Practical insights for turning employee ideas
into action and results
The Ideas-to-Action Blog your hub for employee-powered innovation—insights from the book, practical tools tied to the Ideas-to-Action Solution Suite, and real stories that show what works.
Start with a free first step
Choose one of these free resources to begin applying the Ideas-to-Action Process—then explore the blog for practical tools, real examples, and leadership insights drawn from the book and 35+ years of work with leadership teams.
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From the book
Key ideas, leadership missteps, and proven principles from Ideas to Action—written for leaders.
Ideas-to-Action solutions
Practical tools, templates, and how-to guidance aligned to the Ideas-to-Action Solution Suite.
Client stories
Real-world examples of frontline teams turning employee ideas into measurable results.
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Feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of a major change? Learn how clearing the clutter at my newly acquired lakefront cabin—both literally and metaphorically—reinforced a powerful leadership lesson about starting where the energy is, and empowering effective action....
A chaotic fuel yard, frustrated drivers, and soaring costs. Learn how a simple, "snake-line" solution—inspired by a trip to Disney World and implemented by the drivers themselves— transformed a major transportation company....
What does an undefeated college football team have to do with employee-powered innovation? Discover the surprising connection and a powerful leadership lesson from Coach McPhee....
Want to unlock continuous improvement and ignite innovation? Forget complex systems as the starting point. Discover the power of "Starting Where the Energy Is," a surprisingly simple principle for tapping into your employees' existing knowledge and passion....
In a world increasingly focused on automation and top-down control, where frontline workers are increasingly devalued, former SBA Administrator and current Goodwill CEO Steve Preston champions a different approach: effectively empowering frontline employees. Discover why he believes a "leap of faith" in your workforce is essential for success....
During the pandemic, I faced a leap-of-faith decision: buying a lake property sight unseen. This personal experience reminded me of a powerful lesson about leadership outlined in my book, Ideas to Action. Discover the connection between a ramshackle cabin and employee-powered innovation....
Are top-down mandates and endless surveys failing to drive real change? Discover how to achieve the sweet spot of change by combining clear leadership direction with employee-powered innovation....
Facing a crisis after Hurricane Katrina, the SBA was drowning in loan applications and struggling with low morale. Discover how they turned things around by effectively empowering employees and implementing the Ideas-to-Action Process....
Discover how to tap into your employees' knowledge and empower them to drive innovation and accelerate results with the new book, Ideas to Action....