1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Finding Your Entrepreneurial Edge

By Gibson on Mar 30, 2023 6:30:00 AM

“If we say it, we can fix it. If we don't say it, it is never going to get fixed.”– Susan Dyer

Susan Dyer, Certified EOS® Implementer, and host Tim Leman dive into EOS and the edge it provides to entrepreneurs. From her years of leadership and coaching experience, Susan discusses the evolution of a leadership team and the common obstacles they encounter. She also talks about the importance of delegating, the power of listening, and why leaders need to make time for other passions outside of work.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Who You Are, Not What You Do

By Gibson on Mar 23, 2023 6:30:00 AM

“77% of your effectiveness as a leader is a function of who you are, not what you do.”– Tim Spiker

Tim Spiker, founder of The Aperio, joins host Tim Leman to discuss leadership development. Through his leadership advising, podcast, and book, Tim focuses on the who of leadership, helping leaders to become inwardly sound and others focused. In this episode, Tim also talks about the powerful combination of humility & confidence, what makes for a strong team, and his edge in life.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: The Importance Of Relationships

By Gibson on Mar 16, 2023 6:30:00 AM

“You are who you surround yourself with. The mentors you have are the direction you are going to go.” – Mike Baer

Mike Baer, President of Trench-Ade, joins host Tim Leman to discuss the importance of relationships - with customers, employees, mentors, and personally. He talks about building an organization that has a strong sense of integrity. Mike also shares about his own leadership journey and his vision for the future, both personally and professionally.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Lifting Others Up & Vision Building

By Gibson on Mar 9, 2023 6:30:00 AM

“When we spend our time pouring in and lifting up, results will come.” – Andrea Butcher

Andrea Butcher, CEO of HRD*, discusses her passion for leadership development and helping others build their vision. She talks about equipping leaders & creating an environment for people to be successful. Andrea and host Tim Leman also explore how they have applied lessons and experiences from their leadership journeys to their families and personal relationships - as well as a few fun memories from their days together at Indiana State.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

We’re Going Dancing

By Craig Heatherly on Mar 2, 2023 6:30:00 AM

We’re Going Dancing. Those are the three words every NCAA Division I basketball player and coach dreams of yelling.

Why is it everyone's dream?

  • Only sixty-eight of the 358 NCAA D1 teams punch their ticket to The Big Dance (NCAA Tournament) each year
  • Only 19% of men and women college basketball student-athletes will make it to The Big Dance each year
  • Only ~1.5% of all high school boys’ and girls’ basketball student-athletes make it to the NCAA DI level each year
  • Only ~0.2% of all high school boys’ and girls’ basketball student athletes will ever experience The Big Dance as a player

The numbers are not in your favor, which is why shouting the words "We're Going Dancing" is a dream!

In 2017, our men's basketball team at The University of North Dakota accomplished that dream for the first time in school history and I had the opportunity to shout those three special words!

Here are a few themes from that special season which we held tightly to, and I believe any team can learn from – sports, business, or otherwise.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

The Journey

By Courtney Montfort on Feb 23, 2023 6:30:00 AM

I’ve seen the same hairstylist for a few years and as a result, occasionally my haircuts turn into a free therapy session. (You know how it goes, you go in for a haircut and some how you’re confessing your biggest problems to a relative stranger while awkwardly looking at your reflection in the mirror...)

During a recent “therapy session” we were discussing my cut and style options. The conversation led to my usual comment of “Well, if only it was longer, I would do this …” My stylist looked at me and replied sincerely “Your hair is on a journey. Let’s stop trying to get here or there, and just appreciate where it is right now.”

She may have been talking about my hair, but we both knew she was alluding to something much bigger.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

The Edge Podcast: Season 4

By Gibson on Feb 16, 2023 6:30:00 AM

We’re back with a new season of The Edge Podcast!

Host Tim Leman dives into the real stories of incredible leaders who have found their edge and owned it.

Topics: Executive
5 min read

The Power of Mid-Level Managers to Shape Your Company’s Culture

By Amber Fields on Feb 9, 2023 6:30:00 AM

Strong, vibrant corporate cultures create the foundation of every successful organization. At the core of those successful cultures is a business’s most valuable asset, its people. Culture sets organizations apart from their competition. It shapes environments where people thrive and do their best work. As a leader, you understand the importance of building and maintaining a positive corporate culture. CEOs and executive teams are the organizational visionaries who create the vision, mission, values and principles a company is built on. The biggest challenge these executives face? Ensuring that the vision cast by executive leaders is successfully implemented.

We believe that successful implementation of corporate vision and culture falls to mid-level managers. The secret to long-term organizational success is investing in those leaders and ensuring they evangelize your corporate culture through example. Let’s explore the tools and resources your mid-level managers need to succeed in implementing a great corporate culture.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Collectively We Have Impact

By Santana Bozman on Feb 2, 2023 6:30:00 AM

It was August 2021 and I’d spent the last 6 months fully diving into my new role with Gibson. I was attending ALL the networking events, cocktail hours, community dinners, and golf outings I could.

Each time I would look around and note the amount of other women in the room. In case you were wondering, it was never as many as the men.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Throwback Thursday: Putting People First

By Tim Leman on Jan 26, 2023 6:30:00 AM

Throwback Thursday: Tom Peters' The Excellence Dividend provides a business case for leaders putting their people first. But what does it mean for employers to REALLY put their people first?

It’s said that most adults will spend one third of their life at work. That’s roughly 90,000 hours! Putting it in these terms provides a different context in which to view the employer-employee relationship.

Author Tom Peters says leaders need to accept responsibility for the role they play in employees’ lives. “Every leader has a moral obligation [today] to develop people so that when they leave, they are better prepared for tomorrow than when they arrived,” writes Peters.

That’s heavy. I care about our people a lot. I think about the 150+ families relying on our leaders to make good decisions with the best interest of our team at heart. Yet “moral obligation” is an even larger burden. And you know what? He’s right. We owe that to our team.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

People Won’t Forget How You Made Them Feel

By Lisa Thomas CPIA, CISR, CWCC on Jan 19, 2023 6:30:00 AM

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

When asked to write this blog, I wondered what value I could add to the blogging world... “A blog on empathy in the workplace!” For me, this was a natural reaction, because it’s a natural feeling. It is not natural for everyone, and that’s okay. The world is a melting pot, as it should be, and that is what makes the world work. Maybe you are confused on what empathy really is? Maybe you’ve been misinformed that there is no room for empathy in the workplace – when in fact, we need to make a little more room.

Empathy is fellow feeling. It is a tool to connect to someone on an interpersonal level; it can offer hope and healing on a deeper level. Being able to get to this place allows you to suspend judgment, feelings, opinions, anger, and resentment. It is the ability to temporarily suspend your own opinions, to truly walk a mile in someone’s shoes.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

The Best Leaders Know These 4 Things About Their People

By Kolbe Corp on Jan 12, 2023 6:30:00 AM

 

1. How They Gather And Share Information

When faced with a new work project, there is a certain type of employee who will instinctively need to know anything and everything about the project. This team member will have questions…and lots of them. When you use this team member’s strengths efficiently, they will find facts like it’s their superpower.

Of course, if every employee acted this way all the time, you’d never get anything fully done, because there will always be more questions to ask, facts to find. So, it’s important to know which employees will naturally wade through all that information, get the “gist” (a few bullet points, maybe), then move on.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Together Is Better

By Tim Leman on Jan 5, 2023 6:30:00 AM

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed team victories more than individual accomplishments. What’s the point of doing “it” if you can’t share the experience with others?

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Top 5 Podcasts Of 2022

By Tim Leman on Dec 20, 2022 6:30:00 AM

As much as I enjoy blogging, hosting The Edge Podcast and getting the opportunity to talk with leaders about their journeys has been a great experience! Teams, hard work, collaboration, sacrifice, family - we have hit on so many topics and I know I've learned a lot from these episodes - I hope you have, too! 

Let's celebrate our most popular podcast episodes of 2022:

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Top 5 Blogs Of 2022

By Tim Leman on Dec 16, 2022 6:30:00 AM

It has been nearly 10 years since my first leadership blog. In the past decade, I've written over 150 posts and we've collaborated with hundreds of guest bloggers to bring you a diverse collection of leadership insights. As each year comes to a close, I enjoy reflecting on the lessons, experiences, and stories shared.

Let's take a look at our most popular blogs of 2022:

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Bouncing Back

By Tim Leman on Dec 9, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Last night took a L, but tonight I bounce back. Wake up every morning, by the night, I count stacks. ~ Big Sean, “Bounce Back”

After graduating from a renowned Swiss university, the great Albert Einstein could only secure a job that was well below his abilities in a patent office. During this time he also had a child out of wedlock with a girlfriend his family seriously did not like. It's been said his father died believing Albert was a complete failure. 

Yet the patent job exposed him to all kinds of ideas and helped develop in him a healthy skepticism to challenge conventional thinking. Additionally, the limited burdens of the role left him with ample time to experiment and explore his interests.

What if young Einstein’s path had been different? Would he have become the genius who transformed what the world thinks about physics?

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Flashback Friday: The Paradox Of Pragmatic Optimism

By Tim Leman on Dec 2, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Flashback Friday: My team often hears me bring up the Stockdale Paradox. Ever since I read about Admiral Stockdale in Jim Collin's book, the lesson of pragmatic optimism has stuck with me. 

It was from Jim Collins’ masterpiece Good To Great that I learned Admiral James Stockdale was something other than Ross Perot’s running mate in the 1992 presidential election. Long before he was a target of Saturday Night Live’s irreverent humor, Stockdale was the highest ranking naval officer to be held as a POW in Vietnam.

After Stockdale's A-4 Skyhawk was shot down over North Vietnam in 1965, he shared space at the “Hanoi Hilton” with, among others, John McCain. He was brutally beaten, starved, and denied medical care, never knowing if he would survive or see his family again, until his release in 1973.

Stockdale and his wife Sybil shared their story by writing alternating chapters in the book In Love and War. Collins, in preparing to meet Admiral Stockdale, read his book, describing it as bleak and depressing, even though he knew that Stockdale got out and reunited with his family. When Collins asked Stockdale what it felt like living the story and not knowing how it ended, he replied:

Topics: Executive
2 min read

The Edge Podcast Spotlight: Making An Impact

By Gibson on Nov 11, 2022 6:30:00 AM

As we celebrate the season of giving, let’s take a look back at a few podcast guests from the nonprofit sector.

These leaders and their teams are dedicated to making an impact in our communities each and every day. The lessons they share from their leadership journeys can help inspire us all, regardless of our industry or role.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

Cultivating Positive Relationships

By Gibson on Nov 4, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Be it personally or professionally, all relationships need nurturing. Trust, communication, consistency - these are all important aspects of cultivating positive relationships.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Can Everyone In Your Company Be A Leader?

By Caitlin Smith on Oct 28, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Is it possible for every single person at your company to be a leader? The short answer is yes, of course. But, not all companies nurture this type of work environment.

When someone talks about a natural-born leader, they are generally referring to people who have an innate disposition to act. In other words, someone who “gets the job done.” But many companies overlook the fact that everyone has the capacity to lead. Being a leader doesn’t mean you’re always first, always best, always on top, or always right. It just means that you’re someone who has a propensity toward action. Leaders are people who are compelled to act.

How can you draw out a desire for action in every single person in your workforce? It’s simple: give everyone opportunities to lead. When each person is given a chance to act, to decide, to collaborate, and, ultimately, to own their positions – they will thrive, and so will your company.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Flashback Friday: The Courage To Lead

By Tim Leman on Oct 21, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Flashback Friday: The call for courageous leadership has gone out - how will you answer?

Anchored by a Just Cause, infinite games require courageous leadership. According to author Simon Sinek that means being willing to stand up to internal and external pressure to conform, in order to stay true to your cause.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Leadership by Design: How a Design Mindset Informs Leadership

By Joel Mattern on Oct 14, 2022 6:30:00 AM

One of the fundamental principles of modern design, argued most prevalently by the great Milanese graphic designer Bruno Munari, remains intact: Modern design discards aesthetic beauty in an abstract sense in favor of formal coherence. In other words – and as any first-year design student has heard ad nauseum by now – form follows function. The reason this principle persists in the art world is because it is an elementary observation of the natural world in which we are embedded and to which we are subservient.

Munari’s visionary 1966 work Design As Art is a timeless classic of the art and design genre, and held dear by many designers across a number of industries. What might not be self-evident while reading it, however, is its crossover application to the leadership discipline. What do the practices of design and leadership hold in common with one another? Is there any correlation to be made? The question begs a close analysis of Munari’s masterpiece through the lens of leadership.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Be Uniquely You

By Brittany Graman on Oct 7, 2022 6:30:00 AM

What makes you unique?

I believe we all have God-given talents and abilities that are uniquely ours. I came across an analogy the other day that we are all different machines, built for different purposes. One person may be a pickup truck, while someone else may be a sports car, minivan, or maybe even a motorcycle.

Each vehicle serves a distinct purpose. A Prius may not be able to haul a boat like an F-150 but it’s a great car for a cross-country road trip. And you may not see many minivans on the Autobahn, but they make for great family vehicles. The problem comes when we expect a machine to do something it wasn’t built to do. If we expect a motorcycle to act like a truck, everyone ends up frustrated and the job doesn’t get done.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

The Edge Podcast Spotlight: The Summit City

By Gibson on Sep 30, 2022 6:30:00 AM

What makes a team great? How do you build a truly special team? How do you keep yourself and your team motivated? What gives leaders their edge?

Throughout the three seasons of The Edge Podcast, host Tim Leman has enjoyed digging into these topics with leaders across the country, including several from his hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Our guests from The Summit City shared valuable insights on hard work, collaboration, family, and more.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Think Before You Point

By Jess Tackett on Sep 23, 2022 6:30:00 AM

“Always remember that when you’re pointing your finger at someone, you’ve got three pointing back at yourself.”

This is an adage I can vividly remember hearing at a young age, repeatedly. One time in particular, we were standing in line at the Kroger – my brother, mom, and myself – and mom was once again teaching me not to stare and point at the other patrons standing around us. Apparently, I had quite the tendency to do so, and it’s clear my boys have inherited that from me as well. It’s a good thing mom had to teach me this lesson so much; I have many moments from which to draw on to now be the teacher.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Flashback Friday: Attitude & Effort

By Tim Leman on Sep 16, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Flashback Friday: Attitude and effort is still what it is all about. Give this popular 2018 blog a read. Are you being open minded and giving your best effort? 

About a year into my tenure at Gibson, I was named to the Leadership Team and responsible for our revenue and growth in a “Chief Growth Officer” role. Not only was I new to Gibson, I previously had no technical knowledge or career experience in two of our three business units. Before my first major meeting with our group, I was already hearing the whispers about this newly created role and my (lack of) qualifications to be in it.

Topics: Executive WhatsTheRisk
3 min read

Commit To Clarity Breaks

By Chris Naylor on Sep 9, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger, Chris Naylor, EOS Implementer and  Business Coach. We hope you enjoy Chris’ wisdom and perspective.

Do you have too much on your plate? Feeling overwhelmed and unfocused at work? Juggling too many priorities?

If so, now’s the time to schedule a Clarity Break! If you’re not doing them, you’re at a disadvantage – possibly missing opportunities to reach your full potential.

Clarity Break™  is a regularly scheduled appointment on your calendar with yourself to work ON your business. Clarity Breaks allow you to clear your head, envision the future, think strategically, and focus on what’s most important.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

When You Win, I Win

By Gary Carey on Sep 2, 2022 6:30:00 AM

“The true price of leadership is the willingness to place the needs of others above your own. Great leaders genuinely care about those they are privileged to lead and understand that the true cost of the leadership privilege comes at the expense of self-interest.” – Simon Sinek, Leaders Eat Last

This is from one of my favorite books. It hits on the critical importance of personal sacrifice and its role in leadership.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

Leading Performance

By Larry Linne on Aug 26, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Modern employees are tired of command and control management. They are looking for flexibility, personal growth, purpose, and a different lifestyle. And it's not just the younger generation. 

We must lead this workforce differently. But how?

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Flashback Friday: Infinite Games & Just Causes

By Tim Leman on Aug 19, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Flashback Friday: A popular blog post from 2020 with a message that is just as important today. Is your organization playing the infinite game? What is your Just Cause?

“The true value of an organization is measured by the desire others have to contribute to that organization’s ability to keep succeeding, not just during the time they are there, but well beyond their own tenure.” - Simon Sinek, The Infinite Game

In 2009’s Start With Why, author Simon Sinek makes the point that all organizations and individuals have a “Why.” It’s our origin story, the reason we do what we do.

Why is our purpose, cause, or belief. Our purpose comes from our past. It’s born out of how we were raised and the values we were exposed to.

And, according to Sinek, it’s far more important than how you do it or what you deliver. As he often says, “People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.”

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Power Of Two Simple Questions

By Brittany Graman on Aug 12, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Every quarter, our employees meet with their manager to address two very basic questions:

1. What's working?
2. What's not working? 

These questions may not seem like much on the surface. But after thinking through them quarter after quarter, I’ve started to realize just how powerful they can be.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Finding Stillness (at a Rock Concert)

By Santana Bozman on Aug 5, 2022 6:45:00 AM

We’ve all heard the clichés:

Topics: Executive
2 min read

The Details Matter: Nuances to Insurance Coverage in the Construction Industry

By Mark A. Rysberg on Aug 3, 2022 6:45:00 AM

Construction industry participants face exposure to risks arising from the professional services that are required to design and construct a particular project. Professional liability insurance is a common tool used by contractors and designers to transfer risks from errors and omissions in the provision of professional services to third party insurers in exchange for payment of the policy premium. For design professionals these policies provide coverage for losses arising out of errors and omissions in professional design services such as those that result in the development of plans and specifications, as well as those arising from defective contract administration and consulting. Contractors purchase these policies to provide coverage largely to cover exposures from defective construction management.

Topics: Risk Management Construction Construction & Surety
2 min read

The Three E's of Leadership

By Jay Mattern on Jul 29, 2022 6:45:00 AM

Today's post is authored by guest blogger Jay Mattern, CEO of Villing+Company and TerraFirma Marketing. We hope you enjoy Jay’s leadership wisdom and insight.

Topics: Executive Leadership
4 min read

Flashback Friday: An Honest Day's Work

By Tim Leman on Jul 22, 2022 6:45:00 AM

Flashback Friday: I know my parents don't love this story, but it is one of our most popular blogs and the experience taught me some valuable lessons. 

“You know it’s illegal what they’re doing. Making you work and all,” said Larry’s mom. Larry and his family lived next door to my family growing up. He and I were typical neighborhood buddies. While Larry and I liked all the same things boys our age typically did, our parents were anything but similar.

As my 6th grade year was coming to an end, my Dad made it known that it was time for me to “go to work.” I would have my choice of working around the house every day of my summer break doing various chores, for free; or I could find someone willing to pay me. But either way, I’d be working forty hours per week.

Topics: Executive
6 min read

Intergenerational Communications And The Workplace

By Nancy Owsianowski on Jul 15, 2022 6:45:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Nancy Owsianowski, Founder of RoundTable Consulting, LLC. We hope you enjoy Nancy’s wisdom and perspective.

What’s getting lost in translation within your organization or between your organization and others? Effective communication is the backbone of a high-performance organization. Statistics reported by Pumble indicate that more than three-quarters of employees and executives attribute workplace failures to a lack of effective communications. Similarly, when teams communicate effectively, productivity could increase by as much as 25%. Onsite, hybrid and remote working options place new demands on everyday communications. In addition, five distinct generations are now present and active in the workforce and need to collaborate.

 

Take a close look at your own organization. Are your habits of communication building bridges for collaboration and trust or creating barriers that fragment your company culture and undermine mutual respect?

Topics: Executive
3 min read

When Being Busy Sucks

By Craig Heatherly on Jul 8, 2022 6:45:00 AM

The most common question I encounter daily is “How are you?” Typically, my response centers around being busy.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Live Abundantly

By Mark Wobbe on Jul 1, 2022 6:45:00 AM

What does it mean to "live abundantly" in business and how do we take ownership of this mindset? There’s no shortage of information on what "living abundantly" means from a spiritual or philosophical perspective (22.7 million search results on Google) and specifically what it means in different faith traditions. However, the phrase takes on a bit of mystery when  reappropriated for the world of work.

It begins with humility and gratitude in knowing that we’re fortunate and empowered to attract opportunities and realize our potential. However, with current scarcity of resources whether through labor shortages, rising costs, or supply backlogs, it can be challenging to find pathways toward living abundantly in business.

At Gibson, our core values provide guideposts around what it means to live abundantly and how to take ownership of the mindset. Let's review some of these to get a better grasp on the idea of abundance in business and how it's applied within our organization.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Fireworks Safety: Celebrating the Safe Way

By Gibson on Jun 29, 2022 6:45:00 AM

The American Burn Association advises us to "leave the show to the pros” as we approach fireworks' highest selling holiday, but if you are planning to indulge in fireworks this coming Fourth of July, it is in your best interest to be aware of the safety precautions. The following are a few safety tips to be taken into consideration when handling highly dangerous explosives such as fireworks.

3 min read

Flashback Friday: Why Integrity Matters

By Tim Leman on Jun 24, 2022 6:45:00 AM

Flashback Friday: Do The Right Thing is still a value we live by at Gibson. Give this popular blog from 2014 a read. Does integrity “live” at your organization and in your relationships?

One of our Core Values is: Integrity Matters - Always Do the Right Thing. It seems elementary to ask why integrity matters. The answers are all too obvious, right? Yet all too often there are examples of integrity issues in our world, in business and in our personal affairs.

I checked out a few dictionaries online and they define integrity as: The quality of being honest and fair; the state of being complete or whole; an adherence to moral and ethical principles; to be honest and have sound moral character.

One of my partners, Mark Wobbe, pointed me to another website that offers a simple formula to define integrity:

Integrity = (Accountability + Competence + Ethics) – Corruption

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Economic Development And Cultivating Leaders

By Gibson on Jun 17, 2022 6:30:00 AM

“The common thread [of great teams] is tenacity and willingness to compete, but also the expectation of excellence.” – Chris Camacho

Chris Camacho, President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, shares stories of leadership and teamwork from his years of athletic and economic development experience, noting the parallels between high-performing sports teams and business. Chris and host Tim Leman also talk about cultivating leaders and the expectation of excellence.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Organizational Development And The Power Of Having Great Mentors

By Gibson on Jun 10, 2022 6:30:00 AM

“You can't predict what people are going to do, you just have to be able to respond in the most appropriate way you can.” – Vikki Scarafiotti

Vikki Scarafiotti joins host Tim Leman for a conversation about developing your people, the power of great mentors, and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Vikki shares leadership and team development stories from her extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, as well as invaluable advice for those serving on nonprofit boards.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Do the Right Thing

By Nicole Fallowfield on Jun 3, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Do the right thing. That phrase seems obvious, right?!? And generally, it is. There is a common set of rules most of us tend to live by: treat others the way you want to be treated; act with integrity; conduct your business and personal life in an ethical way. That’s the easy stuff. Oftentimes, this concept is listed as a core value, or within the mission/purpose of an organization.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Season 3, Part 3

By Gibson on May 27, 2022 6:30:00 AM

We’re wrapping up the third season of The Edge Podcast with two final episodes.

In these episodes, host Tim Leman continues to talk with leaders about what it’s like to ride the edge and own it. He also digs into what makes for a truly special team.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Flashback Friday: 10 Qualities Of A Great Teammate

By Tim Leman on May 20, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Flashback Friday: This is our most read blog of all-time. Even though it was written in 2014, the qualities discussed are just as important to teams today. When this was written, I was celebrating 17 years with my best teammate, Kimra. Next week it will be 25! Happy Anniversary, Kimra!

We are committed to teaming at Gibson. Perhaps more than any other firm in our industry.

  • We have a teamed relationship for client service delivery.
  • We have an executive leadership team with very clear roles for each member.
  • About five years ago we went against years of legacy and tradition to change our typical “lone wolf” salesperson model into multi-person risk advisory teams complete with a shared compensation model. Talk about breaking China!

Building an effective team isn’t so easy. Good teams have a sum that is greater than the individual pieces. This requires that egos are set aside to allow the entity of the team to be greater than any one member. By putting everyone on the team in a position to do what they do best, high achievement is possible. I find no coincidence that since evolving to the team model, we’ve also had the best growth in our eighty year history.

So what are the top qualities of an effective team player? I consulted the For Dummies to learn what great teammates do differently than others.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Innovations in Healthcare and Recruiting Strong Leaders

By Gibson on May 13, 2022 7:15:00 AM

“You have to first identify good talent, then put them in the right position to succeed.”

– Jason Corley

Jason Corley joins host Tim Leman in a discussion about the healthcare industry and how organizations like CIC are taking a different approach to create a better healthcare experience for patients and physicians, while also lowering the cost of care. Jason also talks about the importance of finding the right cultural fit, especially when your team is geographically diverse, as well as the role leaders can have in helping employees grow and develop.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Innovations In Healthcare & Recruiting Strong Leaders

By Gibson on May 13, 2022 6:30:00 AM

“You have to first identify good talent, then put them in the right position to succeed.” – Jason Corley

Jason Corley joins host Tim Leman in a discussion about the healthcare industry and how organizations like CIC are taking a different approach to create a better healthcare experience for patients and physicians, while also lowering the cost of care. Jason also talks about the importance of finding the right cultural fit, especially when your team is geographically diverse, as well as the role leaders can have in helping employees grow and develop.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Own The Experience

By Brittany Graman on May 6, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Ex-pe-ri-ence.
noun
an event or occurrence that leaves an impression on someone

What kind of experience are you creating for those around you?

How often do we think about this question? It’s so easy to fall into the daily routine of work - every morning we come in, turn on our computers, and start checking tasks off of our to-do lists.

But how often do we step back and think about the experience we’re creating along the way?

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Connecting With Employees & Building Culture

By Gibson on Apr 29, 2022 6:30:00 AM

“If you don't have great people, you're not going to do great work.” – Mendy Werne

Mendy Werne, CEO of BLASTmedia, shares about her efforts to stay connected with employees and maintain company culture through rapid growth. She and Tim also talk about what makes for a strong leadership team including knowing your roles, holding each other accountable, and a strong level of trust and respect.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: The Healthcare Industry And Leadership Lessons

By Gibson on Apr 22, 2022 6:30:00 AM

“Leadership is about vision and direction. Management is about execution and accountability. A leader should be able to do both.” – Jeff Terrill

Jeff Terrill and host Tim Leman discuss recent trends in healthcare and what Marathon Health is doing to innovate for the industry's future. They dig into what it means to rally a team around a mission and a purpose. Jeff also discusses the difference between leadership and management, as well as what it takes to transform a group of people into a great team.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Season 3, Continued

By Gibson on Apr 15, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Ready for more of The Edge Podcast? 

We have 3 more episodes to share with you! In these episodes, host Tim Leman continues to talk with leaders about what it’s like to ride the edge and own it. He also digs into what makes for a truly special team.

Tune in as we discuss leading on the edge!

Topics: Executive
5 min read

Player's Coach

By Santana Bozman on Apr 8, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Even if you are not located in the Midwest, you are likely aware of the recent change in the coaching staff for the University of Notre Dame football program. If not, after 11 seasons under the Golden Dome, Brian Kelly left for a new opportunity at LSU. This prompted the Irish to name Defensive Coordinator Marcus Freeman as the 31st head coach in school history.

Shortly after the news broke, Freeman was repeatedly referred to as a "player's coach” by the media and fans alike.

At his introductory press conference, Coach Freeman addressed this description directly. He stated the following:

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Accountability Is Key

By Erin Seifer on Apr 1, 2022 6:30:00 AM

“Accountability breeds response-ability.” – Stephen Covey

What is accountability? The dictionary defines it as the state or quality of being accountable. It is the decision to be responsible for your actions and your work within your team and company.

Let’s break this down in real terms...
Accountability means you follow through and do what you say you are going to do. You don’t make excuses or blame others.

As a leader, I lean heavily on Patrick Lencioni’s Five Dysfunctions Of A Team. He describes how many teams avoid accountability. It creates a ripple effect. They don’t trust each other and as a result won’t discuss matters honestly. They fail to hold each other to a standard of accountability. In this environment, the team’s work becomes unfocused, their energy dissipates, and things fall apart.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Grit, Hard Work, and Simplicity

By Gibson on Mar 25, 2022 6:30:00 AM

“I think good leaders are good simplifiers.” – Larry Weigand

Larry Weigand discusses being the fourth generation of a family business and his role as CEO of the company started by his great grandfather. Together he and host Tim Leman talk about grit, tenacity, and hard work. Larry also explains the importance of simplifying business and doing what you say you're going to do. 

Check out this episode of The Edge Podcast:

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Leadership, Trust, And The Great State Of Michigan

By Gibson on Mar 18, 2022 6:30:00 AM

“You never want to stifle people trying to make a play because that’s how you get great outcomes.” – Quentin Messer

Quentin Messer is the CEO of Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). He discusses with host Tim Leman how the pandemic has brought a greater focus on place and what that means for not only economic development organizations like MEDC, but for all businesses and each of us personally. They talk about the unique perspectives women bring to his leadership team and how he's worked to create trust on a team of forceful personalities, as well the importance of keeping family at the forefront.

Check out this episode of The Edge Podcast:

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Lessons Learned From Farm Life, The Financial Industry, And Coaching

By Gibson on Mar 11, 2022 6:30:00 AM

“Being a CEO made me a better basketball coach and being a girls JV basketball coach made me a better CEO.” – Don Cates

Don Cates and host Tim Leman explore lessons learned from Don's childhood on a farm and his leadership journey in the financial industry. Don talks about how the pandemic has challenged his organization, and all of us, to become adaptable and flexible. The two also discuss how Don coaching women's basketball has translated to professional insights and a philosophy that embraces diversity of thought. Additionally, the conversation includes how being intentional about time, choice, and scheduling encourages productivity.

Check out this episode of The Edge Podcast:

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Taking Initiative

By Haley Lane on Mar 4, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Initiative: taking ownership of your decision-making process, acting without being told, pressing on when things get tough, and taking advantage of opportunities that others pass by.

I was a freshman on my college volleyball team and had been recruited to be either a setter or a defensive specialist. I had always been a setter, and I loved that position. The setter on a volleyball team is often attributed to being the quarterback of the court. We get to make the play calls, decide who gets the ball, be involved in every play, and make changes to the play design as we see fit. I love the strategy involved in being the setter.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Entrepreneurship In The Healthcare Industry

By Gibson on Feb 25, 2022 6:30:00 AM

“It's interesting that COVID has absolutely changed the landscape for employee benefits in that it's not about cost, it's actually about the employees.” – Dr. Eric Bricker

Together with host Tim Leman, Dr. Eric Bricker talks about his journey, which has included hospital finance, M.D., healthcare navigation, telehealth, and more. They discuss entrepreneurship in the healthcare industry, leadership, and the role of virtual care in a world stricken with the pandemic.

Check out this episode of The Edge Podcast:

Topics: Executive
2 min read

The Edge Podcast: Season 3

By Gibson on Feb 18, 2022 6:30:00 AM

We’re excited to introduce a third season of The Edge Podcast!

In this season, host Tim Leman continues to talk with leaders about what it’s like to ride the edge and own it. He also digs into what makes for a truly special team.

Tune in as we discuss leading on the edge!

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Michigan No-Fault Law Revamped

By Santana Bozman on Feb 16, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Michiganders, this one's for you: As we approach two years since the new auto insurance reform went into effect in the state of Michigan, average insurance rates have decreased. While the topic of cost savings—which came out of the July 2020 revamp—should be acknowledged, the implication on protection needs to be noted.

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management Personal Insurance
4 min read

Flashback Friday: 10 Life Lessons From Grandma

By Tim Leman on Feb 11, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Flashback Friday: Originally published in 2013, this blog is crowd favorite and one of my personal favorites - lessons from my now 98 year old grandma. Next month she'll celebrate her 99th birthday!

With Grandparent’s Day on Sunday, I want to honor my last living grandparent, ninety year old Dorothy Gerber. Not only is Grandma Dorothy an amazing woman, she also is officially the biggest and most devoted fan of my blog.

She devotedly commented on my first ever stab at blogging. It was entitled “Defining and Living Core Beliefs” from January 30, 2013. Using her original free Juno email handle from the early 1990s, she found her way to my site and then posted this: Good job Tim. I am proud of you and Gibson.”

Topics: Executive
5 min read

Emptying The Tank

By Craig Heatherly on Feb 4, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Definition of emptying the tank (phrase)
1: To contribute, expend, or put forth the utmost of one’s effort, ability, and/or energy.
2: To make the utmost effort; to contribute to the absolute limit of one’s energy and abilities.
3: Give one’s all, go all out, go for broke, pull out all the stops.

Are you emptying the tank in your faith, family, marriage, work, and relationships? If you’re not, do you find yourself in moments of regret?

Motivational speaker and author Jim Rohn states “we must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”

I venture to believe that this thinking isn’t new to you. That you’ve either shared or received words of encouragement as it relates to providing maximum effort at work, in a task, on a project, or within your relationships. But I want to challenge you to empty your tank.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

The Future Is In Your Hands

By Gibson on Jan 28, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Ron Kitchens, CEO of Birmingham Business Alliance and member of the Gibson Board of Advisors. We hope you enjoy Ron’s wisdom and perspective.

Sure, there are problems; yes, there are obstacles; but the future is bright and with hard work, we can accomplish some great things. - Jim Tressel

These days, it seems that not a day goes by that someone does not ask me for my opinion on the future and what it is going to take to achieve greatness. I am reminded of something Kathy Caulton once said, "When you are looking into the future, it's important to know which questions to ask. You don't need to ask, 'Do I have what it takes to be successful?' The answer to that is a resounding 'YES!' The key question is, 'Am I willing to pay the price for the success I desire?'"

I believe we all have a choice. We can either languish in the past or use the past to spring into the future; but you cannot do both. As Ms. Caulton said, we must choose and we must be willing to pay the price for our choices.

Topics: Executive
6 min read

Flashback Friday: Beware The Person Of One Book

By Tim Leman on Jan 21, 2022 6:30:00 AM

Flashback Friday: Originally published in 2017, this blog is one of our most popular and still very relevant today. I've seen many people share recently about the books they read in 2021 and what they hope to read in 2022. I hope this blog gives you a few ideas as you complete your must-read list for the new year!

There are plenty of book lists out there. This post is a little different. While I’ve got examples of specific books for you, more importantly I want to emphasize the kind of books you should read. As Japanese author Haruki Murakami has written, “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.”

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Owning My Edge By Embracing Connection

By Becky Beckman on Jan 14, 2022 6:30:00 AM

I have always been pretty outgoing, an “I” on the DiSC, a cheerleader of all things. Networking has come easy to me. I actually seek out opportunities for human connection. You want to have coffee – name the place! I am there ready to make a new friend.

There is a wonderful culture of comradery at Gibson and as we launched our rebrand in 2020, the tagline Own Your Edge arose. It’s not just lip service either. Gibson provides the team an assortment of tools that dig into your own personal leadership style, mentoring, and development. Finding and owning your edge had now become something bigger to me—I was on a mission to dig in even deeper. Allowing the phrase, we worked so hard to establish, to guide my personal and professional decisions. So, the journey began.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Taking Ownership

By Tim Leman on Jan 7, 2022 6:30:00 AM

“Some things are up to us and others are not.” – The Enchiridion

The ancient Stoics taught that we own only our choice of thoughts and actions. Everything else – the externals – remain outside of our own doing.

That means we have way more agency in who and what we are than we tell ourselves. While its not within our power to determine the outcomes, our choice of inputs most definitely are.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Top 10 Blogs & Podcasts Of 2021

By Tim Leman on Dec 17, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Traditionally this is the time when I highlight the top 10 blogs of the year, but in 2021 we introduced something brand new – The Edge Podcast! So, this year, let’s celebrate both our top blogs AND our top podcast episodes.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Still Unwritten

By Tim Leman on Dec 10, 2021 6:30:00 AM

If you can't write the next line, well, you're dead. The past doesn't matter. - Charles Bukowski, Author

Everyone has a story. And they’re all unfinished.

Many people seem stuck in a moment, re-reading the old chapters of their book. Some bask in a glory that no one cares about anymore. Others can’t get past the tragedies, challenges, and slights still lingering in their heads. All represent stories from lives lived and lessons learned, but they are from the past.

What matters more is the chapter you’re writing right now, today. And those chapters still unwritten.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Leadership, Teams, And Communication

By Gibson on Dec 3, 2021 6:30:00 AM

"I look for people who are going to think of things and see things differently, but also work as a team. This is a team sport.” – Scott Lewis

Scott Lewis, President and CEO at YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, joins Tim for this episode. Growing up in the Y family since age 6, Scott shares his unique perspective on the YMCA, nonprofits, and his leadership roles. He also talks to us about building a great team and the importance of open communication.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Recruiting For Character

By Gibson on Nov 19, 2021 6:30:00 AM

"It’s not just the skill sets, but it’s the personality traits that really make a great team.” – Andrew Berlin

Tim talks with Andrew Berlin about building a great team by recruiting for character. Andrew keeps busy by being the Chairman and Owner of South Bend Cubs, partner and shareholder of the Chicago Cubs, and the Managing Director of Shield AI. In this episode, he highlights the importance of character and integrity. Andrew shares with us some of the great teams he's been on, and what about that team made it so great. Hint: hiring for a person's character can be more important than what you see on a person's resume. Listen now!

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: How Culture Drives An Organization

By Gibson on Nov 12, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“Surround yourself with people that complement you, not compliment you.” – Cindy Salas Murphy

Cindy Salas Murphy, CEO of WithHealth, discusses why you need to surround yourself with the right people and how culture drives an organization. She and Tim also talk about the importance of embracing transparency, curiosity, and positivity.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Riding The Edge

By Tim Leman on Nov 5, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Being around a lot of founder friends in YPO, I’ve heard stories about #startuplife but there’s nothing like experiencing it firsthand! I got a small dose of it over the past year as my wife and I started a small lake rental & property management business.

There were more than a few twists and turns, even while only sitting in what EOS would call the Owner’s Box. I now realize why my YPO mates often bucket us non-founder CEOs as those “running their family business” or a “hired gun.”

It’s not that a hired gun (like me when I started at Gibson) or the next generation of leadership at a family business has it easy. We face all kinds of unique challenges that founders do not! Yet, starting something from scratch is an entirely different undertaking. For mature companies, the pain and excitement of startup life comes when launching a new product or opening a new market.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: ESOPs And Empowering Employees

By Gibson on Oct 29, 2021 6:30:00 AM

"ESOPs are a unique structure that can really bring alignment and unite the culture." – Chris Fredericks

Chris Fredericks, of Empowered Ventures and TVF, joins Tim to discuss what it's like leading an employee-owned company. He shares what it means to be an ESOP, how he strives to foster strong employee-owned cultures, and what it takes to build a strong leadership team.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Teams, Diversity, And Gratitude

By Gibson on Oct 22, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“When a door opens, walk through it. Seldom does it slam shut.” – Dr. Deborah Curtis

Dr. Deborah Curtis, President of Indiana State University, joins Tim to discuss her leadership experiences, the secret sauce to a strong & cohesive team, and the role gratitude plays in her life. You'll also hear stories of how leadership, diversity, and empowerment are making an impact at Indiana State.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

The Edge Podcast: Season 2, Continued

By Gibson on Oct 15, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Have you ever felt like you're on the edge of something great? You've put in the work, you've done the hard stuff most people aren't willing to do, and now you can just sense a magical run lies ahead.

In this season, we continue to talk with leaders and learn what it's like to ride that edge and own it. We dig into what makes for a truly special team.

Join host Tim Leman as we discuss leading on the edge with 5 new episodes!

Topics: Executive
2 min read

The Future Of Work

By Nicole Fallowfield on Oct 8, 2021 6:30:00 AM

There’s been a lot of talk about the future of work over the last 18 months. With so many companies going fully remote and others shifting to new business models, it’s easy to get caught up in questions like “how many days should we be in the office?”

But the future of work is about much more than where we get our work done. The future of work starts and ends with the employee experience. It’s no longer enough to offer competitive pay and a nice benefits package – those are expected. Employees are demanding more of their organizations.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: The Importance Of Empowerment

By Gibson on Oct 1, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“Nothing gives a person a better sense of both comfort and empowerment than to know someone else trusts them.” – Bill Manns

Bill Manns, President & CEO of Bronson Healthcare Group, joins Tim to discuss how he strives to empower his team. They dig into the importance of building a strong & cohesive leadership team, because as Bill shares, "dysfunction at the highest level of the organization creates dysfunction throughout the remainder of the organization."

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: The 3 C’s Of A Powerful Team

By Gibson on Sep 24, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“I think a lot of life is being coachable and surrounding yourself with friends who are willing to confront you, even when it’s not comfortable.” – Eric Doden

In this episode, Tim sits down with Eric Doden to discuss his passion for economic development and regionalism. They talk about the importance of alignment and accountability across team members, as well as how the combination of character, chemistry, and competency make for a powerful team.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: The Evolution Of Teams And Leaders

By Gibson on Sep 17, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“Figure out how to take little pieces of opportunity and put them into something special.” – John Wortman

John Wortman, Co-Founder & CEO of Valeo Financial Advisors, makes his podcasting debut. John and Tim discuss growing a team, the evolution of a leader, and the importance of communication and being on the same page.

Check out this episode of The Edge Podcast:

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: The Power Of Peer Groups

By Gibson on Sep 10, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“Every decision is a learning experience.” – Tony Hutti

In this episode, Tim talks with Tony Hutti about the power of peer groups. Tony is the CEO of Renaissance Executive Forums has almost 50 years of leadership and management experience. He shares how being vulnerable is crucial to being a good leader and why we should have the mindset of taking everything as a learning experience.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Their Biggest Fan

By Tim Leman on Sep 3, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Ask someone who has been on a great team what made it so special. You’ll hear about a group of diversely talented people who knew their role and were playing for something bigger than themselves.

If you dig a little deeper, you’ll also likely learn there was a “favorite coach” who really “got them” and in turn got the most out of them. Some might even go as far as to say they were playing for their coach, not wanting to let them down.

It’s a key reminder that who you are and how you act as a leader will have a tremendous impact on the success of your team. You may not be able to win without great talent, but you coul singlehandedly be the cause of a loss.

So, what’s the makeup of a great coach?

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: The Transition From Ambition To Leadership

By Gibson on Aug 27, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“I am passionate about living in a very transparent and vulnerable way.” – Tiffany Sauder

Tiffany Sauder, CEO of Element Three, joins Tim to discuss her leadership journey. She shares how she's had to make the shift from ambition to leadership, her role in training decision-making, the importance of leading through the lens of your values, and more.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

The Edge Podcast: Season 2

By Gibson on Aug 20, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Introducing the second season of The Edge Podcast!

Have you ever felt like you're on the edge of something great? You've put in the work, you've done the hard stuff most people aren't willing to do, and now you can just sense a magical run lies ahead.

In this season, we continue to talk with leaders and learn what it's like to ride that edge and own it. We dig into what makes for a truly special team.

Join host Tim Leman as we discuss leading on the edge!

Topics: Executive
5 min read

The Power Of Passion

By Santana Bozman on Aug 13, 2021 6:30:00 AM

 

Passion: noun: strong and barely controllable emotion.

 

To fulfill our purpose on this planet, we must acknowledge and fuel the internal flame that lies within. Once we stoke the fire, we are able to embrace the power we have over our own transformation, success, and happiness. I believe passion is the key to unlocking our purpose.


If you haven’t stepped into your calling yet, it can be intimidating. Our mentors and peers can make living theirs out look so easy.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Finding Your Genius

By Tim Leman on Aug 6, 2021 6:30:00 AM

One of the most meaningful things I’ve learned – and been able to refine for myself over the past few years – is the value of spending most of my time doing things that align with my unique abilities.

Dan Sullivan, founder of Strategic Coach, writes that unique abilities are “the essence of what we love to do, and also do best.” They are the ways we “naturally strive” as they call attention to what “motivates and fulfills us” as humans.

Author Pat Lencioni, after years of writing books on leadership and team dynamics, created an assessment tool called Working Genius. Similar to the thinking behind Sullivan’s Unique Ability, Lencioni’s assessment is for understanding our “God-given gifts… the things that [we’re] great at and love doing.”

“Ideally we should spend as much time as possible doing those things,” commented Lencioni in a recent Chief Executive article.

Topics: Executive
5 min read

Finding Joy In The Journey

By Craig Heatherly on Jul 30, 2021 6:30:00 AM

How do you define joy?

Many people confuse happiness and joy. Happiness is dependent upon external circumstances … Joy comes from within.

Who in your life exudes joy? What type of characteristics do they possess? Are they born that way, or do they work to find joy in their journey?

Naturally, as life progresses, we will cross paths with more and more individuals. Each person unique in their own way, highlighted by a wide range of attention grabbing (and worthy) items; the road to a successful career, the impact of supportive parents, an experience abroad, the hardships of life, the list goes on. Each one with a story that’s worth being told, but most importantly a story worth being heard.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Does Your Company Have A Core Focus?

By Gibson on Jul 23, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Ryan Henry, Certified EOS Implementer™. We hope you enjoy Ryan’s wisdom and perspective.

A company’s Core Focus™ answers two questions: ‘Why do we exist?’ and ‘What are we better at than anyone else?’ When combined, they help an entrepreneurial leadership team find their sweet spot and create a filter for making all decisions.

What makes answering these two questions essential right now is that entrepreneurs are constantly creating new ideas, seeking new opportunities, finding out about new products, meeting new potential clients, and wanting to solve all kinds of problems. This is why we need entrepreneurs more than ever and why I love working with them: so we can change and help the world! I really believe that.

The problem is, like Patrick Lencioni says, ‘When everything is important, nothing is important.’ So entrepreneurs and their leadership teams must take the time to work ‘on’ their business and think, debate, discuss – argue even – to fight to find their ‘sweet spot’, and then stay laser-focused on it, hitting it every time. Otherwise, they will chase the wrong shiny objects with no focus, no discipline, and no accountability.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Building Your Team And Company For The Future

By Gibson on Jul 16, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable.” – Amish Shah

Amish Shah, CEO of Kem Krest, joins Tim for this episode. Amish discusses how he builds his team for the future and the importance of a resilient leader. He digs into his role of creating and cascading the vision, as well as empowering his team. Tune in and hear Amish and Tim talk about diversity, Kem Krest's moonshot, and more.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Teams, HR, And The Importance Of Inclusion

By Gibson on Jul 9, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“Be resourceful with people. If you’ve got talent on your team…stretch them, put them into something different.” – Chad Hartzell

Chad Hartzell, Executive Director of Talent & Organizational Development at Beacon Health System, joins Tim to share his HR insights. In this episode, Chad discusses the diversity, equity, and inclusion journey his organization has been on. He also encourages leaders to challenge the traditional spectrum of HR. Listen to Chad share what gives him his edge in life, the importance of trust and feedback on a team, and more.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

The Antidote To Success Disease

By Tim Leman on Jul 2, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Legendary 49ers football coach Bill Walsh coined the term Success Disease to describe the overconfidence and arrogance that often follow an initial level of personal and organizational achievement. Walsh described it as a sense that, “We’ve mastered it; we’ve figured it out; we’re golden.”

“But the gold can tarnish quickly,” he added. “Mastery requires endless remastery. In fact, I don’t believe there is ever-true mastery. It is a process, not a destination.”

Walsh learned this firsthand in 1982 as his team only won a third of its games after being crowned Super Bowl Champions just one year earlier.

Businesses face the same challenge. Prevailing wisdom says Success Disease can be battled by setting and managing the right goals. While goals can provide direction and short-term motivation, they have much less to do with our results than the habits and systems we follow.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Beauty Is In The Simplicity

By Gibson on Jun 25, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“The beauty is in the simplicity.” – Jimmy Rayford

Jimmy Rayford, CEO of Dealers Wholesale, joins Tim for this episode. They discuss the structure and impact EOS provides for their organizations, as well as the beauty of its simplicity and tools. They also dig into what it means to build a balanced team. Tune in and hear Jimmy's professional and personal insights, his edge in life, and more.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Chasing Perfection

By Brittany Graman on Jun 18, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“80% and out in the world is better than 100% and still in your head.”

These words slapped me in the face as I was sharing a status update on a project, noting that I still needed to put in quite a bit of time and effort before it was ready to roll out. In my mind, it wasn’t anywhere close. I wanted it to be absolutely perfect and there was still so much to be done.

So, when I was told that it was “good enough,” I was appalled. Clearly, they didn’t see all of the flaws and I should probably keep tweaking the smallest things until it was juuuust right…

But those words got me thinking. What else had I been keeping in my head, waiting until it was 100% ready before letting it into the world?

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Communicate, Execute & Optimize

By Gibson on Jun 11, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“The real orientation of a team is to deliver more as a group than we could have delivered as individual contributors.” – Jim Canfield

Jim Canfield, President of CEO Tools by Aprio, joins Tim in this episode to talk about what it takes to be a great leader! Jim discusses the CEO's role in communicating, executing, and optimizing. He talks about dynamics of an amazing team and what the real orientation of a team truly is. That is only the tip of the iceberg, tune in now to hear all of Jim's insights!

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Management Liability Crime Considerations

By Chris Kidd on Jun 9, 2021 6:45:00 AM

During this very challenging and hardening insurance market, we recognize that eliminating certain types of insurance can be tempting. We often see requests to reduce or remove coverages like directors & officers liability, employment practices liability, fiduciary liability, and comprehensive crime coverage to allow for upfront premium savings. However, it is important to understand that eliminating these policies results in a gap in coverage and can actually increase your costs. Defending claims for actual or alleged wrongful acts related to managing your organization, your employees, and your employee benefit programs can be very costly. Any claim settlements would be an additional out-of-pocket expense to your bottom line.

Topics: Commercial Insurance Claims Commercial Risk Management
3 min read

A Healthy Obsession

By Tim Leman on Jun 4, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“Leadership is the art of getting people to want to do what must be done.” - Jim Collins

One of the marks of a great team is decisive leadership. Fostering organizational and team health is a leader’s #1 job, as no team will ever be healthier than its leader.

Let that sink in. Ms./Mr. Leader, how healthy are you? Before alignment can occur within your organization, ensure you’ve put in the work on yourself.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Turn Knowledge Into Power

By Gibson on May 28, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“Leadership is getting the best performance out of other people.” – Larry Linne

Larry Linne is the CEO of InCite Performance Group and this episode's guest. Larry discusses how leadership is really about getting the best performance out of other people. He also digs into the value of learning and the transformation of knowledge to power. Tune in now and hear Larry and Tim discuss the importance of listening & understanding people, abundance mindset, the power of women, and more.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Leadership, Inspiration, And Family

By Gibson on May 21, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“Excellence should be what we're striving for every day.” – Jacqueline Kronk

Jacqueline Kronk, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County in Indiana, is this episode's guest. The Club's mission is to inspire and enable all young people to become the best version of themselves and she talks about how she can do just that, by investing in their kids and staff. Listen now and hear how Jacqueline inspires others, works hard, is a mother of four, and may be a tad competitive.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

The Edge Podcast: Season 1, Continued

By Gibson on May 14, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Have you ever felt like you're on the edge of something great? You've put in the work, you've done the hard stuff most people aren't willing to do, and now you can just sense a magical run lies ahead.

In the first season of The Edge Podcast, we talk with leaders across a wide variety of industries and learn what it's like to ride that edge and own it. You'll hear what separates out those special teams, the kind, if we're lucky, we get to be a part of maybe three or four times in our life, from the more ordinary experiences.

Join host Tim Leman as we discuss leading on the edge with 6 new episodes!

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Bat In The Cave

By Tim Leman on May 7, 2021 6:30:00 AM

What separates the great teams from the rest? It all starts with trust.

A lack of trust, where vulnerability is not respected or rewarded, leads to fear of conflict among team members. Without healthy debate and critique, they never go deep, causing an absence of commitment to develop where team members avoid accountability all together. Team members pursue personal gain and status over team victory. Ultimately this inattention to resultsteam results – brings an end to a once promising group of talented individuals.

Pat Lencioni has named this chain reaction of failed leadership The Five Dysfunctions of a Team in a book by the same name. I suspect most of us have been on a dysfunctional team or experienced dysfunctional leadership.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Consistency, Teams & Grit

By Gibson on Apr 30, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“The best team is the one that challenges you as a leader to be better.” – Tracy Hutton

Tracy Hutton is CEO at CENTURY 21 Scheetz and this episode's guest. She didn't get there by chance, but by sticking with a career choice at a young age and working her way to the top. A shared love of sports brings Tim and Tracy into a conversation about teamwork and how leadership isn't a one-person game. Also, Tracy gives insight into how having that edge and being successful has its fair share of sacrifices.

Check out this episode of The Edge Podcast:

Topics: Executive
2 min read

The Employer-Optimized Healthcare Model

By Brian Bellware on Apr 28, 2021 6:45:00 AM

Warren Buffett said, “there are two sides to every coin…price and value. Price is what you pay, and value is what you get.”

In today’s healthcare system, there is a broad range in both price and value, and unfortunately, traditional health plans do not effectively support members consistently using high-quality, affordable providers and facilities.

On the value side of the coin, there are several reputable quality measures that consistently demonstrate wide variability in safety scores, infection rates, and overall health outcomes – even between two hospitals within the same system! And the statistics on unnecessary care, overuse of testing, and misdiagnosis are staggering.

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Care Reform
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: The Importance Of A Strong Company Culture

By Gibson on Apr 23, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“You put yourself in a position to get lucky.” – Ryan Hasbrook

Ryan Hasbrook and his team built a company from scratch out of a basement in Broad Ripple. This district of Indianapolis is infused with culture and family. These are two values the team at Eight Eleven Group wanted to insure would define them through the years. Ryan talks with Tim about creating luck and how to keep a culture.

Check out this episode of The Edge Podcast:

Topics: Executive
3 min read

The Health Rosetta Ecosystem

By Ray Korson on Apr 21, 2021 6:45:00 AM

In 2017, legendary investor Warren Buffett famously stated, “Medical costs are the tapeworm of American economic competitiveness," indicating in no uncertain terms that rising healthcare costs are the number one problem facing American businesses. Currently, healthcare spending represents approximately 18% of America’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and nearly double per capita compared to other developed countries. To make matters worse, life expectancy is far less than that of comparable nations even after adjusting for age and non-treatable causes of death. Despite these facts, the cost of healthcare continues to rise, consistently outpacing inflation and overall economic growth. Whether you are a business owner, community leader, or industrial worker, you can relate to the pressure from rising healthcare costs and its consequences.

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Care Reform
2 min read

Take Time to Slow Down

By Gibson on Apr 16, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Connie Chwan, Certified EOS Implementer™. We hope you enjoy Connie’s wisdom and perspective.

“Urgent things shout…important things whisper. Listen to the whispers.” Though I do not know whom to attribute this quote, this powerful sentiment has rung true throughout my lifetime.

It is easy to focus on the urgent in our businesses and in our personal lives. The urgent is standing right in front of us, demanding attention, poking us in the shoulder if we momentarily avert our gaze.

Addressing the urgent things in our business feels productive. There are times when you could make the case that solving the issue that shouts at you loudest is productive. But I doubt you can make that case every time something urgent pops up. More importantly, if you find yourself constantly choosing the potential for productivity as your purpose for solving an issue, some deeper issues will likely stay hidden underneath.

I can make the case that productivity isn’t about getting more done; it’s about what you get done.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Family, Sacrifice & Collaboration

By Gibson on Apr 9, 2021 6:30:00 AM

"Trial by fire made me realize that if you break it down to process and common sense, things aren’t as complicated as they seem." – Matt Wojewuczki

Matt Wojewuczki is a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel and never stopped taking risks throughout his career. At age 45 he decided to go all-in on Microtech Welding Corp. With a strong team and a family that was willing to make sacrifices, Matt found himself at the helm of something new that he was sure would ultimately pay off.

Check out this episode of The Edge Podcast:

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Business Is A Team Sport

By Tim Leman on Apr 2, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Who is your all-time favorite teammate? What virtues do they demonstrate that endear them to you?

It’s likely they epitomize what Pat Lencioni has labeled an Ideal Team Player (ITP):

  • They are humble – without concern for their own status.
  • They remain hungry – always pursuing growth and giving their best effort.
  • They’re smart when it comes to people and relationships – emotionally intelligent, exercising good judgment and intuition within the team.

Topics: Executive
6 min read

Indemnification Language in Construction Contracts

By Mark A. Rysberg on Mar 31, 2021 7:45:00 AM

Indemnification is a concept whereby one party contractually agrees or is otherwise legally obligated to bear the financial risks of another party. These parties are respectively known as the indemnitor and indemnitee. The construction industry relies on indemnification clauses to manage and transfer risk. Consider some of the common indemnification provisions that may be encountered in construction contracts.

Topics: Construction Contract Review
1 min read

The Edge Podcast: Keys To Developing Great Teams

By Gibson on Mar 26, 2021 6:30:00 AM

“Companies and leaders that are decisive in their people moves get their goals accomplished faster.” – Todd Smart

Being part of a winning team is a privilege. We all understand the frustrations of working with a team that doesn't feel the same passion for a project that we do. But, once you get a team sharing a singular vision and rowing in the same direction, the clarity is remarkable. Todd Smart believes that by using the simplification and prioritization techniques, that EOS provides, creating that winning team is easily within reach.

On this episode of The Edge Podcast we have Todd Smart, EOS Implementer and Co-Founder of Traction® Tools.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

The Edge Podcast: Season 1

By Gibson on Mar 19, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Have you ever felt like you're on the edge of something great? You've put in the work, you've done the hard stuff most people aren't willing to do, and now you can just sense a magical run lies ahead.

In the first season of The Edge Podcast, we talk with leaders across a wide variety of industries and learn what it's like to ride that edge and own it. You'll hear what separates out those special teams, the kind, if we're lucky, we get to be a part of maybe three or four times in our life, from the more ordinary experiences.

Join host Tim Leman as we discuss leading on the edge.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

State of the Market: Cyber Risk Insurance

By Mark Wobbe on Mar 17, 2021 9:28:45 AM

As insurance products go, cyber is in its youth. It’s a teenager, about 15 years old for argument’s sake. In its earlier years, it was widely misunderstood and easily dismissed unless your business model was truly e-commerce. However, as businesses of all types and sizes moved to the cloud and SaaS replaced in-house software on a LAN, more and more business processes were automated, and more data was accessible from anywhere.

Topics: Technology Contract Review
4 min read

How Do You Build Culture In A Hybrid Environment?

By Gibson on Mar 12, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Cat Edmonds of Blackink IT. We hope you enjoy Cat’s wisdom and perspective.

Approaching company culture in a hybrid environment can be overwhelming. Especially when circumstances arise without much forewarning (insert a global pandemic here) and require immediate action. As a leader, it becomes your responsibility to ensure your employees are able to work safely, productively, and collaboratively while also working remotely. And if this wasn’t enough stress, your leadership is also a key factor in encouraging and promoting your company’s culture.

There are different approaches on how to implement culture while working in a hybrid environment and we discussed these during a recent webinar. Below are our top 5 takeaway points for leadership.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Advancing Our Just Cause

By Tim Leman on Mar 5, 2021 6:30:00 AM

We are playing an infinite game at Gibson. The purpose of our game is different from the finite games most of us are used to playing.

Our desired “win” is not to beat some other group, but rather to keep our deepest values “in play”. It’s our values – being authentically lived out by our amazing employee-owners – that’s creating our greatest impact. From our own employees, to our clients, friends, and community members, we’re in business to help others find their edge.

Winning a new client, hitting our numbers for the quarter, or nailing our annual goals are all meaningful milestones or measures of progress. We aim to achieve those. But they are only finite scores, with defined winners (and losers). Even a multi-year plan is just that: a longer-term goal with a specific outcome, and still a defined end.

Maybe a “goal” of continuing play doesn’t sound very exciting to those on the outside. Perhaps it inadvertently signals a lack of accountability. Nothing could be further from reality.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Effective Risk Transfer: Key Construction Terms

By Mark A. Rysberg on Mar 3, 2021 9:06:53 AM

The term “risk transfer” means just that: a risk that one party bears is transferred to another. In reality, risk transfer in the context of a contractual transfer of risk from an insured to an insurer is better understood as a transfer of the financial costs of certain risks. For example, if a subcontractor injures a third-party or damages their property, the subcontractor’s commercial general liability policy should provide the subcontractor with defense and indemnification coverage. In other words, the financial cost of a covered risk is transferred from the insured to its insurance carrier. The ability to finance the costs of potential risks is a key tool in how most construction contracts are structured. Here is how.

Topics: Risk Management Contract Review
4 min read

The Role Of Coaching In High Performing Organizations

By Gibson on Feb 26, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Mark Olson, Owner of Athletic Mentors. We hope you enjoy Mark’s wisdom and perspective.

Whether we are discussing high performing 10-year old girls soccer teams, NHL Hockey teams, young startup companies, or Fortune 500 corporations, one quality all of these organizations share is the existence of an exceptional coach or team of coaches. They also have a leader at the top of the organization who fully supports and is fully engaged in the coaching process.

As a business owner of a human performance and wellbeing company, I wear many hats. Within my favorite realm as “Coach,” I am responsible for player development, team building and culture building for both my clients and my staff. These coaching responsibilities can be boiled down into three primary concepts or roles - Success Architect, Accountability Boss, and Emotional Currency Regulator – all of which are essential for any high performing organization.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

The Power Of A Team Is On The Inside

By Mark Wobbe on Feb 19, 2021 6:30:00 AM

In his book, The Power of a Positive Team, Jon Gordon addresses how teams face or react to the world around them. Circumstances and events happening around a team are not meant to define them. The team is meant to define its circumstances. The power of the team is on the inside, and when a team knows this and lives by it, it will create amazing and positive changes on the outside.

Topics: Executive
5 min read

Why Most Entrepreneurs Struggle Solving Issues & What To Do About It!

By Gibson on Feb 12, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Randy Taussig, Chief Navigation Officer at BlueCore Leadership and Certified EOS Implementer. We hope you enjoy Randy’s wisdom and perspective.

Consistent solving and moving through issues are some of the most difficult challenges entrepreneurs face. It’s not surprising that most find it challenging and frustrating. It takes focus, discipline and a solid methodology to get it right.

Here’s where many entrepreneurs get tripped up:

#1. They don’t clearly identify the root issue. The issue produces so many pain points that they don’t know how to dig deep and identify what the real issue is.

#2. They don’t recognize big issues are made up of smaller ones. Issues might have several sub-parts or smaller issues embedded in them.

#3. They dive into unproductive discussion. Their discussion comes from a place of frustration, opinion and emotion, and it’s harder to step back and see what the real issue is.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Decisive Leadership Required

By Tim Leman on Feb 5, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Uncertainty is chronic.
Instability is permanent.
Disruption is common.
We can neither predict nor govern events.

As Jim Collins writes in BE 2.0, a ‘new normal’ doesn’t exist. “There will only be a continuous series of ‘not normal’ episodes.”

GULP. What to do?

It’s never been more important for leaders and their teams to be rapidly improving their readiness. Those most prepared, and willing – the ready – will be able to adapt and thrive. For the unready, whether they realize it yet or not, the future will be a scary and unpleasant place.

Leaders must act clearly and decisively. Accountability and discipline will be key. So will humility, vulnerability, and fairness.

As Collins considers his work over the past thirty years, he comes back to what might be the principle he’s most closely associated with: first who, then what. Successful organizations will be the ones with the right people (RP) in the right seats (RS) on the bus.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Will Greater Accountability Hurt Your Corporate Culture?

By Gibson on Jan 29, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Kathy Mayfield, Integrator at Traction® Tools. We hope you enjoy Kathy’s wisdom and perspective.

You know accountability is necessary to gain Traction®, but how will greater accountability affect the culture of your workplace? You don’t want to give up the fun, family feel of work. You don’t want people to start dreading Mondays because somebody’s going to hold their feet to the fire. You want a lively, engaged workplace that people love to be a part of. Will greater accountability be a company culture killjoy?

Perhaps the better question to ask is, “What happens when there’s no accountability?”

Topics: Executive
2 min read

The Pursuit Of Contentment

By Brittany Graman on Jan 22, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Complacency breeds mediocrity. Good is the enemy of great. We’ve all heard these phrases. They’re meant to be motivational, inspiring us to push ourselves. Be better. Do more. But more often than not, I see the words get twisted in a way that leaves us feeling like we can never quite be good enough.

Throughout my conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, we often address the question, “so what’s next?” As someone who is surrounded by so many high-achieving people, I can quickly become discouraged just thinking about it. Questions like, “What’s next?” “What else is out there?” “How will I know when I’ve ‘made it’?” can easily consume my thoughts and I catch myself getting sucked into a mindset of always striving for something more, without being entirely sure of what “more” is.

Topics: Executive
5 min read

How To Increase Your Organization’s Health In 2021

By Gibson on Jan 15, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger, Nancy Owsianowski, Founder of RoundTable Consulting, LLC. We hope you enjoy Nancy’s wisdom and perspective.

It’s January. Time to open that brand new calendar and think about goals, dreams, and the potential of the year ahead. With the new year, we get a fresh start and the chance for a new perspective. After 2020 drew our collective attention to health-related topics we have a greater appreciation for good health and the significance of strong relationships. We want a healthier life and healthier organization.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

The Edge

By Tim Leman on Jan 8, 2021 6:30:00 AM

Have you ever felt you might be on the edge?

Like individuals, teams also find themselves on the edge. It can run the gamut between being in a precarious position, almost there, before the fragile bonds holding everyone together begin to break; to one of great excitement and pure joy, roaring down the hill together after the long climb up.

What separates those special teams – the kind, if we’re lucky, we get to be a part of maybe three or four times in our life – from the more mundane, but solid experiences?

Topics: Executive
2 min read

To Gather or Not to Gather

By Whitney Trent on Dec 22, 2020 7:15:00 AM

Holidays are synonymous with traditions. Beyond the traveling, heading home and famous family recipes, the holidays have a way of reminding us of memories and times spent with family.

This year has presented us with many challenges, cancelled events, and other setbacks. This spring, few would have imagined we would be where we are today. At this point, most of us have been looking forward to something to celebrate for weeks.

With concerns of COVID-19 cases rising in the coming weeks and larger gatherings showing increased rates of getting or spreading the virus, how can we safely continue these traditions?

This year there will be no licking of spatulas or taking the edge of the frosting off the dessert or bumping your cousins’ elbows under the table. Most recommendations centralize on wearing masks, maintaining safe distances, limiting the number of guests, and taking precautions on food preparations and changing how we traditionally sit down to eat, or celebrating at home with immediate family only.

Topics: Holiday
3 min read

Top 10 Blogs Of 2020

By Tim Leman on Dec 18, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Another year of blogging is in the books! 

In what has been a strange and challenging year for everyone, I hope these posts brought you some insight, nuggets of wisdom, or perhaps opportunities for reflection in 2020. 

Here are the most popular leadership blogs of the year:

Topics: Executive
5 min read

The Threat To Our Talent Supply Chain

By Gibson on Dec 11, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Michelle Mei, Founder of Leader Momentum. We hope you enjoy Michelle’s wisdom and perspective.

Fourteen years ago, just a few months into my first professional job as the Catering Sales Manager at Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites, I received a call that my mom had a stroke. She almost didn’t survive. My mom, a vibrant and motivated woman in her late 40’s, survived the ordeal but lost most of the mobility in the right-side of her body. I was fresh out of college, ready to show my boss, the company, and the world that I was capable of anything. During the next quarterly meeting with my Sales Director, I went on and on about my lofty client prospects and sales goal. My Sales Director didn’t say a word. Uh-Oh. Then, he pushed my goal list to the side of the table and said, “I need you to re-do this. I would like you to add another set of specific goals to your plan. How many times are you going to visit your mom in a week? How many times are you going to have dinner with your parents in a month?” I was speechless. I never thought a company, or a manager, would care about me as a person, or that my success in setting and meeting goals in the areas of my life that mattered the most, would matter to them too. I gave it my all for that company and because of that, I was successful at my job.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Let The Games Begin

By Tim Leman on Dec 4, 2020 10:23:30 AM

Did you claim victory over 2020, or did it get you?

How you answer that question has much to do with the kind of game you’re choosing to play: finite or infinite.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Whether You Realize It Or Not

By Brittany Graman on Nov 20, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Ever feel like you’re being watched? I’m writing this in late October and Halloween decorations are out in full force. It’s the time of year everything gets just a bit spookier. But this isn’t a blog about ghosts and goblins; this is a blog about influence.

When we hear the word “influence,” we might think of a social media account with millions of followers, or maybe a great mentor we’ve had, or perhaps a high-profile leader of an organization.

But the reality is that we all carry some level of influence on the people around us.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

We Overcomplicate The Things We Don’t Understand

By Gibson on Nov 13, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Jim Coyle, Certified EOS Implementer and Chief Advisor at Nexus Business Solutions. We hope you enjoy Jim’s wisdom and perspective.

“Jim, we just need to make sure we get all the details and every part of the process documented, so people don’t mess it up anymore.”

“I think we just need to give our clients more choices. If we had 10 to 15 options, then they would get exactly what they want.”

“What we need is a more detailed plan, so we are all on the same page.”

Topics: Executive
1 min read

Excellence Is The Next Five Minutes

By Tim Leman on Nov 6, 2020 6:30:00 AM

This year our team has been talking about the Infinite Game, from Simon Sinek’s book. He talks about winning in a totally different fashion than I think we’re all used to.

HubSpot Video

Winning is about staying in the game, continuing to play, not giving up, and being resilient.

This concept can sometimes feel overwhelming. It got me thinking about another book our team at Gibson drew on in recent years - The Excellence Dividend by Tom Peters. One of things I found most useful in this book was that Tom talks about how excellence is all about the next five minutes.

Topics: Executive
5 min read

Modern Leadership For The Remote Workforce

By Gibson on Oct 30, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Jon Brickner of HR Collaborative. We hope you enjoy Jon’s wisdom and perspective.

Whether the radical disruption of 2020 thrust your business into fight, flee, or freeze mode, none of us can deny that the way we work will never be the same. And change isn’t done yet. It may never be. Always-on transformation seems to be here to stay.

And while quarantine-required remote work initially boosted productivity, as organizations return to their old ways of working, engagement, collaboration, and business performance are starting to fall again.

But this trend isn’t equally distributed across all companies. At HR Collaborative, we’ve seen “a tale of two cities” this year. The organizations that embraced modern leadership and a remote infrastructure pre-pandemic weathered the storm much better than those that hadn’t.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

The Thrill

By Brock Squire on Oct 23, 2020 6:30:00 AM

I was born into a Green Bay Packers family. I have cheered for the Packers my entire life. There were even a few childhood birthday wishes centered around Green Bay’s success…or Chicago’s failure. I’m proud to say I have successfully made my two daughters into Packers fans. It has been 26 years since I’ve missed watching a game.

So, why the passion…or is it obsession? And what does it have to do with business?

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Building 'Soft Skills' Through The Enneagram

By Gibson on Oct 16, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Rachel Pritz, Certified Life Coach and Certified Enneagram Coach. We hope you enjoy Rachel’s wisdom and perspective.

Rarely do you see skills like compassionate, self-aware, or emotionally intelligent show up on a resume. These are often called "soft skills", but there's nothing soft about them. It takes daily intention and effort to learn these skills. It's a journey not a destination. No book, podcast, or personality assessment will be a quick solution to building these skills. But the Enneagram personality framework can give you a starting point along with a GPS map for your journey.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

6 Lessons From Our Rebrand

By Becky Beckman on Oct 9, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Rebranding is a company strategy.

It is not just a marketing strategy. It takes buy-in from everyone within an organization to launch a successful rebrand. Your brand identity is just as much internal, as it is external. At Gibson we have more than 150 brand advocates and we (the entire company) must make sure we are telling our truth and portraying ourselves in a way that not only we can be proud of, but that our clients can be proud of.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Study Your Worthy Rivals

By Tim Leman on Oct 2, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Growing up in the world of sales, and especially cutting my teeth during my formative years at an incredibly sales-centric organization, I was taught to greatly dislike my competitors. You might even say from time-to-time that I “hated” them. I suspect many can relate to this.
 
I was coached to never be around or hang out with the competition. I believe the exact quote was, “They can’t buy any insurance from you, so why would you spend time with them?” I didn’t know why I disliked them, just that I did. 
 
However, as I’ve studied and learned more about the infinite game, I’ve realized that is not who I am. My natural mindset is one of abundance. And being someone who is quite resilient and always focused on the long game, I’ve really connected with Simon Sinek’s Infinite Game.
 
Yet unwinding years of training, observation, and mimicking my more experienced sales colleagues took some hard mental work.
Topics: Executive
2 min read

Overcoming Self-Doubt One Light Fixture At A Time

By Lindsay Kronemeyer on Sep 25, 2020 6:30:00 AM

The other weekend I took down and replaced a light fixture in our bathroom. For some, this may seem like nothing or just an average weekend project, but for me, it was one of many new things I have learned how to do and conquer on my own. Six months ago it would have been one of many items on my husbands ‘honey-do list’ as I typically try to avoid tasks where I can get shocked or zapped!

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Defining Yourself A Leader

By Gibson on Sep 18, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Alex Perry, CEO of Practically Speaking, LLC, host of the Minivan Mogul Podcast, and author of Minivan Mogul: A Crash Course in Confidence in For Women. We hope you enjoy Alex’s wisdom and perspective.

As I sit down to write this, I'm already battling the little voice in my head that says, "Why are you trying to write a post on leadership? Seriously, Alex, stop, you're going to try to come up with something that sounds business-y (is that even a word), and you're going to sound ridiculous! Why don't you just leave this one to the experts and go back to scrolling through Facebook or something like that. What on earth could you have to say to professional people who don't make their living writing and talking about their adventures self-discovery in their minivans." ((sigh)).

I'm fighting the urge to make this sound like I think you expect it to sound and doing what I know works for me as a leader, which is writing exactly what I think. You didn't realize when you started this that you were going to get an express ticket to the inside of my brain. Welcome, please make yourself at home. Being true to myself as a leader is tough work that's only gotten minimally easier as I've gone along. Is the same true for you? (if not, feel free to scroll on over to another blog.)

Topics: Executive
2 min read

A Could Mindset

By Gibson on Sep 11, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Kristine Hilger Carles, Executive Director of Leadership South Bend | Mishawaka. We hope you enjoy Kristine’s wisdom and perspective.

My oldest son, a senior in college, is an acting major. Through the experience of being a theater mom, I’ve learned that acting isn’t the chaotic creativity I once believed and that “going off script” is frowned upon in most situations. Acting, though inherently creative, has scripts, procedures, and norms.

Many aspects of life today, from project planning to decision making to meeting management are scripted for us. There is comfort in the script, security in our routines, assured results in our procedures. What happens, though, when an unprecedented pandemic obliterates our routines, and there is no choice but to go off script?

During our board of director’s meeting last fall, I shared the story behind the Miracle on the Hudson, and pilot, Sully Sullenberger’s, quick, creative landing which saved 150 passengers in 208 seconds. When Captain Sullenberger was asked to define his thought process in the middle of a life-threatening crisis, he attributed his unorthodox solution to a “could” approach.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Accomplishing More Together: Dynamic & Inclusive Teaming

By Brad Serf on Sep 4, 2020 6:30:00 AM

I joined Gibson in February of 2002. While I don’t consider myself a historian of the firm, I have had the privilege of experiencing the growth of our company over the last 19 years. In an industry that can be prone to aggressive sales techniques and practices, I was attracted to Gibson because of the consultative and client-oriented approach to creating a great client experience.

I was very fortunate to have been mentored by some of the best risk management and insurance brokers in our business. Collectively they helped me become more curious and ask better questions of clients and prospects. The answers to the questions helped me to engage the right partners within Gibson to make the client experience better.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Great Companies Have Great TalentDNA

By Gibson on Aug 28, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Chris Mills, Chief Operating Officer/Partner at ML Talent Strategies. We hope you enjoy Chris’ wisdom and perspective.

We think of business strategy as a three-legged stool. Each leg is distinct, yet all three legs must be integrated effectively to grow a dynamic, value-based enterprise.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Better Under Pressure

By Brittany Graman on Aug 21, 2020 6:30:00 AM

I recently had the opportunity to participate in a MasterMind group comprised of fellow ISU alumni. The focus of this study group was the concept of resilience. During this 4-week MasterMind we covered a variety of insightful topics, but there was one topic that really stuck out to me: Antifragility.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

5 Tips To Beat Your Biggest Business Obstacles

By Gibson on Aug 14, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Randy Taussig, Chief Navigation Officer at BlueCore Leadership and Certified EOS Implementer. We hope you enjoy Randy’s wisdom and perspective.

The ability to solve substantive business challenges could be the most important skill your leadership team must master.

It can either propel your business forward at light speed or, if done poorly, keep you orbiting through chaos and frustration. Beating business obstacles is one of the most difficult skills to master, but when you do, magic happens!

Topics: Executive

Building Trusting Teams

By Tim Leman on Aug 7, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Building trusting teams is critical. A team can accomplish more and endure longer, together, than they can alone. It’s a key part of playing the infinite game.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Thriving In The Year Of “Uns”

By Gibson on Jul 31, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Kim LaGrange, President of Prime Talent Insights. We hope you enjoy Kim’s wisdom and perspective.

Even though we are only halfway through 2020, we can be sure it will long be remembered as an incredibly challenging year for our country and our world. We might consider it to be the year of “uns”, since the events of 2020 are described as unprecedented, uncertain, unsettling, and perhaps even unbelievable.

Within today’s challenges, we can find opportunities – for our organizations and for our own growth as leaders. To quote management expert Peter Drucker, only three things happen naturally in organizations: friction, confusion, and underperformance. Everything else takes leadership. Leadership matters, today more than ever. Never has it been more important for a leader to be resilient, to be able to grow and to drive their organization’s growth, even in times of adversity. Seizing the possibilities and creating a great tomorrow is exciting and important work!

Topics: Executive
3 min read

The Lost Art Of Gratitude

By Gibson on Jul 24, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Randie Dial, Managing Principal at CLA Indiana. We hope you enjoy Randie’s wisdom and perspective.

“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.”

The quote above can’t highlight the concept of gratitude any better. Practicing the act of gratitude in your organization can have such a tremendous impact on so many areas. Culture. Retention. Team. Growth. These are all areas many leaders are striving to attain but can’t quite achieve!

As leaders, we have high standards. We are driven by passion. That passion causes us to hold ourselves to the highest standards, which in turn causes us to expect a lot from our teams. Because of this, gratitude MUST become a part of our routine. As leaders, we need to be able to recognize and express gratitude consistently!

Topics: Executive
5 min read

Simple Tactics For Thriving During Uncertainty

By Gibson on Jul 17, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger, CJ McClanahan, keynote speaker, advisor, and author. We hope you enjoy CJ’s wisdom and perspective.

Over the last 17 years, I’ve seen hundreds of “mini” crisis and a few big ones (2008/2009 ring a bell?). I get a little shaken up by all of them – just like you do. However, as leaders, we’ve got a responsibility to help others through these times.

Today, we find ourselves in yet another unprecedented situation.

However, even amidst the uncertainty, there are simple tactics we can put in place to help ourselves and our teams thrive during this interesting time.

I first wrote this blog in March, but I believe the ideas remain relevant. Even though some individuals, organizations, and industries are getting back into the swing of things, there are many still experiencing uncertainty. And I’d argue we’re all going to face some level of uncertainty for months to come. But be it from COVID-19 or any other obstacles, we will each continue to face uncertainty and crises at different points of our lives – and these tactics can help lead you through challenging times.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

The Capacity For Existential Flexibility

By Tim Leman on Jul 10, 2020 6:30:00 AM

“The lesson is that resilience is about flexibility.” - Aron Ralston, author of Between A Rock And A Hard Place

Beyond the normal day-to-day elasticity running a business demands, playing the infinite game requires existential flexibility. What exactly is existential flexibility?

Simon Sinek describes it as, “The capacity to initiate an extreme disruption to a business model or strategic course in order to more effectively advance a Just Cause.” In other words, it’s a big-time offensive maneuver and not to be confused with the defensive adjustments companies make when facing changing client needs or market conditions.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Fear vs. Courage

By Gibson on Jun 26, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger, Jill Young, Certified EOS Implementer and Author of “In Courage” We hope you enjoy Jill’s wisdom and perspective.

Most people feel some kind of fear daily. Here’s what it looks like at work, when you’re an entrepreneur:

  • I’m afraid that if I invest in the company, I’ll lose my personal security.
  • I’m afraid that if I fire John, the clients might follow him.
  • I’m afraid that if we hire for this new position, I’ll lose control of quality.

Some people are motivated by fear; others are debilitated by it. Successful entrepreneurs use this fear to propel themselves and their companies forward. I believe that true entrepreneurs are in constant growth mode, and growth means change. But great change, change that really sticks, is more like a constant evolution than a revolution, and living in fear makes that evolution scary instead of exciting.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

The Distracted Driving Epidemic

By Gibson on Jun 24, 2020 10:45:00 AM

According to the National Safety Council, the use of a cell phone while driving causes an estimated 1.6 million accidents each year. In 2018 alone, 4,637 people died in a car accident due to cell phone use. 14% of fatal crashes involved cell phones. Distracted driving is an epidemic.

Starting July 1, 2020, there will be a new Indiana State Law for distracted driving. This bill will extend the 2011 ban of texting while driving to banning all physical use of a cell phone unless using hands-free technology. We encourage you to take a little extra time to consider the dangers of distracted driving and get to know the laws for distracted driving in your state.

Topics: Risk Management Personal Insurance & Risk Management
2 min read

3 Questions To Ask When You Have Lost Perspective

By Gibson on Jun 19, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Ron Kitchens, Chief Executive Officer at Southwest Michigan First. We hope you enjoy Ron’s wisdom and perspective.

When you lose perspective, you lose margin. When you lose margin, you lose impact.

As leaders, somewhere in our youth, we were told that, when things are not going well or when they are going well, “You need to work harder, work more hours, put your nose to the grindstone,” or a dozen other clichés. The reality is most leaders spend so much time and effort digging that we dig ourselves into a ditch. Soon, we begin to think that the edge of the ditch is the skyline. Gretchen Rubin, who appeared at Catalyst University in 2019, says, “Work is the most dangerous form of procrastination.”

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Make Better Business Decisions

By Gibson on Jun 12, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Connie Chwan, Certified EOS Implementer. We hope you enjoy Connie’s wisdom and perspective.

“The roads of the world are paved with squirrels that couldn’t decide.”

This insight was shared by a fellow EOS Implementer® at one of our quarterly gatherings. It paints a very clear mental picture, doesn’t it? The ability to make a decision is one of the characteristics of all great leaders. Some people are great at making decisions; others find it challenging.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

Be Personally Adaptive

By Tim Leman on Jun 5, 2020 6:30:00 AM

We must become proficient at change. 

As Cy Wakeman teaches:

1. Change is only hard for the unready.

Readiness is being prepared and willing; so, if we are prepared for what the future might hold and willing to take action, then adapting to new circumstances will not be as difficult as we often make it out to be.

Topics: Executive
6 min read

5 Team-Boosting Communication Hacks You Never Thought Of

By Gibson on May 29, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Kathy Mayfield, Integrator at Traction® Tools. We hope you enjoy Kathy’s wisdom and perspective.

Everybody wants their team to get more done in the day, and effective communication is a big part of that. Rumor has it that when everyone is on the same page, rowing in the same direction, amazing things can be done.

There are good communication habits and bad communication habits. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference, and chances are, you’ve built some bad habits into your work life. If you want to boost your team’s effectiveness, you’ll need to get rid of those sneaky practices. 

Here are five big-value communication hacks you’ve probably never thought of.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

You Know What Else We Could Do? (Don’t)

By Gibson on May 22, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Joe Calloway, author of “The Leadership Mindset,” “Keep It Simple,” “Magnetic,” and several other game-changing business books. We hope you enjoy Joe’s wisdom and perspective.

In my work with small business owners/leaders I see a lot of them these days looking for new product or service offerings that they can make, along with new projects to take on during these most challenging (and promising) of times.

As with many things, I think it’s a matter of balance.

On the one hand, certainly we should look for and take advantage of the new opportunities that are being created (i.e. going virtual). Almost every challenge creates opportunities, and it’s a leader’s job to help the organization discover and leverage those opportunities.

At some point, though, you need to focus on your areas of greatest potential.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Whatever You Tolerate, You Endorse

By Gibson on May 15, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Justin Maust, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, Certified EOS Implementer and certified speaker, trainer and coach for the John Maxwell Team. We hope you enjoy Justin’s wisdom and perspective.

We have an enemy.

Habitual mediocrity.

It’s a sleeper. We often don’t realize how nasty it is. In the end, we are not satisfied with our organization's results.

How do we overcome these frustrations?

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Social Engineering and Ways to Mitigate Susceptibility

By Lisa Thomas CPIA, CISR, CWCC on May 11, 2020 6:45:00 AM


Social engineering: two words that are increasingly being talked about in normal, day-to-day conversation.

If you are like me, when you first heard the term, you likely thought of something different than what this really encompasses. Let’s unpack the term a bit and explore the meaning behind words.

Topics: WhatsTheRisk
3 min read

Returning To A Better Normal

By Gibson on May 8, 2020 2:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Erin Cressy, President of Cressy Consulting. We hope you enjoy Erin’s wisdom and perspective.

In Gibson’s blog last week, CEO Tim Leman discussed “readiness” in terms of what comes next for us. He noted we weren’t prepared for the pandemic, but we can push ourselves to become increasingly ready for the unknowns that lie ahead, “What’s done is done… but you and I can do the work now to be among the ready for what comes next.”

As restrictions slowly lift and we reconnect with the way our lives used to be, I encourage you to not be content with “returning to normal,” but to want an even “better normal” to return to.  

So, what does returning to a “better normal” look like?

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Rumble With Your Readiness

By Tim Leman on May 1, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Ladies and Gentlemen, let’s get ready to rummmmmmmmbbbbbbleeee!

Have you read Dare To Lead by Brené Brown? She has a concept she calls “rumbling”:

It cues me to show up with an open heart and mind so we can serve the work and each other, not our egos.”

For Brown, a rumble means a completely honest conversation, devoid of ego, and done from a place of caring. And it’s listening, with an open mind, truly searching for the truth.

If you’ve read her books or watched her videos on YouTube you are probably grinning a bit right now recalling one of her rumble stories! I especially like the ones that involve her husband.

I want us – you and I – to rumble about our readiness. “Rumble. About our readiness?” you say.

Yes, and for clarity’s sake, here’s a pretty typical definition.

Topics: Executive
5 min read

Enhance Your Leadership Using Effective Communication

By Gibson on Apr 24, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Kimberli Mock, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Forum Leader for Renaissance Executive Forum’s Emerging Leaders Program, and owner and CEO of TalentEvolutions. We hope you enjoy Kim’s wisdom and perspective.

So, business is great and you realize your growing organization needs to develop some new leaders. Excellent problem to have, right?  Many organizations work hard to identify upcoming leaders, often focusing primarily on individuals who have been successful in their current individual contributor role. Unfortunately, that may not be the best approach.

While leaders need to have business expertise and company knowledge, when we think about leaders we've admired in the past, we often focus on the characteristics they displayed that set them apart from those who simply “managed” others. One of these key characteristics is being an effective communicator.

Effective communication is an important trait for leaders in any organization, department, or group. It’s how we know what others want, what they need, and how they feel about things in their work and home lives, which often blend together these days. Unfortunately, sometimes communications are not as effective because we are so focused on the end goal that we forget what's needed to get there - good, clear communication and direction.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Mission And Values: They Are Not BS!

By Gibson on Apr 17, 2020 6:30:00 AM

As a young man, I was very skeptical about the corporate mission statement and values each company I worked for put out. There were several reasons for that, but along the way a few things changed my mind. The current pandemic situation has really emphasized this for me.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

A Little Perspective & An Abundance Of Gratitude

By Nicole Fallowfield on Apr 10, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Gratitude. That’s what I’m feeling right now. Extremely grateful. Grateful to be part of Gibson. Grateful for my fellow employee-owners and all the hard work they’re doing. Grateful that I’m able to work and provide for my family. And yes, even grateful I can help my kids with eLearning.

I did not always feel that way. My family is wrapping up week 5 of being home due to COVID-19. It’s been challenging to balance schedules, work full-time, and help with eLearning.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Student Loan Repayment Plans Under The CARES Act

By Whitney Trent on Apr 8, 2020 3:00:00 PM

Landmark legislation was passed by U.S. Congress which includes exciting news regarding student loan contributions.

Topics: Schools Employee Benefits
3 min read

The Courage To Lead

By Tim Leman on Apr 3, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Anchored by a Just Cause, infinite games require courageous leadership. According to author Simon Sinek that means being willing to stand up to internal and external pressure to conform, in order to stay true to your cause.

Finite play favors conventional wisdom, and finite players spend most of their time in the past. That’s where their winning has taken place.

Infinite players take an abundant approach with less time spent on what happened. Instead, their effort and energy are focused on what is possible:

“By playing a single, non-repeatable game, they are unconcerned with the maintenance and display of past status. They are more concerned with positioning themselves to deal effectively with whatever challenges come up,” says a Farnam Street article about the concept of infinite players in James Carse’s extraordinary 2013 book Finite and Infinite Games.

Infinite play means a departure from the herd. And when leaders courageously forge new paths, try new things, or perhaps create a contrarian response to a crisis, they invite criticism.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Emotional Intelligence In A Time Of Crisis

By Brittany Graman on Mar 27, 2020 6:30:00 AM

We are living in unprecedented times. Right now, one in three Americans are working from home. Businesses and restaurants are closing their doors to the public. Schools are shut down for the rest of the academic year. Shelter-in-place directives are impacting our economies. Every day we are receiving new updates about new disruptions as we attempt to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Everyone everywhere is feeling disrupted in some way, shape, or form. And this disruption looks different for everyone. For some, they may be facing the fear of going out of business. For others, they may be juggling the additional responsibilities of childcare provider, housekeeper, teacher, cook, etc. Others may be dealing with the impact on parents or grandparents as they are forced to stay inside and not allowed any visitors. Some are being affected more drastically than others, but we are all feeling impacted in some way.

Now, more than ever, we need to look at those around us through an empathetic lens. In an age of sudden disruption, we can all come together and be unified in that we are ALL impacted in some way by this pandemic. For many, that means that priorities have suddenly shifted. Things that were so important just a couple of weeks ago are suddenly no longer at the top of the priority list. This also means that we must approach our conversations with our clients from a posture of seeking to understand the world they are living in and asking a different set of questions about how we can add value to them during these times.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Where Is My Blind Spot As A Leader?

By Gibson on Mar 20, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Chad Peterman, President and Co-Owner of Peterman Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. We hope you enjoy Chad’s wisdom and perspective.

Blind spots are, by their nature, very frustrating. The main reason is because we cannot see a blind spot. We are oblivious to them. In leadership everything compounds. The impact we have multiplies by affecting those we are leading. Unfortunately, blind spots can compound our impact in a negative way.

Oftentimes our blind spots come in the form of our strengths. We may be great at getting things done. We may find fault in others who cannot get things done like we can. This creates a blind spot and inability to connect with that person. John Maxwell says, “We often see people as we are, not as they are.” This is the root of all blind spots.

If blind spots are so detrimental, how do we overcome them so that they don’t have a negative effect of our leadership ability? We must first understand that we need to be humble, coachable, and patient.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Is Empathy A Leadership Quality?

By Gibson on Mar 13, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Mike Kemple, Director of Missional Chaplains. We hope you enjoy Mike’s wisdom and perspective.

Gaining an understanding of people, their unique giftedness, strengths, and flaws, is the starting point for empathetic leadership. 

When you examine an individual’s personality, you may find them soft, gentle, defensive, overt, indignant, manipulative, demanding, reserved, guarded, or cautious. We are also genuinely inquisitive and interested in who they are, and we enter into the essence of a redemptive sort of mystery.

This discovery brings you face-to-face with the self-centeredness that creates an environment of distrust, paranoia, and shame. You know that much of the human interaction is shaping and pushing us away from a place of hope, restoration, and peace.

So if you’re in a role of leadership or in a helping relationship, how do you make a meaningful connection?

Topics: Executive
1 min read

Giving Back: Gibson's Community Investment Strategy

By Gibson on Mar 11, 2020 6:45:00 AM

At Gibson, giving back to the community isn’t just a transaction. It’s part of the fabric that makes up the core of our company. Gibson is always looking for ways to empower all team members to participate in a giving experience, whether that is through direct giving, input on corporate giving, group projects, through volunteer service, or board leadership.

Topics: Wellbeing Community
3 min read

Durable & Resilient

By Tim Leman on Mar 6, 2020 6:30:00 AM

“The first and final thing you have to do in this world is to last in it, and not be smashed by it.” – Ernest Hemingway

In Simon Sinek’s book The Infinite Game, the “winners” are those still in the game. Having the will and resources to continue playing the game, long after the other players drop out, will allow our organizations to stand the test of time.

A key part of Sinek’s philosophy revolves around Advancing a Just Cause. It’s what gives our work meaning. It is the world we hope to build and what inspires us to keep playing the infinite game.

Just Causes - and the Infinite Mindsets behind them - require resiliency. They must be durable enough to endure through political, market, technological, and cultural change over the years.

Likewise, so must the individuals that are doing the advancing. But how do we acquire resilience? Is it something we’re born with or can it be learned?

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevention in the Workplace

By Gibson on Mar 4, 2020 2:22:36 PM

By now, we're all well acquainted with news of the coronavirus (COVID-19), which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), has now been confirmed in over 70 countries and has affected well over 90,000 individuals globally, resulting in over 3,000 deaths. While the vast majority of cases remain outside the U.S. at this time, it's never too ambitious to begin implementing prevention techniques in our homes and places of work. Below is a list of simple prevention techniques and travel best-practices in order to limit the possibility of COVID-19 spread and exposure:

Topics: Wellbeing
3 min read

Tips For Overcoming Setbacks

By Gibson on Feb 28, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Ron Kitchens, Chief Executive Officer at Southwest Michigan First. We hope you enjoy Ron’s wisdom and perspective.

Leaders push boundaries. They’re the first to try out big ideas. But doing what has never been done is not without risks. All leaders will eventually experience obstacles and setbacks—it comes with the territory. One of the things that separate great leaders from the rest is their ability to adapt and navigate adversities.

Here are a few tips you can use the next time you’re down:

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Looking Back On American Heart Month

By Gibson on Feb 26, 2020 6:45:00 AM

According to the American Heart Association, someone dies of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) every 37 seconds in the U.S. This accounts for 2,353 deaths from CVD each day, based on 2017 data, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. As is evident from these figures, it is extremely important that prevention becomes a part of your company culture by ensuring that your wellness program includes education and challenges centered on heart health and how to keep risk factors under control. This provides employees with a benchmark in order to begin working towards heart-healthier lifestyles. Living a heart-healthy lifestyle does take some effort because it involves changing daily habits, so it should be encouraged and exemplified within the workplace.

4 min read

The Dangers Of Shiny Things

By Gibson on Feb 21, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Ben Berman, Certified EOS Implementer. We hope you enjoy Ben’s wisdom and perspective.

There’s a term to describe tempting opportunities outside of an organization’s core competencies: “Shiny Things.” 

Like sparkling diamonds or the flashing lights of fame, these opportunities beckon. Shiny things lure even the most rational leadership teams into poor strategic choices with real implications. When confronted with a new opportunity -- a shiny thing -- you’ll need to ask if it is a “core” or is it a “lure”

Let me illustrate by sharing an experience I had with a company implementing EOS® whose leader is an excitable, passionate Visionary.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Getting Organized Is Not The Path To Achievement

By Gibson on Feb 14, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Rebecca Fleetwood Hession, CEO/Founder of WEthrive.live and host of The Badass Womens Council podcast. We hope you enjoy Rebecca’s wisdom and perspective.

Maybe you can relate: I spent years of my life longing to see my office, my email, my car, and my house all neatly organized into color-coordinated files. Surely this blissful state would give me peace of mind and finally allow me to reach my biggest life goals.

As it turns out, getting organized is not the path to achievement. In fact, it might be killing your ability to have real leadership impact. While some level of order is essential for success, your quest to reach a blissful state of organized living might actually be holding you back.

Topics: Executive

Gibson 2020 Calendar Of Events

By Becky Beckman on Feb 12, 2020 6:45:00 AM

 

The Gibson 2020 Calendar of Events is here! Gibson is getting involved and doing big things this year, and we want you to be a part of it all! From in-house monthly webinars to speaking engagements and conferences, we're everywhere you want to be.

Bookmark our calendar of events to stay up to date on all of the great events we have scheduled over the course of the year. We're always adding new events that you won't want to miss!

4 min read

Infinite Games & Just Causes

By Tim Leman on Feb 7, 2020 6:30:00 AM

“The true value of an organization is measured by the desire others have to contribute to that organization’s ability to keep succeeding, not just during the time they are there, but well beyond their own tenure.” - Simon Sinek, The Infinite Game

In 2009’s Start With Why, author Simon Sinek makes the point that all organizations and individuals have a “Why.” It’s our origin story, the reason we do what we do.

Why is our purpose, cause, or belief. Our purpose comes from our past. It’s born out of how we were raised and the values we were exposed to.

And, according to Sinek, it’s far more important than how you do it or what you deliver. As he often says, “People don't buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.”

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Accelerate Success…By Slowing Down For A Day

By Brock Squire on Jan 31, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Earlier this month I attended my first Gibson State Of The Company (SOTC) meeting. All 140 Gibson employees gathered in South Bend for the day to reflect on the past 12 months and ignite our energy for the year ahead.

I set modest goals for my first SOTC. I didn’t want to trip when walking on and off the stage and wanted to limit my creative pronunciations of names when announcing work anniversaries. I even got some laughs during my presentation – I think the laughs were of the “at me”, not “with me”, variety!

In all seriousness, I found this day to be incredibly valuable. Being relatively new to Gibson, the opportunity to meet fellow employees and put names with faces was a big part of the day for me. The energy and pride everyone had about Gibson, their clients, colleagues, and community was very evident and exciting to see. There was no doubt leaving the meeting that the Gibson culture is strong.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

The Science Of Implementation

By Gibson on Jan 24, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Doug Beebe, President/CEO of Benchmark Human Services. We hope you enjoy Doug’s wisdom and perspective.

“That was a stupid idea. I told him it wouldn’t work.”

As leaders, we all pursue excellence for our organizations, but sometimes hear the above. How excellence is defined varies across organizations and within industries. Often, excellence is described as cutting edge or best practice, but how many organizations adhere to the best practice standard? There is ample documentation across multiple disciplines that indicate huge gaps are evident between best practices and actual practices. These gaps are especially prevalent in service delivery.

“That’s not how we do it here.”

Identifying and addressing those gaps are important when trying to differentiate implementation outcomes (Are we following the practice?) from effectiveness outcomes (Are we getting the results we expected?). When poor outcomes result from a new initiative, we often blame the “new way” without holding ourselves accountable on the implementation side.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

Staying Safe In Cold Weather

By Gibson on Jan 22, 2020 6:30:00 AM

In this article originally published by Gibson's Loss Prevention Manager, Gary Clark, we explore best practices for staying safe during the cold winter months. With the cold weather, winter brings a slew of workplace safety hazards. From proper attire to snow removal and slippery surfaces, you should be thinking about how the cold weather impacts your employees. How can you protect them from the cold this winter?

Consider the following tips to keep your workforce prepared and protected:

Topics: Commercial Insurance Risk Management
3 min read

Be A Different Kind Of Leader

By Gibson on Jan 17, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Jason Meyer, President/CEO of Passages, Inc. We hope you enjoy Jason’s wisdom and perspective.

We’ve all had that boss, supervisor, or co-worker we looked up to and wanted to strive to be one day. We’ve also had the opposite experience – a leader we were sure we’d never be like if we had his or her position.

Now as we lead others, have you ever taken the time to pause to think how you are a different kind of leader? Have you ever taken a minute to take a look in the mirror to see if you are the leader that you never wanted to become? Do you want to become that different kind of leader?

As we lead others, let’s take time to look in the mirror. Are we the kind of leader we always said we would never be?

To be a different kind of leader it takes commitment. It takes a willingness to be vulnerable. It requires us to check egos at the door and to be very humble. It requires LISTENING to the people we lead. Most importantly, if you get nothing else out of this blog post, being a different leader is not rocket science; it is much like the golden rule - leading others as you would like to be led.

Topics: Executive
6 min read

Tips To Draw Out More Creative Participation In Meetings

By Gibson on Jan 10, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Kathy Mayfield, Integrator at Traction Tools. We hope you enjoy Kathy’s wisdom and perspective.

Even if your leadership team has been running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System® for years, you can still run into speed bumps in your team meetings. Tough Issues can be…well, tough to solve. It’s in those moments when you need your team to step up to the plate with creative ideas. Those are also the moments when your team may feel stymied. Meeting participation drops and you’re left with one or two people who drive the discussion.

If that sounds familiar to you, we’ve got your back. Here are seven proven ways to generate more engagement, stronger participation, and more creative ideas to solve your toughest Issues.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

2020 Safety & Health Calendar

By Gibson on Jan 9, 2020 6:30:00 AM

Looking for ways to educate and engage your employees on safety & health topics throughout the year? Check out our 2020 Safety & Health Calendar.

Workplace safety and wellbeing should be a top priority for leadership and employees. But how can you keep your employees engaged all year long? For every organization the approach is different – you could have a safety committee, newsletters, monthly training sessions, and more. The 2020 Safety & Health Calendar is a valuable tool you can utilize to make your efforts more effective.

Topics: Commercial Insurance Risk Management Health Risk Management
2 min read

A Roaring 20s Redux: Are You Ready For It?

By Tim Leman on Jan 3, 2020 6:30:00 AM

A new year and new decade are upon us. I’ve noticed social media already calling it the #roaring20s. 

A recent opinion piece in the WSJ recalled the energy and creativity of the original Roaring 20s: “These remarkable 10 years saw the rise, all at once, of the world’s great cosmopolitan cities—New York, Chicago, Paris, Berlin, London. Music, art, drama, literature, ballet, architecture, movies, newspapers—it’s hard to grasp the creative radiance and energy of the decade.”

And just like in the 1920s, we have major political and cultural battles over taxes, tariffs, and traditions. Many are not prepared or willing – just like a century ago – to deal with the coming reality.

The previous era was known for creativity and new thinking about everything. Whether the 2020s will earn the title of roaring or not, with certainty I predict they won’t be the #boring20s.

Topics: Executive
2 min read

New Year’s Eve: Celebrate Safely!

By Gibson on Dec 31, 2019 6:30:00 AM

Don’t let the new year get off to a bad start! Keep safety in mind to ensure you, your family, and your friends have an accident-free New Year’s Eve celebration!

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
3 min read

Top 10 Blogs Of 2019

By Tim Leman on Dec 27, 2019 6:30:00 AM

Hard to believe we've been sharing #WhatsTheRisk blogs for nearly 7 years! As we wrap up this year of blogging, I'd like to share my gratitude. Thank you to our guest bloggers for sharing their insight with us! And to all of our readers - thank you for reading and sharing these blogs with others!

Here are the most popular #WhatsTheRisk blogs of 2019:

Topics: Executive
3 min read

A Year Of Excellence

By Tim Leman on Dec 20, 2019 6:30:00 AM

If you’ve been following my Friday leadership blog posts in 2019, you’ve likely noticed a common thread: excellence. We focused on lessons from Tom Peters’ The Excellence Dividend, with particular attention on these 12 “No. 1s,” - not only with my blogs, but also within Gibson.

As the year comes to an end, it is a good opportunity to recap these topics. Even if you don’t have time to read all 12 blogs, I’d encourage you to spend 5 minutes reading 1 of these posts because as Peters says, “Excellence is the next five minutes”…

Topics: Executive

Happy Holidays From Gibson!

By Gibson on Dec 18, 2019 6:30:00 AM

This holiday season, we want to take the opportunity to thank you for being our client, colleague, and confidant in 2019. We wish you the happiest of holidays and a glowing hope for the new year!

HubSpot Video
Topics: Social Media Uncategorized Holiday
4 min read

Lessons From The Mouse: The Secrets To Hiring Heroes

By Gibson on Dec 13, 2019 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest Art Betancourt, Principal & Founder of AEBetancourt. We hope you enjoy Art’s wisdom and perspective.

If you’ve ever been to a Disney resort or theme park, then you know that the level of service Disney's staff of “Cast Members” is unmatched. No detail is beneath their attention; their entire focus is on ensuring your family has the best possible experience during your stay.

What you may not realize is how incredibly difficult it is to land a spot in Disney's team. For instance, on a recent visit to Disney World, my family was delighted by a particular waitress at the Rose and Crown Pub. When I asked her how she came all the way from England to our table, she told me that she was one of the 40 hand-picked out of a pool of 6,000 applicants, or that position to join the cast—0.007% of applicants made the cut.    

While most organizations may not have the luxury of being as selective in their hiring decisions, you must admit Disney is on to something. Their success aligns with significant research on talent sourcing and development as well as the best practices in finding, selecting, and growing talent.

So, what can we learn from Disney regarding hiring and retaining top talent in today’s labor market?

Topics: Executive
2 min read

4 Personal Risk Management Resolutions For The New Year

By Gibson on Dec 11, 2019 6:30:00 AM

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Perhaps to spend more time getting in shape? Eat healthier? Your health and wellbeing are very important, but we’d also encourage you to consider some personal risk management resolutions this year!

Here are 4 suggestions to help you improve your risk management strategy this year:

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
3 min read

RadHumanization

By Tim Leman on Dec 6, 2019 6:30:00 AM

“I believe that emotion eats reason for breakfast.” – author & entrepreneur Tim Leberecht

Topics: Executive
2 min read

4 Ways To Have A Safe And Healthy Holiday Season in 2019

By Gibson on Dec 4, 2019 6:30:00 AM

The holiday season is upon us once more! 'Tis the season for family and giving, festive decorations, social gatherings and office parties, tasty sweets, family meals, shopping, and more.

With so many jolly activities to participate in, it's important to make sure you, your loved ones, and your organization are safe and healthy this holiday season. Consider the following resources to get you ready for the holidays!

Topics: Commercial Insurance Risk Management Health Risk Management Personal Insurance & Risk Management

Happy Thanksgiving From Gibson!

By Gibson on Nov 27, 2019 6:30:00 AM

We at Gibson would like to extend to you and yours our best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving this year! We are thankful for you - our friends, family, clients, and colleagues. Give thanks, and enjoy the family, food, and frivolity!

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
6 min read

Are You Fully Embracing Corporate Giving?

By Becky Beckman on Nov 22, 2019 6:30:00 AM

As a marketing professional, I have been on both sides of the same equation. As a corporate leader for a global company, I made decisions to ensure our local community was supported by making charitable contributions to worthy nonprofits.  Later, when I worked for the nonprofit Kelly Cares Foundation, this arrangement flipped. I was the one asking corporate executives for charitable contributions to my nonprofit. Now, as the Director of Marketing at Gibson, seeing both sides of the equation and matching those experiences with our own set of priorities has me seeing the whole arrangement from a new vantage point.

As soon as I joined the Gibson team, I asked myself: Are we fully embracing corporate giving? I knew right away, Gibson is an incredibly generous company. It’s very clear we have a culture of servant leadership from the top down and our donations and time prove this. But what difference is it making? Should we have a plan for giving, just like we have a plan for every other part of our company? Of course, the answer is yes.

Research shows nearly 90% of consumers say they’re more likely to buy from a company that supports activities to improve the community. With a statistic like that, do employers really have a choice when it comes to giving and their social reputation? I can enthusiastically say no! But this doesn’t mean throwing together a disjointed giving program that exists outside the bounds of your company’s primary goals.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

By Gibson on Nov 20, 2019 6:30:00 AM

We all have our favorite Thanksgiving traditions. It could be eating turkey and pumpkin pie, spending quality time with family, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, cheering on your favorite football team, preparing for Black Friday shopping, or perhaps you’re someone who loves to start the day by running in a local turkey trot race. This week is a time to gather with friends and family, and to give thanks for our blessings.

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management
5 min read

Great Ideas Often Come From Simple Beginnings

By Gibson on Nov 15, 2019 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Dr. Julie Lauck, Superintendent of Valparaiso Community Schools. We hope you enjoy Dr. Lauck’s wisdom and perspective.

Great ideas often come from simple beginnings. Much like the beginning of a favorite movie of mine, Out of Africa begins with “I had a farm in Africa…” the story of an initiative we started this year in our district begins like this, “I had a Yorkie with a tummy ache.”

I took my dog to the vet late last spring. Dr. Bill Donohue and I began talking about his sponsorship of our one and only therapy dog. My comment to Dr. Donohue was that I would have a therapy dog in every school if I could. Dr. Donohue offered to sponsor any dog we could place. He added that he had a patient expecting a litter of ten English Cream Golden Retrievers. I looked at him and said, “I’ll get every single one placed.” He provided me with the contact information… and so it began.

Topics: Executive

Ask The Advisor: Incentives And Motivation

By Gibson on Nov 13, 2019 8:30:00 AM

 

Nicole Fallowfield, Principal at Gibson, discusses incentives to motivate employees to better health when no matter what, health care cost continue to rise. To hear what Nicole has to say, check out the video below:

Topics: Employee Benefits Health Risk Management Health & Human Services Ask The Advisor
3 min read

Listening Excellence

By Tim Leman on Nov 8, 2019 6:30:00 AM

“The single most significant strategic strength that an organization can have is not a good strategic plan but a commitment to strategic listening on the part of every member of the organization.” – Tom Peters

Those are some pretty strong words. I think we all know listening is important, but are we treating it as Peters says, “the bedrock of leadership excellence,” and thus giving it the attention it deserves? Are we truly being effective listeners?

Topics: Executive
1 min read

Beyond Benefits: Tackling Today's Greatest Talent Challenges Webinar

By Gibson on Nov 6, 2019 6:30:00 AM

We all struggle to get ahead of the talent challenges of today's workplace. At Gibson, we care so much about this topic that we have partnered with employee engagement software leader, Emplify, to bring insights and tools to the table as trusted advisors.

In this webinar, we’ll be joined by Emplify CEO and Co-founder, Santiago Jaramillo, as he shares actionable takeaways to build your own personalized culture framework to help you not only mitigate culture challenges, but get ahead of them.

Topics: Wellbeing
3 min read

Listening To Your Rumble Strips

By Gibson on Nov 1, 2019 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Joel Swanson, Certified EOS Implementer and Speaker. We hope you enjoy Joel’s wisdom and perspective.

It has almost certainly happened to each of us - you’re driving down the road on cruise control. You’re not doing anything reckless, but your mind is on a million things besides the stretch of road you’re on. You’re thinking about your destination, how long it will take to get there, whether you have enough gas, what’s for lunch, and why no one seems to know how to use a turn signal any more.

The next thing you know, you’re literally shaken back into focus by the rumble strip just on the other side of the white line. You’ve drifted a bit, so you make a slight course correction to straighten things out, and continue on your way with more focused direction.

No big deal, right? Right. But things could have gotten really dicey if it weren’t for that rumble strip.

The rumble strip was there to serve a purpose: it let you know that you were off course before you barreled into the ditch. It nudged you into making a small adjustment so you could avoid disaster.

There are rumble strips available to your business. Are you using them?

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Do You Have A Best Friend At Work?

By Whitney Trent on Oct 30, 2019 6:30:00 AM

 

Do you have a best friend at work?

I heard this for the first time three years ago. I’d just started at Gibson and was becoming familiar with employee wellbeing and engagement surveys. I came across this question from the Gallup Q12 survey and remember thinking how strange I thought it was. Honestly, I’d never thought about it before.

Many people have the same reaction. In surveys, some employees comment that they already have a best friend and they don't need to spend extra time with the people they work with outside of work.

Having a best friend at work simply relates to having someone at work that you can confide in or share an experience with.

Turns out… it can be one of the most important factors in employee engagement and happiness at work. Having a best friend at work can lead to increased:

  • Job Satisfaction
  • Performance
  • Productivity

Let’s consider the impact this can have beyond employee satisfaction and employee engagement. What if your “best friend at work” was your saving grace when it comes to your mental health? Sometimes, we struggle sharing details of personal relationships or personal challenges with our closest friends out of fear of judgement or not wanting to feel like a burden, but at times a work friend can be the best person to open up to. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults live with mental illness. More workdays are lost to mental health-related absenteeism than any other injury or illness. A study from the “Mental Health in the Workplace Summit” found mental illness is the leading cause of disability for U.S. adults aged 15 to 44.

Know What To Look For

Recognize the signs. It is important for managers/team leaders and co-workers to know and recognize the common signs listed below:

  • Arriving late
  • Missing deadlines
  • Mood swings
  • A reliable co-worker suddenly is disappearing for hours or days at a time.
  • An unkempt appearance or lack of personal hygiene.

No one should, or has to, handle a mental health challenge on their own. You may be all the help they need or may be the one who can encourage them to get more help. Here’s how:

  • Talk To Them & Show That You Care. Do not force a conversation, but say you are available if they want to talk. Saying that you are there can let them know they are not alone.
  • Stay Calm. Speaking calmly and slowly helps set the tone for them to do the same.
  • Listen. Sometimes, just being there and giving the person the chance to talk is the best help you can provide.
  • Show Empathy. You don’t need to have ever experienced what they are going through or don’t need to tell them you are sorry for them. Recognize their feelings for what they are, such as “I can see how frustrating that is” or “you must be really upset”.
  • Take Care Of Yourself. Helping others can be tiring. Know the limits of what you can do. You can help and listen as a friend, but you can’t do everything on your own.

Given the prevalence of mental illness, you can expect that employees at your organization are experiencing mental health challenges. That’s why it’s important for your organization to create a culture that supports employees’ mental health. While this may sound complicated, creating a workplace that is supportive of mental health is easier than it seems. Here are five simple ways that your company can support employees and their mental health.

  • Promote mental health awareness and destigmatizing it in the office
  • Offer flexible scheduling
  • Address workplace stress
  • Evaluate your benefit offerings
  • Provide mental health training for managers

When you openly talk about mental health, the ways you support mental health, and communicate the resources available,  employees are more likely to feel comfortable and ask for help if they’re struggling.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, talk about how you are feeling with someone you trust. Do not be ashamed to admit you need help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is always staffed and ready to listen at 1-800-273-TALK(8255).

 

 

Topics: Wellbeing HR Solutions
6 min read

5 Trigger Points Of Employee Disengagement

By Gibson on Oct 25, 2019 6:30:00 AM


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Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger, Nicole MacLean, Director of Relationship Marketing at Emplify. We hope you enjoy Nicole’s wisdom and perspective.

Nobody thrives in a plague or does their best work while fending off lions. And it doesn’t take a catastrophe to throw stress reactions into overdrive. When people don’t trust that they’ll be able to complete their work without surprises — especially those that come with negative consequences — engagement is nearly impossible. 

Being prepared to maintain employee engagement by addressing the difficulties that come with change is mission critical when triggers arise. Change is tough to absorb individually and as a company; keeping tabs on exactly how it affects your team should guide your efforts to maintain engagement through the shift. Without this feedback, you risk adding to your difficulties by setting the stage for disengagement and its costly sidekicks — low productivity, absenteeism, subpar customer service, and turnover.

Topics: Executive
1 min read

Ask The Advisor: Personal Liability Protection

By Gibson on Oct 23, 2019 6:30:00 AM

 

Liz Misenar, Principal at Gibson, discusses personal liability protection. Accidents happen and unfortunately so do lawsuits. The amount of the settlement has nothing to do with your financial resources and you are legally obligated to pay whether you have the funds or not. To hear what Liz has to say, check out the video below:

Topics: Personal Insurance & Risk Management Personal Insurance Ask The Advisor
3 min read

The True Role Of Corporate Leadership

By Gibson on Oct 18, 2019 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Renea Boots, EVP & Chief Administration Officer for Farmers State Bank. We hope you enjoy Renea’s wisdom and perspective.

I recently ran across the following quote.

“Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don’t interfere.” – Ronald Reagan

Reading these words, I felt myself smiling, remembering that I have often said “Get great people, empower them, and get out of their way!” Maybe I read this quote earlier in my career and stole it from President Reagan, or maybe it just made sense and great minds think alike (except that I don’t consider my mind great).

Regardless, there is tremendous truth in the statement. As my career has morphed from HR into corporate leadership, I’ve learned that developing self-confidence in people, removing hurdles when needed, praising good work, and occasionally cleaning up a mess is really the true day-to-day nature of my role. The other focus of corporate leadership is looking out to next month, next quarter, next year - and preparing the organization for what lies ahead.

Mid-level managers are best equipped to handle most challenges an organization faces each day. The question is - are you letting them?

Topics: Executive
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