Blog

Empowering Leaders & Elevating Teams

Dive into actionable advice and expert perspectives designed to empower your leadership journey, enhance team dynamics, and foster a thriving, productive work culture.

Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

The Power of Positive Psychology in Coaching

In the world of personal development and coaching, positive psychology stands out as a transformative approach. It's not just about fixing problems; it's about leveraging strengths, fostering growth, and achieving sustainable change. As someone deeply immersed in this field, I've witnessed firsthand how positive psychology can profoundly impact individuals across various stages of their careers and personal lives.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

How to Get Unstuck

Have you ever felt stuck? It’s a feeling many of us experience at some point, whether it’s in our jobs, personal lives, or even just in day-to-day tasks. From my experience in coaching conversations, especially those focused on strengths-based coaching, I’ve found that framing the situation positively and focusing on action are two of the most powerful tools for breaking free from that stuck feeling.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

Embracing Change: Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how to know when it’s time to start something new. It’s a question that many of us face, whether we’re contemplating a career shift, taking on a new project, or making a significant change in our personal lives. I wanted to share some thoughts and experiences on recognizing those signs and making the leap.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

Effective Management Tips

I want to share some insights and strategies on effective management that I’ve gathered from years of coaching and leading teams. People often come to me with management issues, ranging from team dynamics to performance problems, and I’ve found that certain principles can make a significant difference.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

Effective Management: Key Traits of Great Leaders

As I’ve worked with managers at all levels—whether executive, middle management, or newcomers—I've learned a lot about what makes the best leaders stand out. From my experience, there are several traits and systems that set exceptional managers apart.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

The Transformative Power of Coaching

At this stage in my career, I’ve spent hundreds of hours coaching individuals—from entry-level employees to senior executives. Through these experiences, I’ve uncovered several key insights about the unique value coaching offers.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

The Power of Showing Up When You Don't Want To

As I reflect on my journey, I’ve come to realize that the key to achieving anything worthwhile is showing up—especially on the days you don’t feel like it. If I were to offer a "secret" to life, this would be it: showing up, even when it feels tough, is how you make your dreams come true.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

Leadership Strategies for Building Effective Teams

One of the most common questions I get asked is, "What are the tips and strategies for leading an effective team?" Over the years, I’ve come to realize that there are several key practices that can truly make a difference in fostering a high-functioning team culture. Below are some of the strategies I recommend for leading with purpose and impact.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

Reclaiming Work-Life Balance

In today’s fast-paced world, many people are searching for a way to balance their work and personal lives. But what does work-life balance really mean?

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

The Problem with Annual Compliance Training and How to Fix It

I’ve spent a good part of my career working for large organizations, and one thing they all have in common is annual compliance training. Whether it’s anti-discrimination laws for government contractors, food safety training in restaurants, or even anti-union videos in certain industries, compliance training is unavoidable. And yet, despite its ubiquity, it’s universally dreaded. Why? Because it’s boring, disconnected, and often feels like a waste of time.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

Leadership Lessons from Starbucks' Bathroom Policy Controversy

As a leadership enthusiast, I often look at corporate decisions through a lens of strategy and long-term impact. Starbucks’ recent bathroom policy controversy offers a fascinating case study on reactive decision-making, branding, and the challenges of maintaining identity. Let me break it down.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

The Power of Abundance Thinking and Growth Mindset in Leadership

As a coach for leaders, I often hear thoughts like, “I’m not good enough,” “My team deserves better,” and “I feel disconnected from my team.” These self-reflections, though difficult to hear, show a level of self-awareness. The leaders who express these feelings are often already ahead of those who don’t acknowledge these concerns. Self-awareness is a powerful tool in leadership because it shows that you’re not ignoring areas where improvement is possible.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

Embracing Change: Leading in the Change Economy

Throughout my career, I've often found myself in situations where change was necessary. Whether it was a new initiative, a shift in strategy, or a complete organizational overhaul, I’ve had a front-row seat to the complexities of leading change. Today, we’re living in a time where change is no longer just a part of life—it's the very foundation of our economy.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

The Role of Employee Engagement in Organizational Success

Employee engagement isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a cornerstone of organizational success. Yet, for many leaders, it remains an elusive concept: how do you measure engagement? What does it mean in practice? And, most importantly, how can you foster it in your workplace? These are my thoughts on understanding and enhancing employee engagement to create thriving workplace cultures.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

Starting a Peer Coaching Program in Your Organization

Today I want to share some insights on how you can start a peer coaching program within your organization. This is something I've implemented with several clients, and it’s been a game-changer in terms of employee development and organizational growth.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

The Emerging Trends in Leadership and Business

In today’s rapidly evolving world, staying ahead requires leaders to adapt to emerging trends that are reshaping business and leadership. These shifts aren’t just challenges; they’re opportunities to redefine how we lead, work, and grow. Here are my thoughts on three key trends that will shape the future: the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), the changing dynamics of the workforce, and the rise of authentic leadership.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

Strategies for Breaking Through Motivation Blocks and Analysis Paralysis

We’ve all been there—feeling stuck, unsure of the next step, or simply unmotivated to start a new project. It’s easy to fall into analysis paralysis, where overthinking turns every decision into a daunting task. By incorporating simple yet effective strategies, you can regain clarity, motivation, and momentum.

Read More
Michael Smith-Porter Michael Smith-Porter

Creating Meaningful Moments: The Key to a Cohesive Team

In the relentless pace of today’s professional world, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly strengthens a team’s spirit and cohesion. Yet, the moments we cherish most often have little to do with deadlines or deliverables.

Read More