The KLC Framework

In a December 2019 survey of KLC alumni, more than fifty percent of respondents said it is harder to exercise leadership in today’s civic context than it was a decade ago.  They pointed to increasing complexity, growing distrust of authority, lack of common purpose...

There is no better feeling than wrapping up a productive client meeting.  Working in tandem with a high achiever that wants to grow is enormously satisfying.  Most days, it doesn’t feel like work at all, but rather an energizing partnership through which my clients...

If only it were that simple. Or is it? Maybe it’s just taking small steps, smart risks and doing little experiments over time that can move us on our way to making change within our organizations, businesses and communities. The idea “Lead Anytime, Anywhere” is based...

The Kansas City Royals are World Series Champions. Here are five important leadership lessons from their amazing run. Stay in the game.Pulling off comebacks like the Royals did so often this postseason requires remaining composed, focused and confident even when...

Often times, leadership gets treated very intellectually – like I can study it or figure it out in my head to find the right answer.  I studied a lot about leadership while I was in school.  I learned about theories and best practices.  I did book reports and compared...

RALLY ROUND THE FLAG? GREAT FLAGS SHOULD BE SO SIMPLE EVEN A CHILD COULD DRAW THEM. HOW DOES THE KANSAS FLAG STACK UP?   Let’s have a conversation about the Kansas state flag. Chances are you’ve seen our flag before. It’s been with us, after all, for nearly 90...

When you hear the word leadership, the arts may not be what first pops into your mind. But both the arts and leadership are ultimately about connecting deeply and moving people to new perspectives. Facing down our toughest challenges in Kansas will require more of us...

In an effort to engage its community in promoting leadership for the common good, Konza Club Salina hosted the first-ever "Konza Seeds," a charity micro-funding dinner Tuesday evening. The leadership program alumni event was designed to connect the community with...

Engaging unusual voices requires a willingness to believe that other voices are needed to make greater progress. Alumni engaged today in an On the Balcony discussion around how to effectively engage unusual voices in adaptive work. Their written comments are below....

How does a beloved youth development organization engage its future without losing its heritage? Note: A version of this story appears in the Winter 2015 issue of The Journal. As a farm kid in Montgomery County, Kansas, Nicole Small was more than involved in 4-H. She...

Travel to the future - and back - to see why harnessing our demographic shifts and increasing the level of minority business ownership might be crucial to the future of the Kansas economy. Bear with me for a second. I’m going to give you a glimpse of the future. This...

The closing weeks of a year don’t just usher in the holidays. They also bring with them a flurry of “best of” lists for just about every subject, whether it’s the best books, movies and music albums or the top newsmakers of the year. I always find myself drawn to...