Strategy 4 Saturday (<4 minute read)

• Individualization Leadership
• Finished the Race

Individualization Leadership

For some reason, we expect everyone to react the same way. We expect they will come up with the same conclusion and viewpoint, as you do. And when they don’t, we assume something is wrong with them.

This is one of the many reasons, why leadership is so difficult. It’s hard to lead, when others do not share the same views as you.

Gallup StrengthsFinder has surveyed over 30 million people. And the data is pretty clear, we are really different. As I become a certified Gallup Strengths coach, the course instructor said the chances that two people will have the same Top 5 Strengths, is about 1 in 2 million. Gallup identifies only 34 different Strengths.

Yet, we are still convinced that people should respond the same way.

Fortunately, one of my Top 5 Strengths is Individualization. One of my core strengths is that I see that everyone has different abilities, and we should utilize those individual talents to their fullest potential. The opposite view is, we believe that everyone in manufacturing or sales or customer service, should act and behave in the same way. (Pro-tip – they will not.)

When we have individuals focused on their Strengths, they are 6x more likely to be engaged at work. They are 3x more likely to say their quality of life is better. (Think happy employee.)

With our clients, we prefer to use StrengthsFinder to understand the core talents and to understand our gaps. We interview the leadership team and they perform a Team Matrix. The Matrix (pictured above) helps us understand how we can communicate with each other better, why we have people in the wrong seat on the bus, and why we may want to consider using this for hiring new people. We use this with many hires to have a deeper understanding of who they are; to remove the surprises after the honeymoon period.

We have a discount code; if you want to apply this for yourself, or your team. Reply to this email and I can pass that discount along to you. Or you can pay the full price, and we will send you a signed copy of Lost at CEO.

Finished the Race

It is with great emotion, that I write this next passage. Last week, I mentioned there was a family emergency. On Sunday, July 9th, my oldest sister, Lisa Hardwick (pictured on the right), passed to be with the Lord. Lisa was only 57 years old. She is survived by her loving husband, two daughters, son-in-law, three grandchildren, immediate family, and a large circle of friends and co-workers, and people that she positively impacted. This is the last picture of the four siblings, myself, Sherri, Jim, and Lisa, were together, one month earlier.

There is so much that I will miss. Our love for the Red Sox and Patriots was a common bond. She loved to talk on the phone and share stories regarding her family, especially the grandchildren, and her garden. Lisa was one of my #1 fans. She encouraged me, so much, over the years with words and action. She was an incredible supporter of my children in their respective pursuits.

Lisa was an outstanding parent, wife, grandparent, and caregiver. Those familiar with their situation, knew their family battled so many trials over the years. Yet, she persevered, despite the challenges.

Lisa was diagnosed with small cell lung carcinoma over 5 years ago. If you aren’t familiar with this cancer, it has less than a 10% survival rate in 5 years. However, Lisa battled and fought, through the chemo, radiation, and challenging side effects. She had a purpose. She wanted to be present and to give towards others.

In our last conversation, she hugged me with emotion and tears in her eyes.
She told me how proud she was of me and our family. We prayed together. Afterward, I told my family that may be the last time that I see her. Something was different. She knew.

In 2 Timothy 4:7, the apostle Paul writes, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Lisa, well done. You did this with such courage.

Lisa’s testimony is far more significant than the few words that I said today. I encourage you to go to her Facebook page to learn more.

In 2021, Lisa was also on my podcast, titled, “Being Thankful for Every New Day”. Take a listen. It will encourage you. And you may also shed a few tears and celebrate the joys of living a life well spent. Join the crowd.