October 2nd, 2024 Doug Thorpe
“The Emperor’s New Clothes” is a short story written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It is about two weavers who promise an emperor a new suit of clothes that they say is invisible to those who are unfit for their positions, untrained, or incompetent. In reality, the tailors make no new clothes at all. Instead, they make everyone believe […]
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September 20th, 2024 Doug Thorpe
Introduction Running a small business can be a whirlwind of tasks, deadlines, and unexpected challenges. To navigate this complex landscape successfully, it’s essential to have a structured approach. One powerful tool is project management. Often associated with large corporations, project management principles can be adapted to benefit even the smallest of businesses. Benefits of Project […]
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September 19th, 2024 Doug Thorpe
Cultivating Executive Presence In the latest episode of “Leadership Powered by Common Sense,” host Doug Thorpe engages in a compelling conversation with Inga Hebdon, an accomplished executive coach with an ICF PCC credential. The episode delves into the concept of executive presence, exploring its components, the challenges leaders face, and actionable strategies to develop this […]
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September 14th, 2024 Doug Thorpe
Introduction I am pleased to announce the launch of a new chapter in my coaching and consulting business, HeadwayExec. This is a venture that has been several years in the making and now is the time to reveal it to the world. Without a lot of back story, let’s just dive in. Are you ready […]
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September 11th, 2024 Doug Thorpe
Houston, Tx September 11, 2024 It is with great pleasure and a bit of bittersweet personal feeling that I announce my firm, HeadwayExec, LLC has acquired all of the services and intellectual property rights to “Big 5 Performance” and “Big 5 Works.”, the SaaS program and platform developed by my good friend and longtime colleague […]
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September 6th, 2024 Doug Thorpe
Introduction It’s a familiar story: you’re a high-performing individual, known for your exceptional work ethic and technical skills. Your dedication and results lead to a promotion, placing you in a leadership role. But this transition from do-er to director can be challenging. While your ability to “do” is what got you here, the expectations of […]
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August 28th, 2024 Doug Thorpe
This post is a different sort of message. It’s a tribute to someone who I consider a dear friend, brother, professional colleague, co-author, co-conspirator, fellow follower of Jesus Christ, and the most enigmatic human being I have ever known. His name is Roger C. Ferguson. As I begin writing this piece, Roger is in an […]
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August 19th, 2024 Doug Thorpe
In the relentless pursuit of productivity and profitability, many leaders find themselves deeply entrenched in operational details. While these metrics are undeniably important, they often overshadow a far more critical aspect of leadership: the cultivation of strong, personal relationships with team members. It’s a paradox of modern business that the very people who drive success […]
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August 18th, 2024 Doug Thorpe
A leader is only as strong as the team behind them. This adage has never rung truer than in today’s complex and rapidly changing business landscape. In a world characterized by ambiguity, uncertainty, volatility, and complexity (often referred to as VUCA), the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop others is no longer a luxury but […]
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August 11th, 2024 Doug Thorpe
Traditional performance reviews often feel like a dreaded annual ritual filled with vague expectations, subjective assessments, and little actionable feedback. To enhance employee growth and organizational success, we need a more concrete, transparent, and developmental approach. Enter the “Seen It, Done It, Mastered It” framework. Understanding the Framework The “Seen It, Done It, Mastered It” […]
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