Fear, doubt, feeling out of touch with colleagues. These are just some of the challenges executive coaches and former colleagues Charles Story and Richard A. Smith have addressed in their more than a half-century of combined experience working with, and
Executive Coaches Charles Story and Richard A. Smith have more than a half-century of combined experience working with, and serving as, executive leaders. They met in 1995 at INROADS, the organization dedicated to cultivating diverse managerial talent, where Charles was
Employees require more feedback. Constituent demands are greater. Organizations are adapting to new versions of normal. Employees are tackling additional responsibilities. Also, water is wet. Although the circumstances of what is keeping us busy and how we work may change, the
There’s no doubt, the turbulence of the past year and a half have transformed how we live, work and lead. Many managers are finding this period of time – past lockdowns and required remote status – to be even more
During Pride month, Benton + Bradford Consulting salutes LGBTQ+ leaders and heroes who have had a significant impact on their communities, on our country, and on the world. Bayard Rustin American civil rights activist Bayard Rustin was a key adviser to
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, a Union General rode into Galveston, Texas to announce that the Civil War had ended, and slaves had been freed.
Six months into a year, leaders should recalibrate and identify areas of focus for the second half of the year. Ask yourself these questions so that you can best support your direct reports and organizational priorities, whether you’re managing remote
During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Benton + Bradford Consulting celebrates the accomplishments and influence of leaders within the AAPI community. Their work in a wide variety of areas – including activism, healthcare, technology and art – has
Most often, when an organization hires Benton + Bradford Consulting for a coaching engagement, we partner with the following types of executives: HIGH POTENTIAL An employee in an above entry to mid-level role who has been identified as a high potential
Benton + Bradford Consulting celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting women who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and determination. Each of them provides inspiration for tomorrow’s leaders to define and develop their own unique strengths. Toni Morrison Toni Morrison is one of the
Many leaders find delivering feedback challenging and they fail to provide insights that can improve employee performance. But feedback designed to praise accomplishments and prompt positive change is essential to good leadership and to fostering an organizational culture that engages
At Benton + Bradford Consulting, understanding what is required to be a successful leader is an essential aspect of the work we do with our clients. Our managing partner Richard A. Smith, a Black entrepreneur, executive coach and HR consultant,
Like many Americans, I watched the socially distanced Inauguration 2021 festivities with interest. But unlike many Americans, I observed this day unfold through my professional lens, watching for lessons in leadership. Regardless of whether your candidate is now in office, executives
As we’ve seen through multiple studies and in many articles, diversity training alone isn’t enough. What happens outside ofa training module, a workshop or a dialogue about diversity, inclusion and equity? What are managers imparting to their team members about
Is tension always bad? We tend to think so. But healthy tension can be productive, allowing for conflict and its resolution, challenges and their solutions. Diversity creates healthy tension when it’s managed and supported appropriately allowing for ideas to be shared
Every employee has, at some point, sat through a lecture sponsored by his, her or their company. Usually, a speaker of note is engaged to bring awareness to how diversity can help the company achieve its goals and look like
The diversity dialogue has changed. Historically underrepresented groups have spoken up about lack of support, or worse, in corporate settings for decades. Was anyone listening as closely as they are now? The recent murders of George Floyd, Breanna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and
Malcolm Gladwell tells Anderson Cooper that his best-selling book “Blink” taught him to “never use your instincts.” As Gladwell explains to Cooper, instincts or snap decisions encouraged him to stay out of his assistant hiring process: “You hire the person