The Journal

Tools & frameworks for leaders.

Field notes on coaching, strategy, and leading well — written by Jay and selected colleagues.

An orange basket of yellow flowers on a white fence with pink flowers next to it.

Inertia

One of the aspects I love about the StratOp strategic and operational planning is witnessing the transformative impact of the Paterson Process on individuals. Sometimes it’s a leader realizing their team’s untapped potential, or a manager finding a more efficient way to manage their time. Occasionally, it’s the surprising discovery of an unknown talent. These…

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Colorful image of a notebook reading Strategic Plan on top of sketches of different types of charts and graphs

Six Ideas for Strategic Planning Sessions & Tools to Implement Them

These ideas for strategic planning sessions can help multiple types of businesses define their goals and develop a roadmap for reaching them effectively.

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a clip art style illustration of an office worker looking at computer screens that show multiple charts with positive trend lines

How Much Does a Strategic Planning Consultant Cost?

It’s difficult to do strategic planning on your own, but how much does a strategic planning consultant cost—and how much value will they bring to your business?

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Chart divided into sections labeled Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4, and Phase 5, with red, blue, yellow, and white pushpins and tiny green flags

How to Create a Roadmap for a Strategic Plan

You’ve got your strategic plan; how do you ensure it remains relevant and actionable? Learn how to create a roadmap for a strategic plan

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a clip art style illustration of a dark-skinned woman's feet in flip flops at the beach

Jimmy Buffet was right…”Life is better in flip-flops.”

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy. Or is it? New studies reveal American workers are taking fewer and fewer summer vacations—and when they do, they often take their work with them. As a business coach, I stress the importance of proper rest. And in my 30 years of consulting, virtually every client has agreed that…

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“Dad, you’re writing a book?”

That was my youngest son’s question about a month ago when he found out that I indeed was working on my first book. I said, “Yup…sorry I didn’t tell you. I guess I’m bad at self promotion.” 😉 Nevertheless, 3 years after starting this project, I’m happy to announce that my book, “Would They Follow If They…

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