October 2024 Newsletter 

Welcome to this month's edition of the Keep the Line Moving (KTLM) newsletter! 

Here, we explore the most pressing issues in today's workplace and provide insights to help you navigate these challenges with resilience and effectiveness.

This Month’s Focus

There are no shortcuts in leadership development

Employees who strongly agree with the statement, “I feel connected to my organization’s culture,” are three times more likely to be engaged at work (Gallup).

This past month, we’ve had the privilege of conducting several workshops, and the dominant theme has been the quest to improve our ability to connect. We’ve worked with Middlebury College, professional sports teams, and professionals at all levels who are seeking an edge in their development. Whether it’s interviewing for your first job or learning how to communicate as a first-time leader, the answer lies in the details.

It’s all about nuance and finesse. Why? Because the philosophical is as important as the practical. There are no shortcuts—you need a well-thought-out, intentional plan. Whether you’re a college student, an emerging leader, or a Senior Vice President, it's crucial to understand why you're making decisions and how you communicate them. Forgive me for repeating myself, but you can’t wing this. We all need a strategy, and we emphasize this point in every workshop. Click here for more information.

Leadership Observation

Your Value

NYU Head Women’s Basketball Coach Meg Barber shared a powerful message during episode 98 of Keep the Line Moving. We discussed the idea that your value is not tied to your performance. Last season, the Violets won the Division III National Championship with a perfect 31-0 record, and Coach Barber relied on everyone in the program to achieve this remarkable feat. You don’t have to be the top scorer to make an impact—everyone contributes.

Sports executive Jon Schwartz echoed Coach Barber’s message in episode 99 when he shared advice he received: “Don’t outsource your confidence.” Learning from career challenges is never easy, but it's not up to someone else to determine your value.

What We Are Working On

 Open-Minded Leadership

Teaching graduate students in Leadership and Collaborative Innovation at Montclair State University has been rewarding, and here’s why: These students, at key points in their careers, are deeply committed to learning and growing as leaders. They apply class content to their daily lives in real-time and share their stories with us.

For example, we conducted an in-class exercise to determine whether students were open- or closed-minded. The results were eye-opening for many and much needed. The exercise allowed them to reflect on their ability to listen, respond, and communicate in ways that foster healthier exchanges in their workplaces.

Critical thinking and an open-minded approach to leadership aren’t just for graduate students—it’s a reminder for all professionals to think like students and remain committed to lifelong learning.

Stay curious and keep leading with passion!

Warm regards,

The KTLM Team

Unlock Your Leadership Potential

If you're facing challenges in your leadership journey or seeking guidance on fostering a more resilient and effective work culture, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with our team. Together, let's unlock your leadership potential and navigate the complexities of today's workplace with confidence.

Join us in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. Contact us today to learn more.

Feel free to share this newsletter with your colleagues and friends. We look forward to working with you.

Call to Action:

Lastly, please send us your podcast guest recommendations. If you know a leader, an emerging leader or someone who can inspire us, please email [email protected].

I want to thank all of you for following The Gargano Leadership Group!

Chris Gargano

Founder of The Gargano Leadership Group