Foster Learning

Outbound Air

Outbound Air

Outbound Air is the captivating tale of a regional airline acquired by an investment group. The story illustrates the adolescent pains of organizational growth as the new CEO takes one mis-step after another. Outbound Air's return from the brink of destruction is a vivid tale of how organizations work. Read more →

Hiring Talent

Hiring Talent

Hiring Talent blends the research on levels of work with the discipline of behavioral interviewing. Every role has a level of decision making, a level of problem solving. Identifying the level of work in the role is the first step in understanding which candidates meet the critical role requirements. Read more →

Online Programs

Timespan 101

This program discusses the science in the book Outbound Air, designed to introduce you to the research of Elliott Jaques. Your world will change. At least, the way you look at it. You will never again see your organization the same way. Puzzling things about people and their work will become clear. This is the beginning.

Hiring Talent

Interactive online program that covers three areas where hiring managers fall short -

  • Identify the level of work in the role related to decision making and problem solving.
  • Construct effective questions to collect important data from the candidate.
  • Control the interview to get meaningful responses from the candidate.

360 Tool

The 360 degree performance survey is the start of a conversation between the manager and the team member. This online tool is based on candid feedback collected anonymously from supervisors, peers and subordinates asking key questions. Its accuracy is tied to patterns of comments in response to those questions.

Management Skills Blog

First Assumptions

January 28, 2026

“What’s the quickest way to change your culture?” I asked. “Great question,” Hudson replied. “Shifting culture usually takes time and intention.”… Read more →

A Dollar More

January 26, 2026

“Why do people work?” I asked. It was an innocent question, but Shari knew I had an agenda. “Okay. I’ll bite,” she replied. “I was going to… Read more →

Omission

January 23, 2026

“What are the problems you create?” I asked. “The problems I have, or the problems I create?” Paula stepped back. “I mean, I have problems,… Read more →

From Control to Feedback

January 21, 2026

“So, you have an update on your quality problem?” I asked. “Indeed, I do,” Noreen replied. “I built this new quality control system. I am surprised… Read more →

Coaching

Executive Peer Groups

CEO and KEY Executive peer groups meet monthly, expert resource speakers, executive sessions, 1-1 confidential coaching.

Working Leadership

Online and classroom programs in managerial leadership practices. Focus on delegation, decision making, communication, team building, planning.

Executive Coaching

1-1 confidential coaching sessions for CEOs and KEY managers. Scenario planning, organizational design, system integration, decision making.