Effective leadership is the cornerstone of any successful business. If leaders aren't fully committed, whether they are small business owners or executives in larger organizations, the business will struggle to achieve its goals. The importance of leadership buy-in cannot be overstated—without it, initiatives and strategic directions will flounder.

Leadership Commitment: The Foundation of Success
When leaders are genuinely bought in, they provide clear direction and a sense of purpose for the entire organization. From my experience, having a committed leadership team is the first critical step. Once leaders have a clear vision and a plan for where they want to go, they can inspire and guide their teams effectively.
However, the challenge doesn't end with leadership buy-in. The next step is to ensure that this vision permeates through the entire team. This is where alignment becomes crucial.
Aligning Your Team: Excitement vs. Apathy
In any team, there will be varying levels of enthusiasm and commitment. You may find a group of employees who are very excited about the direction the company is heading. On the other hand, there will always be those who are less enthusiastic or resistant to change. This divergence in attitudes can create friction and impede progress.
To address this, it's essential to create an environment where employees who are not aligned with the company's strategic mission and vision can self-select to stay or leave. While retention is valuable, it is even more critical to retain the right people—those who are committed and passionate about the company's goals.
Building the Right Team for Sustainable Growth
Having a cohesive team of committed individuals is where the magic happens. When you retain the right people, you create a solid foundation for sustainable growth. These employees will be more engaged, productive, and innovative, contributing positively to the company's revenue and overall success.
Conversely, employees who are merely there for a paycheck and are not invested in the company's vision can become a drag on progress. It's vital for leaders to be comfortable with the idea that not everyone is a perfect fit for every organization. By fostering an environment where misaligned employees can move on, you open up space for those who are truly aligned and enthusiastic about contributing to the company's success.
Creating an Environment for Success
​In conclusion, the combination of strong leadership buy-in and a well-aligned team is essential for any business aiming for success. Leaders must not only commit to the strategic vision but also actively cultivate a team that shares this commitment. This approach ensures that everyone in the organization is rowing in the same direction, paving the way for collective growth and achievement.
By focusing on retaining the right people and creating an environment where alignment and engagement are prioritized, businesses can unlock their full potential and achieve remarkable results.

As the year draws to a close, many businesses are finalizing their goals for 2024, with a significant focus typically placed on revenue targets—what percentage they aim to increase by, and similar metrics. Businesses tend to set revenue goals and targets but don't pay attention to the essential parts of their business that drive revenue. Many times the thought is that if a team simply 'worked harder', then the revenue goals would be achieved. But that's simply not the case. Every business has its own, unique drivers of revenue. And focusing on these drivers will in turn affect the top line.

While setting a revenue goal is a positive step, it's important to acknowledge that merely establishing a target won't automatically result in increased revenue. Instead, it may incentivize individuals to work harder to generate income, but this alone won't guarantee revenue growth. True revenue generation stems from understanding the drivers behind it—the leading indicators within your business that contribute to achieving revenue goals. It's not solely about the revenue figure itself; it's about what influences it.

Consider Coach Shaka Smart, who leads the top 10-ranked Marquette basketball team. They track a unique statistic during games: deflections. This unconventional metric serves as a driving force for their defensive strategy. Unlike steals, which are standard tracked stat, deflections signify disruptive defensive play, activity, and team engagement. For Marquette, these indicators correlate with winning basketball games by both scoring points and preventing opponents from scoring. Similarly, every business has its unique focus areas, whether it's customer retention, billing processes, or enhancing customer and employee experiences. Identifying the key drivers of revenue specific to your business enables you to concentrate efforts on enhancing and maximizing those aspects, rather than solely fixating on the end goal of increased revenue.

For further inquiries or to get in touch, feel free to email me at [email protected].

Many businesses have been prioritizing the development of their teams, focusing on people development to ensure that individuals are not only trained to perform their tasks effectively but also equipped with leadership skills and the right personalities for their roles. They seek individuals with positive attitudes and strong interpersonal skills, knowing that these traits enhance the client experience when engaging with team members who embody them. And indeed, they are correct. These qualities greatly benefit those working within an organization.

Organizations work hard to create the right culture for their teams. They do this because they know that employees who are satisfied with their work environment will ultimately be more productive*. (*NOTE: The asterisk means productivity is relative. Meaning, how productive can your teams be if they are using processes that haven't been evaluated in the past year or more?)

However, amidst this emphasis on people development, businesses sometimes overlook the crucial role of internal processes in fostering these desirable traits in their employees. What does this mean? Consider this scenario: an organization may have a team of talented individuals, but outdated or inefficient processes within the organization hinder their ability to deliver the best customer experience. Despite their efforts, internal hurdles make their tasks more challenging.

I've conducted various exercises with different businesses, mapping out their internal processes and identifying strengths and weaknesses. It's remarkable how often significant time delays occur due to inefficiencies or outdated practices that haven't been reevaluated in light of technological advancements or changing demands. There's often a lack of assessment regarding the time demands placed on employees within these processes or the satisfaction levels of clients who navigate them. For instance, during client onboarding, is the process effective? Is there feedback from customers who interact with new staff?

When these processes remain unexamined, organizations risk hindering the success of their people, despite their focus on development. The key to unlocking the potential of their teams lies in optimizing internal processes. Therefore, I encourage organizations, especially those prioritizing their people, to revisit their internal processes. By doing so, they empower their teams to shine and deliver exceptional experiences to clients. When all elements align, remarkable outcomes can be achieved.

It's never too late to ensure that the goals of your organization are aligned with your process and that this process is being implemented effectively. Push your business to rise above the ordinary.

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss this topic further, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

One common metaphor I often hear from owners or leaders when describing their workplace culture is that it's like a family. However, it's crucial to unpack what this analogy truly means when people say, "What is it like to work here?" and the response is, "Well, you know, we're all like family here."

Firstly, let's address why this analogy falls short. Typically, when an owner or leader describes their culture as a family, it often signifies a lack of effort in developing a robust culture. It can be seen as taking the easy way out, hoping that merely stating "we're like family" will suffice without actively cultivating the desired atmosphere. This approach might aim to boost employee retention or aid in recruiting efforts, but it overlooks the fundamental question of what it's genuinely like to work in that environment.

The notion of a workplace culture mirroring a family dynamic doesn't hold true. Unlike family dynamics, you don't hire or fire family members, nor do you subject them to performance reviews. While the intent behind using the family metaphor may be understandable, it's ultimately an inadequate comparison.

On one hand, it can be viewed as a shortcut or a lazy approach to building a positive culture. Conversely, some individuals might be so invested in their culture that they inadvertently misrepresent its nature.

A workplace culture can be dynamic, motivating, and conducive to professional development. It can foster innovation, curiosity, and personal satisfaction in achieving professional goals. However, it's essential to recognize that employees are not family members; they are part of a team within an organization with a defined purpose.

We can’t BS our employees to think they work somewhere they don’t. If we want to create a culture that is exciting, motivating, curious, and satisfying for our teams, then we must put the effort forth.

As leaders, it's our responsibility to treat and lead our teams accordingly—not as family members with eccentric quirks but as capable individuals united by a shared organizational purpose. When discussing workplace culture, it's crucial to emphasize that we are not a family but an accountable group working towards common goals that drive our business forward.

If you'd like to learn more about me and Reliable Coaching and Strategy, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

When working with business owners or leaders in organizations, the conversation usually starts with organizational or team goals that they would like to achieve, but are struggling. Oftentimes, these are successful individuals leading their businesses or teams, but somehow the business is moving faster than their evolution as a leader. Actively honing our leadership skills faster than the speed of business will only help us achieve our goals.

Coaching has been an enriching experience because individuals who engage in the process are genuinely committed to improvement. Typically, they aim to enhance their businesses, and teams, and achieve strategic goals—whether financial or in terms of growth. They invest significant effort into this endeavor. However, they often encounter a common struggle: while their businesses evolve, they—be it as leaders, owners, or executives—fail to keep pace. Consequently, methods that once yielded success in the past may no longer be as effective today. Despite this, they persist in applying outdated approaches, unaware that the landscape of their business has transformed significantly.

A crucial aspect of the coaching process involves addressing this fundamental question: How can we facilitate the personal evolution of individuals to align with the evolution of their businesses, enabling them to catch up with current business performance? Understanding why individuals struggle to evolve at the pace of business is key. Human nature tends to favor consistency, predictability, and security, resisting change. However, in the realm of commerce and business, maintaining such consistency is not viable. Therefore, individuals must push beyond their comfort zones to evolve alongside the dynamic nature of business. This shift is imperative to ensure that businesses continue to progress.

Coaching plays a vital role in guiding individuals out of their comfort zones, enabling them to evolve into effective leaders for their teams and organizations. Ultimately, this collective evolution fosters success for everyone involved.

If you're interested in learning more, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]!

Encouraging team members or other leaders to take a Mental Health Day is important, as there has been an increasing focus on Emotional and Physical wellness over the past few years. To maximize the value of a mental health day, 'checking out' from our lives by watching TV isn't going to provide it. Being purposeful and active with our time will give us the emotional energy to re-engage with our lives and responsibilities when we inevitably resume our lives.

The focus on mental health in the workplace has gained significant traction in recent years. We've observed a heightened awareness of the importance of wellness, encompassing not just physical but also emotional well-being, evidenced by the increasing recognition of the value of taking a "mental health day." Organizations need to prioritize the mental health of their teams, which is undeniably crucial.

However, it's equally important to consider the purpose and outcomes of mental health days. There's a common misconception that a mental health day entails simply lounging around, indulging in Netflix binges, and disconnecting from the world. While relaxation is undoubtedly part of it, the true intention of a mental health day is to rejuvenate and prepare oneself for the challenges of the next day.

The reality is that mental health days should involve activities that promote active engagement and rejuvenation. Whether it's exercising, taking a walk, practicing yoga, or tackling overdue errands, the key is to be proactive and avoid merely delaying responsibilities. We must recognize that the world doesn't pause while we take a day off; challenges persist, and we must be ready to confront them.

Returning to work, school, or other responsibilities after a mental health day should be energizing, not daunting. The goal is to recharge our bodies and minds, ensuring that we can face the demands of the day with renewed vigor. Simply zoning out without productive activities can leave us feeling unprepared and overwhelmed.

In essence, mental health days should be seen as opportunities to replenish our energy reserves and address tasks that contribute to our well-being. By staying active and productive, we equip ourselves to navigate the challenges ahead more effectively.

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss this topic further, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].

Many professionals get so good and so comfortable in their leadership roles, that they fall into the trap of thinking they know all they need to be successful. 

Let’s address something that we're all aware of but perhaps don't discuss openly enough: our blind spots. Initially, when we're new to a certain area or role, we tend to approach it with open-mindedness, eagerly seeking out new opportunities and information. However, as we become more experienced and settle into our roles, we may develop a sense of confidence in our abilities. We start to believe that we have mastered our processes, management styles, and overall professional knowledge. This sense of confidence can lead us to overlook areas where we still have room to grow.

All professionals must pay attention to their blind spots, and continue to evolve in their leadership styles so both they and their organization, can continue to thrive.

Unfortunately, this complacency can be detrimental to our growth as leaders. As we become comfortable in our roles and stop actively seeking new knowledge and experiences, we risk falling behind. Organizations, markets, customer needs, and even our employees are constantly evolving, and as leaders, we must evolve alongside them. Failure to do so can result in us becoming obsolete and less valuable to our organizations.

Successful leaders are those who can think critically and adapt to change. By remaining vigilant and open to continuous learning, we can identify and address our blindspots, ensuring that we stay relevant and effective in our roles.

If you'd like to delve further into this topic, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. Let's continue the conversation.

There’s a great book called "The CEO Next Door" that delves into the traits associated with high-performing leaders. It not only identifies these traits but also dispels common myths surrounding what makes a successful leader. The authors present thorough research that sheds light on these crucial aspects. One trait highlighted extensively in the book is "velocity decision-making." Research indicates that leaders with this trait are more than 12 times as likely to be labeled as high-performing compared to those who lack it.

Velocity decision-making is characterized by the speed of making a decision rather than focusing solely on making the right decision promptly. This distinction is vital for leaders to embrace. While striving for accuracy is essential, the fear of making mistakes can hinder progress. It's crucial to be decisive, leveraging intuition, data, and feedback from teams to guide organizational decisions.

An intriguing finding from the study is that a significant portion of CEO terminations stem from indecision rather than poor decisions. Indecision can paralyze an entire organization, stalling progress and innovation. Conversely, making a wrong decision allows for course correction and keeps momentum moving forward.

We must prioritize the speed of decision-making, even if it means accepting the possibility of occasional mistakes. Our culture often emphasizes the need for precision and perfection, but research suggests that continuous forward movement is paramount. Another study discussed in the book highlights the iterative nature of innovation, indicating that breakthrough ideas often emerge after numerous attempts. Embracing this iterative process and fostering a culture that encourages experimentation and learning from failures is crucial.

It's okay to be wrong at times; what matters is our ability to adapt and adjust as we work towards our goals collectively. By fostering an environment that values decisive action and learning from mistakes, organizations can drive innovation and achieve success.

If you're interested in exploring this topic further, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

When discussing the development of emotional intelligence in leaders, it's often approached with the goal of fostering effective team leadership and ensuring employee satisfaction to reduce turnover. However, we need to reconsider how we perceive the concept of "happiness" within this context. Using emotions to gauge team satisfaction may not be the most effective approach, as emotions are inherently transient. Describing a team's state solely in terms of emotions overlooks the complexity of human feelings and experiences.

An emotionally intelligent leader focuses not on how their team feels, but rather on cultivating specific traits and behaviors. These include curiosity, motivation, drive, engagement, empathy towards team members, and alignment with the organization's goals. By nurturing a team of problem-solvers who think critically, leaders can propel their organization forward rapidly and successfully. The aim is to create a team that derives fulfillment from overcoming challenges, driving innovation, and achieving collective goals.

While ensuring employee satisfaction is a valuable outcome, it should be viewed as a byproduct rather than the primary objective. Instead, leaders should strive to cultivate a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment among their team members. This lays the groundwork for building a cohesive and high-performing team, which in turn contributes to the success of the organization as a whole.

If you're interested in further exploring strategies for developing emotional intelligence in leaders and fostering a thriving team culture, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. Let's continue the conversation.

While many organizations would like to empower their teams to be creative and solve problems, the leaders of these teams oftentimes are not prepared to lead them. Leaders must be purposefully trained to empower a team to be successful; it doesn’t happen by accident. Training leaders to be comfortable to allow their teams to develop solutions will ultimately improve the satisfaction and morale of the team as well as help an organization be successful.

One phrase that frequently emerges in discussions about leadership is "empowering your team." On the surface, this concept seems appealing—leaders aspire for their team members to feel empowered, capable of success, and encouraged to explore innovative solutions. They aim for a team that can drive the organization forward autonomously to some extent. However, simply stating the intention to empower the team is not enough; it requires proactive effort from the leader.

What do I mean by this? If a leader is plagued by insecurities or feels threatened by the competence and drive of their team members, they will struggle to empower their team effectively. Insecure leaders may fear appearing incompetent and, as a result, withhold empowerment from their team. Similarly, leaders plagued by anxiety may prioritize pleasing higher-ups and adhering strictly to established goals and metrics, fearing repercussions for deviating from the norm. Consequently, they may resist creative problem-solving approaches for fear of negative consequences. Leaders who are insecure or anxious are ill-equipped to succeed in empowering their teams.

Empowering a team requires deliberate cultivation by leaders. Without intentional efforts to foster empowerment, it's challenging to cultivate a team that feels truly empowered. Unfortunately, many organizations overlook this crucial aspect, assuming that leadership roles automatically translate to team success. However, this is not the case; leaders must be purposefully developed to enable their teams and facilitate their success.

To achieve this, organizations must focus on purposefully developing leadership teams rather than simply assembling them and expecting results. Leadership development should be a priority, ensuring that leaders are equipped with the skills and mindset needed to empower their teams effectively.

If you're interested in further exploring strategies for empowering leadership and fostering team success, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].