By Design Blog
Inspiration for Leading Effectively and Information for Working Together Efficiently
By Design Book Club: Radical Candor
The book highlights that leadership is less about authority and more about relationships. Teams thrive when they feel supported, respected, and challenged to grow. By practicing Radical Candor, leaders can create workplaces where honesty is valued, mistakes are learning opportunities, and everyone feels motivated to contribute their best work.
I loved it. I wish I had read it 10 years ago. Don’t make my mistake and read Radical Candor today.
5 Ways to Authentically Show Appreciation for Your Team
A leader’s ability to authentically recognize and value their team’s efforts isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for fostering trust, engagement, and high performance. In the fast-paced world of work, where deadlines, metrics, and projects often dominate the agenda, one critical factor can make or break a team’s success: appreciation.
In fact, research consistently highlights how critical employee recognition is. A study by Gallup found that employees who feel adequately recognized are four times more likely to be engaged in their work compared to those who don’t. Meanwhile, Workhuman reports that 82% of employees feel more motivated to work hard when their contributions are recognized. Showing appreciation isn’t just good for morale—it’s directly tied to productivity, retention, and overall workplace satisfaction.
Employalty Reading Notes: By Design Book Club
I have read dozens of leadership books, spent hundreds of hours in trainings and listened to more podcasts on leadership and company culture than I could possibly count. And very, very few resources have grabbed me like Joe Mull’s Employalty. It’s seriously brilliant, and the perfect inaugural book to launch the By Design Book of the Month with.
Getting to the Root of Employee Performance: Tackling Skill and Will
To accurately assess and improve employee performance, leaders should focus on two critical factors: skill and will. By identifying which of these areas needs attention, leaders can target their efforts effectively and ensure each employee has the support and guidance they need to excel.
6 Ways to Improve Your Company Culture
Company culture is essential as it shapes the day-to-day experience of employees and directly impacts their motivation, satisfaction, and productivity. A strong, positive culture fosters an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered, leading to higher engagement and a greater sense of purpose. When employees are connected to the company’s values and feel that their contributions are meaningful, they are more likely to stay, perform well, and contribute positively to the workplace.
7 Strategies for an Awesome Staff Meeting
Running an effective staff meeting is a crucial skill for any manager or team leader. Meetings can either be a powerful tool for alignment and decision-making or a dreaded time-waster that hampers productivity.
Why Leaders Should be Held to High Standards: A Blueprint for Organizational Success
Holding leaders accountable is fundamental to ethical business practices because it ensures that those in positions of power act responsibly and transparently, fostering a culture of integrity and trust within the organization. When leaders are held to high standards, it reinforces the principle that no one is above reproach and that ethical behavior is a cornerstone of organizational success. This accountability protects the rights and well-being of employees, promotes fairness, and prevents the misuse of power, thereby aligning leadership practices with the broader ethical values of respect, justice, and responsibility. By maintaining rigorous standards for leadership conduct, organizations not only uphold ethical principles but also build a sustainable and positive workplace environment.
Leading Authentically: How to Embrace Vulnerability in Your Leadership Practice
Traditional notions of leadership emphasize strength, confidence, and unwavering authority. However, in today's world - authenticity and emotional intelligence are valued more than ever. Embracing vulnerability is key to maintaining a relevant and responsive work culture, and as a powerful tool for effective leadership.
7 Practical Tips for First Time Managers: Setting a Foundation for Success
Statistics show that the transition to a managerial role is a significant challenge for many individuals. According to a study by Gallup, only about one in ten people possess the innate talent to manage effectively. This means that the majority of new managers must rely on learning and development to acquire the necessary skills and competencies for success.
Big Picture, Small Steps: Planning a Year of Professional Development
A well-structured yearly professional development plan, guided by "Big Picture, Small Steps", sets the stage for continuous growth and success.