As the pace slows and the days stretch longer, summer offers a perfect window to reflect, recharge, and retool your leadership approach. That’s why we’ve gathered this fresh collection of insights from award-winning leadership thinkers and authors—designed to spark new thinking and support your continued growth.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, reconnect with your purpose, or simply enjoy a burst of inspiration, I know this Carnival brings the breeze of insight you’ve been looking for.
Scroll on… your next leadership breakthrough might just be a beach read away.
And for an extra dose of summertime fun, complete this Lazy Days of Summer bingo card with 24 bite-size learning activities to help any leader develop and grow during the lazy days of summer.
And to turn up the heat and introduce some friendly competition, the first 10 to tag me with their completed card on LinkedIn will get a copy of their choice of one of my books: Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go or Promotions Are SO Yesterday.
(Because seeing clearly starts from within.)
Mindful Leadership Starts in the Body – Jennifer Zach
Somatic awareness is the foundation of mindful leadership—it helps us notice what’s happening in our bodies so we can respond with clarity instead of reacting from stress. By tuning into subtle cues like breath, posture, and tension, leaders can stay grounded, navigate challenges with presence, and foster deeper trust and connection with their teams. Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn.
Seeing Ourselves Clearly: Overcoming Leadership Blindspots – John Stoker
It is not uncommon for us to have blindspots or lack the self-awareness that is so needed by today’s leaders. Understanding how our behavior impacts others is the key to making individual improvements that will help us be successful with people. Here are 12 explanations for while we fall prey to our blindspots and some suggestions for improving our self-awareness. Connect with John on LinkedIn.
Big Goals: Why Thinking Small Won’t Get You Far – Bernd Geropp
Learn why setting only small, realistic goals can hold you back – and how bold, ambitious goals can energize your thinking and drive your business forward. Connect with Bernd on LinkedIn.
(Leaders nourish engagement, retention, and what really matters.)
Love ‘Em or Lose Millions: Why Employee Retention is a Bottom-Line Issue – Bev Kaye
Employee turnover isn’t just an HR issue—it’s a bottom-line crisis. In today’s workplace, companies lose millions replacing talent, while disengaged employees quietly cost even more. The real key to retention? Investing in leadership, growth, and meaningful career conversations—because when employees feel seen, valued, and supported, they stay, and your business thrives. Connect with Bev on LinkedIn.
What Really Motivates Employees? Lessons from Herzberg – Mary Ila Ward
What really motivates your team? Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory offers a timeless framework to help leaders understand the difference between what satisfies employees—and what simply keeps them from quitting. In our latest blog, we explore how supervisors can move beyond managing hygiene factors (like pay and working conditions) to actively fostering motivators like recognition, growth, and meaningful work. Connect with Mary on LinkedIn.
Employee Engagement Hack: Why Empowerment is More Than a Buzzword – Dana Theus
Empowerment isn’t just a trendy HR term—it’s the secret sauce to unlocking genuine employee engagement. When leaders trust their teams with autonomy, resources, and purpose, performance and satisfaction naturally follow. Shifting from control to confidence can transform workplace culture and drive lasting results. Connect with Dana on LinkedIn.
Why Team Building Is Important in the Workplace – Sean Glaze
If you are wondering why team building is important in the workplace, this article explores the difference between recreational activites and intentional, facilitated team-building events. Read on to discover the tangible benefits that a smart, strategic approach can deliver for your team and organization. Connect with Sean on LinkedIn.
(Build behaviors and strategies that last well past summer.)
8 Leadership Qualities Separating Good from Great – David Grossman
Great leaders don’t just hit goals – they inspire people to do their best work and feel valued while doing it. Discover eight qualities that set exceptional leaders apart today, plus real, specific insights from top leaders on how they put these traits into practice. Connect with David on LinkedIn.
Here’s a Friendly Reminder – Frank Sonnenberg
Core values don’t shout — they whisper. And in a world full of noise, it’s easy to tune them out. Connect with Frank on LinkedIn.
Voices For Leadership: Lessons From The Operating Room – Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE
Learn about the epic journey of a leader who was sidelined because of a serious health issue but through determination and hard work began a new journey of helping others. Connect with Eileen on LinkedIn.
Politics in the Workplace? Three Tips to Turn Down the Heat – Diana Peterson-More
Recently published survey data show that the political divide in the country has seeped into the workplace. ResumeNow found that 91% have observed or experienced political clashes at work, and 81% say the workplace has become more tense. Read on to discover three foundational, easy-to-embrace and apply tips to rein in this trend, and begin to return to a collegial, productive and safe workplace environment. We didn’t get here overnight, and we will need a concerted effort to reverse the trend. More tips to come. . . Connect with Diana on LinkedIn.
(Staying ahead means reading the tide and paddling early.)
Lead Today, Prepare for Tomorrow: Building a Culture of Continuity – Angela Hummel
Succession planning isn’t just an HR initiative—it’s a core leadership responsibility that starts now. This post explores how leaders can build a culture of continuity by preparing others, documenting key knowledge, and thinking proactively about “what’s next.” Because strong leadership isn’t just about today—it’s about what you leave behind. Connect with Angela on LinkedIn.
Organizational adaptation for the future – Marcella Bremer
If one of the possible future scenarios is a decline – how do you prepare? Check Dator’s scenarios, the X-curve, Bendell’s adaptation framework and your organization’s culture and readiness. Connect with Marcella on LinkedIn.
Leaders, If You Want to Keep Your Edge, It’s Time to Make AI Your Strategic Partner – Sara Canaday
Today’s leaders aren’t lacking grit, they’re lacking capacity. This is a wake-up call. It’s about recognizing the moment we’re in and what’s quietly reshaping leadership as we know it: AI. Not the futuristic kind. The practical kind. The kind that can give leaders back the space and time to think, lead, and connect. Connect with Sara on LinkedIn.
Is Your Forecast a Reality Check or a Fantasy? – Jon Verbeck
Most business forecasts start with good intentions. But somewhere between “assumptions” and “projections,” they become wishful thinking….Before you know it, your forecast isn’t telling you what’s likely to happen— It’s telling you what you hope will happen. Connect with Jon on LinkedIn.
(Purpose, values, and humanity drive leadership success.)
Love Business, Lead Better – Bill Treasurer
Too many leaders go through the motions of business without ever truly embracing it. But the secret to great leadership might just be falling in love with the whole messy, meaningful ecosystem of business itself. When curiosity turns into passion, everything starts to click into place. Connect with Bill on LinkedIn.
3 Pillars of Respect – S. Chris Edmonds
How well do leaders in an organization model respect using sample valued behaviors? Take the quiz from S. Chris Edmonds linked at the bottom of the post. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn.
Making Space for Joy in Leadership – John Spence
You can’t lead well if you’re constantly depleted. In this article, I share why protecting small moments of joy is essential. For your clarity. For your focus. And for the people counting on you. Connect with John on LinkedIn.