Do You Have the Right People on the Bus (and in the Right Seats)?
And why this matters
As I refresh materials for my upcoming workshop series, this question keeps surfacing: What does having the “right people” really mean now?
In today’s environment—where roles evolve quickly and expectations shift constantly—technical skills alone aren’t enough. Here are five capabilities I believe should be non-negotiable for your future-ready team:
Curiosity and a Learning Mindset
The world isn’t static, and neither are the challenges we face. You need people who question assumptions, explore “why,” and experiment with new ways to solve problems—because it’s likely no one will be handing them a playbook.Clear, Concise Communication
Whether someone is in a customer-facing role or behind the scenes, communication gaps slow us down. Clear ideas and respectful conversations accelerate progress and reduce misunderstandings.A Global Mindset
You don’t have to work for a multinational to be impacted by global events. Your team should be aware of how external trends and different perspectives shape the environment they operate in.Critical Thinking
In an era of sound bites and clickbait, the ability to pause, research, and thoughtfully evaluate before reacting is a superpower.Technology Acumen
You don’t need everyone to be a tech wizard, but basic literacy is non-negotiable. Whether it’s understanding cyber risk or how AI might reshape a role—staying informed is essential.
Earlier this week, a discussion reminded me how often hiring bias tilts toward deep technical expertise—at the cost of professional skills like collaboration and adaptability. I always advise leaders to define 3–5 success criteria for a role, making sure at least half of those reflect behaviors and mindset, not just experience.
So I’ll leave you with this:
👉 What are the most important capabilities you need on your team to succeed in 2025?
👉 And—do you have them today?
If not, it might be time to have the conversation that sets you up for a stronger future.
Thoughts for Reflection
"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." — Charles Darwin
"Great vision without great people is irrelevant." — Jim Collins
Announcements
📣 Are you on track to hit your 2025 business goals? If the answer is no or not sure, there’s probably a people component holding you back. Join me for Reset to Lead: A Summer Series for Strategic, Sustainable Leadership: July 15-17 from 12-1 pm for 3 days of content that will ensure you have the right people, you’re setting them up for success, and that you’re ready to lead them to that finish line. A recording will be available for 1 week to all registered participants, in case you are unable to attend all 3 days.
📣 Are you tired of feeling like you’re sprinting on a treadmill but not getting where you want to go? If the answer is yes, check out the offerings under the Endurance Canopy so that you can start feeling that you’re making the progress you want in your business or your career.
Leadership Learning Content
Articles
Is Your Flexible Schedule Burning You Out?
“As a senior leader, there will always be more tasks that people want you to do than you can get done. To succeed, decide on where you provide the highest value in terms of the organization’s goals. Focus on those areas and then eliminate as many of the activities as possible that fall outside that scope.”
Podcasts
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