take 5

The Power of Peer Groups

December 15, 2021 --

Industry Week
One effective tool for growth is participation in a peer group. A strong peer group can help a leader recognize areas for growth and achieve goals.

Having a close circle of high-level colleagues to tap into for insight and support can help leaders grow.

Use Your Influence to Inspire a New Generation of Leaders

December 15, 2021 --

Tanveer Naseer Leadership

One of the hallmarks of a great leader is their ability to raise up and inspire a new generation of leaders. They don’t hoard their talent, instead they look for opportunities to invest in others and they find ways to mentor and produce new leaders.

Using your influence to build people up instead of tear them down makes you a great leader. Here are some of the ways you can use your influence to produce and inspire new leaders.

How to Meet Deadlines and Finish Tasks on Time: 8 Tips

December 15, 2021 --

Make Use Of

Missed deadlines can have a negative impact on your productivity and impression in both personal and professional life alike.

Check out the points explained here to find out how you can meet every deadline with ease.

Finish Wiser, Start Stronger: 13 Questions for December

December 15, 2021 --

Applied Strategy

Pandemic or not, December is the right time to block out a day and look back to learn and forward to jump-start 2022.

If you want to be more of a strategic thinker, this is your chance. Get it on your calendar!

Here are 13 questions to consider.

Great Leadership is Radically Human

December 15, 2021 --

Leadership Circle

In many discussions around what effective leadership requires in these testing times, we repeatedly, and almost tediously, hear the word “resilience.”

Yet, what does resilience mean to us? And is it a fair measure of great leadership?

Marketing Mastery Series

December 15, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Taking place Jan. 11, 25, and Feb. 8 2021

January Women in Horticulture Interview

December 15, 2021 --

Katie Tamony, Monrovia Plants
January 26, 2022 at 2 PM, ET

Progress in Boxwood Blight Management in the UK & New Zealand: 1990S to 2021

December 15, 2021 --

Dr. Matthew Cromey, Royal Horticultural Society
March 10, 2022 at 3 PM, ET

Stop Overthinking a Culture of Gratitude. Show It Instead!

December 1, 2021 --

Talent Culture

With “The Great Resignation” and “The Great Discontent” affecting our organizations, retention is top-of-mind.

Here is my gentle reminder: a little gratitude goes a long way in keeping employees happy and feeling valued.

10 Ways to Manage Your Team for Out-of-Office Days

December 1, 2021 --

Calendar

If you manage your team, besides juggling absenteeism and flexible schedules, you also have to manage time-off requests and outages — which can see an uptick throughout the holiday season.

What happens when you become ill, take a vacation, or just need a day to attend to personal matters? Here are ten ways that you can still manage your team for these out-of-office days.

Unleashing Leaders in Your Organization

December 1, 2021 --

Triple Crown Leadership

Fear is what often keeps people from leading. They fear being wrong, looking foolish, hurting the organization, being embarrassed and more. We’ve learned that the best way to conquer fears is by working our way through them.

The best way for people to learn leadership is experientially. To develop leadership capacity, give people experience leading a manageable project with light coaching from a more experienced leader.

Effective Leadership: How to Be a Better Leader

December 1, 2021 --

Gallup

Leadership can often be equal parts high confidence and self-esteem and worrying if you're doing it right while continually searching for answers.

Whether you're a leader in an organizational setting or have high influence in some other capacity, improving your leadership begins with a focus on improving what you're already good at.

Three Customer-Centric Marketing Drivers For 2022 Success

December 1, 2021 --

Forbes

After a difficult two years, marketers have more agility and more online savvy than ever before. Now for the scary part: So do customers, and they’re not slowing down.

Marketers are faced with the challenge of creating a unified experience across every touchpoint.

Invasion, Impact & Management Of Box Tree Moth In Europe

December 1, 2021 --

December 2, 11 AM – 12:30 PM

Vaccines, Plants and Dollars: The Year in Review

December 1, 2021 --

December 3, 2 PM, ET
Dr. Charlie Hall, AmericanHort Chief Economist

Women in Horticulture Interview with Joan Dudney

December 1, 2021 --

December 7, 2 PM, ET
Joan Dudney, Little Prince of Oregon Nursery

Quarterly Advocacy Brief

December 1, 2021 --

December 14, 2:30 – 3:30 PM
An AmericanHort Premium Member Benefit

Marketing Mastery Series

December 1, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Taking place Jan. 11, 25, and Feb. 8 2021

10 Entrepreneurs Share the Digital Marketing Trend They're Most Excited About

November 17, 2021 --

Forbes

The digital marketing industry has seen an influx of growth over the past few years. This change of pace has spurred new digital marketing trends that have replaced previous outdated strategies.

Here's what ten entrepreneurs believe the future of marketing will look like, and how these trends have already impacted their own efforts.

5 Proven Approaches to Leader Communications in the New Reality

November 17, 2021 --

Your Thought Partner

Organizations and employees are going through tremendous change and the communications team, working closely with leaders, will continue to be essential to leading employees through the change to the new reality.

Here are five proven approaches communications teams and leaders can use to help improve employee engagement in this new work environment.

From the Great Attrition to the Great Adaptation

November 17, 2021 --

McKinsey

To keep top talent in the fold, managers must actively change their leadership styles—focusing less on controls and more on culture and connections.

In this episode of The McKinsey Podcast, experts in talent and organizational health discuss how those in charge must adopt new ways of leading to keep the employees they have.

Future of Work Trends in 2022: The New Era of Humanity

November 17, 2021 --

Korn Ferry

The last 24 months have changed everything. For businesses. For leaders. For employees. Now, as the dust settles, one fact becomes clear: Power has shifted.

Let’s look at how this new age of the human will play out across the seven areas that are dominating future of work trends in 2022.

Making the Business Case for Your Marketing Budget

November 17, 2021 --

Harvard Business Review

Chief marketing officers are reporting increased pressure to prove the impact of marketing spending. But too often this means a focus on short-term metrics, like sales revenue, instead of longer-term efforts like brand building.

Here are 10 actions that will help marketing leaders build the patience, trust, and confidence that long-term growth and value are on the horizon.

Vaccines, Plants and Dollars: The Year in Review

November 17, 2021 --

December 3, 2 PM, ET
Dr. Charlie Hall, AmericanHort Chief Economist

Women in Horticulture Interview with Joan Dudney

November 17, 2021 --

December 7, 2 PM, ET
Joan Dudney, Little Prince of Oregon Nursery

Marketing Mastery Series

November 17, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Taking place Jan. 11, 25, and Feb. 8 2021

How to Thrive During the Great Resignation

November 3, 2021 --

Deliberate Directions

Today there are 10.9 million job openings in the US and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4 million Americans are quitting their jobs every month. What’s caused the shift? What can you do to get these workers back? How can you adapt your business so you can function without as much labor?

This article will break down how your organization can provide your employees what they need, starting with physiological needs.

How to Reshape Your Leadership Brand as You Start a New Role

November 3, 2021 --

Harvard Business Review

All senior leaders taking new roles need to develop and implement a strategy to reinforce or reshape their leadership brand starting well before their official “Day One.”

The author offers steps leaders can take to make sure they are starting off on the right foot. With insight on how you are likely to be viewed, you must decide whether, and in what ways, you will either leverage your existing brand or work to reshape it.

The Importance of Self-Trust

November 3, 2021 --

Mike Robbins

How do you stop doubting yourself and start living an authentic life full of self-love, confidence and truth?

Like most important aspects of our life and growth, the first step in our expansion process is to notice and tell the truth about why it can be difficult.

Now Is the Time for Servant Leadership

November 3, 2021 --

Chief Learning Officer

As people return to the office, they’ll be bringing with them the memories of lost loved ones, emotional troubles and financial challenges. Don’t underestimate the scope of them or assume people will recover overnight.

Servant leaders—leaders devoted to making the welfare and growth of their people the priority—are needed urgently for the post-pandemic world. Here are five ways you can be one.

How to Reduce What You're Spending on Marketing (Without Losing Results)

November 3, 2021 --

Entrepreneur

For most businesses, marketing is a practical necessity. It’s the only viable strategy to increase your brand visibility, attract more people to your brand and ultimately grow the business. But let’s face it; marketing is expensive.

So how can you reduce what you spend on marketing without losing those precious results?

E-commerce Mastery Series

November 3, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Part III: Marketing Quick Start | November 10, 2-3:30 PM, ET

Grower Insider Series

November 3, 2021 --

Top Performers from Perennial Variety Plant Trials | November 4, 2 PM, ET
Top Performers from Annual Variety Plant Trials | November 9, 2 PM, ET
Top Performers from All-American Selections Plant Trials | November 18, 2 PM, ET

Tax Guidance Webinar

November 3, 2021 --

November 17, 2 PM, ET
Presented by experts from K·Coe Isom

Vaccines, Plants and Dollars: The Year in Review

November 3, 2021 --

December 3, 2 PM, ET
Dr. Charlie Hall, AmericanHort Chief Economist

December Women in Horticulture Interview: Joan Dudney

November 3, 2021 --

December 7, 2 PM, ET
Joan Dudney, Marketing Manager of Little Prince of Oregon Nursery

Marketing Mastery Series

November 3, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Taking place Jan. 11, 25, and Feb. 8 2021

7 Tips for Engaging Consumers During The Holidays With Email Marketing

October 20, 2021 --

Digital Commerce 360

While effective email marketing depends a lot on the subject line, copy, images and offer, there are other practical considerations for ensuring consumer engagement, loyalty and sales.

Many brands begin their holiday promotions in early November, so the good news is that there’s still time to refine your email marketing strategy and practices.

26 Predictions for Social Media Marketing in 2022

October 20, 2021 --

Social Media Today

What can you expect to see from Facebook, Twitter and the rest in 2022? With the pandemic disruptions easing, it seems a little easier to predict the next stages, with more stable pathways appearing.

Here’s a platform-by-platform overview of key trends you can expect to see take shape in the 12 months ahead.

'Leadership is Solving Problems': General Colin Powell's Rules for Leadership and More

October 20, 2021 --

USA Today

Colin Powell, whose decades-long career repeatedly made history, often discussed his leadership philosophy, famously saying: "Leadership is solving problems."

Powell’s 13 rules were first published in Parade magazine on August 13, 1989, just three days before Powell was appointed by President George H.W. Bush as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Since then, his Thirteen Rules have been shared with millions of people in many different forms.

To Retain Employees, Give Them a Sense of Purpose and Community

October 20, 2021 --

Harvard Business Review

Leaders determined to stem the tide of talent defections during the Great Resignation could be surprised to learn they’re barking up the wrong tree by simply throwing money or perks at the problem. The author spoke with six human resource executives from companies reporting that their organizations are not experiencing higher-than-normal attrition.

Among the many insightful perspectives shared, three practices appeared to be universal across these companies. First, build a culture of solidarity. Then, let employees co-create the workplace experience. Finally, coach your managers on how to genuinely care for others.

Leadership: The Measured Effects Of Empathy, Transparency And Respect

October 20, 2021 --

Forbes

Empathy, transparency and respect are traits that are developed and driven in learning organizations committed to offering their people a wholesome journey for both personal and professional growth.

These competencies are further developed through leadership teams who are modeling the behaviors and placing these characteristics as imminent to measuring success.

October Women in Horticulture Interview

October 20, 2021 --

Sisters Micky Byland and Amy Morris of N.G. Heimos Greenhouses
October 20, 2 PM, ET

E-commerce Mastery Series

October 20, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Taking place Oct. 28, Nov. 3 & 10, 2021

Grower Insider Series

October 20, 2021 --

Tax Guidance Webinar

October 20, 2021 --

November 17, 2 PM, ET
Presented by experts from K·Coe Isom

Vaccines, Plants and Dollars: The Year in Review

October 20, 2021 --

December 3, 2 PM, ET
Dr. Charlie Hall, AmericanHort Chief Economist

Marketing Mastery Series

October 20, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Taking place Jan. 11, 25, and Feb. 8 2021

Why Servant Leadership is Becoming the Leadership Style of the Future

October 6, 2021 --

Entrepreneur

Servant leadership is viewed as a more authentic approach to genuinely address the needs of the followers.

Servant leadership does not expect any outcome other than simply fulling the needs of people. It is implied that serving them will only do well for them.

Retaining Employees During the ‘Great Resignation’

October 6, 2021 --

TalentCulture

According to the U.S. Labor Department’s Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary released in June 2021, approximately four million people quit their jobs in April. What are these people looking for?

Whether this is a temporary trend or a paradigm shift, executives and HR leaders need to assess the attractiveness of their businesses to the workforce.

With So Many People Quitting, Don’t Overlook Those Who Stay

October 6, 2021 --

Harvard Business Review

The marketplace for talent has shifted. You need to think of your employees like customers and put thoughtful attention into retaining them.

This is the first step to slow attrition and regain your growth curve. And this does not happen when they feel ignored in the fever to hire new people or underappreciated for the effort they make to keep business moving forward.

Put One Big Rock on Your Calendar

October 6, 2021 --

Leadership Freak

The end of this week is your last opportunity to put a big rock on next week’s calendar. Once day-to-day urgencies appear, they prevent you from accomplishing important tasks.

You’ve been meaning to make a list of activities you can take off your calendar and give to someone else, for example. But you’re so busy you can’t find time to do it. Most can’t resist screaming trivialities.

The Power of Your Leadership Point of View

October 6, 2021 --

How We Lead

What is your leadership point of view? By that I mean, what are your thoughts about how you lead others, and where did those thoughts come from?

Developing your leadership point of view is a process that goes through three basic steps.

Finished Plant Conference

October 6, 2021 --

October 11-13, 2021
Grand Rapids, MI

October Women in Horticulture Interview

October 6, 2021 --

Sisters Micky Byland and Amy Morris of N.G. Heimos Greenhouses
October 20, 2 PM, ET

E-commerce Mastery Series

October 6, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Taking place Oct 28, Nov 3 & 10, 2021

Grower Insider Series

October 6, 2021 --

Vaccines, Plants and Dollars: The Year in Review

October 6, 2021 --

December 3, 2 PM, ET
Dr. Charlie Hall, AmericanHort Chief Economist

Empathy 2.0: The Answer to Changing Employee Needs

September 22, 2021 --

Root

Burnout. It’s a big issue for leaders and organizations. In fact, according to a recent survey by Monster, 95% of people are considering leaving their jobs, and being burned out is the most common reason.

Leaders are struggling to correct this, and are identifying the best work policies for their organizations and their people, including work-from-home options, balancing development and advancement opportunities for those working in person or remotely, and tricky vaccine requirements.

Beware the Disease of More

September 22, 2021 --

Gregg Vanourek

More isn’t always better. Yet our brains fool us into thinking that it is. It’s an unconscious assumption, deep in our brains, that’s nearly impossible to shake.

Our consumer culture also drives our itch for more. In this potent environment, we’re inundated with countless messages from others about what will make us happy. The hard truth: there’s a big difference between what we think will make us happy and what actually makes us happy.

Receiving Feedback Doesn't Have to Be Scary. Here's How You Can Get Most Out of It

September 22, 2021 --

NPR

Receiving feedback doesn't necessarily have to be terrifying. Feedback is just information, and you have the power to decide what you do with it.

For leaders, the goal should be to normalize the idea that feedback is ongoing, not just for annual reviews.

Why Science Says Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Embrace the Rule of Uncomfortable Praise

September 22, 2021 --

Inc.

Research conducted by Christopher Littlefield on praise and recognition shows that while 88 percent of respondents associate feeling valued with recognition, nearly 70 percent also "associate embarrassment or discomfort with the process of being recognized."

If you feel uncomfortable giving praise and recognition, research shows you're not alone. And that your employees don't care.

How to Say "No" After Saying "Yes"

September 22, 2021 --

Harvard Business Review

Whether you have overbooked yourself, realized you have a conflict, or otherwise can’t or don’t want to participate in a project, it’s essential to uncommit gracefully. Doing so will keep your reputation intact and your relationships strong.

Here are six tips to help you go about saying no after you’ve already said yes with tact and professionalism.

Biophilic Design Mastery Series

September 22, 2021 --

Part III of this three-part Mastery Series
September 28, 2021

Improving the Shopping Experience to Drive Sales

September 22, 2021 --

Part III of this three-part Mastery Series
September 30, 2021

Finished Plant Conference

September 22, 2021 --

October 11-13, 2021
Grand Rapids, MI

October Women in Horticulture Interview

September 22, 2021 --

Sisters Micky Byland and Amy Morris of N.G. Heimos Greenhouses
October 20, 2 PM, ET

E-commerce Mastery Series

September 22, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Taking place Oct 28, Nov 3 & 10, 2021

Grower Insider Series

September 22, 2021 --

Vaccines, Plants and Dollars: The Year in Review

September 22, 2021 --

December 3, 2 PM, ET
Dr. Charlie Hall, AmericanHort Chief Economist

What's the Real Difference Between Leadership and Management?

September 8, 2021 --

Entrepreneur

The distinctions between managing and leading people impact your professional purpose.

Here are five key distinctions between the two and how you can learn to make your role lean in favor of purpose.

How to Go Beyond Possible

September 8, 2021 --

Texas CEO Magazine

What’s possible for you and your team? A landmark study shows that it depends on what you think is possible.

If mindsets really do affect and change us, maybe instead of being externally manipulated by subtle scientific priming, we can be more intentional with our thinking and do that reevaluation ourselves.

Why I Believe EQ Is Crucial for Leadership

September 8, 2021 --

Chief Executive

It is important for leaders to have functional expertise; that goes without saying. But it is no less important for them to know how to effectively deal with people.

Emotional intelligence is what allows leaders to get everybody marching in lockstep, feeling they are part of a larger whole.

How to Make Sure Your New Work Policies Don’t Make People Want to Leave

September 8, 2021 --

Fast Company
It’s essential for leaders to look at the specifics of what employees value and what truly makes a difference when it comes to workplace culture.

Here are a few pieces of advice to keep in mind.

Leaders Today Need to Pause, Reflect, Refocus and Reignite

September 8, 2021 --

Unfolding Leadership

Many managers and leaders are dealing with wholesale sea change, not just little shifts in the level of the tide. Not minor waves of change, a process here and there, but overwhelming, multifaceted shifts.

They need a fundamental reset, or a breather of major proportions. Human beings are tired, confused, angry, anxious — and something has to give.

Visual Merchandising Mastery Series

September 8, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Upcoming classes on Sept 15 & Sept 30, 2021

Biophilic Design Mastery Series

September 8, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Upcoming classes on September 14 & 28, 2021

Cultivate’21 On-Demand

September 8, 2021 --

Available through September 17

Impact Washington Summit

September 8, 2021 --

September 20-22, 2021
Washington, DC

Finished Plant Conference

September 8, 2021 --

October 11-13, 2021
Grand Rapids, MI

E-commerce Mastery Series

September 8, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Taking place Oct 28, Nov 3 & 10, 2021

Boosting Confidence and Conquering Imposter Syndrome

August, 25, 2021 --

LinkedIn

Have you ever found yourself feeling like a fraud, questioning whether you’re deserving of your position at work, or wondering when everyone will realize that you actually have no idea what you’re doing?

While anxieties and doubts about our jobs are normal and can even be healthy, persistent feelings of unworthiness when it comes to our achievements can hugely shake our confidence and put unnecessary extra pressure on us.

The 5-Minute Habit (Based on Neuroscience) That Will Change Your Life

August, 25, 2021 --

Entrepreneur

Has our “hustle at any cost” culture has convinced us that, in order to succeed, we must choose between success and quality of life? This either/or mindset is not just inaccurate—periods of intentional rest can help us recharge.

Although the stigma remains that break-takers are lazy or unmotivated, breakthroughs in neuroscience research unveil proof that goes against everything we thought we knew about achievement.

Don’t Let Your Business Miss Out on These Three Digital Marketing Trends

August, 25, 2021 --

Forbes

The digital landscape is ever-changing, and marketing to consumers is a booming industry. There are many new marketing strategies businesses can look to.

Here are just three of the many notable strategies every business should consider if they have not already.

Build Your Leadership Brand with These Five Stretches

August, 25, 2021 --

Terri Klass Consulting

To be an influential leader, knowing what you stand for is essential. Do the people you interact with have a clear understanding of how you might behave in a difficult situation or how you go about reaching decisions? Do they know what is important to you?

Here are five stretches to build your leadership brand.

Do You Want to Be Mindful? Ask Yourself This Question Every Day.

August, 25, 2021 --

Chief Executive

As a leader, it is critical to be mindful and present in interactions with your many stakeholders throughout the day. While this is very easy to understand in theory, it is incredibly difficult to do in practice.

Mindfulness, a key component of Buddhist philosophy, has become quite in vogue today. Get on the right path by asking yourself one question.

Boxwood Breeding and Selection for Blight Resistance

August, 25, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | TODAY, Wednesday, August 25, 11 AM, ET

Visual Merchandising Mastery Series

August, 25, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Part 1 starts TODAY, August 25. Classes to follow on September 15 & September 30, 2021

Biophilic Design Mastery Series

August, 25, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Taking place September 1, 14 & 28, 2021

Improving Pest Control in the Nursery & Greenhouse Through the Application Process

August, 25, 2021 --

AmericanHort Webinar | September 2, 2 PM, ET

Cultivate’21 On-Demand

August, 25, 2021 --

Available through September 1

Impact Washington Summit

August, 25, 2021 --

September 20-22, 2021
Washington, DC

Finished Plant Conference

August, 25, 2021 --

October 11-13, 2021
Grand Rapids, MI

Your Summer Balancing Act: Encouraging Time Off While Keeping Teams Engaged

August 11, 2021 --

Inc.
It's well-documented that employees with more balanced lives are not only happier but more productive in their work.

Still, leaders are also responsible for keeping their businesses running smoothly at all times of the year. Finding the right balance between supporting what your employees need and continuing to meet business objectives can be a tricky thing to navigate.

How Often Do You Reinvent the Wheel?

August 11, 2021 --

Frank Sonnenberg Online
If starting things from scratch doesn’t always make sense, why do people do it? First, some folks think every situation is unique, so why determine if it’s been done before. Others are in a rush and don’t want to be slowed down. And of course, some people can’t be bothered or are just plain lazy.

Here are four consequences of reinventing the wheel.

What If Your Team Suddenly Has More Growth Than It Can Handle?

August 11, 2021 --

Liz Kislik
Even in a global crisis, not all organizations lose business. Some face significant growth instead.

It’s often the case that the problem is not the growth itself, but that the organization is too short-staffed to handle it. Here are six new ways to think about the situation.

How to Be a 2021 Leader: Help Bring Employees Back on Their Terms

August 11, 2021 --

TalentCulture
Just when everyone got the hang of working from home, employers are bringing whole departments back to working in office settings.

If a company is working to bring employees back, workers expect and welcome patience, creativity, flexibility, and empathetic leadership from their managers.

5 Ways to Ensure You Have True Diversity Within Your Business

August 11, 2021 --

Entrepreneur
In my experience, true diversity enriches a company, but it must be the real deal. It has to be embraced from the boardroom to the mailroom if it's going to thrive.

Diversity is complex and not as simple as some people may think, but having true diversity will improve every aspect of your business.

Cultivate’21 On-Demand

August 11, 2021 --

Available July 14 - September 1

An Interview with Olivia Sellards

August 11, 2021 --

A Women in Horticulture Interview
Wednesday, August 18, 2 PM, ET

Boxwood Breeding and Selection for Blight Resistance

August 11, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | Wednesday, August 25, 11 AM, ET

Visual Merchandising Mastery Series

August 11, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Taking place Aug 25, Sept 15 & Sept 30, 2021

Biophilic Design Mastery Series

August 11, 2021 --

Three-part Mastery Series
Taking place September 1, 14 & 28, 2021

Impact Washington Summit

August 11, 2021 --

September 20-22, 2021
Washington, DC

Finished Plant Conference

August 11, 2021 --

October 11-13, 2021
Grand Rapids, MI

Do You Have Margin in Your Life?

July 28, 2021 --

Gregg Vanourek
Many of us are always “on” these days, running from task to task. Never-ending demands. Frenetic pace. The problem: We don’t have enough margin in our lives.

It’s not common to talk and think in terms of margin, but it’s needed now more than ever. A margin is the border between things, like the margin on a page. Filling every page up to the max just gets overwhelming.

What is Your Personal Leadership Brand?

July 28, 2021 --

Strategy + Business
Providing clarity about your leadership style will help you to build trust with your team. Think of it as your personal leadership brand—what you stand for, including the values that guide your behaviors as a leader, and what you expect from others.

To help build authenticity, be clear on the specific values that have guided your career and that you expect others to embrace.

How Leadership Challenges Can Bring Out the Best in You

July 28, 2021 --

Lolly Daskal
Every leadership role comes with its own set of specific challenges. Whatever form a challenge takes, it’s best to approach it as an opportunity for you and your team to excel in a high-profile situation.

Here are some of the most common situations that can give you the opportunity to bring out your best in your leadership and team.

How Can You Be Sure Someone Has What It Takes to Lead Others? Look for 6 Key Behaviors

July 28, 2021 --

Inc.
Leadership is certainly not for everyone. For those in the esteemed role of a "leader," a serious question needs to be asked: Are you fit to inspire human beings to be great and do great things for your organization?

Organizations cannot retain great employees without developing leaders with the skills to inspire them.

Are You Micromanaging Your Team? Here’s Why and How to Stop It

July 28, 2021 --

Fast Company
If you find yourself micromanaging, you probably lack confidence in your team's ability to complete their work. You need to dig into where that lack of confidence has come from and then work to overcome it.

By micromanaging, you’re trading your short-term anxiety for long-term trouble. Here’s how to get back on track.

Box Tree Moth

July 28, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | Thursday, July 29, 1 PM, ET
Register Now

Visual Merchandising Trends of 2021

July 28, 2021 --

AmericanHort Webinar | Wednesday, August 4, 2 PM, ET
Register Now

Cultivate’21 On-Demand

July 28, 2021 --

Available July 14 - September 1
Register Now

Boxwood Breeding and Selection for Blight Resistance

July 28, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | Wednesday, August 25, 11 AM, ET

Impact Washington Summit

July 28, 2021 --

September 20-22, 2021
Washington, DC

Finished Plant Conference

July 28, 2021 --

October 11-13, 2021
Grand Rapids, MI

Employee Engagement: The New 80/20 Rule That Gets Results

July 15, 2021 --

Talent Culture
Researchers have found that an individual’s immediate boss, not that free latte, is the biggest influence on employee engagement, well-being and drive.

However, bosses have challenges as well, including the pressure to perform, to enable teams to perform, to meet quarterly numbers, to experiment and to be more innovative.

When to Take on Tasks That Are Outside of Your Job Description

July 15, 2021 --

Harvard Business Review
The phrase “stay in your lane” is commonly used to affirm the importance of doing your assigned tasks and only your assigned tasks. If you see an important task that needs to be done that isn’t your responsibility, should you do it?

Before you decide whether to switch lanes, consider the authors’ research, based on observations and recordings of first responders completing mass-casualty incident simulations. You don’t necessarily need to stay in your lane — just be sure to merge both out of your lane and back in appropriately.

Five Reasons Your Organization Needs an Anonymous Employee Feedback Program

July 15, 2021 --

Forbes
Do you have a feedback program in place for your employees? According to a new report, 36% of employees work at a company that doesn't. Even those companies that do may not be offering the best channels for giving feedback and are overlooking opportunities to give voice to those who don’t feel they can speak up.

This isn't just making it difficult for employees to submit feedback to leadership. This is sending the message that employees have no voice and that leadership doesn't want to hear from their workers.

4 Questions You Should Ask Your Direct Reports Weekly

July 15, 2021 --

Michael Hyatt & Co.
Leaders are generally great solo achievers, but they often get one-on-one check-ins wrong. Either they give too little attention to their direct reports or smother them with communications and requests for updates.

It’s challenging to find the appropriate level and cadence of interaction.

The Playbook to Negative Reviews

July 15, 2021 --

Entrepreneur
“There’s a consistency to my story and that has been built into the brand and everything that we do,” said Nic Faitos, founder of New York City’s Starbright Floral Design. And as the city’s leading florist for the past 27 years, consistency has been a key element to the business’ success.

Nic shares his step-by-step playbook to addressing critical reviews.

Cultivate’21 Swap Shops

July 15, 2021 --

Garden Retail | July 20, 1 PM, ET
Growers | July 20, 3 PM, ET
Landscape & Landscape Suppliers | July 22, 3 PM, ET

Free to AmericanHort Members.

Boxwood Breeding and Selection for Blight Resistance

July 15, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | Wednesday, August 25, 11 AM, ET

Impact Washington Summit

July 15, 2021 --

September 20-22, 2021
Washington, DC

Finished Plant Conference

July 15, 2021 --

October 11-13, 2021
Grand Rapids, MI

This Is What Your Youngest Employees Are Looking for in a Tight Hiring Market

July 7, 2021 --

Fast Company

The job market is filled with opportunities for 2021 graduates. Demand for talent in the current market is significant, with the talent pipeline frequently running dry.

These two things will determine if your young workers stay—or move on to the next opportunity.

Words and Phrases to Avoid in a Difficult Conversation

July 7, 2021 --

Harvard Business Review

When you’re in the middle of a difficult conversation, it’s common to focus solely on yourself: your ideas, your viewpoint, your feelings. But a “me-centric” approach can backfire.

To achieve your goal, you need to think beyond yourself. While crafting your message, you must keep the other person’s feelings and opinions in mind, too. To do so, avoid these common mistakes.

Tired of Settling? How to Light Your Life and Work on Fire

July 7, 2021 --

Gregg Vanourek

Settling for “good enough” instead of what you really want? Getting comfortable with the ordinary? This is your life, with an uncertain duration and no guarantees. Time to take it back.

If you’re settling, you’re not alone. It’s a common trap. There are many reasons we settle.

Did Covid-19 Change Digital Marketing Forever?

July 7, 2021 --

Martech Series

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed several industries to adapt faster to a digital-first process. The pandemic not only led to changes in how teams function, it also led to key shifts in consumer behavior and the average customer journey.

How have these changes influenced the way in which digital advertisers and marketers are optimizing campaigns and strategies?

How to Build an Emotionally Intelligent Workplace

July 7, 2021 --

Fast Company

By now, the majority of leaders have heard of emotional intelligence and seem to have bought into the notion that it is important to have it in their organizations.

With all the challenges faced by leaders in today’s rapidly changing workplace, the idea of building emotional intelligence can seem overwhelming. But this one thing can make a major difference.

Hemp Conference at Cultivate’21

July 7, 2021 --

July 9-10, 2021
Columbus, OH

Cultivate'21

July 7, 2021 --

July 10-13, 2021
Columbus, OH

Boxwood Breeding and Selection for Blight Resistance

July 7, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | Wednesday, August 25, 11 AM, ET

Impact Washington Summit

July 7, 2021 --

September 20-22, 2021
Washington, DC

Finished Plant Conference

July 7, 2021 --

October 11-13, 2021
Grand Rapids, MI

How to Create a Solid Content Marketing Plan for Your Business

June 23, 2021 --

Business 2 Community
A content marketing plan has a crucial role to play in the success of your business. If you’re doing content marketing without a strategy in place, the chances are high that you may not succeed at it.

And, it’s not just the B2B businesses that see some success when they leverage content marketing with a plan in place. Even B2C businesses echo the same.

The Real Value of Middle Managers

June 23, 2021 --

Harvard Business Review
Middle managers have long had reputations as ineffective or weak supervisors. But research shows that, in fact, they’re often the people that make an organization run smoothly between hierarchies. Investing in these managers as “connecting leaders” is vital.

To do so, focus on four key types of connecting leaders and their associated practices. There are rewards and challenges for each; but successfully addressing them can help make your business more successful coming out of the pandemic.

5 Simple Rules to Boost Your Visual Marketing ROI

June 23, 2021 --

Entrepreneur
Visual marketing is one of the most important components of content marketing and digital marketing generally. Several studies have shown that people respond much better to images, videos and other visual content than they do to just text.

Here are five tips to ensure your visual marketing is getting you the most ROI possible.

Small Business Cybersecurity 101: Simple Tips to Protect Your Data

June 23, 2021 --

Forbes
Cybercriminals aren’t only going after big corporations. For every Equifax or Colonial Pipeline you read about in the news, there are thousands of small businesses that have had their sensitive company or customer information compromised.

Smaller organizations are often prime targets for cyberattacks because they aren’t protected by the same level of security infrastructure as larger companies — yet they still have valuable data to offer.

Restart, Revisualize and Rightsize Your Workforce

June 23, 2021 --

Chief Executive
Savvy organizations have re-emerged from their Covid fog to plan and navigate what the future looks like in 2022 and beyond. One thing is certain: change is inevitable.

Try thinking of people as hives that band and disband as needed, and consider work as a task to be accomplished, rather than always as a skill to be hired on an individual basis.

Quarterly Advocacy Brief

June 23, 2021 --

A premium member benefit
Tuesday, June 29, 11 AM

Hemp Conference at Cultivate’21

June 23, 2021 --

July 9-10, 2021
Columbus, OH

Cultivate'21

June 23, 2021 --

July 10-13, 2021
Columbus, OH

Boxwood Breeding and Selection for Blight Resistance

June 23, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | Wednesday, August 25, 11 AM, ET

Impact Washington Summit

June 23, 2021 --

September 20-22, 2021
Washington, DC

Finished Plant Conference

June 23, 2021 --

October 11-13, 2021
Grand Rapids, MI

Ten Things to Say Besides Yes

June 9, 2021 --

Eblin Group
After more than a year of Zoom meetings, COVID vaccinations and the freedom they bring have unleashed a wave of pent-up demand to pack even more into our days.

Practicing these 10 phrases and having them in your hip pocket to use when needed will enable you to collaborate with and support your colleagues without sinking yourself in the process.

7 Time-Saving Tips for Small Businesses

June 9, 2021 --

Business 2 Community
As a small entrepreneur, you must have the idea of saving time and letting your business grow. For that, it is worth considering specific practical tips that can help in fueling the growth of your business.

Today around 30.7 million small businesses in the USA already account for 99.9 percent of the US market capacity. So if they can prove themselves as one of the best businesses, why can’t you?

'Positive Deviants': Why Rebellious Workers Spark Great Ideas

June 9, 2021 --

BBC
Organizations have rules and policies designed to promote stability, predictability, efficiency and productivity – and we tend to see people who don’t get with the program as troublemakers.

Suppressing or ignoring these individuals and their ideas could backfire, potentially depriving companies of a potent source of agility, insight and innovation.

Ten Ways to Beat Burnout

June 9, 2021 --

Eblin Group
Here are ten simple, practical and immediately applicable ways to beat burnout.

As you apply any of these, you’re not going for 100% perfection; try going for a 5% improvement each day in feeling less burned out. If you’re successful with that on a daily basis, you’re going to feel 25% to 35% better in a week and, in a month or two, you’re going to feel amazing.

3 Fundamentals of Marketing You Must Understand to Reach the Hearts and Minds of Your Customers

June 9, 2021 --

Entrepreneur
Marketing isn't a panacea for your business, but it can help you grow bigger than you ever imagined.

Use these three marketing fundamentals to guide your marketing decisions and create marketing campaigns that convert customers into lifetime fans.

Hemp Conference at Cultivate’21

June 9, 2021 --

July 9-10, 2021
Columbus, OH

Cultivate'21

June 9, 2021 --

July 10-13, 2021
Columbus, OH

Boxwood Breeding and Selection for Blight Resistance

June 9, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | Wednesday, August 25, 11 AM, ET

Why This Is the Time to Hold "Stay" Interviews with Your People

May 26, 2021 --

Liz Kislik Associates
As the U.S. continues opening up after the pandemic’s multiple waves, it’s likely that there will be surges in turnover even as many employers need more staff, not less. And there’s a double whammy: You can’t pick who might be planning to go. It’s as likely to be your star performer as it is the persistent whiner who barely accomplished anything.

But “planning to leave” doesn’t have to mean gone. A thoughtful, constructive process of checking in with your people can help you identify who might be a flight risk and what leverage you have to change their minds.

5 Ways to Bond With Your Boss When You’re Both Remote

May 26, 2021 --

Fast Company
With so much remote onboarding happening, it can be hard to forge a solid relationship with a new boss. How can this person see your strengths and potential—not to mention advocate for you—if they don’t really know who you are or how you work?

Even if you’ve never been in the same room, there are ways you can bond with your boss and earn their trust. Here are some important places to start.

5 Reasons Why Your Middle Manager Role Is So Difficult (And What to Do About It)

May 26, 2021 --

Tanveer Naseer Leadership
If you’re reading this, odds are, you’re a middle manager, i.e. someone who has a boss and is a boss, who has to lead and influence from the messy middle, up, down, and across their organization.

A middle manager role is the toughest job in any company: that of a person who must influence in all directions to do his/her job well. This daunting scope manifests itself in the form of five challenges.

Wrongheaded Thinking About Remote Work and How Teams Can Optimize for Hybrid

May 26, 2021 --

Fast Company
As we move into this new paradigm of business post-pandemic, the hybrid workforce—where some team members work remote and some from the office—is our new reality. Yet today’s thinking about remote work is full of wrongheadedness and failed use cases rather than best practice.

Many business leaders are still locked into thinking that the best form of collaboration to achieve fast and bold transformational outcomes is an in-person meeting. It’s not!

How Effective Are You at Using Your Power?

May 26, 2021 --

Lead Change Group
Power is a good thing when used effectively. The more power you have, the more able you are to direct, influence, and inspire people to make positive changes.

There are three types of power: position power, expert power and personal power.

AmericanHort Women in Horticulture May Interview

May 26, 2021 --

Suzi McCoy & Katie Dubow; Garden Media Group
Thursday, May 27, 2 PM, ET

Knowing and Growing Boxwood

May 26, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | Wednesday, June 2, 1 PM, ET

Hemp Conference at Cultivate’21

May 26, 2021 --

July 9-10, 2021
Columbus, OH

Cultivate'21

May 26, 2021 --

July 10-13, 2021
Columbus, OH

Boxwood Breeding and Selection for Blight Resistance

May 26, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | Wednesday, August 25, 11 AM, ET

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Kindness at Work

May 12, 2021 --

Harvard Business Review
This past year, most management advice has focused on how to sustain productivity during the pandemic, yet the power of kindness has been largely overlooked.

Practicing kindness by giving compliments and recognition has the power to transform our remote workplace.

5 Truths About Employee Engagement That No One Wants to Hear

May 12, 2021 --

Entrepreneur
Highly engaged employees are the holy grail of business success. It's clear that the more engaged your people are, the better off your company will be.

Here are five truths about employee engagement that you need to know if you'd like to create engaged teams and realize the benefits.

Do This One Thing to Instantly Boost Your Confidence at Work

May 12, 2021 --

Fast Company
Being confident in the workplace (and yes, a virtual conference call qualifies) is a fundamental building block for a long and successful career in most industries, but it’s easier said than done.

You can fix confidence drops by invoking the power of a single, very special technique.

How to Maximize Your Company's Value Through Marketing

May 12, 2021 --

Entrepreneur
A company’s business goals — including the potential for exit — should continue informing day-to-day decisions. This mindset is particularly true when it comes to marketing.

To that end, entrepreneurs can utilize marketing to influence their goals and optimize the value of their company.

5 Things Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Can Do to Retain Remote Workers

May 12, 2021 --

Real Leaders
When face-to-face interactions have decreased due to remote work, the importance of emotional intelligence and feeling connected has become increasingly important.

Letting employees know they are thought of and cared for is more difficult when they work remotely, making it increasingly important that leaders make an effort to do so.

AmericanHort Women in Horticulture May Interview

May 12, 2021 --

Suzi McCoy & Katie Dubow; Garden Media Group
Thursday, May 27, 2 PM, ET

Knowing and Growing Boxwood

May 12, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | Wednesday, June 2, 1 PM, ET

Hemp Conference at Cultivate’21

May 12, 2021 --

July 9-10, 2021
Columbus, OH

Cultivate'21

May 12, 2021 --

July 10-13, 2021
Columbus, OH

Boxwood Breeding and Selection for Blight Resistance

May 12, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | Wednesday, August 25, 11 AM, ET

These 5 Steps Can Help Protect You from Burnout

April 28, 2021 --

Fast Company
Reports of people feeling burned out seem to be everywhere these days. One unexpected ingredient to this proliferation of burnout is how the malady may actually be contagious.

Your surroundings may lead to your own workplace exhaustion when a culture is low on a sense of control and social connection.

How Companies Are Using Creative Incentives to Attract and Keep New Talent Now

April 28, 2021 --

Entrepreneur
Between workers' continued safety concerns, child care hurdles, and eligibility for additional unemployment benefits, employers nationwide are struggling to fill positions. As a result, many companies are trying a range of new tactics to find -- and keep -- job candidates willing to work in-person.

Check out some of the innovative recruiting programs and incentives U.S. companies have put in place during the pandemic.

12 Tips for Creating Effective Visual Marketing

April 28, 2021 --

Business2Community
Visual content is one of the most effective ways to reach and resonate with your target audience. As humans, we’re hardwired to absorb and recall visual information much more rapidly than text-based content.

But the key to visual marketing success is to understand how to use visual marketing effectively.

Create a Virtual Watercooler to Spark Innovative Problem-Solving

April 28, 2021 --

Strategy+Business
When communication suffers, so does innovative problem-solving. And because the forced move to remote working has sharply impacted the capacity for gatherings around the watercooler (or coffee machine or foosball table), the potential to engage in problem-solving has declined as well.

Recurrent problems that reduce productivity spiked in the remote working world. Here are four ways to ensure creative juices keep flowing, whatever the working environment.

After the Pandemic, What Choices Will You Have Made?

April 28, 2021 --

Chatsworth Consulting Group
There’s no going back to “normal” after the last 12 months. What does normal even mean at this point? Our lives, realities, and perspectives have been changed in profound (and for many, painful) ways – but it appears there is light at the end of the tunnel.

As things begin to shift, it’s time to ask ourselves important questions in anticipation of a “new normal.”

On-Demand Education

April 28, 2021 --

Pricing to Win Series
Greenhouse Current Issues & Best Practices Series
FREE to AmericanHort members and $99 for non-members
Available through May 1

AmericanHort Women in Horticulture May Interview

April 28, 2021 --

Suzi McCoy & Katie Dubow; Garden Media Group
Thursday, May 27, 2 PM, ET

Knowing and Growing Boxwood

April 28, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | Wednesday, June 2, 1 PM, ET

Hemp Conference at Cultivate’21

April 28, 2021 --

July 9-10, 2021
Columbus, OH

Cultivate'21

April 28, 2021 --

July 10-13, 2021
Columbus, OH

Boxwood Breeding and Selection for Blight Resistance

April 28, 2021 --

tHRIve Webinar | Wednesday, August 25, 11 AM, ET

How to Evaluate Your Diversity and Engagement Programs Using Employee Feedback

April 14, 2021 --

Fast Company
The challenge for many companies is that their initiatives are built to foster equality, not equity. They are asking themselves, “How can we ensure everyone is treated equally?” That is the wrong question.

The right question is, “How can I ensure everyone gets what they need?”

Five Choices that Change Everything

April 14, 2021 --

Lead Today
Your life is made from the choices you make. Every big choice and every small choice determines the quality and even the length of your life.

One thing most us seldom think about is the fact that our minds take in everything we see, everything we hear and everything we read. It all influences what we think and those thoughts determine our actions.

How the Best Leaders Avoid Doing Everyone Else’s Job

April 14, 2021 --

Lolly Daskal
If you’re a leader, a manager or a boss, you know how things come at you—all at once, all the time, without stopping, and with people relying on you to respond quickly and decisively.

Here are some of the ways the best leaders maintain a clear view on their own roles and responsibilities and avoid doing everyone else’s job.

10 Measures That Improve Internal Communication

April 14, 2021 --

Entrepreneur
This past year has upended the corporate office structure as we know it and has brought on many unique challenges that, if not overcome, can negatively contribute to the long-term success of a company.

Entrepreneurs leading fast-growing companies with expanding workforces need to ensure that they adjust to this new reality and implement new strategies to deal with the communication challenges posed by a virtual workforce.

Apply These 10 Scientifically-Backed Strategies to Avoid Career Self-Sabotage

April 14, 2021 --

Forbes
If you’re like most people, you don’t see the water you’re swimming in and can’t understand how self-sabotage has stalled your career.

Here are 10 scientifically-backed strategies to mitigate self-defeating work patterns and sustain your career trajectory.

Plant Benefits or Features: Which Cue is More Effective?

April 14, 2021 --

Webinar | Thursday, April 15, 1 PM, ET
Register Now

On-Demand Education

April 14, 2021 --

Pricing to Win Series
Greenhouse Current Issues & Best Practices Series
FREE to AmericanHort members and $99 for non-members
Available through May 1
Register Now

AmericanHort Women in Horticulture May Interview

April 14, 2021 --

Suzi McCoy & Katie Dubow; Garden Media Group
Thursday, May 27, 2 PM, ET
Register Now

Hemp Conference at Cultivate’21

April 14, 2021 --

July 9-10, 2021
Columbus, OH
Register Now

Cultivate'21

April 14, 2021 --

July 10-13, 2021
Columbus, OH
Register Now

Try These 7 Mental Tactics for Achieving Long-Term Goals

March 31, 2021 --

Fast Company
Did you know that 92% of people never actually achieve the goals they set out to meet? Understanding the psychology of why we psyche ourselves out can help you not be one of them.

In this guide, we’ll teach you how to define long-term goals for your life and career that truly matter to you, make real time to work on them each day, and even give you some long-term goal examples to help inspire you to get started.

Too Much Focusing Is Draining. Here's A Better Strategy

March 31, 2021 --

NPR
Getting and staying focused can be a challenge in the best of times. But with everything going on in the world, concentrating can often feel down-right impossible.

Some think "unfocusing" your mind, or purposefully letting it wander, is key to improving focus overall. The brain does its best work when it's allowed to toggle between focus and unfocus. Here are six tips to help you find your flow.

True Leadership IS Inclusive Leadership

March 31, 2021 --

Worth
Corporate America has realized that diversity and inclusion—let alone equity—are lacking. Numerous firms and individuals are adding inclusive or diversity leadership measures into the methods they use to assess, select, promote and develop leaders.

If you don’t have diversity, inclusion and equity embedded throughout your leadership assessment, you aren’t distinguishing the very best leaders.

A Simple Compliment Can Make a Big Difference

March 31, 2021 --

Harvard Business Review
Establishing a positive organizational culture, one in which employees and managers support one another, should be a top priority for organizations. Expressing praise and gratitude is particularly important for keeping up morale.

There is ample evidence that giving someone else a boost, whether giving compliments or expressing gratitude, has a mood-lifting effect and contributes to well-being.

How to Implement an Effective Email Marketing Strategy

March 31, 2021 --

Forbes
Recently, some marketers have set email campaigns aside in favor of other digital channels such as social media and mobile messaging. While a multichannel strategy should embrace new channels to boost sales opportunities, marketers who deprioritize email should proceed with caution.

I believe email marketing is just as relevant today, and thanks to AI and other technology tools, it can finally reach its full potential.