Forward Thinking
Welcome to Forward Thinking, where we explore the ideas, insights, and strategies shaping the future of leadership, organizational change, and culture. This is where we share what we’re learning in the field—what’s working, what’s shifting, and what leaders need to be paying attention to. Grounded in practice and informed by research, our posts are designed to help you think more critically, act more intentionally, and lead more effectively in times of change.
Mission, Vision, Values: Time for a Tune-Up?
Many organizations are charging ahead with big goals—but still clinging to outdated mission, vision, and values (MVV) statements. In this post, we explore when and how to refresh your MVV so it actually supports your strategy and aligns your team.
Escaping the Tactical Trap: Getting Out of the Weeds and Back into Leadership
Being busy doesn’t always mean you’re leading. In this blog, we explore the tactical trap—how high-achieving leaders get stuck in execution, why it feels satisfying, and how to shift back into intentional, strategic leadership. Includes five steps to get out of the weeds and lead with clarity.
Plan Now for a Successful Summer Retreat
Thinking about a summer retreat for your team? Don’t wait until vacation season to start planning! From setting a clear purpose to nailing logistics, we’re sharing expert insights on designing a retreat that’s actually impactful—not just another meeting in a different location. Read our latest blog to learn how to make your retreat a success.
Reflections from NASPA
Conferences like NASPA are full - of ideas, conversations, and the occasional long coffee line. This year, our CEO and Founder presented four sessions on leading change with intention, from coaching-driven team development to bringing strategic plans to life. Conference highlights also happened in the hallways, in quick check-ins, and in hearing how our work continues to shape teams. Read more about our key NASPA takeaways.
Goal-Getting: A Reading List for Setting and Achieving Goals
Explore our curated reading list featuring three must-read books that turn goal setting into real achievement. Learn practical strategies to bridge the gap between planning and execution -ideal for leaders and teams alike.
Building Capacity for Change Through Roleplay
Discover how immersive roleplay empowers teams to navigate change with empathy and resilience. Learn actionable strategies to transform your organization’s approach to change management.
Using the Enneagram at Work: A Powerful Tool for Self-Understanding and Team Dynamics
Explore how the Enneagram can transform workplace dynamics by uncovering core motivations and improving communication. Gain actionable insights and discover expert strategies from transform.forward to build a more cohesive team.
Maximizing Team Potential with the CliftonStrengths Team Grid
Your team’s greatest potential isn’t just in individual strengths—it’s in how those strengths come together. The CliftonStrengths Team Strengths Grid provides a clear visual of how your team naturally collaborates, where you might have strengths gaps, and how to work more effectively. Discover how to use this tool to maximize your team’s success.
Rethinking What It Means to Be a High Performer
Is your team’s definition of high performance too narrow? Many of the most valuable contributors aren’t the loudest voices but the quiet problem-solvers who keep everything running. Yet, they’re often overlooked—and even the first to leave. Learn how to recognize, support, and retain these hidden high performers.
The Conference Playbook
Conferences are more than just name tags and keynote speeches—they're an opportunity to gain fresh insights, build meaningful connections, and bring real value back to your organization. But without a plan, it’s easy to leave overwhelmed and uninspired. In this guide, we break down how to approach conferences strategically, from pre-event prep to post-conference action steps. Get ready to make your next conference count!
Structuring Beneficial 1:1s - A Guide for Supervisors
1:1 meetings can be a game-changer for building trust, boosting engagement, and keeping work on track—when they’re done right. Without structure, they can feel like just another meeting on the calendar. In this post, we’re sharing practical tips to help supervisors run effective 1:1s, from setting a clear purpose to using a standing agenda. Ready to make your 1:1s more meaningful? Let’s dive in.
From Insights to Impact: Using Data to Make Decisions
From Insights to Impact: Using Data to Make Decisions
In a world overflowing with data, the real challenge isn’t collecting it—it’s understanding it. At transform.forward, we know the power of actionable insights and how they can transform decision-making. That’s why we’re sharing some of our top tips to help organizations use their data effectively:
Ask the Right Questions: Don’t just look at numbers; connect them to your goals. What do these metrics mean for your organization, and how should they guide your next steps?
Think Holistically: Combine quantitative data with qualitative insights to get the full picture. Numbers reveal patterns, but stories bring them to life.
Make Data Clear: Use clean visuals and concise summaries to ensure insights are accessible to all stakeholders.
Empower Your Team: Build data literacy across your organization to demystify analytics and foster confident decision-making.
Data is a tool, not the answer itself. By asking better questions, presenting insights effectively, and collaborating as a team, you can move from insights to impactful actions.
Strategic Planning in Uncertain Times
Strategic Planning in Uncertain Times
Navigating today’s challenges—economic shifts, technological advancements, and rising stakeholder expectations—requires more than a traditional approach to strategic planning. While uncertainty may feel like an obstacle, it’s actually an opportunity to think differently and build resilience.
In this post, we explore how organizations can:
Reconnect with their core purpose to guide priorities.
Use data to uncover meaningful stories that drive decisions.
Foster collaboration to create strategies with lasting impact.
Build flexibility into their plans to adapt to the unexpected.
Whether you’re leading a university, nonprofit, or private-sector organization, planning for an unpredictable future is about more than reaching a destination—it’s about equipping your team to thrive through change.
Retreats Aren’t a Luxury—They’re a Necessity: Reflections from Boulder
After years of helping clients design impactful retreats, we finally planned one for our own team—and it exceeded every expectation. From personal connections to leadership growth, our first-ever retreat wasn’t just about strategy; it was about building trust and celebrating what makes us a team. Read on to see why retreats matter and how this experience is shaping our 2025 vision.
What’s on Your Bookshelf? Curating Reads to Inspire Growth
As 2025 kicks off, many of us are taking stock of our personal and professional aspirations for the year ahead. For book lovers, this often means curating a list of must-reads to inspire growth and spark new ideas.
At transform.forward, we know that the right books can do more than entertain—they can shape the way you lead, think, and approach challenges. Whether you’re building strategies in higher education, leading a corporate team, or navigating organizational change, intentional reading can fuel your growth.
In our latest blog post, we explore:
Why reading strategically matters for leaders and innovators
How books can foster creativity, emotional intelligence, and inclusivity
Five top picks for Q1 of 2025 to inspire professional and personal development
Ready to build your bookshelf for success? Check out our full post and join the conversation about what you’re reading this year!
Reflecting on 2024: Celebrating transform.forward’s Impact and Growth
2024 was a year of growth, connection, and transformation for transform.forward. From strategic planning to coaching and retreats, we partnered with organizations across sectors to drive meaningful change. Traveling over 65,000 miles and facilitating 740+ meetings, we made an impact nationwide. Dive into our year in review and see how we’re shaping the future of organizational success.
The Difference Between Coaching and Therapy
One of the most common questions we hear is, "How is coaching different from therapy?" While both are valuable tools for personal and professional growth, they serve distinct purposes. Therapy focuses on healing from past experiences, while coaching helps you set and achieve future goals. In this post, we explore these differences and how Transform.forward’s coaching services can empower you to succeed.
2025 Reading Goals: Inspiring Growth Through Consistent Reading
2025 Reading Goals: Inspiring Growth Through Consistent Reading
As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on personal and professional growth—and what better way to do that than by setting meaningful reading goals? Reading is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to explore new ideas, gain fresh perspectives, and recharge.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your leadership skills, explore strategic thinking, or simply find your next favorite story, books are a powerful tool for transformation. Ready to make 2025 your best reading year yet?
20 Questions to Guide Your End-of-Year Reflection
As the year winds down, take time to pause and reflect with your team before jumping into 2025. Our 20 questions guide you through celebrating wins, processing challenges, and setting goals for the future. Whether it’s a quick coffee chat or a formal session, these prompts and facilitation tips will help you end the year on a high note and build momentum for the year ahead.
Why Having a Best Friend at Work Matters
In today’s workplace, friendships do more than brighten our day—they’re essential to thriving professionally. Gallup’s research shows that having a “best friend at work” can lead to higher engagement, motivation, and job satisfaction. From boosting productivity to creating a supportive environment, close work relationships make a measurable difference. Explore how nurturing these connections can enrich our work lives and even impact career success.