#1

The CEO Catalyst

"A quick leadership leverage idea"

Practice Planned Abandonment Before You Plan 2027

Peter Drucker taught that the most effective leaders don’t just decide what to start. They regularly decide what to stop. Every outdated report, meeting and “we’ve always done it this way” initiative takes time, money and attention away from your top priorities.

Action: Before your 2027 planning session, ask your leadership team: “If we weren’t already doing this, would we start it today?” Make a list of three things to stop, shrink or hand off by January 1. Then put the time you free up toward your top strategic priority.

#2

The HR Radar

"A quick culture boost idea"

Make Gratitude a Management Practice, Not a Holiday Moment

Wharton research by Adam Grant and Francesca Gino found that a simple thank-you from a manager made employees significantly more productive. In one study, fundraisers who were thanked made about 50% more calls the following week. Gallup also finds that managers account for at least 70% of the difference in team engagement.

Action: This November, ask every manager to give three specific thank-yous a week. Each one should name the person, the action and the impact it had. Check back in January to see whether engagement or follow-through improved on their teams.

#3

The Quote Quench

"Refresh your leadership perspective"

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward

(Appreciation only matters once the person hears it.)

#4

The Leadership Reflection Question

"Challenge your leadership growth"

Who on my team has carried more than their share this year, and do they know I noticed?

(When did I last tell them, specifically?)

#5

The Attorney Accelerator

"Simple strategies for authentically building your client base"

Skip the holiday card rush. This month, send five handwritten Thanksgiving notes to the clients and referral sources who helped you most this year, naming one specific moment you appreciated.

A personal note is remembered long after holiday cards are recycled, and it keeps you top of mind as clients plan their new year.