Send us a text In this episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, I’m talking about one of my favorite topics: the power of small teams. I’ve worked with organizations of every size, and I’ve seen that small teams, when led intentionally, often outperform larger ones. Why? Because they operate with clarity, culture, and focus — the real drivers of high performance. You’ll learn how to build agility through structure, hire for values instead of just skills, and protect your team’s focus s...
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Send us a text In this episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, I’m talking about one of my favorite topics: the power of small teams. I’ve worked with organizations of every size, and I’ve seen that small teams, when led intentionally, often outperform larger ones. Why? Because they operate with clarity, culture, and focus — the real drivers of high performance. You’ll learn how to build agility through structure, hire for values instead of just skills, and protect your team’s focus s...
Send us a text In this episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, I’m talking about one of my favorite topics: the power of small teams. I’ve worked with organizations of every size, and I’ve seen that small teams, when led intentionally, often outperform larger ones. Why? Because they operate with clarity, culture, and focus — the real drivers of high performance. You’ll learn how to build agility through structure, hire for values instead of just skills, and protect your team’s focus s...
Send us a text Leading a small team can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also test your patience and capacity when performance starts to slip. I’ve been there. As a leader, it’s easy to slip into frustration or burnout when you feel like you’ve communicated what’s expected and things still aren’t getting done. In this episode of the Leveraging Operations in Leadership Podcast, I’m sharing how to manage underperformance without losing momentum—or your sanity. I’ll walk you through my R.I.S....
Send us a text Before you hire your first team member or take on a team for the first time you need more than job descriptions and good intentions. You need a clear plan. In this episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, host Tonya D. Harrison shares the five essential things every business owner and corporate leader should do before bringing on a team. From defining your values and shaping team culture to organizing systems, setting expectations, and preparing yourself to lead (not jus...
Send us a text Leading a remote team isn’t new, but it’s more common than ever. Long before 2020, companies like IBM and Dell had remote employees, but when COVID hit, the world of work changed overnight. In April 2020, Gallup reported that about 70% of the U.S. workforce was suddenly remote. And even as offices reopened, hybrid and remote work became the new normal. But here’s the challenge: you can’t lead a remote team the same way you lead an in-office team. What works face-to-face doesn’t...
Send us a text Have you ever felt like success at work means sacrificing your personal life? In this episode, I share why work-life integration is more sustainable than balance and how to use your values, non-negotiables, and boundaries to protect what matters most. You’ll discover practical ways to navigate life’s seasons without losing yourself and how to thrive as both a leader and a person. Your challenge this week: choose three non-negotiables and communicate one with your team or ...
Send us a text You know that sinking feeling when you start a new job and immediately wonder, “Did I make the right choice?” That’s exactly what happens to new employees when onboarding falls short. And here’s the truth: once doubt creeps in, it’s hard to undo. In this episode, we’ll dive into why onboarding is so much more than paperwork, how to avoid giving your new hires “buyer’s remorse,” and what leaders can do to create an experience that builds confidence, connection, and commitment....
Send us a text Ever been stuck between a boss who’s not pulling their weight and an organization that seems to expect 24/7 availability? You’re not alone. In this AMA episode, I answer: How to correct a leader who isn’t doing their job when it affects your results.What to do when late nights and evening emails start eating into your family time.We’ll explore the art of managing up, why boundaries are critical for sustainable leadership, and how you can navigate both challenges without burning...
Send us a text Struggling with decision-making as a leader? In this episode, I introduce the CLEAR Decision-Making Framework — a practical, step-by-step tool to help leaders make confident, timely, and effective decisions. Time to make better decisions, faster. Ready to lead your small team with clarity and confidence? The Leadership Shift Coaching helps you communicate with purpose, delegate effectively, and build the structure your team needs to thrive. Learn more at 👉🏾 https:/...
Send us a text Pressure doesn’t have to break you—it can build you. In this episode, I share why resilience is non-negotiable for leaders, the dangers of leading without it, and practical mindset shifts that will help you bounce back stronger. You’ll learn how to turn pressure into power and lead your team with clarity, steadiness, and confidence in uncertain times. Ready to lead your small team with clarity and confidence? The Leadership Shift Coaching helps you communicate with...
Send us a text Is your team full of capable people but still struggling to work as one? Do you find yourself constantly stepping in to fix miscommunication or put out fires? In this episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, we break down why cohesive teams are the true performance advantage—and how to build one from the inside out. Looking for a safe space to learn, grow, and connect with other leaders like you? Join us for the next Leadership Collab ➡️ https://go.cignalpartners.c...
Send us a text Ready to lead your small team with clarity and confidence? The Leadership Shift Coaching helps you communicate with purpose, delegate effectively, and build the structure your team needs to thrive. Learn more at 👉🏾 https://go.cignalpartners.com/leadershipshift Join the Team Navigator Get leadership and team development tips straight to your inbox. Subscribe at https://go.cignalpartners.com/leadnews
Send us a text Are you constantly busy but never feel like you're actually leading? You're not alone; many managers and small business leaders are stuck juggling execution, team issues, and strategic goals… without a clear system to manage it all. In this episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, we walk through the P.A.C.E. Framework — a time management system built specifically for leaders who are feeling overwhelmed and want to lead with intention, not exhaustion. Whether you’re a fi...
Send us a text Managing a team isn’t just about getting the work done—it’s about leading people, and people come with personalities, preferences, and past experiences. In this Ask Me Anything episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, we’re diving into two of the most pressing leadership questions: How do I manage different people with different personalities?What do I do when my team doesn’t respect me?Whether you’re a new manager navigating team dynamics or an experienced leader trying...
Send us a text So, you got promoted — now what? If you’ve stepped into a leadership role and thought, “Why didn’t anyone prepare me for this?” - you’re not alone. In fact, research shows that 60% of new leaders fail within their first 18 months. Not because they’re not capable, but because they weren’t equipped. In this episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, we’re digging into what really happens after the promotion. Because the truth is, promotion and preparation are not the same th...
Send us a text Burnout doesn’t care how talented or dedicated you are, and for many leaders, it creeps in quietly. In this Leadership Unfiltered episode, I share the raw truth of leading while completely drained — emotionally, physically, and mentally. I reached a breaking point where I resigned without a safety net and cried myself to sleep under the weight of leading a team while trying to keep it together at home. You’ll walk away with five powerful strategies to help you lead with clarity...
Send us a text In this episode, Tonya breaks down the five key mindset shifts that help leaders escape this validation trap and instead focus on generating real impact and team growth. Discover why trust outweighs likability, how effective delegation and boundaries fuel team performance, and why openly communicating your wins is essential for advancement. Whether you’re a new manager or an experienced leader ready to level up, these strategies will empower you to lead with clarity, confidence...
Send us a text Are the leadership beliefs you’ve always heard actually sabotaging your success? In today’s episode, we dig into five persistent leadership myths that sound true, but could be limiting your growth and your team’s performance. Discover why needing all the answers, proving yourself, glorifying busyness, saying yes to everything, and doing it all yourself are outdated habits, and learn practical strategies to replace them. Step into a new, empowered approach to leaders...
Send us a text Is your team constantly spinning its wheels? Do you find yourself answering the same questions over and over again? In this episode, Tonya D. Harrison uncovers a simple but powerful shift that could transform how your team works: Standard Operating Procedures. SOPs aren’t just for massive companies – they’re one of the most underrated tools for clarity, consistency, and scaling with confidence. Tune in to learn how the smartest leaders use SOPs to remove guesswork, boost accoun...
Send us a text Is your leadership reactive or intentional? In this episode, we unpack the often-missed but powerful tool of reflection and how it transforms your leadership from managing crises to operating with clarity and purpose. You’ll discover five practical self-assessment techniques – from structured feedback tools to mentor debriefs and weekly retrospectives – that elevate both personal and team performance. Ready to shift from autopilot to intentional leadership? Subscribe to Team Na...
Send us a text Feeling caught in the "messy middle" of team leadership? Dive into this episode as we uncover the art of balancing team needs with leadership demands. Discover actionable strategies to align team goals, communicate effectively across all levels, and advocate for your team's needs without overwhelming them. Get ready to elevate your team's performance! Subscribe to Team Navigator for biweekly insight on achieving team efficiency and operational excellence. Sign up he...
Send us a text In this episode of Leveraging Operations in Leadership, I’m talking about one of my favorite topics: the power of small teams. I’ve worked with organizations of every size, and I’ve seen that small teams, when led intentionally, often outperform larger ones. Why? Because they operate with clarity, culture, and focus — the real drivers of high performance. You’ll learn how to build agility through structure, hire for values instead of just skills, and protect your team’s focus s...