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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

Two Kinds of Pain

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 [...]

By |2025-03-04T20:20:12+00:00March 5th, 2025|Leadership|0 Comments

Why Leaders Must Be Coaches

Today, more than ever, leaders must act as coaches. Employee engagement is at an all-time low, with data showing widespread disengagement. One major factor? The shift to decentralized work environments. Customer-facing employees are under increasing stress, and that stress directly impacts customer interactions. Keeping them engaged isn’t optional—it’s essential. One of the most effective ways to drive engagement is one-on-one coaching. Face-to-face is ideal, but virtual sessions are far better than a phone call. Coaching is about uncovering potential. Leaders create deeper connections by showing genuine interest in employees' roadblocks and challenges. The Power of Inquiry Insightful, open-ended questions empower employees to discover solutions and seize opportunities. Too often, leaders fall into the trap of fixing problems instead of facilitating discovery. [...]

By |2025-03-04T20:26:06+00:00February 26th, 2025|Development, Leadership|0 Comments

SAWUBONA – I SEE YOU

Three simple yet powerful words: “I see you.” As leaders, this message is essential to communicate regularly. In Zulu culture, the greeting “Sawubona” means “I see you,” and the response “Yebo Sawubona” affirms, “Yes, I see you too.” But this phrase is more than just a greeting—it’s a way of life. It signifies deep recognition, connection, and the shared potential between individuals. As leaders, we can learn from this mindset. People want to be seen, heard, and understood. By asking thoughtful questions, actively listening, and showing genuine care for their goals, challenges, and aspirations, we strengthen our relationships and build trust. Leaders who truly see their people foster a culture of connection and growth. When people feel seen, they’re more willing to follow, collaborate, and thrive. Let’s embrace the spirit of Sawubona—because when we see each other, [...]

By |2025-03-04T20:24:51+00:00February 19th, 2025|Leadership|0 Comments
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