The Center for Leadership Studies

That knot in your stomach before a tough conversation? Totally normal. Here’s how to lean in without losing your composure (or your relationship).

Be tough on standards, and easy on people.

➡️ The future of leadership isn't about replacing timeless principles, it's about applying them in new ways. AI is transforming how we work, which creates opportunity to lean even further into the practices that have 📈 proven effective. The Situational Leadership® Model, which has guided leaders for over 55 years, remains as relevant as ever in this new era. At its core, it helps leaders adapt their approach, whether that means providing direction, coaching, collaborating, or delegating, based on the evolving needs of their people. In the age of AI, adaptability is ⚡ crucial. Leaders are now called to help their teams build skills like critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving - capabilities that empower people to work effectively with technology, not against it. 💡 The principles haven’t changed, but how we apply them has.

Onboarding should feel a little more welcoming, right?! 🤔 In a recent webinar, our chat was filled with 👀 nightmare stories about people showing up on their first day of work and no one said a word to them - no hello, no integration, no plan. As I was debriefing with friends, family and colleagues they shared similar stories of their own. 😧 It’s no wonder that 88% of new hires feel disconnected at work. Here are three tips to lead more effectively during the critical period of onboarding: 🔸 Consider pre-boarding: a small gesture before employees officially start 🔸 Connect the dots: help new team members understand “how things work” within the department and organization 🔸 Check in: continuously reach out and meet with new employees to provide additional clarity and celebrate early wins 💡 What are some of your onboarding tips to ensure employees feel integrated into the team?

"Hope" is not a strategy. Let’s build programs that deliver real results.

When things are disruptive, the Situational Leadership® Model equips leaders to diagnose needs. Our VP of Training and Global Master Trainer, Chris McLean, reminds us: the moment you pause to understand what people need, everything shifts.