I was listening to an engineer describe an upcoming road construction project, beginning with how bad the road was currently, and details of the final completed project. He made a great point that is relevant to you this week as you think about goals and outcomes for 2026. "Between an old road and a new road is no road." Sometimes I have to read that twice. We can't have new roads if we don't get rid of the old ones. Edmond's Coffee Creek Rd, in current "no road" condition If we just layer...
30 days ago • 2 min read
Building a business is hard. I've done it a couple of times. Leading a team is not easy. I've got many personal stories to prove it. This is not just my experience; it's the way it is everywhere. Everyone would do it and be successful if it were easy, right? So why are you doing it? If you're reading this, then you’re a leader. Maybe you are building a business, managing a team, guiding a group of volunteers, or just trying to be a better leader to yourself and your family. And you know it's...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
"In a season obsessed with more, leaders must learn the art of discerning enough." More is not something we shy away from in modern society. Thanksgiving in particular always lends to more food. I'm sitting here eating my 5th meal of Thanksgiving leftovers, and I'm not even sad about it. It could get tiring soon, but not likely as it begins to take on different forms, such as our favorite: turkey enchiladas. I'm also seeing all the Black Friday advertisements with emails and text messages...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
"Most of what fills a day - talks, tasks, and duties - is just noise pretending to be important." - Alan Watts We all know that we need to work on what's important. Yet we all tend to get caught up in the urgent and overwhelming tasks of the day. It takes intentionality to focus on the important. It takes effort and some discomfort at times. I sometimes need a reminder and a refresher on the benefits of these tough actions. One thing I almost always return to is the Eisenhower Matrix, which...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Full calendars, pending deadlines, unread emails, app notifications, and that text message that just dinged. Where's your attention? I observed a brief conversation between two managers this week that got sidetracked at least 5 times by glances at phones. It was like sitting outside my body, realizing that I have the same problem. I think I'm focused and know my priorities, but it quickly gets snatched away by the next ding or shiny idea. Shiny Object Syndrome isn't new. We've been facing it...
3 months ago • 1 min read
I really enjoy the work I get to do with business leaders. I had two conversations yesterday with leaders who are looking to hire an employee. They were different conversations with leaders in very different circumstances. The fun part is that my experience and professional training fit both, and I really love getting to use what I have been blessed with. Leader A is an entrepreneur who has built his first business to the point of needing to hire help. He's successful and doing it all on his...
3 months ago • 1 min read
It's been almost a year since I last wrote a book review. Most of my past reviews can be found on edmondbusiness.com/author/phil-klutts, where I published a monthly column of business and leadership-focused books. I read a couple dozen books each year, and wanted to share my most recent read with you because I think it is incredibly relevant, well-written, and discusses vital skills for leaders. We all face uncertainty, complexity, and volatility. Leaders need the knowledge, ability, and...
4 months ago • 2 min read
You’re standing behind the podium. Eyes are on you and you start speaking. Suddenly, that piercing squeal of feedback cuts through the room. What’s your instinct? Most people step back. It feels like the right thing to do—move away from the noise, create distance, let the moment pass. But here’s the thing: that instinct is wrong. Every week I tell our volunteers at church to lean into the mic and speak loudly when they hear feedback on the mic. Pulling away is a natural response but it...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Are you locked in? It’s time to think about the rest of the year. Labor Day is Monday, cooler temperatures are upon us, and before we realize it will be time for Christmas parties and then 2026. Take this opportunity to lock in to your goals for 2025 and reach your goals. Most people will wait until September 30th to close out Q3 and think about their Q4 focus. But not you. Let’s use this long weekend to find an hour and focus in on the next 4 months. Here’s a simple 3-step framework you can...
5 months ago • 1 min read