“Following” is “Advanced Leadership”. It is a concept I struggle with occasionally. The day before an extended vacation, my colleague came to me and said, “Enjoy your vacation. We got this!” My insecure side screamed, “No, you need me!” But I knew she was right. In truth, I would follow this team anywhere. Letting go […]
News & Events
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 31
“What I do matters.” While traveling in Portugal this week, I encountered a young waiter who displayed great pride in his restaurant, care for his customers, and who epitomized the very concept of servant leadership. Not only did he take the time to learn about each of us and our tastes, he even asked the […]
Ratliff & Taylor Around Town
Gregg Levine, Senior Career Consultant, and Erin O’Neill, Marketing Manager, from Ratliff & Taylor offered their knowledge to Kathy McConaughy’s graphic design students at Kent State University. The presentation gave insight on what to include and how to phrase accomplishments and work experience for a winning resume. The students also received pointers on how to […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 30
The people in my organization both intimidate and inspire me. Every person is wicked smart, motivated, and exceptional at what they do. The thought of leading such an accomplished group is occasionally unsettling. At the same time, I am inspired every day to become the best leader possible. I owe them that much and more. […]
Coach Profile – Jamie Lewis Smith, Ph.D.
Jamie Lewis Smith, Ph.D. is a Senior Leadership Consultant and Executive Coach with Ratliff & Taylor. She has 15+ years of experience guiding the growth and development of leaders, teams, and organizations across private sector, nonprofit, and governmental agencies. Jamie leverages her background as a Clinical Psychologist and deep expertise in leadership and organizational assessment to design and deliver […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 29
My father passed away six months ago. Since then, I have been trying to make sense of his life and its application to my own. Dad never left the small town where he was born. After growing up there, I left and never looked back. Today I am attending the annual fall festival in my […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 28
People can read what a company writes about its culture, but the real culture of an organization is what you see, hear and feel as you enter the lobby, walk the halls and watch employees interact with each other. You understand a culture when you see the same courtesies being extended to the local mail […]
Coach Profile – Kyla Schneider
Kyla is a master facilitator and executive coach with Ratliff & Taylor. She has been working with organizations and teams for more than three decades and has coached extensively within the corporate and non-profit sectors. Kyla is responsible for the creation and delivery of proprietary group leadership experiences including intensive executive development, strategic planning, and team […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 27
One of my greatest fears as a leader is that of becoming obsolete and not being aware of it. I think it stems, in part, from the base insecurities that most of us possess. It also occasionally comes from working with the incredibly talented group of professionals who surround me. I am both amazed and […]
Mike’s #BeIntentional — 26
As a leader, I believe one of my most important duties is to create a safe environment where employees can thrive. If people don’t feel safe they will not push the envelope, be vulnerable, take risks, get edgy, engage in critical conversations, be creative, have FUN, celebrate with each other, or display the requisite level […]