Jim is an internationally recognized thought leader in improving business performance and managing large scale organizational change. He helps business leaders in a variety of industries significantly improve and sustain operating and financial performance while achieving exceptional returns on the investment made in generating the improvements.
Jim is consistently described by his clients and peers as having a unique ability to:
- View organizational performance issues from a broad, systems perspective;
- Remove root causes rather than treat symptoms so gains can be sustained;
- Measurably improve performance in a way that adds net value to the enterprise;
- Leave a client with stronger leaders and higher performing people.
His book, The Leadership Solution (McGraw-Hill), became a classic treatise on leadership and performance. Hailed by leading CEOs as “invaluable for someone wanting to lead an organization into the future,” The Leadership Solution is frequently listed as one of the top “must have” business books on leadership, change management, communication and creating high performance through people.
Jim’s focus over the past 25 years has been squarely on improving work—and results—that people can control. His track record includes significant measurable improvements in quality, service, costs, productivity, safety and speed with investment returns often exceeding as much as 1,500 per cent.
Jim Shaffer Group is a ten-year old consultancy devoted to helping companies and their leaders during times of significant change as well as when they need to take already strong performance higher. When necessary, Jim draws on a diverse network of Jim Shaffer Group Partners for technical expertise and implementation support.
Jim received the International Association of Business Communicators’ prestigious Fellow award, the profession’s highest recognition. He was honored by The Planning Forum’s Pittsburgh Chapter for his commitment to strategic management.
Prior to launching the Jim Shaffer Group, he was a principal, senior consultant and global leader of a Towers Perrin center of excellence. He was one of the architects and leading practitioners of the firm’s change management consulting practice.
A regular contributor to many business publications and frequently quoted in business journals, Jim has taught in the graduate schools at George Washington University, The University of St. Thomas, and Hamline University. He speaks regularly at leadership groups and professional associations.
On the personal side, Jim enjoys photography, cooking, sailing, music, reading and personal travel. He and his wife, Anne, and their Goldendoodle, Tucket, live in Annapolis, Maryland.