When leaders feel like they’re losing control, they often double down on behaviors that erode trust. This post explores how ego defense mechanisms show up in times of change, and what it really takes to lead when everything feels uncertain.

Effective business negotiation requires three key elements: clear attitude, defined goals, and strategic preparation. The most practical approach involves preparing three specific numbers: your opening price (highest reasonable expectation), your fair value assessment (what the deal is genuinely worth to your business), and your walk-away threshold (the minimum acceptable terms). Successful negotiations focus on mutual value creation rather than adversarial positioning, with honesty and flexibility on non-critical terms often yielding better outcomes than aggressive tactics.

Feeling burned out, unmotivated, or disconnected from your work? You're not alone—and you're not the problem. This article breaks down the real causes of low motivation at work, from lack of autonomy to misaligned purpose, and offers actionable advice for both individuals and organizations to rebuild a more meaningful and motivating workplace.

Struggling to do more with less? Learn how to build an output-focused culture that values human effort, boosts performance, and helps your team deliver meaningful results—without burnout. Take the 30-second culture health quiz now!

Most business owners don’t understand the difference between exempt and non-exempt employees and it’s a big source of HR risk if you get it wrong.

Cultivating workplace resilience means developing habits that help teams adapt during constant change, not just enduring challenges. Leaders foster resilience through open communication, normalizing both success and failure, and modeling healthy work-life balance. Learn more about useful tactics and cultural adjustments to help your workplace thrive in the face of adversity.

Value pricing for creative service businesses

How to choose a productivity suite and maximize your investment in it

Understanding the Essential Prevention Plans Required by CalOSHA

Before you make a new hire in a creative agency, make sure you've optimized the capacity you already have.

Are you happy with your current payroll system? And - just as important these days - are you fully aware of what you should expect from it?

Why do business owners often feel so out of sync with their accountants?

The best way to cost projects in a service business is with gross margin, NOT ABC (Activity-Based Costing), in spite of what some 25 year old MBA told you.

Let's get granular about the benefits of Expensify in your business.

Sage Intacct and NetSuite are quick to tell you the failings of QuickBooks Online but digital transformation has as much to do with setup, processes and training as it does with choice of apps.

Understanding the risks and rewards of signing a Fortune 500 client.

I talk to business owners all the time and many ask me “how do I know when I need help?” The answer to that question is different for every business and every owner but these are some signs it might be time to bring in some outside assistance.