The 90 Day Guide to Help Underperforming Leaders

Results are the name of the leadership game.

But it’s no secret that results come in different shapes, sizes and are influenced by many factors. Results could be wins, revenue, earnings, productivity, people development, or profitability.

If you are thinking like a borrower (short-term), you can manufacture results in unhealthy and unsustainable ways. If you are thinking like an investor (long-term), you can be patient and methodical. Regardless of which method you choose, remember that great leaders eventually deliver results.

If you care about delivering better outcomes for yourself or others, here are three principles to consider:

What it means:

It’s tempting when trying to help someone who is underperforming to claim the change for them. Reject these instincts because it’s a recipe for heartache. If you do the work necessary for them to improve, you get better, but they don’t. What’s worse is they will start to rely on you to do the hard work for them.

Early in my coaching journey, I wanted the change more than they wanted it for themselves, and it never worked. You can’t want it for them. They have to want it for themselves. As Deion Sanders said, “You have to want it, then work for it, in order to win it.”

What it means:

Marshall Goldsmith said, “What got you here won’t get you there.” In today’s world, it’s not enough to have some technical skills. To deliver substantially better outcomes at work will require some combination of a new mindset, skills, or better habits.

The challenging part for your own development or in your assistance with helping facilitate the growth of others is acquiring new mindsets, skills, or better habits, which takes time. This is why you should be impatient with seeing actions and patient with experiencing results.

What it means:

Years ago, I was at an anniversary dinner for my in-laws at a nice steakhouse. The GM of the restaurant had a routine of walking around to all the tables celebrating a special occasion. When he found out it was a 35th wedding anniversary, he asked, “What’s the secret’s the secret to a successful marriage?” My in-law’s answers were pretty standard, “Don’t go to bed mad,” “Happy wife, happy life.”

Then the GM said, “Those are great. I have asked this question thousands of times, and my favorite answer ever came from a couple that was celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. They said, “Never fall out of love at the same time.”

Brooks’ quote reminds me of this wise marriage advice. There are going to be times when you don’t love leadership, learning, or your work. This is precisely when you need structure and discipline to continue being committed to becoming the best version of yourself daily.

So few people are genuinely committed to their craft. Instead, they are just interested. There is a big difference between being interested and committed. Choose commitment; it pays off.

Keep Leading Your Best,

John Eades | CEO LearnLoft

P.S. I had coaching calls with people who purchased the 64-Day Excellence Program this week, and I was blown away at how much I enjoyed it. For anyone who has purchased the 64-Day Excellence Planner or who does, I will be hosting a Virtual Group Coaching Session on May 13th at 12 PM EST to discuss specific strategies for achieving your goals and building community.

If you want to be invited, purchase a copy today. If you already have a planner, be on the lookout for an invite with a Zoom link included.

Use the code “newsletter” to get 20% off.

90-Day Turnaround: A Definitive Guide to Reviving Up Underperforming Leaders (Blog)

The 64-Day Excellence Planner

The odds are that you started this year with all the right intentions, goals, and maybe even a plan, but you have not executed well on that to date. While no planner can do the work for you, the 64-Day Excellence Planner will help.

Now is the time to turn your focus and productivity around. Introducing the 64-Day Excellence Planner, meticulously crafted to mirror the strategies of high performers. Select the planner or program that best fits your needs and use the code “newsletter” to get 20% off.

1. 64-Day Excellence Planner (Digital)

2. 64-Day Excellence Planner Wirebound (Most Popular)

3. 64-Day Excellence Program

Focus on the Future (Video)

It's not about what you're going through; it's about what you're going to.

Hope is everything, and the future provides hope.

Napoleon said, "A leader's job is to define reality and deliver hope."

Be a dealer in hope.

Today’s Leadership Trivia — Guess Right and Win

Last week, we had 172 votes on the Leadership Trivia. It was interesting to see the #1 answer was motivation because motivation is something that comes from within. Since motivation is fleeting and can vary based on how you feel, it’s essential that your productivity relies on other factors as well.

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Time Management (28)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Motivation (41)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Talent (12)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Skills (21)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Luck (26)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Their Manager/Leader (27)

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Other (17)

Provide your insight into today’s quiz and be entered to win a free digital copy of the 64-Day Excellence Planner. You will also get invited to the group coaching session on May 13th.

P.S. If you need help, read the column from earlier in the newsletter.