Resources

This page makes no pretense at being a systematic list. These are a few resources I’ve found helpful, and believe others may as well. Most represent concepts that you’ll encounter, in one way or another, in Common Thriving services.

For small businesses: Business Made Simple

I spent a lot of years actively avoiding Donald Miller’s resources. But after years of obsessive reading, earning the CFA designation, and earning an MBA—I’m a believer in the simple frameworks he offers. I even became a Business Made Simple Certified Coach! These frameworks are relentlessly practical, and a terrific example of the 80/20 rule. They systematize, and make easy to understand, the 20% of activities that will make 80% of the difference in most small business’s success.

If you’re inclined toward DIY, the full Business Made Simple library of courses is available here, with a 7-day free trial. The Small Business Flight School, aimed at helping you double your revenue while strengthening your business, is here. Much of the content is available in books by Donald Miller as well, and I do receive a commission if you buy the courses through these links.

If you start the DIY path and want support in actually applying what you’re learning, we’re glad to provide that support; book an exploration call and let’s talk about what support you need!

• Business Made Simple

• Small Business Flight School

For businesspeople (and would-be businesspeople) in Reno County: Startup Hutch

Pointing people to free alternate resources may not be recommended business practice—but Startup Hutch is a gem in the Hutchinson and Reno County community, and a set of terrific connections to resources and expertise. If you’re thinking of starting a business, buying a business, or selling a business, a conversation with them should be high on your to-do list.

For people in any field: the Kansas Leadership Center

The Kansas Leadership Center believes leadership is an activity, not a position, and that everyone can lead. And they play a major role in equipping everyone to lead in making progress on the toughest challenges: those that involve differing perspectives, unspoken tensions, looming obstacles, and huge importance.

I’ve completed KLC’s Leadership Path in adaptive leadership and continue to pursue advanced training. Like many participants, I find there’s always much more to learn.

For organizations of any sort: books to bring Lean home

Lean is also known as the “Toyota Production System”. At its foundation are respect for people and continuous improvement of processes—and from those principles grow magic.

Karen Martin’s books The Outstanding Organization and Clarity First provide an excellent, readable entry. Paul Akers’ book 2 Second Lean boils “starting Lean” down even further, to a few ultra-simple starting practices. And…the list could continue, but won’t for now. (Except for Toyota Kata and TKMG Academy and…well.)