Why Self-Managed Teams Need Pathfinders

Neil HartleyRecruitmentLeave a Comment

a path through the woods

In traditional organizations, people are often hired for their hard skills and promoted (eventually) for their soft skills. In self-managed organizations, that order must be reversed. The success of the model depends not just on what people can do, but on how they show up: how they think, adapt, collaborate, and take ownership. In short, soft skills must come first … Read More

How Pathfinders Help Avoid the Trash Heap of Business History

Neil HartleyCoachingLeave a Comment

How to Avoid the Trash Heap of History eBook - covers for various devices.

Forty-two-percent of global CEOs see the cliff – do you? The cliff you ask? Their companies won’t be viable in the next ten years if they continue on their current path. Think about that for a minute. These captains of industry told PwC’s 28th Annual Global CEO Survey they are heading for disaster if they can’t change their company. That … Read More

Career Rocket Fuel – Building Pathfinder Skills

Neil HartleyCoachingLeave a Comment

Career Rocket Fuel- Building Pathfinder Skills - eBook cover

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard of the term Pathfinder (a.k.a. Trailblazer, Pioneer, Explorer etc.). Those individuals who, faced with opportunities and challenges, forge new paths and choose innovation over the status quo. You may already be a Pathfinder or may have taken our Pathfinder assessment and found that you have opportunities to move along the Pathfinder spectrum. Regardless, … Read More

The Moment of Truth: Leadership Opportunities and Challenges at Series B and C Funding

Neil HartleyVUCALeave a Comment

inflection point

The moment a company closes its Series B or C round represents a major milestone. It signals validation from investors, recognition of the company’s product-market fit, and the potential for sustained growth. But it also marks a critical inflection point – one that may demand a different leadership approach than what was needed to get there. At this stage, companies … Read More

Coaching Your Team to Be Better Systems Thinkers

Neil HartleyCoachingLeave a Comment

an image of a mountain at night with its reflection in a lake and the milky way above

In today’s interconnected and fast-paced world, the ability to think in systems is becoming an essential skill for teams and organizations. Systems thinking allows individuals to see the broader picture, recognize patterns, and understand how different parts of a system interact. As a manager, you can coach your team to develop this critical skill, enabling them to make more informed … Read More

Coaching Your Team to Nurture Their Inner Builder

Neil HartleyCoachingLeave a Comment

a constructed pile of stones

In today’s fast-paced work environment, teams that are driven by a desire to build, create, and innovate are crucial for success. As a manager, you have the unique opportunity to coach your team in harnessing this creative energy and using it productively. By encouraging your team members to tap into their innate drive to create, you not only help them … Read More

Coaching Your Team to Challenge the Status Quo

Neil HartleyCoachingLeave a Comment

ripples in a pond

In today’s fast-paced business environment, teams that can challenge the status quo are essential for innovation and growth. As a manager, you have the opportunity to nurture and develop this skill within your team, empowering them to question current practices and push for positive change. However, this doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Your role is to coach your team members … Read More

Breaking Bias: How Traditional Recruitment Practices Exclude ‘Diamonds in the Rough’

Neil HartleyRecruitmentLeave a Comment

several diamonds lying on rough ground

Recruitment processes have long relied on traditional methods like job descriptions, academic credentials, and standardized qualifications. While these methods offer a sense of structure and predictability, they often come with unintended consequences: the exclusion of diverse talent, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This exclusion reinforces biases, preventing organizations from uncovering ‘diamonds in the rough’—people with immense potential who do not … Read More

The Peril of Certainty: How Rigidity Exacerbates Outdated Thinking

Neil HartleyLife StuffLeave a Comment

Figure of Buddha carved from stone.

Certainty feels safe. It’s comforting to know that your beliefs and methods, the ones that got you here, are solid and dependable. But what if this very certainty is what’s holding you back? We recently highlighted the dangers of outdated thinking—clinging to debunked concepts like the Alpha Male or Left-Brain/Right-Brain dominance. Yet, the issue runs deeper. It’s not just about … Read More

Up the Creek Without a Map: Advice for Non-Profit Leaders

Kurt WilsonCoachingLeave a Comment

a map of the USA

What Good Is a Map if the Land Itself Is Actively and Quickly Changing? Imagine a world where mountains suddenly sprout in the desert and oceans cover what was, just a moment ago, fertile farmland. Such a landscape might make for an interesting movie… but would be a nightmare for anyone trying to navigate from one point to another. This … Read More