matt Meuleners talks about one way you can make expectation setting more effective to help close that gap between expectations and performance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW67h2Dewww
by Betsy Barnich 
As leaders, we are no strangers to criticism. Whether it is feedback from colleagues, client demands, or board pressure, we face a constant stream of external voices. But often, our harshest critic lives within – that inner voice that tells us we are not good enough, smart enough, or simply unworthy of success. This unrelenting …
by Betsy Barnich 
Introverts, this one is for you! The stereotypical image of a leader is someone charismatic, booming with ideas in conference rooms. But what if your strength lies in quiet contemplation, thoughtful analysis, and attentive listening? We believe introverted leaders bring a unique and valuable perspective to the table. Here are three actionable ways you can …
by Betsy Barnich 
The SWOT analysis has long been considered a cornerstone tool of strategic planning. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. The model provides a framework to assess your team’s internal capabilities and external environment. But leading a productive SWOT analysis discussion can be tricky. Here are three tips to get the most out of …
by Betsy Barnich 
