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High Tech Meets High Touch: A Quick Leadership Self-Check

There’s no question that high-tech is here to stay. Not long ago, the term “high tech” was new to our vocabulary. Today, it’s an essential part of how we live and work. From the Internet to social media and beyond, technology has transformed how we communicate and stay connected. But no matter what business we’re in, as leaders, we’re ultimately in the people business. People buy our products and services, and people deliver them. That’s why high-touch skills are just as important as high-tech ones. Interpersonal skills, like listening, encouraging, and communicating clearly, are what set great leaders apart. Now might be a good time for a quick self-assessment. On a scale from 1 to 5 (5 being the highest), how would you rate yourself on [...]

By |2025-05-06T13:03:53+00:00April 17th, 2025|Development|0 Comments

Why Developing People Is the Ultimate Leadership ROI

During a recent Leadership Development workshop I led, someone asked a thoughtful question: “How is a leader’s effectiveness measured?” At first glance, the answer is simple: if the company, department, or team is hitting its numbers, then the leader must be effective. But I disagree. That wasn't my answer. Yes, results matter. But real leadership success is reflected in the growth of your people. If your team members are developing new skills, gaining knowledge, and becoming more effective in executing the plan, that’s true leadership success. My core belief is this: People growth = Business growth. Lack of people growth = Business in decline. So, every leader should ask themselves: Who is succeeding because of you? Who on your team has grown [...]

By |2025-05-06T13:09:09+00:00April 9th, 2025|Development|0 Comments

Your Mars Group

In his bestselling book Built to Last, author Jim Collins introduces the concept of the “Mars Group.” Imagine having to recreate your company, department, or division on Mars. You can only bring a few people with you, and there’s no communication with Earth. The question is, who would you take? Naturally, you’d bring the leaders who are making the greatest impact on your organization. This concept ties into the “Pareto Principle,” also known as the 80/20 rule, which suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of people. This ratio holds true across many areas of life. For example, 80% of donations in nonprofits often come from just 20% of donors. In sales organizations, 20% of producers generate 80% of sales. [...]

By |2025-03-29T17:21:44+00:00March 26th, 2025|Leadership|0 Comments

Who Needs You Right Now?

As a leader, someone on your team likely needs something from you at this moment. Your team consists of individuals at different stages. Some are new, some are seasoned veterans, and some are top performers. Think of them in three tiers: Tier 1 is made up of high performers. Tier 2 includes experienced team members. Tier 3 consists of newcomers. Each tier includes someone who could benefit from your support. How you add value will vary. It might be offering encouragement, providing coaching, helping them navigate a decision, or introducing them to a helpful resource. Remember, “Encouragement is oxygen for the soul.” The key is to be intentional about investing in your team. Someone is waiting for you to step in and support [...]

By |2025-03-29T17:20:53+00:00March 19th, 2025|Leadership|0 Comments

“Comparison Is the Thief of Joy” – A great quote from Teddy Roosevelt.

  I’ve found this to be profoundly true in both my personal and professional life. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison: "Look at that person. I could never be that good." "Look at that company. They scaled so fast, and we started at the same time. Now look at them!" Sound familiar? Maybe you’ve played the comparison game too. Now, don’t confuse comparison with learning from best practices. Always be learning, growing, and striving for improvement. But when we compare ourselves to others, doubt creeps in. The key is to shift our focus to compare ourselves not to others but to our own potential. Ask yourself: "What do I (or we) need to do to get better with [...]

By |2025-03-29T17:23:39+00:00March 12th, 2025|Development|0 Comments
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