The 3 Types of Listening Every Leader Should Master
Leaders spend a lot of time listening. But the truth? We often do it wrong. Jennifer Garvey Berger, CEO of the London-based firm Cultivating Leadership, introduced a game-changing framework that categorizes listening into three types. Her insights are sharp, practical, and more relevant now than ever. Let’s break them down: 1. Listening to Win This […]
How to Ace a Job Interview: The Two Messages That Matter Most
You got the call. The job you’ve been eyeing is finally within reach. Now, all that stands between you and the offer is the interview. Cue nerves, last-minute Googling, and maybe some LinkedIn interview advice or a dusty career prep folder from your college days. Sure, those interview “dos and don’ts” might have a few […]
Cosmos vs. Locals: How Employee Mindsets Shape Company Culture and Performance
At BetterCulture, we teach a construct we invented called the “Cosmo vs. Local” mindset. Understanding where your people fall on this spectrum says a lot about your company’s cultural health. What’s the difference? High-performing cultures thrive on Locals—those teammates who lift others up, celebrate collective wins, and make the workplace better for everyone. Cosmos, while […]
Who’s Really Boosting Your Bottom Line?
Pop the champagne – your company just wrapped up a killer quarter. Revenue is up nearly 25% year-over-year. That’s huge! So naturally, the credit goes to the rock stars in sales, the brilliant minds in marketing, and the visionaries in product development, right? Go ahead, call HR – ask them to plan the celebration. But […]
From Our Co-Founder’s Desk: Why Culture Still Has a Long Way to Go
A week in Belize with my wife and four other couples— a stunning five-bedroom home, the beach stretching before us, and the peaceful rhythm of a rural paradise. What a nice getaway. But vacations have a funny way of bringing unexpected insights. Between airport layovers, chatting with fellow travelers, and striking up conversations at restaurants, […]
What Executives, Managers, and Employees Can Do to Build Culture from the Bottom Up
The link between culture and business performance is undeniable. Companies with strong cultures are: Today, it’s a given that building a healthy, high-performing culture is essential. What’s less understood is how to do it effectively. Most organizations focus on top-down efforts: vision statements, HR initiatives, and executive communications. And while these matter, they’re not enough. […]
Culture from the Ground Up: Why Bottom-Up Culture Building is the Future of Great Workplaces
For years, the dominant wisdom in business has been that “culture starts at the top.” It’s a phrase that’s often repeated—and for good reason. Senior leaders do play a critical role in shaping the direction and tone of an organization’s culture. But here’s the truth that often gets overlooked:Culture doesn’t become real because a CEO […]
The DNA of Elite Executive Teams: Traits of High-Performing Leadership
At the invitation of owners and CEOs, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to work with many executive teams. In some situations, I have been asked to lead or facilitate processes. In other instances, I have simply been asked to participate and consult. Occasionally, CEOs simply want me to observe and perhaps occasionally ask a question or […]
Why Your Next Executive Retreat Should Focus on Culture
When organizations struggle with people-related issues—turnover, disengagement, conflict, and underperformance—the root cause often comes down to culture. Company culture is a powerful driver of business success, yet it’s frequently misunderstood, neglected, or left to evolve on its own. That’s a dangerous strategy—or, more accurately, a dangerous non-strategy. The ability to build and protect culture starts […]
Leadership Reflections & Resolutions: Lead Your Team to Its Healthiest Year Yet
With a new year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to hit pause and ask yourself: Is my leadership making waves or just treading water? The new year is all about fresh starts and big goals, so why not set some leadership resolutions that will make a real difference for you and your […]