Not sure how to know if you should leave your job? You’re not the only one. Big career decisions can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to. In our latest post, we break it down with three simple (but powerful) questions to help you figure out if it’s time to stay, go, or start making a new plan. Plus, we’re sharing some of our favorite resources to help you move forward with confidence. Ready for some clarity? Let’s go!
Get ready to experience North Alabama’s next wave of innovation at the Singing River Trail Launch Tank Pitch Competition! Held Wednesday, April 23 at the Scottsboro Civic Center, this high-energy event puts local entrepreneurs in the spotlight as they pitch bold ideas for the chance to win $20,000+ in funding. Inspired by “Shark Tank,” Launch Tank is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the power of local visionaries. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, educator, or simply curious about what’s next for our region, this is your chance to connect, be inspired, and witness innovation in action.
Emily here. For the past two semesters, I’ve been part of the Highlands College Leadership Institute, and I’ll admit, I’ve often felt like an imposter. Leadership hasn’t always come naturally to me, and conflict? I tend to avoid it. But here’s the twist: leaning into that discomfort has sparked unexpected growth. What if understanding your own personality—and others’—could completely change how you handle conflict? I’ve been exploring this in my leadership journey, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about turning conflict into a powerful tool for collaboration. Want to know how? Keep reading!
Where you live shapes more than just your daily routine—it influences your happiness, health, and overall quality of life. In this guest post, Mackenzie Cottles from the Shoals Economic Development Authority (Shoals EDA) explores how remote work has opened the door to choosing lifestyle over location. If you’re weighing the decision between returning to an office in a place that doesn’t feel like home or working remotely in a community that truly fits your values, what would you choose? The right move could lead to a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Context matters. When conflict erupts at work, it’s easy to focus on the outburst, not the circumstances that led to it. Take my friend’s brother—suspended without pay for lashing out after being undermined. What his boss didn’t consider? He had just lost his mother and had a child in the hospital.
As leaders, we must create space for employees to navigate stress, not just react to their missteps. Using an empowerment-based model like SBAR—situation, background, analysis, recommendations—can help de-escalate conflict and build stronger teams. How do you handle workplace conflict?