From the Front
Lessons for leaders to inspire, engage, and motivate our teams
Hey there friends -
Happy hump day. Another weekly Wednesday edition from yours truly to help you get through the week, past the number, or onto the next.
Recently, I’ve noticed some great leaders outside of my own work (youth sports, church, tech news etc.) that motivated me to compile this week’s rollup.
What can we learn from others in leadership positions, and why does it matter?
In this week’s edition of Stretch Weekly -
Evans Kerrigan on lessons from George Washington on leadership which are just as crucial today as they were in his time
Excellent thread from Matt Schnuck on Twitter sharing insight from the famous @Naval, who coaches all the best and brightest CEOs.
Plus more insight into how we as leaders can lead from the front to inspire, engage, and motivate our teams.
THANKS for reading!!
-Grant
And lastly - as always, if you find this newsletter valuable- subscribe or share it with someone who might as well 👊.
STRETCH SHARES
Lessons from History: George Washington - The Leader We Needed
I love history and the stories we can learn from the past. Check out this good read from Evans Kerrigan on George Washington that provides some lessons in leadership which are just as crucial today as they were in his time. What are those crucial lessons we can emulate?
Leaders Go First
Washington was a great example of what many today discuss as a “Servant Leader”. GW was motivated in his public life by civic virtue…His ability to subordinate his personal interests to the public good in all public behavior and demeanor served as examples for others to follow..
A Values-Based Life
Washington was well known and regarded for his honesty and strong moral center. “Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light.” - George Washington
Enabling Others
Washington treated the men he led with dignity and respect. He had faith and belief in his men, whatever their rank.
Challenge the Process
When drafted to be the first President of the republic he helped to form a way to govern the new nation. He immersed himself in the details of how the new nation would work and brought together the best leaders of the time to create our first cabinet.
Vision
Washington had a clear vision for what he hoped the United States of America could become. These included a well-developed set of both short and long-term goals
5 Questions to Ask Your Team
I came across this excellent thread from Matt Schnuck on Twitter sharing insight from the famous @Naval, who coaches all the best and brightest CEOs.
Matt gives us Naval’s 5 “Magic” questions he has all his leaders ask their teams:
HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT YOUR LIFE AT WORK?
Why this works: This question makes them feel seen and heard as people, not employees. As a leader, you also get critical context on how to support them at work.
HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT YOUR WORK-FROM-HOME SET UP?
Why this works: If you are even partially remote, this helps you understand if there are any productivity blockers. You’ll find out if there are any inexpensive items that could make a difference.
HOW ARE WE PERFORMING AS A COMPANY?
Why this works: You get an assessment of company performance against THEIR expectations. Their ideas about how the company could do better enters the conversation.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH THE REST OF THE TEAM?
Why this works: The day-to-day of what it feels like to be on your team gets a chance to be expressed. The good and bad of team dynamics get the attention it deserves.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH ME?
Why this works: Most managers don’t know what it feels like to report to them. You get direct feedback about what it is like to be in their shoes to work with you.
STRETCH SNIPPETS
🤯 Introverts vs. Extroverts. The Secret to Managing Salespeople? Start with Their Myers-Briggs Personalities - says Meg Prater
✅ Check out these 4 ways to be both a more compassionate and wise leader from The Leadership Agency.
🗣 Fellow published a great overview of top leadership advice from leaders like Michele Romanow, David Cancel, Lara Hogan, Guy Kawasaki, and others.
👉 Farren Roper with Qualtrics lists his list of 7 traits of inclusive leaders. Learn why Visible Commitment, Humility, Listening with empathy, Self-awareness, Curiosity about others, Cultural intelligence, and Effective collaboration as a leader, means more engaged employees and better performance.
🍷 Gary Vaynerchuk shares his 3 pieces of leadership advice for young people: 1- Make people feel safe, happy, and calm around you. 2- Hold yourself accountable to change things. 3- Lead with optimism, kindness, and empathy.
🧠 Mindset
Thanks for reading!
My hope is if you find this valuable, consider sharing it with friends (or signing up if you haven’t already).
— Grant 👋
About stretch vp: confessions, learnings, and insights from sales leaders in SaaS
Compiled and aggregated from a network of sales leaders in SaaS, Stretch VP showcases learnings, insights, and experiences as well as best practices to overcome common hurdles, obstacles, and setbacks in your quest for excellence as a sales leader in SaaS.
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