Everything in a business – the people you hire, the vision you construct, the customers you serve, and more – is connected. Building a better understanding of the interrelated methods and processes at work is key to your ability to lead your business well. We call this approach “systems thinking.” The Aileron definition of systems thinking is: the [ Read More ]
If you’ve spent more than a few minutes with an Aileron coach or community member, you’ve likely heard about professional management and how it can help you lead with confidence to build a sustainable, thriving organization. We define professional management as a systematic way to run a business. Specifically, we use the Aileron DOC System of Professional Management [ Read More ]
Running an online search for “strategic planning resources” will yield countless ideas for your business. But how do you know which of those results will deliver for you? What strategic planning tools best serve your needs? The answers to those questions depend on your specific situation. The “best” solution is the one that helps you create intentional, strategic [ Read More ]
Dr. Mike Hill founded The Hill Hear Better Clinic 35 years ago to improve quality of life for his patients. Armed with extensive audiology training, used equipment, and $6,000 in savings, Hill knew a lot about providing excellent patient care, but running a business wasn’t part of his formal training. “Caring for patients was my main priority, but [ Read More ]
After years of working in the family business, Jim Smith suddenly became CEO of Keith Smith Company, America’s largest independent producer and provider of broiler hatching eggs, in the early 1990s. Looking for support and guidance in his new leadership role, Jim eagerly connected with Aileron’s founder Clay Mathile through a mutual acquaintance and began his professional management [ Read More ]
We’ve all been there—stuck. We’re running fast, doing more, but not seeing the results. We’re making a lot of motion but seeing little progress. Sound familiar? It takes courage to step away from the rut and take a look at the whole system in question. But how do you take the first step? Recently, we sat down with Chuck [ Read More ]
Like many organizations, Aileron has long understood that technology can and should play a role in our business. But what role? Technology can be hired to do an infinite number of things, but unless you know what you want technology to do for you, it’s difficult to know how to use it. That’s the question we’ve been chewing on [ Read More ]
Growing revenue and growing the life you’ve dreamed of are common goals we hear from new founders and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. For Matt Carlton, CEO of Carlton Construction, growth was great – until it was outpacing what he could handle. In 2018, the company experienced the best revenue year in its history, having doubled revenue for two consecutive years. [ Read More ]
Management consultant and author Peter Drucker is known for saying culture eats strategy for breakfast. Anyone who’s run a business can attest to the power culture has over all areas of the business. Underlying cultural struggles can make collaboration, recruitment and retention, and growth difficult or even impossible. Said differently, unless your culture is in working order, no strategy [ Read More ]
Regardless of our title, status, age, or experience level, we’re all leaders. The question is not whether you lead, but how you lead. At Aileron, we believe the best way to lead is consciously. Conscious leadership is an approach to leading the self and others that emphasizes radical self-awareness, energetic responsibility, and a we > me mindset. Traditional vs. [ Read More ]
The start of a new year often brings renewed energy and commitment to your business and its goals. As you look to the year ahead, consider scheduling time now for these best practices for professionally managed organizations so they don’t get lost in the shuffle. 1. Time to work on your business, not in it If you’re like most [ Read More ]
As many people prepare to gather with loved ones, visit distant relatives, and even meet new members of the family, it’s a great time to prepare to make the most of these interactions. No matter the climate around us or the difference in our own beliefs or values, we can always choose to show up positively and productively. [ Read More ]
