Jody Michael Associates

Finding purpose in your work is often seen as the ultimate goal. But can there be too much of a good thing?

This thought-provoking Harvard Business Review article explores how a strong sense of purpose can sometimes lead to burnout, blind spots, overcommitment, or difficulty adapting when circumstances change.

Purpose remains important. The key is balancing passion with perspective.

When Purpose Backfires Purpose-driven organizations create an implicit promise that employees will be able to make a meaningful difference, but when rules, metrics, and processes prevent them from doing so, that promise is broken. This “thwarted impact” is widespread and especially acute for front-line workers, who se...

Great leaders do more than set direction. They help people navigate uncertainty.

This insightful article from Kellogg School of Management explores the difference between serving as a "compass" and a "map" for your team. While employees often want clear answers, the most effective leaders help people develop the judgment and confidence to find their own way forward.

A valuable perspective for anyone leading through change, complexity, or ambiguity.

When the Fog Rolls In, Do Leaders Need a Map or a Compass? Some moments call for a business plan, while others call for adaptability. Here’s how to know when to lean on one or the other.

The job market feels contradictory right now. Companies say they can’t find the right talent. Candidates say they can’t find the right opportunities.

The problem may not be a shortage of either. It’s a growing disconnect between how work is evolving and how organizations continue to hire.

In our latest article, we explore why qualified professionals are being overlooked, why employers struggle to fill critical roles, and what both sides can do to close the gap.

The Hiring Illusion: Why Talent and Opportunity Keep Missing Each Other - Jody Michael Associates Why qualified candidates and employers keep missing each other—and how to bridge the gap in today's hiring market.

Retirement is no longer a one-way decision.

An increasing number of experienced professionals are returning to work after retiring—not just for financial reasons, but because they miss the sense of purpose, intellectual stimulation, social connection, and opportunity to contribute.

As careers become longer and more flexible, many people are redefining what retirement looks like. This article by Fast Company explores why "unretirement" is on the rise and what it reveals about the evolving relationship between work and fulfillment.

'Happier in my career than I've ever been': Why more seniors are 'unretiring' More retirees are headed back into the workforce—either by necessity, or by choice.

How much control do we really have over what we consume online?

Research from Kellogg School of Management suggests that the way information is presented can significantly influence whether we spiral into negativity or engage more thoughtfully. While endless scrolling often gets the blame, the real issue may be how content is delivered and how our brains respond to it.

For leaders, professionals, and anyone trying to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed, this article offers an interesting perspective on creating healthier digital habits.

Can We Take the Doom Out of Scrolling? Today’s social-media feeds elevate toxicity and partisanship. A new algorithm offers hope for a less-hostile, more-enjoyable experience.

You’re delivering results, earning praise, and checking every box. So why does your career feel stuck?

Many high-performing leaders hit a plateau long before anyone else notices. The challenge isn’t a lack of talent or effort—it’s often a shift in what’s required to keep growing. Technical expertise and strong ex*****on can take you far, but advancing to the next level demands new skills, greater self-awareness, and a willingness to evolve.

The Hidden Career Plateau: Why High-Performing Leaders Quietly Stall - Jody Michael Associates High-performing leaders often plateau without realizing it. Learn why growth stalls—and how to break through.

Most people think networking means reaching out when you need something.

But some of the strongest professional relationships are built long before that—through shared work, contribution, and trust. Volunteer work creates space for exactly that.

It’s not just about giving back. It’s about showing up consistently, working alongside others, and being seen for how you think, lead, and collaborate.

If networking has ever felt forced, this might change your perspective.

The Hidden Networking Power of Volunteer Work - Jody Michael Associates Volunteer work builds trust-first relationships that lead to real opportunities—without the pressure of traditional networking.

Not every mistake needs correction.

This piece from Harvard Business Review makes a compelling case for why effective leaders let minor missteps slide—and focus instead on what truly impacts outcomes.

Overcorrecting small errors can erode trust, slow teams down, and signal a lack of confidence. The real leadership skill is knowing when to step in—and when to let the moment pass.

A useful reminder that judgment, not control, drives performance.

Why Leaders Should Let Minor Mistakes Slide Many managers are criticized for showing leniency in performance reviews for low performers. But new research finds that may actually be a rational response to a costly problem: employee retaliation. When negative evaluations trigger gossip, slowdowns, or even sabotage, the financial and cultural da...

We’re often told not to take feedback personally. But what if that advice is holding leaders back?

This perspective from Kellogg School of Management challenges the idea that detachment is always productive—and instead makes the case for engaging with feedback more deeply, not less.

For leaders, the real skill isn’t avoiding discomfort. It’s learning how to process feedback in a way that sharpens self-awareness and strengthens performance.

Why You Should Take Feedback Personally Whether you’re giving or receiving feedback, making it personal isn’t a bad thing—it can help you and your team grow.

Staying relevant at work isn’t about working harder—it’s about learning faster.

In today’s environment, continuous learning isn’t optional. It’s the difference between staying adaptable or slowly becoming obsolete. The most effective leaders aren’t the ones who know the most—they’re the ones who keep evolving.

Our latest blog breaks down why learning has become a career survival skill—and how to build it into your day-to-day.

Why Continuous Learning Is Now a Career Survival Skill - Jody Michael Associates Continuous learning is now essential for career growth—build the skills you need for your next role before you’re passed over.