As we are welcomed back into the office after a holiday weekend, we can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for all of you.

A few weeks ago, members of our leadership team traveled to the Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference and connected with superintendents, administrative teams and their boards to discuss a range of topics, including current communication challenges and “Appreciology: The Art & Science of Appreciation.”

With every new year comes new goals and new challenges, and we want to thank you for following along with us every month, reading, sharing and implementing the content and services we have the opportunity to share with all of you.

In this edition of “Making an Impact,” we are closing out the November Gratitude Challenge and sharing tips on how effective communication can help you lead and inspire your team into the new year.

We can’t wait for what 2025 will bring, and we look forward to continuing to deliver content and services that impact teams and leaders like you!

With appreciation,
The Impact Group Team

In November, members of The Impact Group Leadership Team attended the Ohio School Board Association Capital Conference, where Partners Tom Speaks, and Phil Herman presented on “Appreciology: The Art and Science of Appreciation” with Perry Local Schools Superintendent Jack Thompson.

Over the past month, many of you have joined us in finding gratitude and practicing appreciation in your daily lives by participating in our November Gratitude Challenge. Although this challenge is ending, the practice of appreciation never truly stops. We encourage you to carry forward the lessons and habits you’ve built over the past 30 days and continue to find moments of gratitude.

Appreciation is more than a kind gesture. It’s a powerful practice that strengthens relationships, builds trust, and uplifts teams. Whether you’ve been expressing gratitude at home, in the workplace, or within your community, your efforts create a ripple effect that extends far beyond yourself.

Appreciation is a simple but transformative habit that shapes thriving teams and individuals.

If this idea sparked something in you, we’d love to help you take it further. Our Appreciology Workshops are designed to support teams and leaders in embedding the principles of gratitude and recognition into their culture—unlocking the kind of engagement and impact that moves organizations forward.

The ability to navigate difficult discussions isn’t just a nice-to-have skill—it’s essential for effective leadership. Whether it’s addressing conflict, discussing underperformance, or negotiating challenging changes, handling these moments productively can transform a team’s dynamic and propel it to new heights.

In a recent webinar, Partners Tom Speaks and Phil Herman, along with special guest Lindsay Gingo, owner of Gingo & Bair Law, LLC, shared expert strategies for turning difficult discussions into productive, growth-centered dialogues. This blog highlights many of the key learnings.

During our latest webinar, Impact Group Partners Tom Speaks and Phil Herman presented strategies to enhance communication skills. The session explored how intentional, thoughtful communication can strengthen organizational culture and inspire teams to achieve more together.

Watch the webinar recording below. We encourage you to share it with your team and find ways to incorporate these tips into your communication.

Do you feel stuck in a comfort zone that’s holding you back from living the life you truly desire?

True leadership demands courage—not the fleeting, fearless kind, but the kind that is deliberately cultivated through action, resilience, and a willingness to confront discomfort. For most of us, courage doesn’t simply exist; it’s earned.

Join us for the inspiring webinar, “Earn the Dawn: Effective Strategies to Enhance Your Life,” where we’ll take an honest look at the fears and limitations that keep many of us from progressing. This isn’t about quick fixes or abstract ideas—this is about discovering actionable strategies that can spark transformation.