Join Michael Lee Stallard to explore the link between connection and trust in a complimentary webinar hosted by the Blanchard Community on August 28, 2025.| Michael Lee Stallard
"Defining Moments: The Life and Leadership of Quiet Revolutionary Frances Hesselbein" is a beautiful and timely documentary about a leader to emulate.| Michael Lee Stallard
TCU Chancellor Boschini believes connection is essential for leaders, and the remarkable results at TCU are a case study for any industry.| Michael Lee Stallard
SmartBrief on Leadership Article. As many organizations move away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, they are left asking, “what’s next?” My proposal is to replace DEI programs with something more effective: cultivating a culture of connection (also referred to as a “Connection Culture” or “Connected Culture”). This approach intentionally develops positive bonds among people, fostering collaboration, cooperation, employee […] The post A More Effective ...| Michael Lee StallardMichael Lee Stallard
Organizations with supervisors who connect with, encourage, and coach their employees often outperform those that do not. Years ago, Southwest Airlines discovered that reducing the ratio of frontline employees to supervisors enabled supervisors to build stronger relationships, provide better support, and ultimately improve employee performance. As a result, Southwest Airlines maintained a frontline employee-to-supervisor ratio […] The post The Best Leaders Connect, Encourage, and Coach appe...| Michael Lee StallardMichael Lee Stallard
Current Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has signaled that the company is looking back to its past to rediscover its greatness. In a recent article published by SmartBrief, Katharine Stallard and I share why part of that return to the past should include a people-first leadership philosophy exemplified by former Starbucks leader Howard Behar. To learn […] The post SmartBrief Article: Will Starbucks Return to Howard Behar’s “It’s All About the People” Leadership? appeared first on Michael ...| Michael Lee StallardMichael Lee Stallard
Connection-minded leaders, you are important and very much needed! Your team needs you—and not just to talk about connection but to keep modeling what it looks like so your colleagues are inspired to follow your example. While we’re at it, the world needs you and your example too! Autocratic leadership is on the rise around […] The post Connected Leaders, Stand Strong! appeared first on Michael Lee Stallard.| Michael Lee StallardMichael Lee Stallard
It’s that time of year. Cue the extra stress! The last two months of the calendar year are filled with opportunities and tasks that may test you, stretch you, entertain you, frustrate you, surprise you, or exhaust you. On top of your normal day-to-day, there are several major holidays, with a host of related activities […] The post Stress Levels Rising? Here’s How to Prepare appeared first on Michael Lee Stallard.| Michael Lee StallardMichael Lee Stallard
Article published by IE University. I write and speak about leadership, advocating for a group culture rich with the kind of positive social connection that brings out the best in individuals and thus the collective group. My focus is on what leaders should do to connect people: inspire and unite them around a shared vision and mission, value each individual, […] The post The Global Stakes of US Democracy appeared first on Michael Lee Stallard.| Michael Lee StallardMichael Lee Stallard
In the past four years, HR professionals have encountered a host of challenges, including seismic work shifts due to the Covid-19 pandemic, The Great Resignation, and much more. Caught between the dictates of upper management and the wrath of employees in response to policy changes, HR professionals are feeling misunderstood, frustrated, and disengaged. Not surprisingly, HR […] The post HR at a Crossroads: Article Published by SmartBrief appeared first on Michael Lee Stallard.| Michael Lee StallardMichael Lee Stallard