Posts by Micah Ray
Emerging from Your Winter into Growth
Leadership Through the Seasons: Emerging from Your Winter into Growth As the month of March starts, I’m reminded of the changing seasons. And the fact that leadership isn’t a straight climb to success. It’s cyclical—just like the seasons. There are seasons of momentum, clarity, and thriving. And then there are seasons that feel slower, harder,…
Read MoreThe Forgotten Power of Middle Managers
The Forgotten Power of Middle Managers – Why Leadership Development Is Key Middle managers were once seen as the backbone of thriving organizations, but somewhere along the way, their role lost its luster. Today, many middle managers feel overworked, undervalued, and caught in a storm of unrealistic expectations. Let’s explore why this role remains pivotal…
Read MoreCollaboration to Elevate Your Interior Design and Architecture Projects
Introduction Many of our clients and followers are interior designers or architects. If you’re in one of these groups (or in a design-oriented business), you’re constantly balancing creative vision with practical execution. While your in-house team may handle the core design work, the most ambitious, high-impact projects often require external collaboration. Whether it’s partnering with…
Read MoreThe Art of Interpersonal Communication to Build Connection and Influence
Never does a week go by that Mike and I aren’t asked by a leader about how to communicate something to someone else. So I will give them advice and model for them what to say, and often, when I finish, I will hear them say, “I should have been recording that!” Whether it’s…
Read MoreCrafting a Powerful Vision Statement
Crafting a Powerful Vision Statement: A 5-Year Roadmap for Your Organization Introduction: Why Vision Clarity Is Essential for Strategic Direction A clear and compelling vision statement is more than just words on a wall; it’s the north star that guides your organization’s long-term direction. Without a well-defined vision, it’s easy for your team to drift,…
Read MoreMoving From Burnout to Confidence and Control
Moving From Burnout to Confidence and Control Ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of endless tasks, urgent demands, and mounting frustrations? You’re not the only one. I remember a job I once loved. The mission inspired me, and I worked alongside great people. But over time, something shifted. My focus wavered, fatigue set…
Read MoreBreakthrough Ideas
With the right process, breakthrough ideas can go from haphazard to habitual. sporadic to systematic. I know it’s possible because I’ve used this one tried and true process with clients and projects for years. I had a person book a coaching session with me recently. She has plenty of professional success, but after some life…
Read MoreEmpowering the Secret Backbone of Your Business
Empowering the Secret Backbone of Your Business “Middle management is a vital yet beleaguered role within organizations.” (McKinsey Global Survey, published 2023)1 Recent studies2 show that middle managers often lack the development, empowerment, and appreciation they need, despite being the glue that holds everything together. What’s your experience been? Are middle managers thought of and…
Read MoreThe 90-Day Self-Improvement Blueprint: A Quarterly Review Process
Today is the first day of the new quarter. That means it is a good time to review the previous quarter. I do this with several of our clients. And I used to do reviews in my corporate job for my team. Perhaps you already do employee reviews annually if you have a team. That’s…
Read MoreThe 5C Code for Communication Mastery
I recently picked up a fantastic new book called “The Communication Code” by Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram, the co-founders of GiANT. As someone who is passionate about improving communication and relationships, I was immediately drawn to the core premise. Jeremie and Steve provide a simple but powerful framework for elevating your emotional intelligence and…
Read More