Weekly Posts and Insights

Using a One Page Strategy To Get People To Buy Into Your Vision
Culture, Leadership, People Matthew Harrington Culture, Leadership, People Matthew Harrington

Using a One Page Strategy To Get People To Buy Into Your Vision

The One Page Strategy (OPS) has helped many pull together strategic and yearly plans and goals all on one sheet. The idea is that by putting it on one sheet you can look at it throughout the year to make progress on those goals. Not only are all your goals and projects on one sheet, it also holds you and your team accountable as you look at it from time to time throughout the year to measure your effectiveness in achieving your goals.

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The “I’ve got an idea for you” Worksheets
People, Leadership Matthew Harrington People, Leadership Matthew Harrington

The “I’ve got an idea for you” Worksheets

One of the most common phrases you’ll hear as a leader in a chamber or association is, “you know what you should do…” or “I’ve got an idea for you…” or if your chamber or association is well-known for throwing events, “here’s an event you should do for the community…” Next time you hear that, try out two of these free templates!

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Really Setting and Accomplishing Goals for the Next Year and Decade with a One Page Strategy
People Matthew Harrington People Matthew Harrington

Really Setting and Accomplishing Goals for the Next Year and Decade with a One Page Strategy

The One Page Strategy (OPS) has helped me put all my strategic and yearly plans and goals all on one sheet.  The idea is that by putting it on one sheet you can look at it throughout the year to make progress on those goals. 

Not only are all your goals and projects on one sheet, it also holds you accountable as you look at it from time to time throughout the year to measure your effectiveness in achieving your goals.

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Study Finds People Get Promoted Most In The Summer. How To Get Your Boss To Notice You.
People Matthew Harrington People Matthew Harrington

Study Finds People Get Promoted Most In The Summer. How To Get Your Boss To Notice You.

In a Wall Street Journal Career Strategies article, Most Promotions Take Place in January, Study Finds, depending on the industry, a study finds June, July, and September are also popular months for job advancement. This is a great window of time to build on your strengths, neutralize your weaknesses, and demonstrate why your boss should take notice. Here are a couple of maverick thoughts of our own with ways to become indispensable this summer.

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The Power of Building Good Habits
People, Leadership Matthew Harrington People, Leadership Matthew Harrington

The Power of Building Good Habits

As leaders there's always one behavior or another we're trying to shape or change in others.  What about the chronic latecomer, the constant complainer and the time management challenged? We attempt to give constructive feedback, help them set goals or focus on teamwork and continuous improvement.  Sometimes it clicks; sometimes it doesn’t. Do you know how much our habits actually impact our behavior choices (which is either what you’re trying to stop in others or grow in others), or how habits can by-pass our decision-making function?

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Using the CAMP Method of Motivation to Motivate and Retain Your Staff
Culture, Leadership, People Matthew Harrington Culture, Leadership, People Matthew Harrington

Using the CAMP Method of Motivation to Motivate and Retain Your Staff

This past week, wearing my other hat as chamber director for southwestern Vermont, I had the pleasure to present at the Vermont Tourism Summit in Burlington, Vermont. My topic was on “Building Your Brand With Local Talent.” Now, because of my job and my background, the presentation was heavy on marketing tactics.  However, I was able to weave in some of my other passion - motivating teams.


Right, makes sense!  With all the strategy and tools to get the marketing job done, we still have the fundamental challenge of human beings leading the charge.  We still need to make sure our staff, teammates or freelancers are happy. This is where I often weaved in our CAMP Method of Motivation.

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I’m losing focus on my goals a quarter of the way through the year! How do I get it back?
Leadership, People Matthew Harrington Leadership, People Matthew Harrington

I’m losing focus on my goals a quarter of the way through the year! How do I get it back?

Right around this time of year, I find that my immune system just gives out.  I had tried my hardest, forced as much sun-soaked vitamin D in our northeast summers, popped the multitude of good-for-you vitamins, washed my hands every time I could, alas I tend to get a cold during March or April.  I think this New England body just runs out of reserves.

Equally, it can seem that way at work, at the gym, working on projects.  We enter the new year with such gusto, however when we get past the first quarter of the year, the tyranny of the urgent can take our eyes off of the goal. We lose focus.

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5 Reasons Why Getting a Workplace Coach or Mentor is Your Next Big Move
Leadership, People Matthew Harrington Leadership, People Matthew Harrington

5 Reasons Why Getting a Workplace Coach or Mentor is Your Next Big Move

Results of a study conducted by Manchester, Inc. of 100 leaders primarily from Fortune 100 companies found that among the benefits that organizations received from providing coaching to leaders were improvements in productivity (reported by 53% of leaders), quality (48%), and organizational strength (48%).  Among the benefits to leaders who received coaching were improved working relationships with direct reports (reported by 77% of leaders), working relationships with immediate supervisors (71%), teamwork (67%).

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I’m A New Manager! Help!
People, Leadership Matthew Harrington People, Leadership Matthew Harrington

I’m A New Manager! Help!

Many of those that have gone through one of my workshops know that I despise the word manager.  It’s too sterile and authoritarian. It doesn’t describe the actual purpose of the role. When you have entered the arena of manager (welcome!), you take on a new role.  You are no longer suppose to make the widgets, work in the weeds, mow the lawn! Yes, you doing so well at those jobs probably got you there, but it is important to know when you receive the title of manager, supervisor or coach, you are putting down your widget making ability and picking up the skillsets of guiding a team to success!

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