Southern Methodist University

Instructor, Cox School of Business Executive Education

Winding River Consulting

Leadership Management Consultant

S & J Allen, LLC

Principal

Practical Wisdom for Leaders Podcast

Practical Wisdom for Leaders is your fast-paced, forward-thinking guide to leadership. Join host Scott J. Allen as he engages with remarkable guests—from former world leaders and nonprofit innovators to renowned professors, CEOs, and authors. Each episode offers timely insights and actionable tips designed to help you lead with impact, grow personally and professionally, and make a meaningful difference in your corner of the world.

Founder and Host

John Carroll University

Professor of Management

Associate Professor of Management

Assistant Professor of Management

Visiting Assistant Professor of Management

Collegiate Leadership Competition

Collegiate Leadership Competition (CLC), a nonprofit founded in 2015, creates a digital practice field where students can actively apply what they learn via CLC’s global virtual competition. CLC makes leadership a tangible, high-impact learning experience for future leaders. It's leadership development... for the digital age.

Co-Founder and Board Chairman

Captovation

Captovation builds your confidence and skills as an online presenter. We use our AI-powered technology to help you improve your abilities, adding a human touch via live coaching. We’ll help you craft a crisp message, design an engaging deck, and deliver with confidence. We are building a global hub of digital resources including our new book—Captovation: Online Presentations by Design—and our library of podcasts, online tutorials, and everything you need to improve and deliver your most successful presentation yet.

Co-Founder

Case Western Reserve University

SAGES

King's Daughters Medical Center

Leadership Development Educator

Beta Theta Pi

🔥 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 🔥 

🎓 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫.
For 18 years, I’ve explored what makes leadership work in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities. As a long-time Professor of Management at John Carroll University and Instructor at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business Executive Education, I bring academic rigor to the practical realities leaders face e͟v͟e͟r͟y͟ ͟d͟a͟y͟. I’ve taught thousands of students and professionals, helping them turn insight into influence.

📚 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫. 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫.
I’ve co-authored five books and published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles on leadership. I also host Practical Wisdom for Leaders, a podcast ranked in the top 2.5% globally, and write a weekly newsletter for professionals looking to quickly elevate their knowledge.

🏢 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫. 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of energizing teams across Fortune 500 and global organizations, including NASA, Toyota North America, Cleveland Clinic, Nestlé, Progressive, Nordson, KeyBank, Creston, Whiting-Turner, Sam’s Club, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Whether on stage or in a strategy session, my work focuses on helping leaders and teams enhance their communication, culture, and impact.

💬 𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫. 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐫.
LinkedIn has become an extension of the classroom. It's a space for ongoing conversations about leadership and human behavior. I post daily and love to engage with people around the globe.

🤝 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬. 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
I’m passionate about building communities that advance leadership education and practice. I co-founded the Collegiate Leadership Competition (CLC) and served as its Board Chair, creating an international platform for students to develop real-world leadership skills. I have also served on the boards of the International Leadership Association, Association of Leadership Educators, and the Management and Organizational Behavior Teaching Society. In 2021, I was named an ILA Fellow for contributions to the global leadership community.

💡 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲.
Leadership isn’t a title. It's a series of behaviors. It’s about presence, courage, and the daily practice of helping others do their best.

If any of this speaks to you, I'd love to connect!

Leadership isn’t neutral.
Some drain; a few transform.

Servant leaders elevate others. That's the foundation. The starting point.

Meta-analytic research shows that servant leadership correlates with higher trust, job satisfaction, and helping behavior. 

Sounds like a win/win/win to me.

We all know what it feels like to work for someone who genuinely cares about us as individuals. 

For me, it was Bob. I dedicated my first book to him. I was young, lacked maturity, emotional intelligence, and experience. He coached, nudged, challenged, and motivated...always from a place of care.

Be that person for others and watch them transform.

Who was that coach, teacher, or supervisor for you? Send them a note today.

Source: A meta-analytic review of the consequences of servant leadership: The moderating roles of cultural factors

***
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Scott J. Allen

Scott J. Allen, Ph.D., is the Robert M. Ginn Institute Professor for Leadership & Social Responsibility at John Carroll University. Allen is an associate professor and teaches courses in leadership, the future of work, and executive communication. He's an award-winning professor passionate about working with people of all ages.

Scott served as a Mulwick Scholar in the Boler College of Business, and his primary stream of research focuses on leadership development. Scott has published more than 50 book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles. He is the co-author of The Little Book of Leadership Development: 50 Ways to Bring Out the Leader in Every Employee, Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: A Guide for College Students, and the textbook Discovering Leadership: Designing Your Success (2019). Scott’s most recent publication is Captovation: Online Presentations by Design. He is also the host of two podcasts: The Captovation Podcast and Phronesis: Practical Wisdom for Leaders.

In addition to writing and teaching, Scott consults, facilitates workshops, and leads retreats across industries. Recent engagements include Lubrizol, Key Bank, EY, Siegfried Group, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Sherwin Williams, Progressive, NASA-Glenn, FedEx Custom Critical, Thompson Hine LLP, Cleveland Clinic, Leadership Cleveland, and Cleveland Bridge Builders. Scott co-founded Captovation, a services firm dedicated to “Presentation Coaching for the Digital Age.” He is also the co-founder and Board Chair of the Collegiate Leadership Competition. He has served on the board of the International Leadership Association, Association of Leadership Educators, and Management and Organizational Behavior Teaching Society. Allen was named an ILA Fellow by the International Leadership Association in 2021.

He resides in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, with his wife, Jessica, and three children - Will, Kate & Emily.

Professor, Author, Speaker, Podcaster, Expert in Leadership

Brand Strategist | Visual Storyteller

Mohamed E.

Some only see the gaps, and others exist in the progress. 


It's Thanksgiving in the United States this week. 
A time of gratitude.

Gratitude is a matter of perspective, as Bela beautifully illustrates in this image.

Those who see the progress experience the benefits of gratitude.

✔️ Enhanced Well-Being & Optimism
✔️ Increased Satisfaction & Commitment
✔️ Strengthened Team Cooperation & Inclusivity
✔️ Reduced Stress & Healthier Coping

So this week. See the good. See the progress. Reflect on how far you have come. Better yet, reflect with another - a friend or family member.

Gratitude is a matter of perspective. What do you see?

Sources: DM me for sources.

***
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Bela Jevtovic

It's an important question.
And it's 100% true.

All eyes are on you, and it's critical to model the way.

Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, authors of The Leadership Challenge, emphasize that leaders must "Do What You Say You Will Do." As they say, "If people don’t believe in the messenger, they won’t believe the message.” 

Your behaviors tell the story. 

And they always tell the truth.

***
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📷 Photo by Brian Knox

Scott J. Allen, Ph.D.

These are the things no one tells you when you first step into management.
But they quietly shape your success or failure.

There’s obviously more than 11, but this is a strong place to start.

There’s also a great starting point for new managers. The First 90 Days. I just sent a few copies to friends.

I learned this lesson the hard way. In my first manager role, I tried to do everything myself. That’s why this line from Michael Watkins always sticks with me:

“Leadership ultimately is about influence and leverage. You are, after all, only one person. To be successful, you need to mobilize the energy of many others in your organization.” - Michael Watkins

If that book and these lessons are on your radar, you will hit the ground running.

The truth? No one has it all figured out. And you don’t need to. If these are your anchors, you’ll build trust, momentum, and a team that genuinely wants to follow.

That’s real leadership.

What would you add? There’s always one insight new managers wish they had sooner.👇

***
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"Consistency is the mother of momentum."


A friend shared that quote a while back and I just love it.

I also love this visual by Bela Jevtovic.

I have been thinking a lot about my own habits recently. Some are getting me where I want to go, and others not so much (I enjoy sweet AND salty).

So I am turning to James Clear/BJ Fogg and working to make Atomic/Tiny adjustment to get me where I want to be. 

I am reminded of another quote that I love:

“Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.” – Mark Twain

As we begin to turn toward 2026, what habits will you consistently embody?

***
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Stop going back to back to back to back to back to back!
Research suggests it's harming you and your teams.

A quick hack? Default to shorter meetings.

📅 60-minute meeting? Make it 45 or 50.
📅 30-minute meeting? Make it 20 or 25.

Give yourself some breathing room in between - a little time to catch your breath, answer a voicemail, center for the next conversation, or fire off a couple of urgent messages.

It's a subtle shift, but over the course of a day, it could save you an hour (or two). 

That's significant. 👊 

Source: Research Proves Your Brain Needs Breaks, Microsoft 

***
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Adelaine Orpin

I see it over and over.
Managers take on too many monkeys. 🐒 

If you know, you know.

Problems jump from employee to manager, and suddenly your calendar is full, your stress is high, and your team is waiting on you for answers (they should solve themselves).

🐒 This habit feels helpful in the moment, but it creates long term dependency and stalls growth. 

The HBR classic "Who’s Got the Monkey?" outlined this decades ago. It is still one of the most practical management truths I know.

When someone drops a problem on your desk, you do not need to adopt it. You can hand the monkey right back with clarity and support. 🐒 

Here is the move:

1. Ask, "What do you recommend?" This pushes thinking back to the person closest to the work.

2. Listen for ownership. Are they solving or handing off? If they are trying to transfer the monkey, pause and encourage them to own it. 🐒 

3. Support a forward plan. Coach. Ask questions. Help them refine their approach, but keep the monkey with the owner.

The goal is not to remove yourself or to be unhelpful. The goal is to build capable people who act rather than defer. 

This serves you in the long run

Mantra: Your job, your monkey. 🐒 

Source: Who's Got the Monkey? Harvard Business Review

***
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In my experience, it's one of the toughest transitions.


From peer to manager. 
If you know, you know. It's a tricky one.

In my experience, there's very little support for these new managers, and those who go in with a plan are better prepared for success.

This quick infographic offers some options.

Bottom line: 

✔️ The best new managers have a well-vetted plan.
✔️ The best new managers are skilled at building authentic relationships.
✔️ The best new managers start by listening and learning.
✔️  The best new managers secure some initial wins.

Like me, many of you have made this transition. And I am sure some of you have read Michael Watkins' wonderful book, The First 90 Days. It's gold.

So, what's missing? What would you add?

Note: I am traveling with family, so my commenting may be a little slower this week. For those in the U.S., Happy Thanksgiving!

***
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Before looking to 2026
I look back...

I took some time last week, on a long flight, to reflect on the year. 

✔️  The goals I met (there were several)
✔️  The goals I did not meet (there were a few significant ones)
✔️  The goals that should carry over 
✔️  The items, tasks, and activities that no longer feel relevant.

I shared my progress with my wife, asked for feedback, and will sit with them for a few weeks as I look to 2026.

It's not a "one and done" type process. There is a lot of drafting, re-visiting, and reflecting on what feels like the best course forward.

Most importantly, I pay attention to my energy. 

✔️  Am I excited?
✔️ Do some items make me a little nervous?
✔️ Am I extending my knowledge and skills?
✔️ How do they serve my family and others?

All of these filters help me determine if I am headed in the right direction.

So now, I sit with the list, and I reflect, tweak, and pay attention. In a few weeks, I will run it by some mentors and thought partners to get their feedback as well.

That's how it works for me.

So what's your process? How do you approach the new year?

***
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Could the questions you ask transform the way you lead?


Some leaders talk about empowerment. The best leaders practice it.
The simplest place to start is with the questions you ask.

This image captures eight servant-leader statements that change the dynamic in a room. They tell your team:

🟢 I am here for you.
🟢 Your voice matters.
🟢 We're in this together.

Robert Greenleaf’s early writing on servant leadership was clear. The real test of a leader is whether others grow. 

These questions help you do exactly that.

Combine them with presence, consistency, and follow-through, and you will see trust deepen and performance rise.

Leadership is not a title, it's a set of behaviors.

It's just that simple.

***
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Ideas are not scarce. 
The conditions for their emergence are.

In my consulting work, I see this play out again and again.

When leaders create the right conditions, doors open.

Here are a few things that the best leaders do.

1. They elevate the right questions. They point people toward the conversations that matter most. Instead of chasing noise, they ask the essential questions that deserve the team's attention.

2. They have clear rules of engagement. All team members have a super clear understanding of HOW they work together and the norms that guide that work.

3. They create psychological safety. Google's Project Aristotle found that this was the strongest predictor of high-performing teams. When people feel safe to speak honestly, ideas do not stay inside. They surface, collide, evolve.

4. They reward experimentation and risk. Progress does not come from certainty. It comes from learning. When leaders recognize thoughtful attempts, even imperfect ones, curiosity expands, and the following door cracks open.

The first idea is rarely the breakthrough.
It is the doorway to the next one. And the next. And the next.

If you want innovation, start by mastering these four elements. They will open doors to a world of ideas...

***
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It’s wild how easy it is to forget the people who carried us.


We lose sight, get caught up, and let our attention wander elsewhere.

I hope this post centers you square on some of the individuals that helped you along the way. They've pushed, inspired, invested, and shaped the person you are today.

I'm thankful for an amazing wife and kids, professors, coaches, mentors, my wonderful colleagues at SMU, a thriving business, my health, lifelong friends, and the opportunity to do what I love - exploring the topic of leadership.

And I am thankful for LinkedIn. That may sound odd to some, but in the last year, I have met some wonderful people, clarified my own perspective, and had the opportunity to practice a different kind of writing. It's an outlet for creativity, and it's been a blast.

So, wherever you are in the world today, be thankful and see the good.

Note: I am with family, so my commenting may be a little slower this week. For those in the U.S., Happy Thanksgiving!

***
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