The Almanac

Fall reflections are running through my mind

Fall means running Cross Country. This sport has shaped so many of my fall seasons of life. First as a student athlete and now as a coach. This sport, which is all about racing across varied terrain, takes on an almost mythical quality for me and I suspect many other runners that are drawn to this open-air competition.

Lauren Penning

Sit at the Table and Own Your Leadership Presence

Susan Ireland

"Next time, sit at the table," my colleague said as we left the conference room after an important meeting about a project I was leading. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Of course. Why didn't I?

The Power of Seemingly Small Gestures

E. David Spong

A leader’s values show up in their actions. It is important for leaders to “walk the talk” and live their own and the organization’s values. Our resident Seasoned Leader David Spong illustrates that principle in this "Lessons in Leadership."

Showers to Flowers – Stay Focused on Your Longer-Term Goals

Debbie Collard

The English Proverb: “April Showers bring May flowers,” reminds us that even after a period of adversity (short or long) good times will follow. No matter how bad the situation that we currently find ourselves in, it will eventually pass, and we will find ourselves in better circumstances again.

Actionable Advice to Improve Your Leadership and Life

Susan Ireland

Debbie and I became podcasters by accident. After publishing 35 episodes (in just our current season!) of the Seasons Leadership Podcast it seems odd to say we stumbled into this, but it is the truth. While a typical week finds us scheduling recording time with leaders from around the world that share our passion for leadership excellence or sharing actionable advice with listeners to improve their lives, what has become an integral part of our mission, started out on a lark.

Lessons in Leadership: Making the Customer Happy is Always Worth It

E. David Spong

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “the customer is always right.” While that may be a good customer satisfaction mantra, it isn’t always easy to keep the customer happy and follow the rules of the company at the same time. Our resident Seasoned Leader David Spong describes how he found that balance in four separate examples in today’s Lesson in Leadership.

Spring Forward

Susan Ireland

As I write this reflection on spring the sun is shining in Seattle – a rare treat at this time of year – and I can feel that familiar “spring fever” feeling starting to re-emerge like the crocuses and cherry blossoms starting to bud and bloom. This is the time to try something new – or many somethings. It’s a time to plant seeds of ideas, and to explore those ideas and see how they grow over time.

Let’s Make Women Advocating for Other Women That Rising Tide

Debbie Collard

Women’s History Month is a time when we celebrate women’s contributions to history and to life. At Seasons Leadership, we believe that everyone is a leader to someone – they inspire someone to do something they wouldn’t otherwise do. While women leaders are everywhere they still take up a much smaller percentage of formal leadership roles.

Building a Good Culture Through Operating Principles

E. David Spong

Building trust with a team and a way of operating that reinforces trust is critical for a leader. An operating rhythm helps to establish and cement the culture of the organization more quickly. Our resident Seasoned Leader David Spong provides a compelling example in this Lessons in Leadership column.

Invest in Yourself

Susan Ireland

I have been hesitant to write about this topic because I know what you might be saying to yourself. “Yes, I know investing in myself is important. There is nothing new that she can tell me – it’s just hard to do when I have so many other higher priorities.” But you can create a life that is even more amazing, deeply aligned with your true self, and long-lasting and fun – all that is required is that you slow down, take the time to figure it out – and invest in yourself – NOW.