BobFashano

Change is inevitable, but how we approach it defines our success. As leaders, we are not just managers of the present—we are architects of the future. Rather than resisting change, we should see it as an opportunity to strengthen our teams, refine our strategies, and move our organizations forward. After all, we are the change agents of our organizations. Here are a few key considerations when preparing for change: Assess readiness – Understand the who, what, why, and when of the change. Expect resistance – Plan to address concerns with clarity and transparency. Build the case for change – Clearly define why the change is necessary and why now is the right time. Empower “vision carriers” – Identify key team members to champion and [...]

As leaders, we know that our most important assets are our people, and their growth is critical to the success of our organizations. I’ve adopted a mantra that guides my approach: "PEOPLE GROWTH = BUSINESS GROWTH, and LACK OF PEOPLE GROWTH = BUSINESS DECAY." While we aren't directly responsible for their growth, we are accountable for creating an environment that fosters it. Our role is to provide the resources necessary for them to acquire new knowledge, skills, and habits that enable higher performance. Here’s a quick checklist to assess how well we’re supporting growth (on a scale of 1-5, with five being the highest): I effectively communicate expectations. I provide constructive feedback on performance. I invest my time in top [...]

This principle holds true in sports and business alike. Legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi famously began each preseason by holding up a football and saying, “Gentlemen, this is a football. This is what the game is called. We need to run, block, tackle, pass, and catch better than the other team. Doing so doesn’t guarantee a win, but failing to do so almost always guarantees a loss.” And for our beloved Bills fans, Coach Sean McDermott echoed this sentiment during Sunday night's locker room victory speech, saying, “When you take care of the football, and you take the football away, that’s what it comes down to—good, strong fundamentals.” Similarly, UCLA basketball legend John Wooden would teach his players how [...]

Only a few years ago, the business world used the terms leadership and management interchangeably. Today, however, we have recognized a significant difference between the two. Management is focused on developing and maintaining systems and processes, while leadership is designed to motivate and mobilize people. When managing people, we often turn to policies and rules to direct or correct them. There can be a tendency to treat everyone equally instead of using good judgment. Leaders who lead people use personal connections within the team to guide everyone toward success. They listen and offer feedback. Effective leaders understand that standards and expectations bring more out of people than rules and regulations. Lest I be misunderstood, I am not saying one is [...]