Today’s Guest
DOUGLAS ATCHISON
Listen to The Full Episode
Key Takeaways
1. Model and Mentor Leadership
Great leaders don’t just set expectations; they live them. By modeling the behaviors you want to see, you create a culture of accountability and excellence. Mentorship is just as critical—when you take the time to coach and develop others, you don’t just build stronger teams; you build future leaders.
2. Leading From the Front
Think of Sherpas on Mount Everest—they don’t just give climbers a set of instructions and send them on their way. They lead the climb, guiding every step of the journey. As a leader, your team is looking to you for direction, not a post-mortem analysis of what they could have done better. Leadership is about being present, engaged, and actively guiding your people to success.
3. Are You a Thermometer or a Thermostat?
There are two types of people in any organization: thermometers and thermostats.
- Thermometers simply report the temperature—they react to situations without influencing them.
- Thermostats set the temperature—they dictate the culture, energy, and standards in a room.
As a leader, your role is to be a thermostat—set the tone and inspire those around you.
4. Stand Out and Get Noticed
Want to get recognized for your contributions? Show up consistently, do the right thing, and focus on impact.
- Avoid getting caught up in doing all the work yourself—delegate effectively so you can focus on leadership.
- Make sure to follow up and hold others accountable—leadership isn’t about doing it all; it’s about empowering others to succeed.
5. Don’t Lead from the Corporate Office
You can’t effectively lead from behind a desk. The best leaders go where the work happens—whether that’s the store floor, the sales team, or the front lines.
- Talk to your teams, listen to what they need, and actively help them solve problems.
- Leadership is about connection—be present and engaged with your people.
6. Master the Role You’re In Right Now
Success isn’t about chasing the next opportunity—it’s about becoming exceptional where you are first.
- Be clear about your career goals—your boss isn’t a mind reader.
- Ask for feedback on what you should focus on.
- Set stretch goals and push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
- Invest in continuous learning and personal growth—become the expert in your field.
- Commit to daily improvement—be better today than you were yesterday.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re leading from the front, setting the tone, or mentoring your team, the best leaders are always growing, always improving, and always helping others rise.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who could use a leadership boost and let’s keep raising the bar together!
Resources Mentioned
- Connect with Rachel Williamson
- Ra****@ru****************.com
- https://www.linkedin.com/runninggreatstores
- Call her at 614-601-1641
