Bring together a few business leaders and have them discuss their challenges in their businesses. Inevitably, they will introduce the issues surrounding employees that they consider toxic to the workplace environment.  They may each have their own perspective on what is toxic in their workplace or what particular individuals do to contribute to the toxicity. Still, the common thread is that as leaders, they allow the toxic situation to exist. So is leadership contributing to the toxicity by not addressing the challenge?

Lots of talk about toxic employees, but what about toxic leadership?Read More »

Every business is seeking that one magical differentiator that will set it apart from other companies.  Numerous strategies and tactics have been employed over the years to differentiate one organization from others in its industry.  Everything from new products and services to changes in company logos has been tried, with a variety of successes and some significant failures. They are all seeking that special thing which sets them apart from the rest and causes customers to come flocking to their door for more.

The renewed business differentiator!Read More »

From the movie “Apollo 13,” there are a few classic lines that, as business leaders, we can all relate to.  In the movie sequence, one of the lines is “Houston, we have a problem!”  This starts the next set of events in motion.  Not knowing the whole situation at the time, the astronauts, who were specially trained to handle potential failures on space missions, began the organized process to diagnose and then make a decision that would ultimately lead to the best course of action under the circumstances.

Failure is not an option!Read More »

For many years, JKL Associates has been honored to work with many business owners during their transition from building to selling and into their next phase of life. Each one has been unique to the owner’s situation. Each one has had some pleasant surprises, and every one has had some bumps in the path to getting the deal done.

So you sold your business – what do you do nowRead More »

It is fascinating to look at the dollars spent on outbound marketing to attract customers, only to have the organization fail to deliver on the relationship the prospective customer was looking for. One would think that investing dollars into attracting customers would immediately be followed by delivering excellent customer service.

Simple ingredients to consistent growthRead More »

Your financials for the first half of the calendar year 2025 should be generally ready for a good review by now. The plans architected last fall have been implemented, and the results of those initiatives should be showing signs of contribution or not. As leaders, we take some time at the beginning of each year to roll out the plan.  We also take time in late fall to review the progress, so plans for the subsequent year begin to be shaped accordingly.  Sometimes we skip the quarterly or semi-annual reviews, based on the gut feeling that things are going as planned.

Mid-Year ReviewRead More »

As the business’s primary leader and decision maker, the buck ultimately stops with you. You are the one who gets to make the final decision once you have collected input from the various sources that can or should contribute insights before a decision or action is made.  You get applause when the decision goes well and sneers when it does not go as planned.  You have made big decisions, and if you have been around a while, then you can definitely relate to the good times and the not so great times.

Building your internal and external trusted advisors’ teamRead More »

We take this moment to pause and celebrate our great nation—the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! This country continues to set the pace of freedom. May every American citizen be thankful for our freedoms and not take them for granted or abuse them for self-gain.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Happy Birthday, America!Read More »

When you look at significant events in your business’s growth and dig beneath the surface, you will likely find that most involve key business relationships. Those relationships might be with clients/customers, employees, colleagues, or strategic vendors. In all cases, the relationship contributed to the successful outcome.

Building your organization – ONE key relationship at a timeRead More »

Tomorrow, June 20, 2025, is the official first day of summer – the summer solstice. It is the time of year that many look forward to spending time with family and friends for a backyard gathering or time on the road vacationing. Business leaders sometimes consider it a complex time to cover all the work to be completed, as team members take time away from the office.

Summer is right around the cornerRead More »