Note: Many of our clients request confidentiality so we do not publish names with testimonials unless granted their permission.
Leadership Coaching
“It is my privilege to call Dr. LaRue a trusted business partner and a valued change agent for Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). We have greatly benefitted as an organization from our business relationship with the coaching team in the seven years that have passed, and I expect the positive results to continue in the years to come.” (Paula Kluczynski, Defense Logistics Agency Training Center, Tier II Program Manager)
“Jim was a positive influence in a stressful time (COVID-19 Pandemic) and provided a lot of thoughtful perspective that both immediately helped me find new approaches in my process and also provided more long-term learning and growth strategies.” (Client – Planning Division Chief, Global Logistics & Supply Chain Organization)
“I really enjoyed my coaching sessions with my coach, Bruce. I took away from the coaching how to give my subordinates ownership of their responsibilities and it gave me the time when I was acting area manager to perform that job and not have to worry about if the work was being done. I was also able to use Bruce’s advice on how to increase personnel. By putting a package together with enough information to get my higher headquarters blessing and they presented this to the home office, and I was able to gain another Environmental Protection Specialist that was needed to support my customer base. He was also able to put me on track to be able to reach my retirement goal to retire in ten years.” (Client – Environmental Supervisor, Global Logistics Firm)
“The best coaching session I have ever participated in. Jim Solomon was exceptional as a coach with insights I began utilizing with my Aviation Procurement Team after our very first session. Jim has the unique ability to blend an open and trusting style that made me feel open to discuss any subject or issue, yet he was able to bring them all into sharp relief and offer positive, direct options for my consideration with regard to my leadership style. I looked forward to ever session I had with Jim and wish he and I could talk more.” (Client – Senior Aviation Procurement Supervisor)
“Bruce provided a fantastic coaching experience that he tailored to my current operating environment all while addressing the larger picture and career growth. We spent a lot of time discussing leadership through influence and integrated solutions. After our third session, I was informed that I would be transitioning from my role as an operational manager to more of a command-level liaison position for our Naval shipyard industrial detachments. Bruce had a lot of helpful information related to my new role but I was only able to discuss with him for the fourth week.” (Client – Command-level liaison position for national naval shipyard industrial detachments)
“Excellent One on One coaching. I looked forward to talk with my coach, Mr. Solomon. I enjoyed setting goals and putting some of his examples into play with my own team and into my life goals. He always heard me out and expressed interest in my ideas to improve not just my team but myself. He stressed the importance of work and personal life. Again excellent skill development program. And an outstanding coach.” (Client – Mid-level Customer Operations Manager)
Books
“Congratulations to LaRue and Solomon for offering leaders a clear and highly effective guide to inspiring today’s knowledge workforce! Their innovative and practical tools allow us to achieve a team environment that every organization needs. Examples of successful ‘Integrator-Leaders’ at different levels, occupations, and nationalities will motivate all of us to give their publication serious and rewarding consideration.” Dr. Robert Ivany, President Emeritus, University of St Thomas
“The leader of the past knew how to tell. The leader of the future will know how to ask. As a member of the Board of the Peter Drucker Foundation, I had the opportunity to listen to Peter eloquently outline the new world of leadership. He was describing today’s world of knowledge workers. They are people who know more about what they are doing than their managers do!
It is hard to tell people what to do and how to do it when they already know more than we do. The process involved in Action-Learning Teams (ALT) carries this concept of asking to a new level. The ALT model assumes that great knowledge of the team is translated into action that makes a real difference for the organization. The process described in this book is something that almost any organization or team can use. Don’t just read it – apply it! You may be amazed at how quickly this process can make a positive difference.” Marshall Goldsmith, Listed in Forbes as one of five leading executive coaches.
A book for leaders! “Seeing What Isn’t There” is an excellent resource for leaders and their organizations. This book is relatable and sets out a logical path for seeing where you can be a positive influence in leading change and setting a path for your company or board. I was reading and taking notes and developing plans for sharing what I read with my partners and the boards I serve. Clear steps are outlined to bring teams and people together to rally around a common vision and goals. The book served as a good catalyst for developing key questions for future direction and continued improvement. The book is well written, adaptable to an organization of any size, and will serve as a roadmap for critical thinking. “Seeing What Isn’t There” is a book you will read and pick up and read again. Alan Rich, CPA
Speaking – Workshops
Developing Our Next Generation of Leaders
Jim Solomon, CEO, Chambers Bay Institute, and author addressed Texas State University School of Health Administration under-grad and MHA students as they prepared for their health services residency experiences. In keeping with Chambers Bay Institute’s drive to assist in developing our nation’s next generation of leaders, he shared with these emerging healthcare professionals how Integrator Leaders are capable of inspiring others with fresh visions of the future, integrating and aligning their efforts to accomplish their mission. He brought to life key principles through real-world examples to help the students visualize how best to put them to practice.
Texas State University School of Health Administration, a high-quality organization with renowned faculty, has taught competency-based courses that count toward nationally accredited degree and certificate programs for over 30 years. They are proud that their program is The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and The Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) accredited and have won national acclaim.
Special thanks for this opportunity to Dr. Scott Kruse, Ph.D., School Director/Professor, School of Health Administration and Dr. Joe Topinka, J.D., Assistant Professor of Practice, School of Health Administration.
Conference of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the State of São Paulo (FACSP), Brazil
Dr. Bruce LaRue was Keynote Presenter, at the 50th Anniversary Conference of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the State of São Paulo (FACSP). He presented on “Leading Transformational Change” for government and business leaders from across the state of São Paulo Brazil. This wide-ranging talk examined global trends in finance, workforce development, higher education, national defense, and energy as integrated elements of a coherent national economic development strategy.
BRINGING REALITY INTO THE CLASSROOM FOR FUTURE LEADERS AT UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GA, MBA CLASS
Jim Solomon, CEO, Chambers Bay Institute and author brought reality into the classroom by sharing his experience as a leader with soon to be graduates of University of North Georgia’s master’s in business administration program, the future leaders in business. He presented several of the principles and methodologies and used real world examples from the hundreds of leaders that he and his colleague have coached and advised, helped to bring his information to life.
Dr. Yongseung (Stanley) Han, Ph.D., Professor of Economics, Department of Economics and Finance, Mike Cottrell College of Business, University of North Georgia, said: “Your lecture was inspirational. Students and I, really enjoyed getting some “real” examples from the real experience.” And from the students, “Your message resonated, bringing together much of what we have been studying in our MBA program.”
Emory University, Goizueta Business School, MBA Leadership Development Program – Delta Leadership Coaching Fellows course
SOLDIER-LEADERS IN THE AGE OF AI – THE FUTURE OF PRE-COMMISSIONING EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM
University of North Georgia and the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute
Honored to have been included as a moderator and panel presenter at the “Solider-Leaders in the Age of AI” symposium. Exceptional group of presenters with keynote Maj Gen (Ret) Bob Scales, PhD (“Scales on War: The Future of America’s Military at Risk”) along with Dr Emerson T. Brooking (“Like War”); Joe Byerly from The Little Green Notebook; Josh Bowen from 3×5 Leadership; and more. Plus cadets from allied military academies. Focus areas included the Nature of Future . Kudos to Univ of North Ga’s Institute for Leadership and Strategic Studies – Dr Billy Wells, COL (Ret), Keith Antonia, and Dr Sharon Hamilton. Pictured is Jim Solomon, Chambers Bay Institute, with Cadet Jihyeon Kwak, Senior Cadet at the Korean Military Academy, who served as a panelist on Jim’s The Future of Leader Development panel.
International Making Cities Liable Conference, on Achieving Green, Livable Cities, Bristol, United Kingdom
Dr. Bruce Larue and three other global thought leaders, presented their vision for a large-scale
transformational change effort and how to achieve it. They presented their paper, “Creating Sustainable, Resilient, and Livable Cities – A Call for Transformational Change”, at the 52nd International Making Cities Liable Conference, on Achieving Green, Livable Cities, Bristol, United Kingdom, – Bruce LaRue, Ph.D., Dan Burden, Moral Fourman, and Sarah Bowman.
Read completed article: A Call for Transformational Change
Strategy Action-Learning Workshop
Integrator Leader Workshop – Where to Place Your “Crowbar”
More…
“My biggest takeaway from my leadership coaching (Dr Bruce LaRue) was to recognize and value the skills I bring to the organization. Social/Emotional intelligence/skills have incredible value and my team sees those in me. Increased confidence. Having those aspects of leadership affords me the ability to grow in administrative/business skills.”
(Client – Senior Operations Executive – Contracting and Acquisitions, Worldwide Supply Chain)
“Jim was a positive influence in a stressful time (COVID-19 Pandemic) and provided a lot of thoughtful perspective that both immediately helped me find new approaches in my process and also provided more long-term learning and growth strategies.”
(Client – Planning Division Chief, Global Logistics & Supply Chain Organization)
“I can think of at least one tip or technique that I took away from each session that I use in my every day management of my team and mentoring of my team members. Bruce had great insight to where I was as a leader, and tailored his approach to the next steps in my current position, and where I am headed. He exposed me to a number of different programs that I believe will be great in furthering my development when ready, and fully understood where I am in my work / life balance. A great match for me, as I believe he and I have very similar leadership and development approaches, that focuses so much more on the development of subordinates, rather than getting in the weeds as the leader. I was admittedly a little apprehensive about the coaching sessions at the beginning, but his evaluation of my MSF360 and ability to quickly figure out where I was in my career, and in my development as a leader really impressed me. I know I will continue to use what I learned from Bruce for as long as I am in a leadership position. I hope and look forward to staying in touch, and hopefully working with Bruce again in the future.
(Client – Executive Customer Relationship Specialist)
“The best coaching session I have ever participated in. Jim Solomon was exceptional as a coach with insights I began utilizing with my Aviation Procurement Team after our very first session. Jim has the unique ability to blend an open and trusting style that made me feel open to discuss any subject or issue, yet he was able to bring them all into sharp relief and offer positive, direct options for my consideration with regard to my leadership style. I looked forward to ever session I had with Jim and wish he and I could talk more.”
(Client – Senior Aviation Procurement Supervisor)
“I really enjoyed my coaching session. I took away from the coaching how to give my subordinates ownership of their responsibilities and it gave me the time when I was acting area manager to perform that job and not have to worry about if the work was being done. I was also able to use Bruce’s advice on how to increase personnel. By putting a package together with enough information to get my higher headquarters blessing and they presented this to Corporate and I was able to gain another Environmental Protection Specialist that was needed to support my customer base. He was also able to put me on track to be able to reach my retirement goal to retire in ten years.”
(Client – Senior Global Environmental Supervisor)
“I loved the Coaching from Jim! He has an incredible ability to navigate through the conversation and insert tips and suggestions. I was able to draw on things from our conversation’s and use them to get through many situations, and I feel his Coaching will continue to help me going forward.”
(Client – Manager Global Print Facility)
“Bruce LaRue was an amazing and knowledgeable Coach. He was very engaging and truly provided great content, training tools, and resources I need to be an effective leader. From our Coaching sessions I was able to gain the skills and strategic frameworks necessary to capitalize on opportunities and overcome obstacles; I am now actively applying the skills and knowledge I obtained in my professional career and personal life.”
(Client – Senior Acquisition-Contracting Supervisor)
Jim had a great knack for carefully listening and evaluating different types of problems, assessing them, and providing great feedback and guidance for potential resolution.
(Client – Senior Installations Services Chief)
Bruce is very knowledgeable, a wealth of resources and ideas. Helps you think outside of the box and helped me see that I need to get out of the engine room and trust my SME to complete the tasks at hand. My job is to steer the ship in the right direction.
(Client – Senior Global Distribution Process Supervisor)
“Excellent One on One coaching. I looked forward to talk with my coach, Mr. Solomon. I enjoyed setting goals and putting some of his examples into play with my own team and into my life goals. He always heard me out and expressed interest in my ideas to improve not just my team but myself. He stressed the importance of work and personal life. Again excellent skill development program. And an outstanding coach.”
(Client – Mid-level Customer Operations Manager)
“My coaching experience was a very positive engagement. Bruce was able to provide insight on particular ways to improve how I lead within my current position, and to position myself for the future. I would definitely work with him again.”
(Client – Executive Manager for a Global Integrated Team)
“Jim was very professional and extremely knowledgeable in everything that we talked about and went over. He was able to engage in the coaching and found a way for me to understand how to overcome some of the issues that I told him that I had. I have had coaching’s in the past…but Jim was by far the best one that I have had and would highly recommend him to anyone!!”
(Client – Global Operations Manager)
“My overall experience with the coaching process was excellent. Dr. LaRue listened to my concerns and suggested different ways of tackling each situation. He is very knowledgeable. He gave me a lot of tools to use and I greatly appreciate his time.”
(Client – Senior Global Services Distribution Manager)
“Jim was excellent. His feedback and ideas will assist me in my career.”
(Client – Senior Global Logistics Distribution Manager)
“Dr. LaRue was a phenomenal Coach and mentor during our sessions. With his vast experience, feedback provided helped me continue the growth in my position.”
(Client – Procurement Supervisor, Global Products and Distribution Firm)
“The experience was great. Bruce is very knowledgeable, and we had excellent communication throughout the process.”
(Client – Division Chief, Major Logistics Distribution Organization)
“I felt Jim recognized me as a person first as well as my personality as it relates to my role as a leader. As my coach, he listened to my operational challenges and personnel issues to provide awesome reading materials to aide in my goals of overcoming the challenges. Lastly he helped me challenge some of my past leadership training/assumptions in order to acknowledge the many different styles required to manage a diverse workforce (education backgrounds, professional experiences, and their personal assumptions).”
(Client – Division Chief, Global Energy Firm)
“I really enjoyed my coaching sessions with my coach, Bruce. I took away from the coaching how to give my subordinates ownership of their responsibilities and it gave me the time when I was acting area manager to perform that job and not have to worry about if the work was being done. I was also able to use Bruce’s advice on how to increase personnel. By putting a package together with enough information to get my higher headquarters blessing and they presented this to the home office, and I was able to gain another Environmental Protection Specialist that was needed to support my customer base. He was also able to put me on track to be able to reach my retirement goal to retire in ten years.”
(Client – Environmental Supervisor, Global Logistics Firm)
“Bruce provided a fantastic coaching experience that he tailored to my current operating environment all while addressing the larger picture and career growth. We spent a lot of time discussing leadership through influence and integrated solutions. After our third session, I was informed that I would be transitioning from my role as an operational manager to more of a command-level liaison position for our Naval shipyard industrial detachments. Bruce had a lot of helpful information related to my new role but I was only able to discuss with him for the fourth week.” (Client – Command-level liaison position for national naval shipyard industrial detachments)
“Jim was truly invested and well prepared. Provided insight into leading dispersed direct reports and provided tips in leading effectively via a virtual environment.” (Client – Senior Defense Department leader)
“My executive Coach – Bruce LaRue was “OUTSTANDING1” I learned a lot from him. The sessions gave me an opportunity to reflect and take on strategies that will be helpful in steering my leadership team to successful outcomes. I very much enjoyed the outlook and perspective from such a positive approach with building a team that struggles with letting go and ego. I looked forward to every session with anticipation of what else Bruce would share with me to be in a better place as a leader as well as a mentor of my subordinates. I hope DLA continues to use Bruce as an Executive Coach as he has made me a better leader!” (Client – Division Chief, Global Logistics Firm)
“Jim focused on me. Also, was able to help me deal with my future boss as we didn’t seem to get off on the right foot. Took his advice and so far things appear to be heading in the right direction for communication. Session The session canned and was specific to me. Quite helpful with the review of my assessment and the personal coaching; interpretation of my 360 results.” (Client – Senior Defense Department leader)
“Thank you again for your time and efforts during the past four coaching sessions. You have opened my eyes to some important areas in which I can focus my efforts to not only improve myself but advance my team and organization.” (Client – Senior Contracting Officer/Supervisor)
“Thank you Bruce. I really appreciate all your help and look forward to seeing my mini town halls in action. Your coaching came at a time when I really needed some guidance from an outside perspective that could understand the inside workings of my organization. Have a wonderful day and best wishes as you continue to help Supervisors in need of your instruction.” (Client – Troop Support Supervisor)
“Bruce is a great coach. I benefited from the time that I spent in the coaching sessions. He does an excellent job of tailoring his advice to my specific situation. Never for one minute did I feel like he was reading from a script or recycling advice. This is easily the most beneficial part of the Level IV leadership training.” (Client – Branch Chief/Contracting Officer)
“Bruce LaRue is an excellent coach. Prior to our first session, he sent me a website to his company with a portal specifically for those he is coaching at DLA. On the website was an outline of what each session would entail and recommended articles to read. I found this very useful in preparing for the coaching sessions. During the coaching sessions, Bruce helped me to understand the Denison survey and what the feedback and scores I received meant and how I could improve upon weaknesses and maintain the positive feedback. Bruce had several good suggestions that I will continue to use with my team. He recommended having mini-town hall sessions with those I supervise to get their feedback on current issues and how we can get to a solution. He also suggested a blog, which I thought was a really good idea and I am going to look into doing that in my division as I believe it will be well received. Overall, this was an excellent experience and I highly recommend Bruce LaRue as an Executive Coach.” (Client – Division Chief)
“Thank you again for your time. While only given the opportunity to speak with you on four different occasions for the coaching sessions, I learned a tremendous amount about myself and about what I can do for my team. I really enjoyed the sessions. It was a pleasure meeting you and hope to see or talk to you in the future.” (Client – Contracting Officer | Section Chief)
“I enjoyed having the opportunity to discuss my development of leadership skills with someone outside my department and to get the input on areas I should focus on my development. Bruce was very helpful with his suggestions and feedback and I came away from each session with new thoughts and ideas to help me with developing my leadership style.” (Client – Police supervisor/Lieutenant)
Email from DoD Client Supervisor:
“Good morning Bruce,
On Friday, about two hours after you said one of our main goals was to get me promoted, I got a call from HR, and was informed that I had been promoted. That must be some sort of record for an executive coach, huh?!!!
Anyway, I am going to be staying in the same division, moved to a new team.
Talk to you soon…” (DoD Supervisor)
“Your client had some wonderful feedback to share on his feedback survey. He seemed to gain a great deal from your sessions together. He shared that you not only assisted him in providing ways to manage his current work/life balance but have inspired him to look for ways to pursue additional goals. Thanks as always for your outstanding support to our DLA leaders.” (DoD Supervisory Certification Program Manager)
“Bruce helped me with addressing some very difficult and challenging work circumstances which I had never encountered in my 38 years of working. I would highly recommend that DLA make the one-on-one coaching available as a resource from beginning to the end of the ELDP3 course; it was by far the most valuable resource provided. Further, supervisors and managers should have this resource available to them for consultation after course completion to assist them with weighty issues requiring outside unbiased expert advice.” (Client)
“My four sessions with Bruce were outstanding. His insight within DLA and how it operates along with his valuable experience shared with me made our discussions very enlightening, productive, honest and refreshing. I will continue to utilize the guidance obtained from Bruce within current and future situations. Bruce was an excellent choice as a coach – our philosophies and ways of thinking/approach were very much on the same page.” (Client)
“Very nice feedback from your client is attached. You seemed to have connected very well and were able to provide him with beneficial information for his DLA leadership journey. I also wanted to pass along that I ran into one of your clients in the hallway while I was facilitating training at HQ last week and he said that the time he has spent with you in coaching has really made a huge difference in his approach to leadership and although the work is hard he feels a renewed sense of energy every time he gets off the phone from your calls. Thanks for your continued inspiration and support!” (DoD Supervisory Certification Program Manager)
“Bruce was an outstanding coach and really went above-and-beyond to ensure that the discussions were beneficial for me. We addressed a number of topics and I gained numerous insights on how to come to terms with the inequities of my work-life balance. Based on these discussions, I am also considering returning to complete my PhD (so that is a HUGE bonus). Great coach and I would highly recommend.” (Client)
“Bruce LaRue is an awesome Coach! He has extensive knowledge of the DLA mission and the role we play in supporting the Warfighter. From the initial session through the final session Bruce has provided a plethora of valuable information directly relating to the challenges and initiatives I am facing. His “Strategy Triangle” is a comprehensive tool I continue to use in my daily operations. His detailed explanation and article on “Creating Broad Engagement in Change” was on time and on target with the reorganization I am currently experiencing. He recommended the book “It’s Your Ship” and I will say this is a must read for the new Supervisors. I can honestly say the return on investment for these four hours of coaching will pay dividends for years to come.” (Client)
“Hello Bruce; Attached is another feedback form. He found the sessions very beneficial and is already using several of the tools recommended. We love to see the coaching sessions have such an immediate impact and assist our supervisors in their leadership journey.” (DLA Supervisor Certification Program Manager, DLA Human Resources Services, DLA Training Defense Logistics Agency)
“The coaching sessions were excellent. Bruce had some great suggestions on how to help the team see the big picture and develop solutions to problems we’re facing via Mini-Town Halls. His comments on setting the focus for the team on the “What” and not the “How” is also something I’ll keep in mind during our team meetings. I’ve recently gotten several new team members and Bruce also had some helpful recommendations on knowledge transfer that have worked well. In particular, he had a suggestion to ask my subject matter experts what they thought were the top 10 things other team members should know. That has worked great.” (Client)
“I was skeptical at first as to how my coach would be able to relate to my situation at DLA. However, with his background in the private, public, and military sectors he quickly put my fears at ease. Dr. LaRue has an incredible experience/knowledge base and was genuinely interested in assisting my professional growth. He was a pleasure to work with!” (Client)
“I found the coaching experience very helpful and insightful with regard to many of the leadership / supervisory challenges we face at DLA. The coaching discussions were outstanding, and I particularly enjoyed the various articles provided in preparation for the sessions. I especially enjoyed the article titled, “It’s Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy” written by CAPT D. Michael Abrashoff (and I’m a retired Marine…:-). Dr. LaRue is obviously an expert in his field, and I gained a lot from my coaching sessions with him over the past several months — he is truly exceptional. Thank you, sincerely, for the opportunity to learn from him.” (Client)
“Thanks very much for serving as my executive coach and mentor over the past several months — I truly enjoyed working with you. I learned a lot from our discussions and the various articles you provided, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from you.” (Client)
“My experience with Bruce was very informative, supportive, educational and enlightening. He provided me with tools to transform myself and team into a high performing unit and challenge the status-quo. I always reviewed the read-aheads prior to each session some of which were great articles written by Bruce and other experts in the field. If there is one take-away (although there were many), I will internalize from the coaching sessions, will be my ultimate goal to transition from producer to integrator while my team produces within the reasonable boundaries and empowerment opportunities provided.” (Client)
“I was very pleased with the coaching experience. Bruce had a good understanding of the DLA organization and often used examples from his work with other entities. He is an exceptional listener. He presented his ideas as a new tool for the management toolbox but was never overbearing or insistent that his way is the only way.” (Client)
“Bruce is fantastic. He provided sound advice. There are some aspects of his coaching were clearly off the scale.” (Client)
“Thanks Bruce! You were very insightful and incredibly helpful!” (Client)
“Initially I dreaded the added task of completing four “coaching sessions”. However, after the first session with Mr. Bruce LeRue, I was looking forward to the next session. I had just spoken to someone who understood what I was going through and I could speak as freely as I wanted about myself as a new supervisor. Bruce made me feel very comfortable, almost as if we were friends before, he is a great listener, and I was impressed that he remembered all that was discussed when we would pick up the next session. He remembered details in the discussion that were key to my job as a leader and supervisor, where I had been, what I was trying to do, challenges, and successes. It was never a conversation just to fill up an hour and put a “check in the block”. The materials he shared were of great value as well; the articles were worth hanging onto and sharing with others. They all related to where we were going during our coaching session – a perfect fit for the discussion that day. I enjoyed the sessions and did find them beneficial. They made me realize you can make a positive difference in anything you set out to do.” (Client)
“I benefited from having someone to talk with who was willing to put a “how to” in front of “do it”. I believe that the coaching assignment should start within the first three months of a new supervisor’s term. I learned so much from Bruce (LaRue, PhD) that I could have used earlier on. In some respects, he was an interactive sounding board, leading me to discover new ways to look at problems and better understand the upper management to first-line supervisor working relationship.” (Client)
“The one-on-one experience with my coach gave me a greater appreciation of the employees in my section. I opened up more to them in soliciting their ideas and concerns to accomplish the workload rather than just laying out my own plan.” (Client)
“Overall, I would rate the quality of my coaching as exceptional. At first, I explained to Bruce, I thought why do I need this coaching with my experience as a leader? This actually was very beneficial. Looking at the overall big picture, I believe DLA is doing a very good job with training Supervisors under this program. Using some of the techniques through this exercise has benefited my current position, especially with the merge of Distribution and Disposition services under D-2.” (Client)
“My coaching sessions with Bruce LaRue were exactly what I was looking for as a capstone to my supervisor certification program. Bruce’s knowledge of the DLA Energy organization facilitated meaningful discussions about the issues I face as a supervisor and his real-world experience, representing client and company, generated extremely valuable dialogue.” (Client)
“His coaching plan was structured enough to provide direction, yet flexible enough to allow for detours to discuss any additional topics I introduced.” (Client)
“I believe my biggest takeaway from our coaching session was the real-life application of his “Creating Broad Engagement in Change”. After one short reading assignment and a discussion of “how to”, I confidently conducted an “off-site” event with my inventory and transportation teams.” (Client)
“We scheduled a day to climb a mountain trail and have lunch together. For the first time in 18 months, the entire group came to 100% agreement on something…these events need to happen regularly. Over lunch, they asked if this could be a regular event. I told them that if it was a well-deserved break to get away from the office, and I believe that if a quarterly team-building day improved production, it wouldn’t be hard to sell to my leadership. At that point, I asked them some scripted questions about what they saw as areas for improvement, and I left to give them a chance to discuss. I was surprised and impressed with the answers I received. In the month since the event, I have noticed a significant change in behavior. Employees who, in the past, either avoided each other or argued (harshly) are now making attempts to communicate for the sake of the team. In addition to the improved relationships, the team members are now providing much more feedback on office processes and presenting opportunities for improvement. I’m looking forward to working with them on refining their ideas and putting them into practice.” (Client)
“Since April 2005, Dr. Bruce LaRue has been a member of an executive coaching team that has provided thousands of hours of coaching to over 1,400 supervisors of the Defense Logistics Agency as part of a two-year formalized leader development program.” (Client)
“In the fiscal year 2011, DLA provided $46.1 billion in sales and revenue. This, along with the dollar value of services provided, would rank the agency in the top 10th percentile of the Fortune 500. These services are accomplished through a dispersed workforce of nearly 27,000 civilian and military employees operating in 48 states and 28 countries around the globe. Clearly, the quality of leadership in the agency is critical to our agency’s readiness, responsiveness, and innovation.” (Client)
“DLA implemented it’s formalized two-year leadership development program to strengthen the leadership bench in DLA, foster a common leadership culture across the enterprise, provide transition support for newly appointed leaders, and build key competencies needed for creating a world-class workplace. Executive coaching is a key component of the development program, and Dr. LaRue is a key member of the coaching team. In fact, this coaching activity has evolved into one of the most powerful and results-driven experiences of the entire two-year developmental program. The positive change over time in the supervisors’ behavior, through the implementation of action plans developed with their coaches, is very clearly documented by the group results of repeated 360-degree assessments.” (Client)
“We are grateful to Dr. LaRue as a member of the coaching team for the dramatic results that are being achieved through this coaching activity, which has been identified as an industry best practice. We appreciate the coaches’ flexibility, professionalism, and clearly demonstrated expertise.” (Client)
“It is my privilege to call Dr. LaRue a trusted business partner and a valued change agent for DLA. We have greatly benefitted as an organization from our business relationship with the coaching team in the seven years that have passed, and I expect the positive results to continue in the years to come.” (Paula Kluczynski, Defense Logistics Agency Training Center, Tier II Program Manager)
“Bruce LaRue is an awesome Coach! He has an extensive knowledge of the DLA mission and the role we play in supporting the Warfighter. From the initial session through the final session Bruce has provided a plethora of valuable information directly relating to the challenges and initiatives I am facing. His “Strategy Triangle” is a comprehensive tool I continue to use in my daily operations. His detailed explanation and article on “Creating Broad Engagement in Change” was on time and on target with the reorganization I am currently experiencing. I can honestly say the return on investment for this four hours of coaching will pay dividends for years to come.” (Client)
“Bruce helped me with addressing some very difficult and challenging work circumstances which I had never encountered in my 38 years of working. I would highly recommend that DLA make the one-on-one coaching available as a resource from beginning to end of the ELDP3 course; it was by far the most valuable resource provided. Further supervisors and managers should have this resource available to them for consultation after course completion to assist them with weighty issues requiring outside un-biased expert advice.” (Client)
“When a senior executive was asked by her CEO what was she reading, she replied that she was reading Leading Organizations from the Inside Out by Dr Bruce LaRue and that this is the exact book that he should be reading as well!” (Client)
“Techniques, analysis and feedback were excellent and applied to my current situational leadership challenges and offered a way forward to address my current challenges. I look forward to implementing some of these in the near future and to allow the ideas from those in the office to create the change.” (Client)
“Thanks once again for making the coaching experience so beneficial.” (DLA Supervisor Certification Program Manager DLA Human Resources Services, DLA Training Defense Logistics Agency)
“This was a very helpful and rewarding experience. Excellent idea to help prepare and improve Leadership in DLA.” (Client)
“In June 2010, Dr. LaRue was the Keynote Presenter before the Executive Board of the São Paulo Chamber of Commerce (ACSP), a lecture on Sustainable Economic Development which was voted #1 presentation for the year. He also conducted a televised interview for Luiz Guilherme, President, APIMEC Rio, sponsored by Banco Bradesco and Agora Brokerage, one of the largest private banks and brokerages in Brazil. Dr. LaRue also presented to senior executives of Teledata Corporation and leaders from Brazil’s financial sector during this speaking tour.” (Client)
“In November 2013, Bruce was Keynote Presenter, at the 50th Anniversary Conference of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the State of São Paulo (FACSP). He presented on “Leading transformational Change” for government and business leaders from across the state of São Paulo Brazil. This wide-ranging talk examined global trends in finance, workforce development, higher education, national defense, and energy as integrated elements of a coherent national economic development strategy.” (Client)
“The leader of the past knew how to tell. The leader of the future will know how to ask. As a member of the Board of the Peter Drucker Foundation, I had the opportunity to listen to Peter eloquently outline the new world of leadership. He was describing today’s world of knowledge workers. They are people who know more about what they are doing than their managers do! It is hard to tell people what to do and how to do it when they already know more than we do. The process involved in Action-Learning Teams (ALT) carries this concept of asking to a new level. The ALT model assumes that great knowledge of the team is translated into action that makes a real difference for the organization. The process described in this book is something that almost any organization or team can use. Don’t just read it – apply it! You may be amazed at how quickly this process can make a positive difference.” (Marshall Goldsmith, Listed in Forbes as one of five leading executive coaches)
“Leading Organizations from the Inside Out gives companies and their leaders critical tools and perspectives that enable them to deal with the fast pace of business in today’s world. This book offers an effective way to initiate change and develop your people at the same time. Don’t just read this book, but apply its principles.” (Admiral Bill Owens, U.S. Navy, Retired, Vice Chairman of U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff; President and CEO, Nortel Networks)
“Action-Learning Teams built on a foundation of trust, honesty and a dedication to true excellence will soon become the hallmark of all successful organizations. The volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous leadership environment that we all face demands the speed, adaptability and flexibility that these teams embody.” (Major General Robert Ivany, U.S. Army, Retired, Former President, U.S. Army War College)
“Leading Organizations from the Inside Out is a great gift to leaders from all three sectors, leading the teams that could transform the enterprise. Action-Learning Teams and After Action Review inspire language and action that can mobilize leaders and teams to build the viable, relevant, and successful organization of the future.” (Frances Hesselbein, Chairman, Leader to Leader Institute)
“I have had the opportunity to work with small and large organizations. It is amazing to me to see how small organizations work through tough cross-functional issues. In effect small firms are Action-Learning Teams. Something happens to an organization as it matures. ALTs give way to traditional corporate hierarchy. Medium and large organizations would be well served to read and adopt the practices outline in Leading Organizations from the Inside Out. I know from experience that the practices outlined in this book can positively impact the culture of any organization.” (Steve Hooper, General Partner/Founder Ignition Partners (Venture Fund))
“Action-Learning Teams fill the gap between the basics of team dynamics and unleashing talent in a collaborative aligned effort to achieve measurable results. If you need people to work together to solve a problem, improve a process, or create a new product, then this research-based approach provides the ‘how to’ for attaining the best from having people work together.” (Richard Schuttler, School of Advanced Studies, University of Phoenix)
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