One of our clients recently shared an all too familiar tension. Their senior team members are sharp, seasoned, and committed—but not always aligned. Deadlines slip. Priorities drift. And my client finds themselves caught in a tug-of-war between two leadership instincts: push for clarity and results, or step back and give space.

It’s a challenge many leaders face, especially when leading experienced professionals. You’re not dealing with junior staff who need task-level direction. You’re managing people who expect autonomy, and still look to you for alignment and momentum. That gap—between hands-on leadership and empowered ownership—is where things often break down.

So how do you know when to intervene versus when to let go?

Let’s break this down.

The Temptation to Overcorrect

When results stall, most leaders react in one of two ways:

• Over-functioning: You jump in. Take on too much. Fill in the gaps. It’s faster, cleaner, and it feels like leadership in action.

• Under-...

One of the biggest challenges in business isn't financial instability or market competition—it’s the fear of unpredictability and isolation. Many entrepreneurs and business leaders find themselves thinking, I'm all by myself. Nobody understands what I'm experiencing. I have to do this on my own. I know, I’ve been there. This fear can be paralyzing, and it doesn’t have to dictate success or failure. It can also be a good indication of how you can provide certainty to your clients and prospects.

The Power of Predictability

At the heart of people's fear is the unknown. Unpredictability breeds anxiety because we don’t know what’s coming next. This is why structure and proven systems are crucial. They provide a roadmap to follow, giving people a sense of control in what can often feel like chaos.

When you introduce predictability, you say, Here’s how we get to the outcome. We follow these steps, and they have worked before. This clarity becomes a stabilizing force amid the uncertainty...

Sloppy communication is everywhere. It creeps into workplace conversations, casual check-ins, and even crucial project updates. It’s that vague, non-committal response that leaves everyone assuming things will get done—until they don’t. If you’ve ever dealt with a situation where tasks keep falling through the cracks, you’ve probably been a victim of sloppy communication.

Snow More Sloppy Communication

Recently I was speaking with a client, and he gave a perfect example of sloppy communication. The manager of his building company had delegated snow removal, and the conversation went something like this:

Manager: “What’s happening with the snow removal?”
Employee: “We got it handled.”

Fast forward to the next snowfall (because in Canada there is always a “next”), and low and behold, no one was removing the snow. Why? Because “we got it handled” is not a plan, it’s not a commitment, and it’s certainly not an actionable response. It’s a vague assurance that gives the illusion of pro...

Words shape our reality. The language we use in everyday conversations—whether with employees, customers, or even ourselves—has a profound impact on our mindset and emotions. One small and powerful shift in language is how we use the word "need."

The Energy of "Need"

When you say, "I need to do this," where does that energy come from? Need is rooted in fear. It comes from a sense of lack, a place of contraction, and a focus on what is missing. It’s backward-looking, tied to worry and scarcity.

Think about how often you use the word "need."

Each statement carries a sense of pressure and obligation. It’s as if something bad will happen if the "need" isn’t met. But fear-based language doesn’t create—it constricts.

Shifting to "Will" and "Intend"

Now, let’s reframe the same statements with a different energy:

As wildfires blaze across Los Angeles, we are reminded of the unpredictable forces that can upend our lives in an instant. These fires, driven by relentless winds and fueled by dry conditions, are a stark metaphor for the unexpected challenges we can face in our personal and professional lives. While we can’t prevent every crisis, we can prepare for them—and preparation can make all the difference between survival and devastation.

The Importance of Being Prepared

Wildfires teach us that readiness isn’t optional; it’s essential. Families in fire-prone areas create evacuation plans, pack go-bags, and establish communication strategies. These steps don’t stop the fires, but they do save lives and minimize loss. Similarly, businesses must be equipped to handle unforeseen challenges. Whether it’s a sudden shift in market conditions, a global pandemic, or an unexpected competitor, the ability to adapt quickly is a hallmark of resilience.

The "What If?" Exercise

One powerful way to prepar...

At Connect To The Core, we believe that the most powerful communication starts from within. We’re not simply another communication coaching company—we are on a mission to help individuals and organizations find their authentic voice and connect with others in meaningful ways. Our name, Connect To The Core, reflects our philosophy and approach: connecting deeply to the values, drivers, and essence of who you are will allow you to easily and authentically connect with others.

Why "Connect To The Core"?

The name of our company is more than a label; it’s a guiding principle. To connect effectively with others—whether it’s your team, your target market, or your community—you must first connect with yourself. What are your core values? What drives you? What are the fundamental beliefs that shape your approach to life and work? Understanding these things is not just a individual journey; it’s the foundation of effective communication in your business as well as your personal life.

He...

September: The Second New Year

When we think of new beginnings, January 1st often comes to mind. But for many, September brings the same sense of fresh starts and renewed energy, thanks to the ingrained rhythm of the school calendar. As summer ends and school begins, there’s a palpable shift in mindset—a feeling of newness and pumpkin spice that can inspire us to set goals, reorganize, and refocus. Whether or not you have children heading back to school, the patterns of life in September often make it feel like a "second new year."

Here are three ways you can take advantage of this momentum:

1. Set Your “Second New Year” Goals

Just like we set resolutions in January, September is a great time to review where you stand with the goals you may have set earlier in the year. Maybe some have fallen by the wayside, or perhaps new priorities have emerged. Take a moment to assess what's working and what’s not. Set fresh, realistic goals for the next few months and approach them with the ...

Feedback and criticism are integral parts of personal and professional growth. And, the impact of feedback can vary widely, sometimes hitting us like a grain of salt and other times feeling as heavy as a boulder. Understanding why this happens and how to navigate these varying impacts is key to harnessing the power of feedback effectively.

The Grain of Salt: When Feedback Feels Manageable

When feedback is constructive and delivered thoughtfully, it often feels manageable—like a grain of salt. In these instances, the feedback is usually:

1. Specific and Actionable: Clear, targeted suggestions that offer a path for improvement can feel empowering. Knowing exactly what to work on makes the feedback feel like a helpful nudge rather than a daunting challenge.

2. Delivered with Empathy: When the person providing feedback shows understanding and compassion, it softens the impact. A supportive tone can make even critical feedback easier to digest.

3. Aligned with Personal Goals: If the...

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, the pursuit of growth is constant. Whether you're a start-up aiming to establish your foothold or a seasoned corporation striving to maintain your edge, the quest for progress is ever-present. Amidst this pursuit, one strategy stands out as a beacon of success: good communication, specifically cascading information throughout the organization.

Effective communication lies at the heart of every thriving enterprise. It's not merely data exchange; it's about fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and shared understanding. When information cascades seamlessly from the top echelons to the grassroots level, it fuels alignment, empowers employees, and drives organizational agility. And yes, even my company falls prey to the busyness of “work”, and we sometimes lapse in our strategic growth planning. And when we do get together regularly, and information is disseminated throughout the organization and wins are celebrated we are all bet...

In the world of business, entrepreneurs often face challenges that require strategic thinking and resilience. Whether it's due to economic downturns, industry disruptions, or personal circumstances, there may come a time when a business owner needs to make difficult decisions. Facing tough times in a business doesn't mean failure, it’s part of the risk of being a business owner. And let’s face it, “good times” hide a multitude of sins. So, when tough times come around the corner it can be a great opportunity to make necessary changes that have been put off for too long. In this blog, we’ll explore some strategies business owners can adopt to navigate challenges successfully and improve their growth outlook.

1. Assess the Situation Honestly

The first step in any challenging situation is to assess it honestly. This means taking stock of the business's financial health, market position, and growth prospects. It's important to objectively evaluate the entire business not simply the ar...