Author: Eric Douglas Blog

Three Strategic Planning Questions That Everyone Should Ask

Everyone’s heard of SWOT analyses – or variants thereof. But what are the questions you really need to ask yourself if you’re thinking strategically? Here are three key strategic planning questions: First, are we clear on our purpose and our bigger “why? Whether you’re a private company, a not-for-profit, a public corporation, or a government …

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CEOs Discuss the Challenges and Opportunities of Leading at a Distance

LRI’s founder, Eric Douglas, has been engaging in a series of podcast interviews with CEOs/executive directors to learn what they are learning during this time. Here are the top takeaways: The lack of predictability is without precedent in our lifetimes. Leaders are surprised by how quickly their managers and employees adapted. You have to make decisions quickly, sometimes …

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Why Does Building a High-Performing Organization Matter?

I am writing this on Labor Day 2020, thinking about the work our firm does to build high-performing organizations. I want to address two questions: Why does building a high-performing organization matter? And what’s the connection between that work and Labor Day? Philosophers would argue I should start with the end itself – the intended …

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Why Giving Advice Isn’t Always The Best Advice

One friend says I need to quarantine my food and my mail for three days. Another advises me to go on an “immunity” diet. A third tells me I should listen to a new medical podcast. A newspaper columnist offers advice on how to stay upbeat during the COVID-19 crisis. I find myself reacting in …

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COVID-19 Coaching: How to Think and Act Strategically

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, organizations across the globe are re-thinking their business operations and underlying business models.

Three Keys to Effective Leadership Coaching

Having worked as a leadership coach for more than 25 years, I’ve learned a lot – including what not to do and some keys to success. Here are three of those keys.

The Four Leadership Styles

Skillful leadership requires many things. Among them is being aware of your own leadership style – and how it affects other people. Knowing your style, and adjusting it to fit the needs of the situation, helps build trust. This tool describes the four leadership styles in detail. Don’t have time to read the blog? Download the …

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Words of Wisdom

This article was published in 1998 by the SF Examiner… still relevant.

Tips for Non-Profits To Manage Complex, Multi-Funder Projects

Our work at LRI often involves facilitating complex planning processes with high stakes in which several state agencies and departments serve as co-leads and co-sponsors. These projects often require establishing and facilitating high-level “blue ribbon” commissions.

68 Straight Talk Communication Quotes

Here are 68 communication quotes by Eric Douglas, author of Straight Talk.