Not all organizations achieve excellence. While many aspire to excellence, only some reach the level where results are not just consistent but stellar and improving across all dimensions of performance — from quality and service to financial health and workforce.…

Some leaders stand out—not because they’re the most charismatic but because they combine two key traits: a bold vision for the future and a genuine humility in how they lead. These leaders inspire others, foster collaboration, and achieve exceptional outcomes without seeking the spotlight.…

My colleague Michael Gerharz PhD has written this article for us as I thought you all would find his insights and framework useful in your strategic work.…

These times remind me of the importance of staying grounded in the ABCs……

I will equip my team with tools, resources, and inspiration to delight our customers.…

Setting a strategic course is crucial for long-term success. This becomes trickier in a period of significant flux in your region or sector.…

Here’s a recap of the articles featured this quarter. Perhaps one that you had hoped to read and then it slipped by.…

Whether we intend it or not, our measures keeps broadcasting what is important around here. Measurement is a hard-wired communications system.…

As a leader, one of your key responsibilities is to guide the selection and the launch of new initiatives — new services, new products, new locations, new technologies, new processes, etc.…

As leaders, we are often at the forefront, guiding strategic change. Whether in the context of setting a new strategic direction, shepherding the execution of strategic priorities, or leading an organization-wide change initiative, senior leaders are change-makers.…

Quality. Access. Sustainability. Certain words need definition. Without it, they are quite meaningless. With greater clarity, we can create organizational focus, drive, and even results.…

Organizational improvement initiatives are frequently focused on improving processes to better serve our customers.…

For leaders, removing the blinders helps us see around the corner and across the landscape, and brings into view things we otherwise would have been blind to.…

Here’s a recap of the articles featured this quarter. Perhaps one that you had hoped to read and then it slipped by.…

In the world of organizational leadership, the ability to develop and harness effective habits is invaluable.…

“The Future is already here; it is just not evenly distributed.” — William Gibson…

When we think of learning, we most often think of individuals. Individuals acquiring new knowledge, a new skill, gaining insights through an experience, and the like.…

Processes produce results; and people work in processes. If we want improved results, we are best served to improve the processes producing the results.…

A Swiss Army Knife is regarded as a versatile, multi-functional, and useful tool. It is easy to carry. And you never know exactly when you’ll need any one of its many features.…

I am excited to once again gain and share inspiration from the Quest for Excellence conference.…

A new year. And a quarterly recap of Excellence Advantage Inspirations. Over two years ago, I first began to write and share these inspirations. 55 editions later, I keep at it for the same reason: You!…

When I have been on-site at clients recently, many people have taken notice of one of two tools that I use consistently. They are often intrigued after observing, and then casually ask: What is that?…

Over the past several years, Christian Milaster and I have been working with a number of community health centers who are looking out past the immediate horizon. They seek to be well-prepared for the future.…

Recently, two of my colleagues had a podcast conversation on the topic: Is Everyone Coachable? The short answer is No. The long answer is a bit more nuanced……

Or have you already hired Proof-of-Concepts? This article is provided by my close colleague and collaborator, Christian Milaster, as it is very pertinent to many of you and the work you do to ensure the success of new initiatives.…

In a prior edition, I highlighted an organization, a leader, and a region, who are individually and collectively, making a significant impact.…

An organization. A leader. A region. Each improving rapidly. Adapting, growing, embracing change. Leading the way.…

A new year. And a quarterly recap of Excellence Advantage Inspirations. Over two years ago, I first began to write and share these inspirations. 55 editions later, I keep at it for the same reason: You!…

What does excellence mean to you and your organization? What is the advantage you create through pursuing excellence in earnest?…

Measures are your hardwired communications system.…

How mature are your organizational processes? Are you getting the results you want? And need? Do you know which processes are most impacting your results?…

Does your Board of Directors contribute to or detract from an environment of high performance?…

Simple to understand, but more complex to fully embed across an organization. Immensely impactful once it becomes the “way we do everything!”…

When many groups meet, they often resort to all-too-common, discussion-style team meeting. In my experience, there are much better methods, depending on the objectives you are seeking to achieve.…

I share this recap of articles from the past few months. Perhaps there was a piece that you had hoped to read or re-read and then time slipped by. Is there a question that prompts your attention or spurs your next action?…

“Trust but Verify”…

Are you striving for excellence? Do you have the necessary ingredients for success?…

By understanding your triggers and habitual reactions, you can learn to navigate high-intensity situations with greater composure and thoughtful response.…

How do you monitor the performance of your newest programs, such as virtual care?…

Are you getting the results you want?…

We all have our well-established, mental mindsets. They run on auto-pilot in well-grooved paths. We have developed these auto-responses over years of experience. Are these reactions serving you well?…

I share this recap of articles from the past few months. Perhaps there was a piece that you had hoped to read or re-read and then time slipped by. Is there a question that prompts your attention or spurs your next action?…

What are you planning for relative to next month, next year, the next decade?…

Feedback vs. Feed-forward: Which will better achieve your intent?…

As we think about speeches that have moved us…whether at a Commencement…from the TED stage or in a keynote…what we often recall is a single line that touched us deeply…

Is managing active or passive? How do you see it?…

I find that in high-performing organizations, senior leaders spend about one third of their time strategically. And another third on improvement work. How do you spend your time?…

As leaders, one of our roles is to create clarity & alignment. Well-articulated mission, vision and values light the path and point the way…

Perhaps there was an article that you set aside to read, and then it slipped by. No problem, here’s a brief synopsis of my articles from the last quarter so you can find the one you wanted to read, re-read, or take action on. …

Situation: You are the leader of an organization. You’re a few years into your role. Yet, everywhere you look things are just average, or even below average. And you are a few years into it! What to do?…

Do you consistently deliver on your plans? Are you producing the improving results you need?…

Beyond selecting a 360° tool, selection of a wide range of participants is essential. They give us perspectives to see our impact, habits, leadership approaches, and often highlight a range of areas for improvement…

What are your top organizational priorities for the year? To be most successful in accomplishing these priorities, what aspects of your leadership could also use improvement or fine-tuning?…

Where are things stuck? What is causing the blockage?…

What is the story that you wish to tell? that you need to tell?…

Perhaps there was an article that you set aside to read, and then it slipped by. No problem, here’s a recap from the last quarter so you can find the one you wanted to read, re-read, or take action on. Here’s to creating your distinctive excellence advantage in 2023!…

A collection of my all-time favorite quotes offered as gifts for you to unwrap when you are ready (one at a time or all at once). I hope you will find one that you cherish…

As leaders and leadership teams we must seek to routinely re-evaluate and improve our effectiveness. What will you focus on improving this year to be more effective?…

With gratitude for leaders guiding their organizations to be a better place. Great leaders are not satisfied with good enough…

As health and human service organizations embark on their Virtual Care 2.0 approach, I encourage leaders to consider these key ingredients for leading transformational change.…

What is broken that needs fixing? Where is an overhaul necessary?…

“What do you do?” If in the realm of work, I typically say that “I work with organizations striving to be excellent.” In one form or fashion I hear “But aren’t all organizations?” That is when the conversation gets interesting.…

These bi-weekly insights are offered to you, my clients and colleagues, as you seek to create your distinctive excellence advantage… for your organization, for your program, for your effectiveness as a leader. …

Am I better off for having known {you}? How would your colleagues, your manager, your staff reply?…

Lencioni’s model of teamwork has stood the test of time. It describes both the dysfunctions so commonly found on teams, as well as the five behaviors that create cohesion and effectiveness.…

Primary care physicians are such a crucial part of patient care and the healthcare ecosystem. Yet, they are not superhuman! They cannot manifest 26.7 hours in a day.…

Some leaders are successful because of, and in spite of, these three beliefs. (Goldsmith, Wagner, Coffey 2021, The Coaches Play Book).…

What are the questions that you asked and answered in your most recent planning cycle?…

Organizations pursuing excellence become experts in improvement.…

I provide these bi-weekly insights as inspiration for you, my clients and colleagues, as you seek to create your distinctive excellence advantage… for your organizations, for your programs, for your effectiveness as a leader.…

Change is inevitable, yet, we often put off the important work of succession planning for another day.…

How do you convey your key priorities as a leader?…

Management by Fact: understanding, with data, where you are, how things are progressing, and determining the most appropriate ways to intervene to improve performance.…

Successful leaders recognize that “what got them here, won’t get them there.” (Marshall Goldsmith)…

Do you remember when we were required to do our banking at a bank during banker’s hours? No?! I hardly remember that either, as it seems so long ago and so arcane.…

What is your organization’s track record when it comes to improvement?…

I created these bi-weekly articles for you, my clients and colleagues, to offer insights and inspirations as you seek to create your distinctive excellence advantage… for your organizations, for your departments/programs, for your effectiveness as a leader.…

The greatest gift a coach can give a player, a teacher can give a student, and a parent can give to their child is the opportunity to imagine great things.” ~ Coach K (source: Duke Magazine winter 2021)…

Excellence is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice among many alternatives.” –source unknown. …Words to live by!…

Going from where the status quo was tolerated to where improvement was expected and then celebrated, and eventually to where excellence and momentous change is pervasive…These have been my greatest joys as a change agent.…

What comes to mind for you when you think of organizational transformation?…

I created these bi-weekly articles for you, my clients and colleagues, to offer insights and inspirations as you seek to create your distinctive excellence advantage… for your organizations, for your departments/programs, for your effectiveness as a leader.…

Do your staff know where the organization is headed and feel a part of getting there?…

Do our leadership agendas ensure progress toward our defined strategic direction?…

Your measurement system is your hardwired communications system.…

For your next crisis, increase your organizational preparedness through scenario-based planning: Decrease your risks. Have a plan. In fact, have a Plan A, a Plan B, and a Plan C.…

With clarity on where you are headed, the key becomes delivery – consistently executing on plans to deliver continuously improving results that are of importance.…

As senior leaders, one of our most vital roles is setting the organizational direction. Our organizations are looking for clarity about where we are going.…

Organizations change because individuals change. Adept change agents help individuals move through the transitions.…

Focus on your best leaders. You will learn from them as much as they will learn from you.…

Are you in pursuit of excellence for yourself, your team, your organization? For many, this is a journey. But there are places to sprint along the way. One of those places is in setting a clear and compelling direction.  What does excellence mean for your organization? Your team? For your leadership approach? Where are you headed, and why does it matter to those you serve? How will you know if you are getting there, or whether you have taken a detour (or even a backslide)? Leaders in high-performing organizations set a distinctive and inspiring direction that leads the organization toward…

Transformed and Transformative Leader Fred Kniffin, CEO…

Tom Dee, President & CEO SVHC…

Transformative Leaders: Dick Courcelle  …

Highlights Leaders from around the region gathered for a conversation about leadership and creating excellence. We began with some highlights from Larry Jensen & Darren Childs regarding key elements contributing to excellence at Rutland Regional Medical Center (and other organizations they have been a part of). Larry spoke about the critical importance of creating alignment and engagement in an organization. A clear organizational direction helps to create alignment. Larry conveyed the importance of a planning process that is real; a planning cycle that: examines the environment and its shifts, sets a clear and compelling direction for the organization, and then…

Up next in our Transformative Leaders series is a conversation with Mike Solimano, President & General Manager of Killington/Pico Ski Resort. Our conversation covered a wide variety of topics including how Mike and his management team are reconnecting with guests, improving the guest experience, and making Killington/Pico a fun place to work. We also talked about how Mike’s leadership approach has changed since he came into his role as General Manager.…

We continue our Transformative Leaders Series, interviewing high-impact leaders from around the region. In this episode we hear from President & CEO of Rutland Regional Medical Center, Tom Huebner. Kathy and Tom talk about setting an ambitious organizational vision and working with determination to achieve it. Tom also shares insights about leading, even in saying goodbye. Tom will be retiring soon and we use this interview to talk about many of the tremendous accomplishments he has seen at Rutland Regional.…

We are doing a leadership series about Transformative Leaders where Kathy is having conversations with transformative, high impact leaders around the region. We will share each of the full interviews as a resource here on the site. The conversations are full of leadership insights from leaders who have been transformative in their organizations and region. Please enjoy our first video in the series!…

‘Management by Fact’ is one of the values exhibited in high-performing organizations. Management by Fact is a philosophy of management. It is about understanding, with data, where you are and determining the most appropriate way to intervene to improve performance. As leaders, we must learn how to “extract larger meaning from data and information to support evaluation, decision-making, improvement and innovation” (Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence). Becoming a fact-based manager is about understanding how to use data to manage. Understanding what data to collect, how to examine data, how to interpret data, and how to determine when to intervene (and…