Leadership tools, strategy and skills. Strategic Planning & Execution. High-performance team training.
Why is it so hard to change—even when we know it’s essential? Let’s dive into the Immunity to Change framework with real-world examples and questions that can help leaders—not just perform but thrive sustainably.
What is Succession Planning? Succession planning is the key to solving one of the most common challenges organizations face: what happens when a key leader leaves? Without a plan, the transition can disrupt momentum, morale, and even your long-term goals. This blog provides practical steps and tools to help you navigate the process with clarity […]
Using the Leadership River as a guide, leaders can better understand their growth trajectory. For instance:
Are you leading individual contributors or managers? Adjust your values to emphasize developing others.
Moving from managing one team to a portfolio of teams? Start appreciating the success of others over personal wins.
Values and principles are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same—and understanding their difference can profoundly impact how individuals and organizations function.
High-powered tech executives and engineers often find themselves caught in the weeds of decision-making. To scale up leadership, we need to delegate decision-making. My client, we’ll call him Tom, was the head engineer in a fast-growing tech company and was no exception. He had a talented team of 30 people, but their hesitance to take […]
If your goals aren’t working, maybe it’s not you—it’s your system. SMART goals can transform vague aspirations into actionable outcomes. Let’s dig in. In case you’re rusty, SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Relevant, and Time-bound. At least, this is the variation of the goal-setting acronym we endorse at ViDA. Interestingly, this acronym […]
To make your onboarding process as seamless as possible, we’ve created a customizable template to guide managers in building their six-month plans
When preparing for a dismissal, it’s easy to focus on the prep and execution while overlooking one of the most critical aspects—the finishing move. How you conclude the conversation can define the lasting impression you leave, for better or worse. That’s why we’ve designed a simple process to help leaders navigate dismissals effectively and gracefully. […]
I’m compiling a list of value words. This list is not complete, not organized and not codified. Each of the value words below has been checked over to ensure they follow the grammatical rules and the general rules of how we like to think about value words at ViDA AcceptanceAbundanceAchievementAccountabilityAccuracyAdaptabilityAgencyAlertnessAltruismAmbitionAmusementAssertivenessAwarenessBalanceBeautyBoldnessBraveryBrillianceCalmCandorCertainty CharityChallengeClarityCleanlinessCollaborationCommitmentCommunityCompassionCompetenceComfortConfidenceConnectionConvictionConsistencyContributionCooperationCourageCourtesyCreativityCuriosityDedicationDependabilityDeterminationDevotionDignityDisciplineDiscoveryEnduranceEnergyEffectivenessEfficiencyEmpathyEnjoymentEnthusiasmEqualityExcellenceExperienceExplorationFairnessFidelityFocusFortitudeFreedomFriendshipFulfillmentFunGenerosity GeniusGoodnessGraceGratitudeGrowthHappinessHarmonyHonestyHonourHopeHumilityImaginationIndependenceInnovationInsightIntelligenceIntegrityIntrospectionIntuitionJoyJusticeKindnessKnowledgeLeadershipLoveLoyaltyPatiencePeacePerseverance ProsperityPurposeResilienceRespectResponsibilitySensitivitySerenityServiceSimplicityStrengthTeamworkTemperanceThoughtfulnessTransparencyTrustTruthUnityValorVisionWisdomWonder
I’ve been baffled by the chaos surrounding values words—the grammar fails, the contradictions in literature, and the internet’s endless misuse. So, I’ve taken on a mission: to define clear rules that cut through the confusion and unlock the true power of values. When we clarify these words, we don’t just gain clarity—we gain a tool […]
Introduction to ViDA Values At ViDA (Values-Driven Achievement), we define values as states and traits that drive behaviour, decisions, and human interactions. They are not abstract goals but the lived experience of who we are in the present. Values are the compass that guides us toward fulfillment and alignment with our personal and collective purpose. […]
Stories connect values to lived experiences. They are more than entertainment; they’re the threads that weave cultures together and align collective values. Research validates this power: narratives promoting altruism lead to observable shifts in empathy and prosocial actions. In one study, participants who read kind, caring stories were significantly more likely to help a researcher […]
The real cost of inaction? Millions in lost revenue, turnover, and opportunities. Whether you operate in Victoria, Vancouver, Seattle, or San Francisco, a clear strategic plan isn’t an expense—it’s your ultimate business growth tool. Organizations thrive when they adopt one crucial element—a robust and well-executed strategic plan. Suppose you’re a tech hub in San Francisco, […]
How Values Shape Behavior and Decision-Making Across People and Things: A Two-Dimensional Framework Values are at the heart of every organization’s culture and strategy, influencing everything from personal behaviours to tactical decisions. At ViDA, we work with organizations to ensure their values are clearly defined and consistently applied. Well-articulated values impact both people (how we […]
When defining the core values that guide your life, your business, or your team, the words you choose matter. The language we use to express values has a profound impact on how we understand and act upon them. One common mistake is framing values in their present participle or gerund form—those “-ing” words that imply […]
What Are Values? In the ViDA framework, values are defined as enduring states and traits that guide, drive, and motivate our actions and decisions on an ongoing basis. A value can be experienced as part of our character or a description of our way of being. Values indicate what matters most, serving as the foundation […]
Richard Barrett’s values methodology has shaped discussions in personal development and organizational leadership, particularly through its roots in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Vedantic philosophy. While Barrett’s work offers significant insights, it falls short in key areas, particularly in its conflation of values, needs, and motivators. This lack of clarity undermines the framework’s utility and […]
When it comes to personal and professional success, the right balance of personality traits can make or break your outcomes. Let’s dive into the OCEAN model or Big Five personality traits: Each of us has a unique mix of these traits, and how we use them determines much of our success in life and work. […]
Finding your vision is one of the most transformative things you can do for your life and work. Here’s a practical guide to uncovering your vision.
Habits don’t just happen; they’re constructed. Every habit—good or bad—follows a loop of Cue, Craving Routine, and Reward. Mastering this loop can help you build the habits that create success or dismantle the ones that hold you back. From Olympic training to rowing across the Atlantic, I’ve seen firsthand how habits shape outcomes. Let’s break […]
Men are often expected to be stoic—detached from their emotions. The boardroom isn’t a space for anger, tears, or emotional honesty, yet these emotions don’t disappear. Instead, they linger, becoming unspoken tensions or misdirected actions.
A competition map of your marketplace is an essential tool to understand your competitive landscape and drive strategic decisions. It’s not just a diagram—it’s a way to uncover opportunities, mitigate risks, and ensure your business is positioned for success.
How to Find Your Purpose Purpose is the fuel that powers courage and quiets fears. It’s the force that pushes you to make meaningful decisions and take bold action–to work hard, endure pain and act in the face of uncertainty. Purpose is deeply connected to our contribution to others. A strong set of values is […]
MIssion-Driven Leadership Do you understand the power of mission-type orders? Are you building the trust, clarity, and skills within your team necessary to delegate effectively? If you’re not, you’re leaving success on the table. Mission-type orders challenge YOU—the leader—to go beyond delegating tasks. First, you must master your own role. Then, you must understand your […]
Traditional, intelligence-based goal setting, like SMART goals, fails to account for EQ. When setting important goals and strategic plans, it’s essential that we incorporate both EQ and IQ into any successful achievement method. Thus, CLEAR strategic goal setting. CLEAR stands for Collaborative, Limited, Emotional…
Living our values is not about achieving a final state of perfection—it’s about continually striving to embody those values in everything we do. Each day, we make choices that either bring us closer to living in alignment with our values or pull us further away. This process of aligning our actions with our values is ongoing, and it’s what gives our lives meaning and direction
At ViDA Coaching, we’ve designed a clear, structured process to empower leadership growth, self-awareness, and strategic development. The ViDA Coaching Arrow ensures every coaching session is purposeful, impactful, and tailored to your needs.
A sponsored coaching relationship is a professional development arrangement where an organization invests in coaching for one of its leaders or high-potential employees. In this setup, the organization—often represented by HR managers or senior leaders—initiates and funds the coaching to support the individual’s growth and effectiveness.
Why did ViDA pick the Leadership Circle tool?
The LCP isn’t just feedback. It’s one of the most comprehensive tools in leadership development, providing a data-backed roadmap for real improvement. Built on insights from over 200,000 leaders, 3 million evaluations, and 300 million data points, the LCP is the gold standard for leaders who want more than just opinions—they want results.
Fatherhood isn’t just a personal journey; it’s an unparalleled training ground for leadership. As a dad, you’re a mentor, mediator, coach, and role model all rolled into one. You learn to:
Why The Kreek Flywheel Process? This approach, built on the timeless principles of Jim Collins, with the practical application of Adam Kreek ensures that your business doesn’t just achieve greatness—it sustains it. With a focus on practical application and continuous learning, we build a Flywheel that keeps turning, ensuring lasting results.
Here’s a simple framework for regaining momentum. It’s not rocket science, but it works every time—60% of the time. LOL.
Let’s start by not taking ourselves too seriously and try the method below.
Living your Values State is a powerful concept—but it’s not for everyone. Let’s break down who truly stands to gain from exploring this energetic alignment and who might not find it relevant or practical.
Let’s face it. The goal of every LinkedIn post isn’t just to throw content out into the void and hope something sticks. We want people to engage, and more importantly, to actually read what we’ve written. The tricky part? That dreaded “see more” button. Most readers don’t click it unless we give them a good […]
Leaders who seek feedback and adjust their behaviour accordingly tend to outperform those who don’t by a long shot. According to Kouzes and Posner (The Leadership Challenge), leaders who are clear about their strengths and values perform 25% better than those who aren’t. That’s like showing up to a regatta in a high-tech carbon-fiber shell while everyone else still paddles in wooden boats.
The Center for Creative Leadership also found that 360° assessments, when used properly, can significantly boost a leader’s effectiveness and adaptability. That’s because this tool taps into our brain’s neuroplasticity (a fancy term for saying your brain can change). When you get feedback, your brain makes new connections, which helps you ditch bad habits and build stronger leadership muscles.
If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I get people motivated when they just don’t seem to care?” or “How do I inspire my team to step up and take action?”—you’re in the right place. Over the past two decades, I’ve travelled the world as a leadership coach and consultant, sharing insights from my Olympic journey […]
Imagine having a generative AI tool that filters every internal and external communication through your organization’s values. How would that change the way proposals are written, reviewed, and presented? How could it influence the SMART goals that leadership teams set and track throughout the year? When AI is used strategically to link decision-making with execution, it can help refine strategies and align execution, but the key is in how it supports human judgment.
Employee engagement surveys are often viewed as a tool primarily for the HR department. However, their impact extends far beyond HR, offering invaluable insights for management at all levels, especially in sales. By leveraging data from these surveys, managers can create a more engaged, productive, and high-performing team. Here’s why employee engagement surveys are vital for management and how a sales manager can utilize this data effectively.
Creating new things, as Dr. Christensen suggests, is a powerful strategy for driving progress and innovation. By focusing on building the new, we not only facilitate growth but also naturally phase out the old, less effective practices. Anchoring this process in our core values ensures that our innovations are not just new but also meaningful and sustainable. As leaders, it is our responsibility to foster a culture of values-driven innovation that can propel our organizations toward a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Developed by Adam Kreek, CLEAR goals stand for Collaborative, Limited, Emotional, Appreciable, and Refinable and are designed to be flexible and adaptive to changing circumstances.
ARCIx (pronounced arc-ee Ex) stands for Accountability, Responsibility, Consultation, Information, and Exclude (x). It’s a facilitation tool that aligns decision-making roles with the activities necessary for project success. Unlike traditional RACI charts, ARCIx explicitly defines the accountable person who “holds the bag” if a project fails. This clarity helps in assigning roles and ensuring everyone knows their part in the project’s success.
Building a culture of accountability takes time and consistent effort. By defining clear expectations, fostering open communication, providing the right tools, and recognizing accountable behaviour, you can create an environment where accountability thrives.
The World Values Survey provides invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of global values. By understanding these trends, we can better navigate the complexities of our interconnected world and lead with empathy and effectiveness.
Understanding our values can be a complex journey. Have you ever considered why certain decisions feel right while others leave you conflicted?
Negotiation is a bit like rowing in the Olympics (if you’ll forgive the overused metaphor associated with my online brand). You’ve got to keep your eye on the finish line, adjust your stroke as the conditions change, and sometimes, you just have to row harder when the wind’s against you. Two critical concepts in this realm are ZOPA (Zone of Possible Agreement) and BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated/No Agreement).
Understanding the difference between lead and lag metrics can be the difference between smoothly rowing across the finish line or being left behind in the competition.
Three prominent systems that business leaders often turn to are Metronomics, the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), and Scaling Up. Each offers unique benefits and tools tailored to different organizational needs. Here’s a closer look at how these systems compare and contrast.
The Competing Values Framework provides a structured approach to understand better and improve organizational culture. By recognizing and balancing the different values within an organization, leaders can create a more effective, satisfying, and resilient workplace, including the following benefits:
200+ Leadership Blog posts:
Thank you for your interest in personal values discovery. To download my values discovery workbook click the file download link below.
Personality indexing cuts through the static, pushing your leadership team to connect better with their employees and generate more productive results. As an executive coaching tool, personality indexing can increase your team’s performance levels and bring meaningful results. For a clearer understanding of personality testing and how it can boost your enterprise’s value, keep reading.
Imagine that you’re standing in front of a vast, complicated machine. You don’t know how it works, there’s no instruction manual, and your life depends on operating it successfully. What do you do?
The Execution Gap is a problem because it represents a disconnect between what an organization knows it should do and what it actually does. This gap can lead to values not being translated into results and achievement falling short of potential. The Execution Gap can be a source of frustration, anxiety and disengagement for both leaders and employees.
When it comes to achieving and sustaining success, having a clear vision and purpose is essential. Vision and purpose are similar in that they both provide direction and motivation, but they differ in meaningful ways.
When we understand values, and know our values, we make better decisions and have better relationships.