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Cowboys, Pit Crews, Doctors and Checklists – A Physician's Take on Systems-Thinking
In a TED video, Atul Gawande summarizes what we do at RPC every day—we help managers learn to analyze and solve problems in human systems.

Russ Powell
Jan 24, 20233 min read


Six Rules of Training Every Manager Should Know
Skill alone is not enough to guarantee performance. You must also have opportunity to perform, self-efficacy, and a supportive environment.

Russ Powell
Oct 18, 20225 min read


If You Pit a Good Performer Against a Bad System, the System Will Win Every Time
Most “training problems” are system problems. Clear expectations, solid processes, helpful feedback, and the right tools shape performance far more than training alone. When leaders fix the system first, people succeed—and training finally sticks.

Russ Powell
Oct 4, 20224 min read


Three Steps for Having Better Difficult Conversations
To have productive difficult conversations take the perspective of the other, think about what you truly want, and don't take it personally.

Russ Powell
Jun 27, 20222 min read


Dunbar's Number and the Limits of Friendship
A few excerpts from an article by Maria Konnikova about Dunbar's number, the nature of friendship and the limits of social media.

Russ Powell
May 9, 20223 min read


Systems Thinking and the Juggling Girls of Berlin
A troupe of jugglers from Berlin helps us apply a simple, powerful framework for thinking about and diagnosing problems in human systems.

Russ Powell
Feb 23, 20225 min read


Three Things High Performing Teams Do Differently
A study from psychologist Ron Friedman suggests high-performing teams find success by making better, stronger social connections.

Russ Powell
Feb 23, 20224 min read


Sometimes a Leader Needs a Good Poet
As leaders, we don't often think much about poetry, until it becomes a necessity.

Russ Powell
Feb 22, 20223 min read


Working on Building Empathy Skills? Here are Four Best Practices
An overview of the ways in which you can better express empathy on the job.

Russ Powell
Feb 17, 20222 min read


Five Ways to Get More Quiet Time
In this time of constant-distraction-as-norm, leaders need quiet time for reflection and discernment more than ever.

Russ Powell
Feb 14, 20225 min read


What Makes Relationships Thrive
A little snippet of a helpful podcast I found on one of the most essential leadership (and life) skills.

Russ Powell
Feb 11, 20221 min read


6th Grader Saves the Lives of Two People on the Same Day
The simple act of doing the right thing can make a huge impact.

Russ Powell
Feb 10, 20221 min read


To Get Ahead, You Need Both Ambition and Humility
Balance is a vital skill in leadership and in life - specifically the use of confidence and humility.

Russ Powell
Feb 5, 20221 min read


Data-Poor Conversations Lead to Poor Problem-Solving.
A problem-solving must: ensure the data collected is accurate and comprehensive before discussing solutions.

Russ Powell
Feb 4, 20221 min read


Reinventing Your Leadership Team
Insightful comments on the establishment of an effective leadership team.

Russ Powell
Feb 1, 20222 min read


Game Theory and The Evolution of Trust
Three recommendations for building lasting relationships - professional and personally.

Russ Powell
Mar 22, 20213 min read
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