Thomas D. LaBaugh, MBA, Ph.D
Tom has published a number of articles in a metropolitan business newspaper about improving behavior and performance in the workplace. He has given dozens of presentations to professional groups on behavior modification, work performance, and relationship improvement. He was an All-American athlete, was inducted into three Halls of Fame, played piano as a solo entertainer and in several bands, wrote music for, performed, and produced a solo CD.
He is married and has two sons and four grandchildren who reside in Colorado.
Education
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Ph.D., Higher Education Administration, Michigan State University, Lansing, Michigan
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M.B.A., Management, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
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B.A. Kenyon College, Economics, Gambier, Ohio
Experience
After college and four years in the U.S. Air Force (Captain), Tom worked at colleges in Financial Aid, Admissions, and as a Marketing VP. He consulted in a Big 8 Accounting firm and owned a college marketing firm offering research, systems work, staff training, and promotional campaigns. He was in hospital marketing and taught marketing in a graduate business program.
Tom started a career coaching firm. His research discovered that 45% of supervisors were fired because of bad behavior. He thought that if “meeting needs” spelled success in business, then meeting employee needs might also lead to success in supervising. He found Gallup’s research that showed what employees need from work (none cost money) and proved that when those needs were met, there were higher profits, productivity, customer service, and retention.
Using word associations for quicker, easier learning, plus analyzing failed client experiences, Tom created a training program for managers to work better with employees. A nuance of this unique coaching program was offering it to clients before they were fired. 100% of over 50 clients completing his program kept their jobs. Many called this the “Secret to Success.”
This new approach differed substantially from MANAGEMENT (relying on directing and controlling), and LEADERSHIP (focusing on groups and, teams). Tom’s new approach, called “CATALYST,” uses some management and leadership skills, but goes further to meet individual employee needs by building better relationships. Surprisingly, clients also saw improvements in relationships at home and with friends. Marriages were saved.
A summary of the Gallup research and the coaching concepts that saved jobs and families are now available in his book; “How to Make a Powerful, Positive, Impact.”
