February 2025 (665 words = 3.8-minute read)
January Newsletter Recap
# 1 – Why Focus on ‘Inspiration’? – It is the most accurate predictor of leadership effectiveness…
# 2 – What do Inspiring Leaders Do? – Strategic Perspective, Establish Stretch Goals, Develop Others, Communication, Collaboration & Teamwork, and Innovation.
# 3 – Successful Inspiration Is Customized – Each person is unique; modify your communication & inspire each one
Hello Leaders! This month’s newsletter is the story of a Vice President who wanted to maximize his potential. This person was performing at the top of their organization two years in a row and was about to do it for a third time. His career trajectory pointed toward an executive role, but one challenge held him back—he struggled to build strong relationships.
Point # 1 – Driving Results Can Be Incomplete
This VP was perceived as a high performer–with an asterisk. He was technically and functionally outstanding, with relentless drive and work ethic. He demanded support, pushed hard for results, and was known for being challenging to work with. Do you know anyone like this?
Many organizations tolerate and even celebrate this type of leader, saying, “If only we had one more like them!”Complaints about how hard it is to work with them are often dismissed. Meanwhile, others on the team grow frustrated –or even leave – because they can’t take the hypocrisy of watching these rock stars recognized when they are known for not treating others well.
In environments where bureaucracy slows progress, companies often lean on fearless “cowboys” to cut through red tape. These individuals get things done, sometimes at the cost of alienating colleagues. But when they expect a promotion, their track record of delivering results alone isn’t always enough.
Ask Yourself: How does my rock star treat others?
Point # 2 – Promotion After Assessment
The VP’s goal was to reach his full potential. However, because he had been an individual contributor, no one had pushed him to improve his interpersonal skills. Great leaders understand how others perceive them, so he sought feedback from 30 raters. The results?
- His manager and peers rated him the lowest.
- He had no standout strengths—just a mix of above-average and below-average competencies.
- His lowest-rated skills? Learning Agility and Collaboration & Teamwork.
Yet, improving these weaknesses wasn’t the right move. Why?
- He wasn’t passionate about them and wouldn’t fully commit to growth in these areas.
- The organization identified two other leadership skills as more critical to his success: Building Relationships and Driving for Results.
Ask Yourself: What do my top performers need to do to maximize their potential?
Point # 3 – Improve with Strength Builders
The assessment revealed contradictions. The VP was known as a relationship builder—but only when it benefited him. His success as a top dealmaker proved he could connect with people, but he neglected to foster relationships internally, particularly with support teams.
Here’s the key: Improving a strength is different from fixing a weakness. Instead of trying to build new skills from scratch, he needed to apply his existing strengths in new ways.
Through self-discovery, we developed a game plan:
- Collaborate & Promote Teamwork – Shift from working through others to working with
- Develop Others – Coach colleagues rather than judge their abilities.
- Communicate Powerfully – Ask for support instead of issuing demands.
This approach transformed his leadership effectiveness. Instead of relying solely on results, he began to elevate those around him—making him a stronger candidate for promotion.
Ask Yourself: What strengths are you developing to maximize your potential?
February Offer: Order a leadership assessment and receive a complimentary coaching session by texting “EL 360” to 513-260-7637.
Want to Go Deeper?
- 8 Essential Qualities of Successful Leaders by Rebecca Knight – Harvard Business Review
- What Are Strength Builders? by Joe Folkman
- Episode 121: Unlocking Leadership Potential with Strength Builders – The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast
Please forward this newsletter to a friend or colleague. Thank you!