Welcome to Misti's Insights
Will Growth Kill Your Company’s Innovation?
“If you care about your people, they’ll care about you – and the vision you’ve set forth.” — Misti Burmeister During lunch with Seth, a new friend and talented salesman, I was captivated by the story of how he went from breaking company records to looking for a new...
Mission or Money?
“Ultimately, the organizations with great leadership will make the strongest positive impact on our world.” — Misti Burmeister After a recent workout, I met John, a salesman for an education-based company. When I asked about his work, he explained,”I have my...
The Growth Paradox
“Remember that when you are in a position to influence others, your job is to serve them.” — Misti Burmeister In small companies, where you can’t buy passion as easily as you can with bigger budgets, most leaders have the imperative of caring built in. The assignment...
Driven to Chocolate
“As leaders, we must be aware of the impact of our actions and inactions.” — Misti Burmeister Chocolate is my medicine… my vice. When someone or something is irritating me, I reach for it. It’s easy… and cures all my ailments, instantly! Well, for that instant at...
Connecting People, Driving Profits
“When we, as leaders, can find teams whose passions align with ours, we can do amazing things!” — Misti Burmeister One of our core drives as human beings is the desire for connection – to feel a sense of belonging. Understanding this core need is the reason...
Resolve to Be a More Powerful Leader in 2013
"If your team has no clear career goals, help them see what's possible. Take a stand for their greatness." — Misti Burmeister While each moment provides us with a new beginning (and there's beauty in that reality), the New Year is a great opportunity for reflection...
Compassion and Connection
When we open our heart, allow ourselves to feel the impact of another’s journey, we’re taking a risk. Keeping ourselves closed off, separate and distracted is easy. Turning our attention to these distractions keep us from connecting with others… our team, family,...
Blinded by the End-Product
“Success is not the end-product of a great business; it’s a by-product of that company’s inspiring vision and values.” — Misti Burmeister This is why many leaders fail to create successful (and sustainable) company cultures. This is why managers fail to become...
12 Ways to Thank Your Team This Holiday Season
"Imagine the difference it will make when our attention as leaders goes back to serving our employees and, thus, our customers, with the greatest care." — Misti Burmeister ‘Tis the season to be giving! But as we gather with family and friends for this “most wonderful...
12 Ways to Thank Your Team This Holiday Season
"Imagine the difference it will make when our attention as leaders goes back to serving our employees and, thus, our customers, with the greatest care." — Misti Burmeister ‘Tis the season to be giving! But as we gather with family and friends...
Thank You, Mr. Zig Ziglar!
"Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days." - Zig Ziglar One of my greatest teachers, Zig Ziglar, passed away yesterday morning. He was 86. Thank you, Mr. Ziglar, for teaching me that having great friends has...
Are You Wasting Your Team’s Talent?
“Leaders who know their “players” well, and who have a clear vision and strong values, will win the loyalty and dedication of their teams.” — Misti Burmeister At a recent piano lesson, my teacher told me about the coach of her...
The Only Purpose of `Leadership`…
The only purpose of leadership is to model the excellence and the values we want to see reflected in our employees. It’s not about being a manager – someone who manages processes or the customer experience. It’s about leaving people feeling inspired....
The Simple Power of Today
“Enough little cascades of empowerment are all you need to create a Niagara Falls of inspiration, productivity and innovation.” – Misti Burmeister There are at least 40 working hours a week. If you commit to performing a simple empowering action just...
Are You More Captivating Than Angry Birds?
“Remember, in business, as in life, we reach many peaks. So, it’s critical that we re-establish our visions once we’ve accomplished them.” — Misti Burmeister My friend Stacey had been working with a new electronics company for about six...
Does Successful Mean Selfish?
“While others may want to help us, they have to first consider what’s best for their businesses … and so should we.” – Misti Burmeister Sheila was thrilled when a well-respected business leader in her community asked to...
Destroy Morale or Communicate?
“The best morale exists when you never hear the word mentioned. When you hear a lot of talk about it, it`s usually lousy.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower Most leaders want their team to remain engaged in their work, dedicated to the project,...
Would You Rather Be the MVP, or the Coach?
“Leading a team requires that we stop needing to be the star and, instead, champion the success of our employees.” – Misti Burmeister If you’re in a leadership position, it’s probably safe to say that you know how to work hard...