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What Christmas Movies Teach Us About Reflecting On Our Past
My all-time favorite Christmas movies are A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life — two stories about reflection on the past in order to transform perspectives, behaviors, and actions that impact the future. Scrooge is confronted by The Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol (1951) In A Christmas Carol , Ebenezer Scrooge has settled into his hardened heart of stone, spreading his misery and stench of “bah humbug” wherever he goes. He is visited by the dead gho

Breanna Wells
Dec 19, 20252 min read


The Hard Truth About Career Advancement: You’re the One Responsible
“The person who cares the most about your career advancement is you.” I remember the first time I heard those words, they were very direct and very piercing. I wanted to be told, “That’s really unfair. They should have made sure you had everything you needed to be successful. They knew that the job would be available soon. What even was the point of them giving you a performance review if they weren’t using it to prepare you for what’s next?” I wanted sympathy, I wanted

Christy Frazier
Nov 24, 20253 min read


How to Build Mental Resilience at Work
It’s 4:30 on Friday. You're mentally halfway out the door, dreaming of dinner plans or a quiet evening in. Then your boss walks in with a...

Christy Frazier
Oct 16, 20252 min read


Using Personality Strengths for a More Productive Team – The VIP Way
One of the most powerful ways to bring out the best in your team is to recognize and utilize each member’s unique personality and strengths. In our sessions, we use Gary Smalley’s personality framework — Lions, Otters, Golden Retrievers, and Beavers (more explanation of animal behaviors below). It offers a simple way to spot and leverage different workstyles. Recognizing different work styles (including strengths and blind spots), along with regular touch base meetings, can h

Melissa Dunn
Sep 9, 20252 min read


Why Money Isn’t the Best Motivator (and What Works Instead)
When it comes to motivating people at work, most of us jump to the obvious answer: more money. And don’t get me wrong, money definitely matters.

Jason Stone
Aug 3, 20252 min read


How to Hire for Values: The VIP Way
Hiring the right employee isn’t just about skills or experience—it’s about values. Skills and experience are important – no doubt! But what if you hire someone with all of the right skills and experience but they are not aligned with your organization’s core values?

Melissa Dunn
Jun 22, 20254 min read


How to Make Workplace Meetings Less Painful (and Actually Useful)
Let’s be honest, most people don’t look forward to meetings. They can feel like an unnecessary nuisance that pulls us away from getting...

Jason Stone
Jun 9, 20252 min read


Why Overcoming the Bare Minimum Mindset Matters More Than Ever
We’ve all heard it—or maybe even said it: “That’s not my job.” On the surface, it might sound reasonable. People want clear...
Madeline Baker
May 7, 20252 min read


Avoiding Accusatory Statements: The Key to Better Conversations at Work and Home
When we avoid accusatory statements, the chances of constructive conversations and real resolutions skyrocket.

Jon Harrison
Mar 7, 20252 min read


Managing Energy Drainers...
Work can be fulfilling, but there are factors that can drain your energy and passion if not managed well. Some common energy drainers...

Jason Stone
Feb 5, 20252 min read


Starting a VIP Way Movement - Creating Positive Changes in a Work Environment that Last
Once properly defined, values must be lived out by everyone on the team and that starts with leadership. The leaders set the example, and if

Breanna Wells
Dec 31, 20244 min read


A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Jon Harrison's Mission and Vision
Recently, we were asked by a potential new client (a referral from another client) what our sustainability and growth trajectory looked like

Melissa Dunn
Dec 24, 20245 min read


Mastering Productive Meetings: Tips for Efficiency and Engagement
Meetings are a necessary part of organizational life, yet they often come with a reputation for being unproductive.
Madeline Baker
Oct 28, 20242 min read


How to Move Up in Your Company - Interview with Rich Lavin (Jon’s Previous Boss at CAT)
Believe it or not, success in today’s workplace requires more than just showing up and doing your job. It demands an intentional effort to h

The Jon Harrison Team
Oct 28, 20243 min read


Why Freedom at Work is Earned, Not Given
Everyone craves a workplace where they can be left alone to do their job without being constantly micromanaged.
Madeline Baker
Oct 14, 20242 min read


Standing Up for Yourself at Work | The Dos and Don’ts of Speaking Up
One of the most uncomfortable things for humans is dealing with conflict. Naturally, people swing on two extremes of the pendulum by either

Jon Harrison
Sep 20, 20242 min read


The Wild Side of Personalities
Personality types and tests have been an intriguing, interesting and popular feature in the landscape of work and home. Over the years there
Madeline Baker
Aug 27, 20245 min read


Do you have to have a Certain Personality type to be an Effective Leader?
Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all and not one particular personality type is best suited for leadership over the others. Effective leaders
Madeline Baker
Aug 12, 20243 min read


Do employees see the vision? What to do when goals for behavior and results are unclear...
Hi, Jon,
I am new to leadership and this is my first job where I am responsible for leading a team of people. One area that I really want t
Madeline Baker
Aug 8, 20246 min read


The True Essence of Servant Leadership: Leading with Love
What does it mean to be a servant leader?
The term servant leadership has been around for hundreds (really thousands) of years. Over the y
Madeline Baker
Jul 17, 20246 min read
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