Jeff McManus's Blog, page 3

Making Your Team Successful

Whether you inherit a team or build one from scratch, strong leadership makes the
difference. By engaging team members personally, giving honest feedback, and
recognizing individual strengths, you can drive your team toward success.

Personally Engage:
Understanding your team’s strengths, weaknesses, goals, and needs fosters connection
and builds cohesion. Regular one-on-ones help uncover what motivates each member
and inform better planning. When people feel seen and supported, they’re more
satisfi...

Who Believes in You?

“I’m a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn’t have the
heart to let him down.” – Abraham Lincoln

Today, during a podcast interview, I found myself quoting a close friend who left us too
soon—Tim Kunsman. Tim was someone who saw my flaws, my failures, and still chose
to believe in me, even when I couldn’t believe in myself.

He didn’t need perfection from me. He just believed I would keep going – keep getting
better. And because of that quiet confidence, I stood tal...

Successful Teams: Keeping It Together

Today, teamwork is more than a workplace trend—it’s a cornerstone of how organizations operate. It has inspired academic research, consulting industries, and even military strategy. Business leaders have taken the concept off the athletic field and made it central to their vision of success.

But long before “teamwork makes the dream work” became a catchphrase, Henry Ford summed it up simply: “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

No mat...

Unlocking the Power of Teamwork: A Frontline Leader’s Guide

In the fast-paced world of frontline operations, success often hinges on how well a team
works together. True teamwork is not about everyone doing the same thing—it’s about
everyone doing their part with a shared purpose.

Frontline leaders are the heartbeat of this dynamic. Your influence can turn a group of
individuals into a high-functioning team. It starts with clarity. Define the mission clearly.
When every team member knows the “why” behind their role, they find deeper meaning
in even the mos...

Win the Day with Kindness

For generations, leaders of all sorts, have been portrayed on stage and screen as “the
Boss.” As in “Show them you’re the Boss!” Then, in 2020, Ted Lasso premiered on
Apple+ TV. He was a new, kinder, kind of Boss. Ted is an American football coach, hired
to coach a UK Soccer team. Everyone thinks he will fail.

BUT, Ted’s deep reservoir of optimism and, most of all, kindness, literally won the day,
garnering many accolades and awards for the show.

The headlines went something like this: “Ted ...

7 Ways To Shake Up Your Culture – Don’t Let Your Dramanators Be the Agitators!

We all know that one coworker—let’s call them the Dramanator. You’re just trying to refill
your coffee, and suddenly you’re caught in a soap opera about Janet’s missing stapler.
Again.

Dramanators aren’t always villains—they’re often just energy vampires in business
casual. They magnify molehills into mountains, complain like it’s cardio, and somehow
make every meeting about their feelings. As Gary Chapman wisely put it, “When a
workplace becomes toxic, its poison spreads beyond its walls and into...

The Leadership Superpower You Can’t Fake: Listening

“To say that a person feels listened to means a lot more than just their ideas get heard.
It’s a sign of respect.” – Deborah Tannen

Over the years, I’ve become a big fan of high-fiving folks for a job well done.
Recognition lifts morale and keeps the wheels of the organization turning smoother than
a greased mower deck. But here’s the deal: behind every pat on the back is something
more important—listening.

Not the “uh-huh, sure, got it” kind of listening.

I mean real listening. The lean-in...

Lessons from Charlie Munger: Turning Setbacks into Strength

Charlie Munger didn’t just talk about resilience—he lived it. Known to most as Warren Buffett’s right-hand man, Munger’s path to success was far from a smooth ride. While his achievements are well-documented, fewer people recognize the personal hardships he endured along the way.

After serving in the military, Munger faced a painful divorce, the heartbreaking loss of a son, and financial difficulties. But perhaps one of the most challenging moments came in his early 50s when a botched catarac...

Trusting the Process: Embracing Challenges for Growth

“Trust the Process” became a popular phrase in sports over the past 10 years, especially when
teams faced rebuilding years. The Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Astros, enduring tough
seasons while reshaping their teams, urged fans to trust the long-term vision. Leaders
reassured investors and supporters: “Things may seem bleak now, but we have a plan in place
to make it better.”

This idea extends beyond sports—it applies to business, organizational change, and even
personal challenges. Focusing on ...

Focus on Leadership: Harnessing Your Superpower

What is Leadership Focus, and Why Does it Matter?

Studies show the average attention span of humans in the 21st century has dropped to just 8.25
seconds—less than that of a goldfish. This shift has led experts to declare that focus and concentration are
now the true superpowers for professionals, more critical than skills or IQ.

For leaders, focus means more than just “keeping an eye on the ball.” It involves understanding your
organization’s mission and vision, identifying the most important...