Maxwell Leadership Blog

  • by Tammy Grabowski
    Leadership isn’t about the title on your business card or the corner office you occupy. It’s about the influence you have, the connections you build, and the positive change you inspire in others. This is where the concept of leadership as a soft skill comes into play. Soft skills—like empathy, communication, and adaptability—are the human […]
  • by Chris Goede
    In today’s fast-paced world, organizational culture isn’t something you have; it’s not ping-pong tables or swag bags. It’s not massage chairs, or catchy slogans, or half-day summer Fridays. Those things might be fun, but they aren’t foundational. Culture is something you build in the day-to-day behaviors, relationships, and decisions of your team. Another way to […]
  • by Tammy Grabowski
    Feeling disconnected from your team can be disheartening. You speak, but the message doesn’t resonate. You lead, yet the bond feels tenuous. This sense of disconnection can be perplexing, especially when you’re striving to be an effective leader. In this situation, it is normal to ask yourself: “Why do I have a hard time connecting […]
  • by Chris Goede
    Let’s be honest, most of us have worked with that person who thinks flattery is a shortcut to favor. They’re always agreeing, always praising, always angling. And while they might call it “support,” the rest of us see it for what it is: sucking up! But here’s the good news…you can lead up without selling […]
  • by George Shinn
    I’ve never been the obvious choice—not in business, not in leadership, not in any way. By the world’s standards, I didn’t have the credentials to succeed. I struggled in school, battled insecurity, and carried the weight of more failures than I could count. But what I’ve learned—what this entire journey has taught me—is that God […]
  • by Tammy Grabowski
    Great leadership starts with great relationships. When you genuinely connect, trust deepens, communication opens up. Teams stop just working together and start believing in what they’re building. The truth is, leadership rises and falls on relationships. Without mutual respect, understanding, and real connection, even the best-laid plans can fall flat. But when you take the […]
  • by Chris Goede
    Change is a constant in leadership, and leading others is a significant responsibility. Having to lead others through change? That’s a whole other level that requires intentionality, humility, and trust. In order to do it well, effective leaders don’t go it alone… they empower other leaders to join them on the journey. So how can […]
  • by Jeff Hancher
    Think of a leader who made a notable impact on your life. Were they tough on you? I’m betting that you’re nodding your head yes. Great leaders have the ability to call out the potential in the people they lead and provide clear direction when they get off track. The leader in your mind could […]
  • by Tammy Grabowski
    Empowering your team is a transformative strategy that unlocks their full potential, fostering enhanced collaboration and driving significant organizational growth. When team members feel valued and are entrusted with responsibilities, they are more inclined to contribute innovative ideas and work cohesively toward common objectives. Implementing intentional team empowerment activities cultivates an environment where collaboration thrives, […]
  • by Chris Goede
    The phrase “creating margin” can be a little bit of a divisive phrase—some people scoff at the notion of needing margin; others crave it but aren’t great at putting it into practice. But leaders need to be able to intentionally create margin (breathing room) in their calendars and personal lives. It’s as necessary as breathing, […]