Leaders: GET TOUGH

Hi Team...

I am on fire this AM...

I read an amazing article on new Peloton CEO Barry McCarthy.

The new CEO of Peloton, Barry McCarthy gets it.

Business is about growth, it is about winning, and somewhere that got lost in translation.

"John (former Peloton CEO) and I don't always agree," McCarthy said. "He announces to the team at their all-hands meeting ... that we're a family. And I say you'll never hear me say we're a family."

Exactly.

McCarthy continued: "We're a sports team, and we're trying to win the Super Bowl. And so we're going to put the best players on the field we can. And if you go down the field, and we throw you the ball, and you drop it a bunch, we're going to cut you.

Because everybody else who's trying hard to win the game deserves to have the best players on the field. And if you're a good player, you're going to love being on this team."

This is leadership. Coming in and calling the play. Not playing defense to the needs of people that can not define winning for themselves.

As a Coach, what I love about this style of leadership is that Barry McCarthy is running his company like a sports team.

If you can not get the job done- you are out.

If you can not handle the pressure- you are out.

He has stepped into his new role and has put like Kobe Bryant said: "everyone on alert".....

This is what we are about (now).

This is what we are going to do (now).

This is how this company will be run (now).

It is clear.

He made it clear to his team and the marketplace how business will be run.

You have to love this.

Over the last 10+ years- leadership has slipped.

There is an affinity for words like: empathy, servant leadership, love, kindness and family as it relates to leadership.

(**when teams win, it can feel like a family connection, but this is not a starting point)

Those are nice, sweet words.

Unfortunately, they do not always work as it relates to competitive business.

That does not mean do not be nice, or empathetic, but it should not be your sole purpose and way of being when there is a lot at stake.

As I wrote in my new book, Habits of a Champion Team, a leader must lead- and know what their team wants. Then, it is the leaders job to run a winning company so each of their team members can win (if they want and if they do the work).

But the sole purpose of a leader should not be catering to their people- but instead CHALLENGING their people to be their best.

Anything short of their best (by their definition) should be considered unacceptable.

Today, as you get ready to lead- lead tough.

Lead bold.

Lead strong.

Do not get walked on and do not go easy on yourself- but instead challenge yourself to be great.

That is what I want from you.

Go be great.

You only have so much time to make an impact- make one starting today- one interaction, one action at a time.

Go get it.

Your Coach,

COACH DANA CAVALEA