Horizon Point Consulting

Category: Leadership Development

Beyond Leadership is Horizon Point’s line of resources for managers of people. Managing ourselves is a distinct set of behaviors from managers the work of others, and we are here to help. Read stories in this category if you are ready to take the next step in your own leadership development (or if you’re looking for resources for someone else).

  • Are You Leading or Just Managing? Let’s Find Out

    Are You Leading or Just Managing? Let’s Find Out

    The terms manager and leader often get used interchangeably, but should they? “Leading versus managing” is a common search phrase. At HPC, we don’t really think it’s a “versus” situation. You can be a good manager without being a great leader, but you can’t be a great leader without strong management skills. So, what’s distinct about them, and why does it matter? Let’s break it down. 

    You Manage Time and Tasks

    Management primarily involves managing things that largely impact people, but it does not seek to influence people like leadership does. 

    It’s hard to lead others well if you can manage your tasks and your time and help others do the same.  

    Here are two resources for growing in managing your tasks and time so you can model that well for others: 

    You Lead People

    Leadership at its core is simply influencing others to achieve desired and mutually beneficial outcomes. To do this, you have to manage your time and tasks well and help others do the same, but you also have to: 

    • Create and share a vision. Where you are wanting to influence people to go, and how?
    • Provide individual influence to achieve the desired outcomes.

    Focus on what you can control by modeling the behaviors you want to see.

    Deploy strategies to meet people where they are to provide positive influence. Some models/books we like related to this are:

    Be sure to check out our coaching moment videos that are coming out over the next few weeks to gain practical tips and tools on how you can manage and lead effectively.

  • You’re Killin’ Me Smalls! 4 Powerful Leadership Lessons from The Sandlot

    You’re Killin’ Me Smalls! 4 Powerful Leadership Lessons from The Sandlot

    My boys love baseball. I tolerate it.

    Our little one started t-ball last year and has become obsessed, so naturally The Sandlot is now his favorite movie.  He watches it on repeat now.  Again, I tolerate it being on pretty much 24/7 at our house. 

    But the other day it was playing in the background, and I sat down for a second to watch.  “This Benny kid”, I thought, “this kid is a real leader”.  Then I proceeded to watch the entire rest of the movie tuned in to this realization: there are powerful leadership lessons from The Sandlot. 

    As I watched, Benny does four things and in a natural progression to help Scotty, aka “Smalls” be a part of the team and get better at baseball.  Here are the steps I learned:

    1. Include First.  Benny notices Smalls as the new kid in town and invites him to play.  He needs one more person to round out the team (inclusion doesn’t have to be all altruistic) and invites him to play. He gives him a better hat and better glove to help him acclimate easier into the team and advocates for him so the other (skeptical) kids will include him.  But if Benny is including him, the others will follow. People have to feel safe and included before you can help them grow in confidence and skills. 
    1. Nourish Confidence.  Poor Smalls hardly knows a baseball from the sun, much less how to throw and catch. Benny puts him in the outfit and realizes this rather quickly.  Instead of thinking the kid is a lost cause, he knows he needs to give him a win so he will stick it out and the other kids will accept him.   

    In my favorite scene, he jogs out of the outfield after Smalls has made a fool of himself and tells him to just hold his glove up in the air and he will do the rest. He jogs back to home plate with bat and ball in hand and shouts, “Smalls, throw it to second!”  Benny spits on the ball and launches it into the outfit towards Smalls as Smalls chants “Please catch it, please catch it!” eyes closed and glove up.  And Benny’s hit strikes square in the center of Smalls’ glove.   

    The other kids say, alright, this kid is okay and they go on playing. Smalls moves forward a little more confident because of Benny’s hitting and leadership skills, so that now he can build his own skills. 

    1. Build Skills.  Just like my boys, Benny LOVES baseball. It is his life. So, naturally they all play a lot, a whole lot, all summer long.  This practice helps them all grow in their skills, and as they all improve individually they improve together, Smalls included.  You’ve got to build people’s confidence enough for people to be willing to put in the work/practice to be able to build skills. 
    1. Mobilize and have your people’s back when things get tough. Like any good movie, a major problem erupts about three quarters of the way in. The kids need a baseball, so Smalls goes and takes a ball out of his stepdad’s office. Little does he realize that it is signed by the best baseball player of all time because he doesn’t know who Babe Ruth is.  Smalls crushes his first home run with that ball, over the fence and into the yard of “The Beast” the monster and legend of a dog all the boys are terrified of. Naturally, Smalls panics, and when the other kids realize who signed that ball, they all panic together. How are they going to get it back? They have to. 

    Benny gets them all together, tells them to calm down, or shows them to calm down because he is calm, and gives out direct instructions on how they are going to handle this offering the next right thing.  He doesn’t jump off the deep end with panic and what ifs, he just works the team to do what is needed next.  

    Benny has Smalls’ back to fix the biggest “pickle” he’s ever been in. He mobilizes the team to help fix the mess. 

    These leadership lessons from The Sandlot feel eerily similar to leadership lessons at work. Undoubtedly, leading people is going to erupt in some major problems, whether three quarters in or not.  When it does, good leaders have already taken the time to include and build confidence and skills, so when the going gets tough, they can get the team going to fix the issue with as little infighting and panic as possible.  Which continues to build inclusion, confidence and skills. 

    How do you build inclusion, confidence and skills in your people? Can you take these leadership lessons from The Sandlot and apply them at work?

    At HPC, we are launching coaching moment videos in 2025! Check out the first moment on Nourishing Confidence here! 

  • 3 Strategies to Strengthen Professional Relationships in 2025

    3 Strategies to Strengthen Professional Relationships in 2025

    Building and maintaining professional relationships is essential for success in today’s dynamic work environment. Whether you’re leading a team, collaborating with colleagues, or expanding your network, strong professional relationships are the key to achieving your goals and innovating the workplace (which you know we love!).

    Here are three powerful strategies to strengthen your professional relationships this year:

    1. Prioritize open and authentic communication

    Every great relationship starts with clear, consistent communication. But in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, connecting authentically can be a challenge. It’s not just about talking; it’s about actively listening, encouraging dialogue, and building trust.

    Schedule regular check-ins—whether face-to-face or virtual—and create space for open conversations. Acknowledge challenges, celebrate wins, and actively listen to others’ perspectives. This builds the foundation for strong professional relationships that can withstand the test of time.

    man wearing white top in front of woman wearing blue long sleeved top

    ? Pro Tip: Ask questions like, “What’s a recent success you’re proud of?” or “How can I support your work better?”

    ? Related Reading: Open the Door to Communication, Encouragement, and Relationships

    2. Engage in intentional “relationshipping”

    delighted female friends with laptop and smartphone

    What’s relationshipping? It’s a deliberate approach to building meaningful connections. Unlike traditional networking, relationshipping focuses on fostering long-term trust and collaboration rather than short-term gains.

    In 2025, strengthen your professional relationships by being proactive. Share resources that align with someone’s interests, recognize their efforts, or invite them to collaborate on meaningful projects. Small, thoughtful actions make a big difference in creating lasting connections.

    ? Pro Tip: Use tools like a CRM or your calendar to track key dates (birthdays, work anniversaries) and check in regularly with your top connections.

    ? Related Reading: What’s Relationshipping and How Do I Do It?

    3. Invest in people with time and resources

    One of the best ways to strengthen professional relationships is by showing you value others. This doesn’t always mean financial investment—it could mean mentoring, offering support, or advocating for their development.

    In 2025, strengthen your professional relationships by being proactive. Share resources that align with someone’s interests, recognize their efforts, or invite them to collaborate on meaningful projects. Small, thoughtful actions make a big difference in creating lasting connections.

    men women party event

    ? Pro Tip: Organize “knowledge-sharing” sessions where team members can learn from each other. This fosters collaboration and strengthens relationships across the board.

    ? Related Reading: Investing in People Makes Cents

    Wrapping it up

    Strong professional relationships don’t just happen—they require effort and intentionality. By prioritizing communication, engaging in purposeful relationship-building, and investing in others, you can create a network of trust and collaboration.

    What steps will you take this year to strengthen your professional relationships?

  • Who cares about Professional Development? Horizon Point does!

    Who cares about Professional Development? Horizon Point does!

    This week kicks off a brand-new series here at The Point Blog. The Fall brings a new school year and with that, all things Professional Development. Some would consider this topic a snooze fest, but if it is tailored to an individual’s needs and desires for career growth, it can be one of the most exciting things that you get to do! Mary Ila supports our interests by meeting with us for monthly one on ones and asks us what we would like to be doing and the best way that the company can support our future goals. We also discuss our opportunities for Professional Development as a team when we meet at our Monthly Mingles.

    In my own journey of leadership development and career growth, I ventured out and started a new class last week. The class is Highlands College Leadership Institute. It will meet for an hour on Tuesday nights for 4 semesters, and the BEST part of it all? Horizon Point is investing in me to do it. I could not be more interested in the content that I’m learning, and I cannot wait to take back what I have learned about to our team for us to implement what I’ve been taught. That’s the beauty of Professional Development done the right way. It adds value!

    Jillian on our team has been sharing all about ATD24 and her experience at Recharge Your Soul, their annual Expo. In one of her recent blogs she shares…

    The theme for ATD24 was Recharge Your Soul. I absolutely felt recharged when I left, so much that I couldn’t stop talking about it (still can’t). 

    Jillian’s experience and excitement about the things that she learned inspired the rest of us at our Mingle when she handed out cards from different vendors and shared her stories. Not only is Mary Ila adding value to us individually, but as a whole, our team is better because of these opportunities.


    Taylor was recently certified in School Career Development Advisor (SCDA) Training and can now offer the training through our website in addition to Career Development Training that is offered. Not only is the company investing in Taylor, but she is turning around and adding value to Horizon Point with her unique interests and skills.


    Last but not least Lorrie got to attend the American Correctional Conference in Nashville last month and sent pictures of the songwriter Jelly Roll in our group text message. She said that it was one of the best conferences that she had been to and the experience ties right into Lorrie’s interests. Lorrie holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice and recently received her Master’s of Jurisprudence in Labor and Employment Law at Tulane University Law School.


    Can you see the value of Professional Development? It doesn’t have to be the boring old lectures with stale ideas. If it is done the right way, it brings life to your employees. So go ahead and start asking, “How can I best support you?”

  • SPECIAL FEATURE: June Leadership Development Carnival

    SPECIAL FEATURE: June Leadership Development Carnival

    We are honored to host this month’s Leadership Development Carnival. At Horizon Point, we find that each month the carnival is filled with rich content to enhance your knowledge of Leadership. We hope that you enjoy it as much as we do!

    Communication

    Is Empathy Dying?
    Sadly empathy seems to be dying. It can be devastating to relationships… both personal and professional. Learn why this is important and how you can reclaim it. — Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE (@macdarling)

    Divided we fail, in dialogue we create the future
    In this time of challenges we need dialogue and solutions but we see polarization. Also at work, you must take a stand. Are you pro or contra? Divided we fail, but through dialogue, we can solve our challenges and create the future. — Marcella Bremer (@MarcellaBremer)

    The Power of Neutral Language: Time to Think First and Communicate Second
    How do we minimize the number of regretful remarks we will make in the future– be they verbally, in writing, or through social media? How do we avoid saying something we might come to bemoan? My prescription? Think first, communicate second, and by doing so, change the language to something neutral. And, when we fail to do this – after all, we’re all human – and instead blurt out something unkind, unproductive or unprofessional, apologize. — DIANA PETERSON-MORE (linkedin.com/in/leadership-consultant-usa)

    Creativity/Inspiration

    June Tune Up! Add a Little Oil!
    Mother Teresa once said, “To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it.” Leadership is about helping others discover who they are and how they impact the lives of others. We aim to have a positive impact on those around us and be the support system they need to continue growing. — Brenda Yoho (@BrendaYoho or https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendayoho/)

    Development

    Invisible Costs Can Cost You a Lot
    When making decisions, most people view cost as an important consideration. While price is undoubtedly crucial, what about invisible costs that also come into play? — Frank Sonnenberg (@FSonnenberg)

    Which Double Standard for Women Applies To You? All of Them?
    Double standards for women in leadership is an age-old problem, but it turns out that it’s not just a problem for leaders; it’s a problem for all women in the workplace. It’s important to see the double standards women face in their broader context as a result of implicit and unconscious biases we all hold. — Dana Theus (@DanaTheus)

    Opportunity Focused Leadership
    Do you aim to be a problem-focused leader or an opportunity focused leader?

    Many work environments place a premium on leaders with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. However, that premium often places too much emphasis on being critical and dealing with problems. I suggest a different way. — Bill Treasurer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/courage)

    How to keep your best leaders: 4 keys to build a flourishing leadership pipeline
    A recent Gallup study highlights significant concerns among those serving in managerial roles. Their research found managers more likely than non-managers to be disengaged at work, burned out, looking for a new job and feeling like their organization doesn’t care about their wellbeing. Amid these intense challenges, what can you do to keep your best leaders? Here are four keys to build a flourishing leadership pipeline. — Jon Lokhorst (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonlokhorst/)

    Where Does Your Work Culture Fall in the 5 Levels of Workplace Inspiration?
    A work culture that validates teams members for their efforts and sense of responsibility will create an engaged workforce. — S. Chris Edmonds (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisedmonds)

    Keep Your Business Healthy: The Four Pillars of Sound Financial Practices
    Operational savvy doesn’t always come easy, and a business owner sometimes, out of necessity, has to put on hats they aren’t equipped. I often hear “But I’m not an accountant!” and I understand. Still, if you are going to own a business, you have to take responsibility for the financial aspects of your business as well as other operations and product/service development and sales. — Jon Verbeck (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonverbeck)

    Engagement

    Declining Employee Engagement Signals an Opportunity
    Gallup Research recently issued a red flag about employee engagement. Michael Stallard and Katharine Stallard explain why it actually represents an opportunity for leaders. — Michael Lee Stallard (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstallard)

    Leadership Development

    Leading Through Change in the Workplace: Key Strategies to Use Today
    The complexities of the business environment mean change is one thing most employees can expect, whether they like it or not. Changes in strategy, restructuring, layoffs, the prevalence of mergers and acquisitions, people, and workplace culture issues – the list goes on and on. Read on to see how leaders can help minimize disruption and keep employees engaged. — David Grossman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgrossmanaprabc)

    Productivity

    How Documenting Effective Systems Improves Team Culture and Performance
    Clearly communicated systems aren’t rigid shackles – but rather the essential musical score that ensures everyone plays in perfect harmony, unlocking exceptional team culture and performance. — Sean Glaze (@leadyourteam)

    It’s About Time! 10 Ways to Offer the Time Autonomy Employees Crave
    The clock is ticking towards a more autonomous future. This article offers concrete tools and strategies within any leader’s control to offer the time flexibility people crave – and in the process, build a magnetic and unbeatable culture where talent thrives. — Julie Winkle Giulioni (https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewinklegiulioni)

    Quality is a Journey to Excellence
    Quality means not only the quality of the product, but also the quality of the processes producing the product, the quality of the designs that go into processes and the product, quality people, quality systems, quality service, quality everything… just quality through and through everywhere. We need to adopt a new way to manage and run organizations. – John Hunter (@aJohnHunter)

    \Swinging for the Fence to Slow Productivity
    Following my sabbatical almost three years ago where I said no to everything for almost eight weeks, I came out refreshed and ready to swing for the fence again. I slowly but surely started picking up balls. One at a time, we added client after client, one of which is sucking the ever living life out of me right now. — Mary Ila Ward (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ila-ward)

    Team Building

    Hiring the Right Players
    Every organization needs leaders who can come in and quickly understand the organization’s past, learn the present environment, and develop an effective plan. The challenge is exercising patience and diligence in the selection process to hire the right players; being clear about what and who you need. — Priscilla Archangel (@prisarchangel)

    Is a pro basketball player’s story the key to fighting mediocrity?
    Robyn McLeod of Thoughtful Leaders Blog presents Is a pro basketball player’s story the key to fighting mediocrity? where she shares that while mediocrity can be contagious, the antidote is a focus on winning and innovation – and the encouragement of the Charles Barkleys in your organization who can rally their teams to success. — Robyn McLeod (@ThoughtfulLdrs)