Jeff McManus's Blog, page 4

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...

Accountable Leadership as Standard Practice

You’ve likely heard the story of four people—Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. It
illustrates what happens when leadership is absent: Everybody looks to Somebody or Anybody
to take responsibility, but with no leader to guide the process, Nobody steps up. The result is
chaos, finger-pointing, and failure. Sadly, this scenario plays out in organizations every day.
Accountable leadership should be standard practice, but too often, it’s not.

What is Accountable Leadership?
Accountable leadersh...

Managing March: Keeping Leadership Steady

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:
when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” ~ Charles Dickens, Great
Expectations

March. It’s the “madness” month—and not just because of basketball. The
unpredictable weather that defines March is notorious. As the Weather Channel
explains, the month often sees an atmospheric clash between winter and spring. Expect
everything from tornadoes and winter storms to heavy rain, lingering cold, teasing
warmth,...

Progress Reports: A Path to Growth

“Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing towards what will be.” — Khalil
Gibran

We all remember the elementary school progress report — the periodic evaluation that offered
insights into our academic performance, work habits, and social/emotional development. It
covered everything from how well we “worked and played with others” to how we were
progressing toward our potential. Teachers and parents valued these reports, as they provided a
tangible way to track how we were advancing...