We live in a divided country. A nation where we struggle to work and live next to those who are different than us. Oregon, where I live, is certainly no exception.

Organizations have been challenged over the few years to continually re-imagine how and where we do our work. While the pandemic appears to be far from over, and our need to be adaptive remains, the emerging work environment seems to be clearly defined by a hybrid approach.

Employee culture is a formidable force. Its strength and power can catapult a company to greatness or doom it to failure.

When was the last time you made a Rubicon decision? As you think about the types of decisions you’ve made over time, chances are there are only a few that rise to the level what I call true Rubicons.

The wisdom of this sentiment is as relevant today as it was then, reminding leaders to intentionally look for new possibilities in adverse situations they encounter. Where some might find despair or, worse yet, ana reason to surrender, those leaders…

At the table next to me, I overheard them bickering throughout their dinner. Truth be told, I was eavesdropping.

Economic downturns and periods of political and social unrest are not unfamiliar. Yet, the intensity of the perfect storm in which we find ourselves today feels heavier. What’s clear is that, in this moment, the need for leadership has never felt greater nor the stakes so high.

It was budget time and the first roll-up for the functional areas she oversaw was due in just five days. Despite their repeated assurances that they would, only one of her four managers had turned in their numbers the week prior as agreed, thus allowing her to complete the full report that she would later present to the firm’s executive committee.

I knew my client was overwhelmed. The stress he was feeling was vibrating and his frustration unmistakable. As he explained his situation, I saw how depleted he had become, how he was struggling to find the energy to be the kind of leader he wanted to be. Something needed to change.