You're not as good as you think you are!
The harsh truths no one wants to say to you.
Unexpected Conversation Every Leader Needs to Have!
Disclaimer: I wrote this article with some fire in my belly. It was at a point when I was fed up with most leaders thinking they know it all. Most leaders have only scratched the surface of their potential.
In my 22 years as a leadership coach, I've met my share of tough clients. But nothing prepared me for my recent encounter with a retail SVP who thought he had it all figured out. You know the type - successful, charismatic, and completely closed off to the idea of personal growth.
There I am, wating on a virtual call, they were 7 minutes late with no message to let me know they were going to be late. My usual wait time is 5 minutes.
The finally arrive and I’m loaded for bear to drop some wisdom on this hotshot SVP. I've got my bag of tricks, ready to blow their minds with next-level strategies.
This retail SVP? Let's just say they made Fort Knox look like an open house. The second I started talking, I could feel the eye-rolls. You know that look that screams, "Why are you even here?"
I'm not going to lie, for a hot second, I was stumped. I mean, what do you do when someone's so sure they've got it all figured out?
But holy moly, was I in for a wake-up call.
After I dropped all my feedback and perspective, their entire countenance changed.
And then it hit me like a ton of bricks. This leader? This was me, not too long ago. Yep, yours truly, thinking I had all the answers, not realizing I was the one who needed schooling.
Calling all leaders - WAKE UP!
This article isn't about warm and fuzzy leadership tips or gentle nudges toward improvement. It's a raw, unfiltered reality check that every retail leader needs to hear, whether they're ready for it or not.
It's the conversation that will force you to confront some uncomfortable facts about your leadership.
If you're not feeling a bit uneasy by the end of this piece, you might want to read it again.
Here are the hard facts and why they matter now more than ever:
Standing out in a crowded market:
Face it: You're probably not as unique as you think. Your competitors have the same resume and are doing the same things you are. Stop trying to be "innovative" and focus on execution. Are you actually delivering on your promises, or just talking a big game?
Forget about being liked. Make the hard calls that others won't. Fire that underperforming but well-liked manager. Shut down that pet project that's bleeding money. Your job is to drive results, not win a popularity contest.
Emotional intelligence and self-awareness:
You think you're self-aware? Bullshit. Ask your team for brutally honest feedback anonymously if needed. You'll likely be shocked at how you're really perceived.
Stop trying to be the smartest person in the room. Your ego is probably your biggest liability. Learn to shut up and listen, even when it's painful.
Transferrable skills:
Wake up: Retail is changing fast. If you can't adapt, you're dead weight. Are you truly keeping up with tech trends, or just paying lip service?
Develop skills in data analysis and digital transformation. If you can't speak the language of tech and numbers, you're becoming obsolete.
Navigating corporate culture:
Gaining buy-in:
Stop waiting for permission. If you believe in something, start doing it. It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.
Learn to play politics. It's not dirty; it's necessary. Identify the real power players (hint: they're not always who you think) and get them on your side.
Understanding organizational culture:
The official company values are mostly BS. Figure out what really drives decisions. Is it fear? Short-term profits? Ego? Work with these realities, not against them.
Identify the sacred cows in your organization. What ideas or people are untouchable? You need to know these to navigate effectively.
Addressing cultural barriers:
You're probably part of the problem. How are your own biases and preferences holding back progress?
Be willing to be the bad guy. Someone needs to call out the emperor's new clothes. If not you, then who?
Fostering accountability:
Stop with the participation trophies—Institute real consequences for failure and real rewards for success.
Lead by example. If you're not holding yourself accountable, why should anyone else?
Developing high-performing teams:
Recruiting and retaining talent:
Your company probably isn't as great as you think it is. Why should top talent choose you over another retail or even another industry? Many retail leaders are switching to tech or starting their own businesses. Be honest about your weaknesses and work on them.
Stop trying to compete on salary alone. Figure out what really motivates top performers (hint: it's usually not just money).
Encouraging collaboration and creativity:
Your open-door policy is useless if people are afraid to use it. Are you really listening to dissenting opinions or just paying lip service?
Kill the idea that mistakes are always bad. If your team isn't failing sometimes, they're not pushing hard enough.
Implementing performance management:
Your current system probably sucks. Annual reviews are outdated. Implement real-time feedback and coaching.
Stop avoiding difficult conversations. If someone's underperforming, tell them directly and give them a clear path to improvement or promote them to customer.
Building diverse teams:
Diversity isn't just about hitting quotas. Are you actually listening to diverse viewpoints, or just ticking boxes?
Check your own biases. Who do you naturally gravitate towards? Who makes you uncomfortable? Why?
Sorry, NOT sorry about the tone of this newsletter.
Listen, these are tough pills to swallow. But if YOU want to truly excel, YOU need to confront these harsh realities head-on.
If this article hit a nerve, good. That means you're still in the game.
But here's the thing: Recognizing these harsh realities is just the first step. The real question is, what are you going to do about it?
Are you ready to take an honest look at yourself and your leadership style?
To challenge your assumptions and push past your comfort zone?
If so, let's talk. No fluff, no BS - just a straightforward conversation about where you are and where you could be.
Time is shrinking and you and your team’s leadership needs support!
Here's what I'm offering: A no-holds-barred, 30-minute conversation. We'll dig into your specific challenges, uncover your blind spots, and start mapping out a path forward.
Fair warning: This isn't for the faint of heart. If you're looking for someone to stroke your ego, look elsewhere. But if you're ready to do the hard work of becoming a truly exceptional leader, this could be the most valuable half-hour of your career.
Don't let another day go by settling for "good enough."
Take the first step towards extraordinary.
Reach out now. Let's see what you're really made of.
You've got this. Go Crush It!
Are you facing challenges leading friends and former colleagues? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Most leaders are tired of being unseen, passed over, or just plain neglected. A high percentage of leaders want to grow and desire to be developed at a higher level.
However, their company only provides them with the resources and content relevant to their company.
This creates a generation of limited, boxed-in leaders with narrow leadership perspectives. As a result, they are unable to explore new ideas and methodologies that could propel them and their teams forward.
Here’s the thing: leadership is not one-size-fits-all.
True growth happens when leaders are exposed to diverse perspectives, cutting-edge practices, and a supportive community that challenges them to think outside the box.
It’s about breaking free from the confines of conventional corporate training and embracing a holistic approach to leadership development.
So, what’s missing from the puzzle?
Custom, relevant coaching and training that considers you and your schedule.
At Worthy Retail Global, we understand this need. Our community - THE CAMPUS, is dedicated to empowering leaders by providing access to knowledge, expert insights, and a network of like-minded individuals equally passionate about pushing boundaries.
We believe in nurturing leaders who are effective in their current roles and equipped to innovate and lead in any environment.
Are you ready to break free from the limitations and take your leadership to the next level?
Join us and become part of a movement that’s redefining retail leadership.
📌 HOW CAN I HELP YOU? Book a Time - HERE
Go Crush It Where You Are!