-
a special feature or technique kept secret by an organization and regarded as being the chief factor in its success.
Many successful organizations claim to have a “secret something” that differentiates their product from other similar products on the market. For example, Jack-In-The-Box had a “secret sauce” on their burgers. McDonald’s jingle reminds us about the “special sauce” on its two all beef patties. KFC’s “Colonel’s secret recipe” remains locked up in a Louisville, KY vault. Coca Cola is made with a “secret ingredient” known only as Merchandise 7x, the details of which are also locked up, Atlanta, GA.
Think about your company. How would your customers describe your “secret sauce?” Perhaps it is a unique product. Maybe amazing customer service. It might be the metrics that your reports are based on. Or, the speed of turn around on special requests.
Think even deeper. What inspires unique product development, above and beyond commmitment to customer service, attention to the interpretation of the data, or a focus on exceeding market expectations?
An Extreme Leadership Certification colleague, Ray Adler, recently stated in one of our sessions that “Leadership is the secret sauce of performance.”
That’s a snazzy statement. It’s also rich with truth.
Leaders inspire their teams to greatness while others demotivate their teams to average or less.
Leaders share a clear vision while others wallow in uncertain muddy waters.
Leaders celebrate milestones along the journey while others mercilessly drive the team into the ground.
Leaders embrace their people with love while others hold them afar.
Leaders share their authentic selves while others hide behind invisible masks.
Leaders ask questions and listen to answers while others issue directives from behind closed doors.
Leaders create a culture that followers want to be part of while others face the pains of high turnover.
Leadership – the approach and actions of leaders – is the secret sauce to the kind of performance that drives long term success. Don’t keep it locked up in a vault. Pour it on, spread it around, apply it liberally.
Be visible. Be engaged. Be open. Be interested. Be fully present. Be a leader.
Share the secret sauce!
.
To read more…
The Keys To Building a High Performance Culture, gallup.com
5 Keys To Inspiring Leadership, No Matter Your Style, entrepreneur.com
What Inspiring Leaders Do, hbr.com
