Any customer-facing role is at risk of landing a toxic client. Business leaders and marketers must evaluate prospective customers as they would prospective employees during the hiring process. They should assess the individual for cultural fit and identify undesirable personality traits and mannerisms contradicting their organization’s values and growth objectives.

Communication skills are essential for leaders to have in their tool kit. Consider five Cs of effective communication to ensure your messaging hits the mark and motivates your team.

I recently returned from a new experience: Dogsledding and camping in Ely, Minnesota with the Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge family. It was an amazing adventure augmented by the presence of five incredible Canadian Inuit dogs pulling my sled. These working dogs were friendly, loving, and docile, but when pulling the sled down the trail they became determined machines focused on one thing: Pulling. This display of teamwork made me think about leadership, and what an example they provided!

Have you been hit by the professional burnout bus? Learn to identify the causes and symptoms of burnout and take action with five practical steps to bring your creative side back to life.

Companies that intentionally pursue a more diverse, equitable and inclusive (DEI) culture are more prone to be resilient in times of crisis. In fact, these companies tend to be more proactive in responding to change, often minimizing or avoiding a crisis altogether.

Recently, I came across a business card I saved from my very first, real career job out of college at the International Institute of St. Louis. The colleagues, volunteers, refugees, and immigrants with whom I worked at the International Institute more than a decade ago are the ones that inspired me to take a plunge and start ELEVATE NEXT.

Leverage technology to reduce tardiness and reframe your view of others who are habitually late. They have virtuous traits your team needs!

One of the top traits to look for in colleagues is listening skills. A good listener is skilled at active listening. Why?

Intentionally build a network and company culture of creativity and inclusion. Ensure that there is no room for bullies at YOUR company.