Black Kite’s Post

As I'm checking in with clients and colleagues this Monday, folks spent part of their weekend watching playoff National Football League (NFL) football. The stories behind the game can be as inspirational as the play itself. I am a lifelong San Francisco 49ers fan and yet I've been blown away by the Detroit Lions' part owner Sheila Ford Hamp and went sleuthing for more information. With a team that hasn't had a Super Bowl in 66 years, her impact on this organization is an amazing and brave story. As a young college graduate her desire was to work in the NFL. Though she networked with a family friend, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, she still came up dry and could not break the gender barrier 40+ years ago. That she has now empowered the team to the NFC championship game vs. my Niners is impressive and shows her grit (not because of the privilege of family ownership, rather how she cleared the decks and started over). I share this interview of 11 minutes because she lays out the map of the organizational changes Detroit made to build, learn, grow, and eclipse their past reputation with current success. This is helpful and validating to leaders who have started the culture change process and it's not happening fast enough. Stay the course and persevere. Be intrepid. 1. Start with a noble purpose 2. Recruit/Build Positive Leadership 3. Change Culture 4. Select good team members and trust your choices (even when you're 1 and 6) 5. Elevate Communication across all teams from box office to the field to marketing to the front office. 6. Recognize and value all members and fans. What else did she share--enthusiasm, faith, and confidence. What are YOU most inspired by as you watch these athletes and teams in the final moments of the season and how will you put your insight into action this week?

At the end of the day, it always comes down to leadership and culture. An organization will never thrive without collaboration, communication, and caring. Not just for the employees but also for the greater good of those who they serve. Culture change is not easy and doesn't happen overnight; it requires focus, consistency, belief in the mission, and GRIT! Hats off to Sheila Ford Hamp and the entire Detroit Lions organization for the work you have done and continue to do! https://lnkd.in/gGenn3Vq #leadership #culture #organizationaldevelopment #detroitlions

Here is my new video highlighting a portion of one of my presentations. Looking forward to connecting with many more organizations and sharing important leadership foundations!

The concept this week. Feedback is an investment. I read Unreasonable Hospitality last year and picked the book back up to read through some of my notes (I’m the guy who takes notes in the margins). In the book, Guidara, former general manager of the Michelin-star restaurant Eleven Madison Park, explains that feedback is an investment in the individual, the group, and the organization. I agree. After reading that quote, I laughed. It’s true. As a former professional athlete, I can promise that if you weren’t receiving feedback, you might not be a professional athlete much longer. Feedback is essential, and we have to arrest our egos when we receive it. There isn’t a world where you’re so good that there isn’t ANYTHING someone can tell you to improve your performance. If you’re trying to get better, you need it and should look for it. When I think of feedback, I think about this Kris Richard clip I'm sharing in this post. In the clip, Richard talks to the linebackers in the middle of the game. For whatever reason, the title of this video says ‘mad.’ It couldn’t be further from the truth. Richard is trying to express the urgency around the need for his LBs to improve and his confidence in his two Pro Bowl linebackers to execute. Notice how comfortable the players are in receiving the feedback. This week, let’s accept and seek feedback. It’s an excellent way for us to get better. #MusaMondays #MondayMotivation #NCAA #NFL

We had a fantastic time at the IFMA Greater Toronto and South Central Ontario Chapter Administrator leadership series last week where the spotlight was on the 'Role of Sustainability in Modern Architecture.' Led by a panel of experts, the event featured breakout sessions and plenty of networking opportunities. In case you missed it, you can catch the panel discussion in the link below which is filled with actionable insights. #IFMAleadershipseries #envirotech #officetrends #circularoffice

Introducing Graham Wilkinson, the new UK CEO of AHDB to our farmers and supply chain! Join us for an insightful conversation with Graham, led by Sam Charlton. We dive into his background, the opportunities and challenges facing AHDB, and the strategic direction under his leadership. Gain unique company insight and understand the vision set to drive AHDB forward. Watch the full discussion here: Follow Graham Wilkinson to stay updated with AHDB's journey and industry leadership. #AHDB #Agribusiness #ExecutiveInsight #Leadership

When a leader and coach come together, the results are going to be astonishing. Such great things are happening at #bunche_ms ! Keep the momentum going, Principal Whitfield #KTWhitfield23 and coach McKeever. #LeadershipMatters #Coachingchronicles #Executivelevelmindset

There's a whirlwind of activity in the realm of Structured Literacy professional development. Coincidentally, on the day of the Minister’s announcement, I engaged in a conversation with leaders from two different schools that Learning MATTERS support to implement a Structured Literacy approach. We delved into their experiences implementing Structured Literacy and uncovered what strategies have proven effective in their unique contexts. Topics ranged from securing buy-in and understanding the 'why' behind Structured Literacy to the importance of robust professional development, purposeful implementation planning, dynamic leadership, and the critical aspect of sustainability. There is so much we can and should learn from eachother. #idealapproach #structuredlitercy https://lnkd.in/gWVPbhkU

Helping people perform their best is part of great coaching. Letting people express ideas and adopting them is wise leadership.

ICYMI Catch the full conversation on Joanna Avin's YouTube channel as they tackle "From Frustration to Focus: Leading from the Inside - Out" They share best practices that will take you from Good to Great to Excellent as a leader in your organization and within your circle of influence. You don't want to miss this one! #EI #leadershipwithinfluence