A powerful metaphor isn’t just a cute analogy. It becomes a shared mental model—a common language that helps people visualize the work ahead, understand their role, and navigate the inevitable setbacks along the way. Metaphors are especially helpful when the company culture likes and/or participates in the activity!

What separates the teams that just perform from those that consistently achieve? My friend and colleague Steven Gaffney has been pondering the same thing.

The Steven Gaffney Company recently completed a national research study on Consistently High Achieving Teams (CHAT) and joined me on the podcast to unpack the results.

AI isn’t magic—but it is a powerful tool to help teams tackle repetitive processes, streamline painful workflows, or add efficiency to tasks that require human intelligence. But just like an Oreo, AI is only as good as the layers you build around it.

Let me break it down for you.

While they may sound similar, a strategic plan and a growth plan serve distinct purposes. One sets the overall direction of your company, and the other focuses on how to expand your market presence and revenue. Understanding the difference can help you prioritize your efforts and ensure your business thrives. The growth plan actually "sits inside" your strategic plan.

The best book clubs strike a balance between structured discussion and free-flowing conversation - which is why having a facilitator (or at least some semblance of a plan) is crucial.

So, whether your book club is thriving or teetering on the edge of chaos, here are a few ways to keep the discussion engaging, inclusive, and—most importantly—fun.

In many organizations, the CFO is viewed as the "numbers person"—the one who tracks financial performance, ensures compliance, and keeps an eye on cash flow. But what if I told you that the CFO is actually one of the best people to facilitate strategic conversations and lead cross-functional teams?

Let’s explore how you can lean into your strengths, take initiative, and drive team success—all while positioning yourself as a key contributor and future leader.

By systematically evaluating growth strategies against these criteria, your team can identify the most viable, impactful, and sustainable growth strategy for the business.