If you're a manager, you’re in the talent business, whether you like it or not.

Hiring, developing, or replacing team members isn’t a side task. It is the main task. And with performance pressure rising, the way you handle talent is what defines your leadership.

This couldn’t have been more evident, teaching the talent module in the Accelerate Leadership Framework this week to supervisors who had never had leadership training. Almost every frustration they were experiencing wasn’t about the work; it was about the people.

If you care about talent, this week is for you. Let’s get after it.

What it means:

Think of all the great football or basketball coaches. They are nothing without their players because they can’t make the shot or throw the pass.

You can have great intentions, solid systems, and a bold vision, but none of it works without the right people. The talent on your team doesn’t just support your leadership, it defines its reach. Your ceiling is determined by the talent on your team working well together.

What it means:

Coaching skills in team members are a little like reading a book. You can read something, and nothing sticks, but the following year, the words hit you like a ton of bricks.

You can pour in time, offer feedback, and provide resources, but if they’re not ready to receive it, it won’t stick. Readiness is the foundation of growth. Your job is to create an environment where growth is possible, then pay attention to who steps forward. Some will. Some won’t. And that’s tough because you want to help everyone meet their potential.

What it means:

Leaders tend to have a scarcity or abundance mindset around talent. The former retains people who hold you back, the ladder is an accelerator on culture.

Every role on your team is a potential gas or brake pedal. If someone is underperforming and unwilling to change, keeping them too long creates drag, not just for you, but for everyone around them. It also delays bringing in someone who can grow and make a contribution. The cost isn’t just emotional, it’s strategic.

Use your gifts,

John Eades

CEO | LearnLoft | The Sales Infrastructure

P.S. Need a proven leadership development program for your managers?
Instead of hoping your new managers make the leap and lead their teams, show them how. Take advantage of the Accelerate Leadership Framework, virtually or in person, to provide the tools and templates to lead effectively. Learn More.

Don’t take it from us, take it from a manager who just finished the program. “I had an amazing experience with LearnLoft’s Accelerate Leadership Program. It taught me micro-skills to work on to become a better leader.” Joe M.

Why Managers Are Only As Good as the Talent on Their Team (Blog)

The Optimistic Outlook (Newsletter)

The Optimistic Outlook is a daily newsletter designed to remind you to focus on the bright side, one day at a time. Join 775+ leaders who are already improving their Optimistic Outlook.

The Optimistic Outlook is now available wherever you listen to podcasts. Channel your inner John Eades and make your kids listen to it, then read it aloud to work on their minds and communication skills.

Accelerate Leadership Blueprint

Leading a team isn’t easy, and you shouldn’t have to figure it out alone.

The Accelerate Leadership Blueprint gives you six proven leadership principles and six practical tools to help you lead with clarity, build trust, and drive performance.

Inside, you’ll get a proven framework covering:

• Talent

• Culture

• Execution

• Relationships

• Coaching

• Accountability

If you’re serious about becoming the leader your team needs, this is your starting point. Get instant access for just $17.

Use Your Strengths for Others (Video)

We enjoy speaking to groups that are passionate about leadership, coaching, and building stronger teams. Our keynotes and workshops help leaders elevate performance, strengthen culture, and turn good teams into exceptional ones. Some of our most popular keynotes and talks in the last month include:

• The Leadership Lens - Perfect for a broad audience

• Accelerate Leadership - Perfect for managers and executives

• Building a Culture of Excellence - Perfect for an organization with a poor culture.

• The Growth Formula - Perfect to inspire people to take ownership of their development.

If you're planning an upcoming event or want to bring powerful insights to your team, We'd be honored to help. Reach out here, and let's discuss how we can contribute to your organization's next gathering.

Poll Question

Take 10 seconds to weigh in. By answering, you’ll be entered to win your choice of:
• Building the Best
• The 64-Day Excellence Planner
• The Accelerate Leadership Blueprint

Your vote matters, and it helps us all lead better.

Here Are Some Ways We Could Partner:

1. Free Workshop: Book a free 60-minute skill mastery workshop for managers in your organization or a culture workshop for your executive team.

2. Customized Leadership Development Programs: Bring the Accelerate Leadership Program or Catalyst for Growth Program in-house for a customized experience for your team members. Programs include virtual or in-person instructor-led training, a Leadership Growth Plan, and group coaching to ensure real-world mastery.

3. 1:1 Coaching: Work 1-on-1 with me or one of our certified coaches to achieve your goals, strengthen critical skills, and address your most pressing challenges. This 6-month program focuses on mindset and execution for tangible, lasting outcomes. Show me more

4. Speaking: We are now booking keynotes for the fall of 2025. Hit reply on this note, or check out some of our recent talks here. 
   

That’s It For Today!