Denise Federer | Archive | Business Observer

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Stories by | Denise Federer

By Denise Federer
May 10, 2025

Don't just lead your employees. Guide them.

Setting up employees to realize their potential can boost not only the employee but the company as well.

By Denise Federer
March 27, 2025

Good leaders need emotional management skills, not just technical know-how

The key to emotional management is to show, above all else, courage.

By Denise Federer
January 14, 2025

Influence: The Rosetta Stone of post-succession triumph

The push and pull of influencing others requires a thoughtful strategy.

By Denise Federer
January 6, 2025

Gender and business leadership: How much does it matter?

The answer can be varied and depends on some important factors. But one constant is leaders — of either gender — need to be flexible and adaptable.

By Denise Federer
December 5, 2024

The next succession: Keeping a family business intact in the third generation

The transition from the second to third generation in a family business can be a minefield. It's also manageable.

By Denise Federer
October 3, 2024

In business conflict, separate the person from the problem

Interpersonal disagreements in the workplace can escalate quickly, a situation compounded in a family business. One key to remember: Words matter.

By Denise Federer
August 17, 2024

When work friends become bosses: Strategies to handle the transition

Relationships at work can and will change but one thing should remain the same: lines of communication should remain open.

By Denise Federer
July 4, 2024

Enhance your company’s value by revisiting your core values

The principles that hold a company together should be active — not antiques.

By Denise Federer
May 16, 2024

Why 'having the difficult conversation' is an essential leadership tool

Avoiding conflict — both in family or corporate-run organizations — has both short- and long-term consequences.

By Denise Federer
April 10, 2024

Mitigate the impact of key employee departures in a family businesses

A departure of a key employee in any company can sting, more so in a family business. But there are steps companies can take to guard against that kind of turnover.

By Denise Federer
March 5, 2024

In pursuit of a more perfect succession

Creating a family constitution is a challenging yet necessary part of a strong business succession plan.

By Denise Federer
January 17, 2024

3 keys to overcoming transition terrors for smooth business succession

"You can’t figure out emotion on a spreadsheet." But businesses can, with a focused accountable action plan, hand off the company from one generation to the next.

By Denise Federer
November 8, 2023

Resistance to change can destroy a family business

The status quo in an organization is a likely a recipe for failure.

By Denise Federer
September 28, 2023

Moving to the 'next up' CEO in a family business requires trust and transparency

Preparation for this transition should begin long before the first day.

By Denise Federer
August 17, 2023

Developing mid-level managers is essential — but often overlooked

The manager in the middle has an outsized impact on an organization.

By Denise Federer
July 13, 2023

Want a smooth family business transition? Embrace strategic planning.

The best kind of strategic planning prioritizes long-term goals over short-term comfort.

By Denise Federer
May 21, 2023

7 steps to making the hard changes in a family business a bit easier

Avoiding change, particularly in a family business, is a risky proposition.

By Denise Federer
April 7, 2023

Keeping the family business (and the family) together

Tips from a psychologist on minimizing family fallout during business successions.

By Denise Federer
March 16, 2023

Why next-gen leadership transitions fail

Planning for a smooth succession in a business is a good idea. Trusting that plan? Even better.

By Denise Federer
February 10, 2023

How to develop executive maturity — with staying power — in a family business

Process and patience are two key facets of creating a corner office with high-level standards.

By Denise Federer
January 12, 2023

Workplace change: It's a process, not a plan

Change (management) is hard. Here’s how to make it work.

By Denise Federer
November 11, 2022

How to reward your star performers — and utilize them as influencers

Adapting salary policies to a new workforce requires not only more money but a new mindset as well.

By Denise Federer
October 10, 2022

How to get leadership transition right — the first time

When a CEO or founder, finally, leaves an organization, the stakes are high for the new leader. Rules and structure to the succession are key.

By Denise Federer
August 3, 2022

Leading a family business — when you’re not part of the family

The arrangement can be both high risk and high reward.

By Denise Federer
July 14, 2022

Conscious leadership: What it is and how to become one

Leading with empathy can open a lot of doors for your employees, and your organization.

By Denise Federer
June 15, 2022

Mentoring for the next level of leadership

The two keys to turning high-performing managers into companywide leaders: conversation and compensation.

By Denise Federer
April 6, 2022

One ingredient for successful family business succession? A large portion of transparency

Conversation with Southwest Florida commercial real estate executives Randy and Justin Thibault on navigating the family business succession process reveals some key components.