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Are All Politics Bad?

Many leaders I speak with will say, “I hate politics.” What they usually mean is: “I hate manipulation, hidden agendas, and backroom conversations.” On that point, Patrick Lencioni would agree. In The Five Dysfunctions of a Team,…
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Why Do So Many Leaders Stop at “Good”?

One of the many authors that shaped my views on leadership and high-performing organizations is Jim Collins. In his classic book, Good to Great, Collins offers a powerful insight: the biggest barrier to greatness isn’t bad leadership — it’s…
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Rethinking “Entitlement”: What Gen Z Is Really Teaching Us

I often hear experienced leaders express frustration about Gen Z’s supposed sense of entitlement. They’ll say things like, “They expect too much, too soon,” or “They don’t want to pay their dues.” But, what if what looks like…
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To Lead Is to Live Dangerously: Adopt a Quantum Mindset

Volatile, Uncertain, Chaotic, and Ambiguous - these are just some of the words you hear to describe the world today.  Everything is speeding up, change is constant, and you may conclude that to lead is to live dangerously.  Leadership has…
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You Cannot Inspire People Who Don’t Want to Change

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my years of leadership, mentorship, and even friendship is: You can’t inspire people who aren’t ready to change. No matter how passionate your message, how polished your pitch, or how…
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The Smart Leader’s Guide to Growth

Throughout my life, I’ve had various “coaches.” I had a batting coach when I played little league baseball to improve my swing. I had a coach when I struggled in my accounting courses in college. As a professional, I had coaches to help…

The Clarity Advantage: Why Senior Leaders Seek Coaching

The Clarity Advantage: Why Senior Leaders Seek Coaching If you’ve ever felt the weight of making high-stakes decisions while juggling conflicting priorities, you’re not alone. Many of my clients, senior leaders in some of the world’s…
Intrinsic motivation is the key to leadership performance

Unlocking Motivation: The 3 Keys Every Leader Must Master

By John Burt, Executive Leadership Coach In today’s complex, fast-paced business environment, traditional “carrot and stick” management often falls flat. While bonuses, promotions, and recognition still have their place, they’re no…

Why Cooperation Outperforms Competition in the Long Run

We recently returned from a 9-day trip to Scotland (a magical place if you've never been), where we spent time driving through the Highlands—rugged, stunning, and sparsely populated terrain. Once you get outside the main cities, you often…

Put First Things First – Time Management Strategies for High-Performing Leaders

By John Burt, Executive Leadership Coach If you’re in a senior leadership role, chances are your days are filled with meetings, decisions, and competing demands. Time is your most limited—and most valuable—resource. But here’s the truth:…