BobFashano

No matter your generation, you’ve likely heard the saying, “Curiosity killed the cat.” However, when it comes to leadership, curiosity is not a liability, it’s a strength. As leaders, staying curious and consistently asking thoughtful questions is essential to becoming more effective. We don’t have to wait for performance reviews, quarterly meetings, or annual retreats to find out what’s going on. Those who read my blogs know I’m a strong advocate for regular one-on-one meetings. These sessions offer valuable opportunities to gain insights simply by asking the right questions. For example, asking, “What is your biggest challenge right now?” opens the door for coaching and problem-solving. When you ask, “What could get in the way?” potential obstacles—barriers that often go unspoken—are brought into the conversation. This creates [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]

Yes, there are two kinds of pain. One is short-term, and the other can last much longer—perhaps even a lifetime. As leaders, we must choose between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret. Having lived long enough, I’ve experienced both. As leaders, we are always on display. Any lack of discipline in certain areas will be noticed. The start of the year is a great time to reflect and assess: Where in my daily routine do I need more discipline? Is there something I am doing—or failing to do—that is hindering my ability to lead effectively? Even more powerful is seeking feedback from key team members about potential blind spots. I love this quote by Leo Tolstoy:"Everyone thinks [...]