“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds; your mind transcends limitations; your conscious expands in every direction; and you find yourself in a great, new and wonderful world.” - Patanjali
Early on in my career, I found that I was sometimes too easy and forgiving with people who clearly weren’t a good fit for the role. They might have had the right attitude or fit well with the culture, but they just didn’t have the necessary skills to get the job done. Over time, I realized that a lot of this was on me. I didn’t have a good hiring process in place and wasn’t looking at the whole person – their behavioral style, personality, and what type of work or environment they would thrive in. Once I learned that it was about finding the right person and aligning them with the right role, it became easier to shift talented people within the organization or help them find a better fit elsewhere.
This realization wasn’t from one specific experience, but I had an early one with a salesperson. She had the ability to do really well and would often hit her numbers. But then she would completely fall off for a couple of months, failing to get the job done. Because I liked her, I kept her around longer than I should have. The opportunity cost of the leads we provided her, along with her lack of care for some of her clients, ended up costing the company much more than keeping her did. That was a wake-up call – I had to make faster decisions when I had the “right person” in the wrong role.
As for hiring, I began educating myself by looking at companies known for great hiring practices. One company that stood out was Keller Williams Realty, which was using a third-party consultant, Corporate Consulting, for their hiring process. I engaged them for coaching, and they taught me the process I still use today. It’s a minimum of four steps: a screening interview, a comprehensive interview, an AVA behavioral assessment validation, and a commitment interview. The screening interview is a chance to get to know the candidate and share our company culture. In a way, we try to scare the person away by being upfront about our high-performance expectations. We also highlight our love for people and our core values.
If that goes well, we move on to the comprehensive interview, where we ask detailed questions about the person and their role-specific knowledge. Afterward, we do a behavioral assessment and validate it on a third zoom call, ensuring that their behavior matches what we’ve seen in previous interviews. From there, we check references and conduct a commitment interview where we discuss how we’d work together and give feedback. In some cases, we also include a panel interview for leadership roles. This multi-step process ensures we make good hiring decisions and bring the right person into the right role.
Despite all this, hiring mistakes still happen. Sometimes it’s due to changes in the candidate’s life or the company’s needs. The hardest situations are when I genuinely like the person outside of the workplace. It’s challenging to part ways with someone you have compassion for, but the mission of the company has to come first. When someone is not contributing to the mission, we provide feedback quickly and, if necessary, remove them from the team. We do this with dignity and, where possible, help them transition to another role outside the company.
The key to deciding when to act is looking for movement. Is the person embracing feedback and seeking growth? Are they making an effort to change? Growth is uncomfortable, and if someone is unwilling to do the work to improve, it’s a clear sign they’re not a good fit.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with some exceptional leadership coaches. One lesson I learned from James Larson, an executive coach I worked with for many years, is that your intuition is really your unconscious mind recognizing patterns. This came up as we were discussing the importance of recognizing patterns in people’s behavior, in market reactions, and in all aspects of life really. I would always tell my team that watching for patterns is key to their success leading others and in making sound business decisions.
What Is Intuition?
Intuition is often described as a "gut feeling"—that internal voice guiding your decisions when you aren’t consciously thinking, when you are under stress, or when your willpower is down. Intuition is the brain’s ability to process vast amounts of information at lightning speed, allowing you to make decisions more quickly. Deprived of intuition, we would be paralyzed and overwhelmed with the vast amount of decisions one must make in their day to day lives. Intuition works without you realizing it as your brain scans for patterns from past experiences and applies them to the present situation, allowing you to arrive at conclusions quickly and seemingly without effort.
As Steve Jobs once said, “Intuition is a very powerful thing, more powerful than intellect, in my opinion.” In many ways, intuition is our brain’s shortcut for decision-making, bypassing deliberate thought and using past experiences to guide us. The more experiences we have, the stronger our intuition becomes. This is why seasoned professionals often seem to have an uncanny ability to "just know" the right decision without having to analyze every detail. Key lesson: seek out as many different roles and responsibilities as you can within your company. Learn as much as possible about your industry and look for trends and patterns. Study your business and the external inputs that will impact your industry.
You may have experienced this if you have worked with an exceptional doctor. In fact, I had one such experience. When my oldest son was an infant, he developed a strange illness. The symptoms were similar to what one would experience with a cold but included some unusual things that wouldn’t typically be present with the common cold. We took him to our pediatrician and within seconds he told us to get our son down to the children’s hospital ASAP. He said he couldn’t be sure but based on some spots on my son’s tongue, he may have Kawasaki’s Disease–an extremely rare occurrence. The hospital confirmed after running myriad tests and shared with us that they were simply blown away that our pediatrician had identified the issue so quickly. Our doctor within seconds knew what took multiple tests to confirm. This was instinct, experience, and pattern recognition in action.
What Is Pattern Recognition?
Pattern recognition is the cognitive process that allows us to identify familiar trends and structures. It’s how our brain organizes the chaotic flood of information we encounter daily, breaking it down into familiar chunks so we can make sense of it. Whether it's recognizing a familiar face in a crowd or spotting trends in the stock market, pattern recognition allows us to understand the world more quickly and efficiently.
Daniel Kahneman, in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow (highly recommended reading), explained, “Pattern recognition and association are crucial cognitive processes by which we understand and navigate the world. They allow us to predict what might happen next based on prior experiences.”
How Pattern Recognition Creates Intuition
The connection between intuition and pattern recognition is clear. Your "gut feeling" isn’t some unknowable force—it’s your brain drawing on an internal database of patterns it has encountered over time. Every experience you've had, every problem you've solved, and every decision you've made gets stored in your subconscious mind. When you face a new situation, your brain rapidly sifts through these memories, finds a match, and delivers an intuitive response.
As Gary Klein, a researcher into decision-making, stated, “The more we recognize patterns in our environment, the faster we are able to make decisions. Intuition is not magic; it’s the brain’s ability to make fast judgments based on previous patterns.”
The Role of Experience in Sharpening Intuition
The reason experts often seem to have better intuition than novices is that they have encountered more patterns over the course of their careers. Their brains have had more opportunities to learn, store, and retrieve patterns, making their gut feelings more reliable.
Herbert Simon, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, summed this up perfectly: “Intuition is nothing more and nothing less than recognition.” The more experience you have, the more patterns your brain has stored, and the more reliable your intuition becomes in those specific situations.
Balancing Intuition with Analysis
Of course, intuition isn’t foolproof. Just as our brain can quickly recognize patterns, it can also be misled by them. Sometimes, the patterns we expect to find aren’t present, or they are new and unfamiliar. In such cases, relying solely on intuition can lead to poor decisions. This is why it’s important to strike a balance between gut feelings and analytical thinking.
As Daniel Kahneman pointed out, "Sometimes intuition will fail us when the world presents a situation that doesn’t fit the patterns we have learned. This is why it's important to balance intuition with deliberate, slow thinking."
In fields like investing, entrepreneurship, or leadership, intuition can help you make quick decisions in familiar situations, but it should always be supported by careful analysis when navigating new territory.
Training Your Intuition
The good news is that intuition can be honed. The more you expose yourself to a particular field or situation, the better your brain becomes at recognizing patterns. This is why professionals in any industry—from athletes to entrepreneurs—spend years practicing and learning. The more patterns they encounter, the sharper their intuition becomes.
John Naisbitt, author of Megatrends, once said, “Intuition becomes increasingly valuable in the new information society precisely because there is so much data.” In an era where information overload is the norm, our ability to recognize patterns and rely on intuition becomes a powerful tool for cutting through the noise and making quick, effective decisions.
In today's fast-paced world, we often hear about the importance of setting aside "quality time" for our loved ones, our passions, or even for ourselves. The concept suggests that there are moments more valuable than others, moments where we are more present, engaged, and connected. But what if we reframe this idea? What if every moment, every second, is an opportunity for quality time?
The Stoics, ancient philosophers who championed the virtues of wisdom, courage, and discipline, believed in the power of the present moment. They taught that while we cannot control external events, we can control our reactions to them. This philosophy can be distilled into a simple yet profound idea: all time is quality time.
Every Second Counts: Life is a series of moments, a continuous stream of nows. If we're always waiting for the "right" moment or the "perfect" opportunity to experience quality time, we might miss out on the beauty and significance of the present. Every laugh with a loved one, every challenge faced, every lesson learned – these are all instances of quality time if we choose to see them that way.
Making Every Minute Quality: It's not about the quantity of time but the quality of presence. Being fully present, whether you're working, spending time with family, or simply enjoying a quiet moment alone, transforms ordinary time into quality time. It's about mindfulness, engagement, and genuine connection.
Stoicism and the Present Moment: Stoic philosophy emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with nature and accepting the present moment as it is. Marcus Aurelius, a Stoic emperor, once wrote, "Do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." By embracing the Stoic mindset, we can find contentment and quality in every moment, regardless of its external circumstances.
The idea that "all time is quality time" is a call to live more intentionally, to value every moment, and to recognize that quality isn't something we schedule – it's something we create. By adopting a Stoic perspective, we can transform our relationship with time and discover that every second holds the potential for depth, meaning, and connection.
In the world of leadership and personal development, business books often take center stage. They offer strategies, insights, and case studies that can be directly applied to our professional lives. However, there's another genre that holds untapped potential for leaders: fiction.
Fiction, especially well-crafted literature, provides a deep dive into the human psyche. It unravels the complexities of emotions, relationships, motivations, and conflicts. While business books teach us about management, strategy, and industry best practices, fiction teaches us about humanity.
Take Stephen King's "The Shining" as an example. On the surface, it's a chilling tale of a haunted hotel. But dive deeper, and you'll find it's a poignant exploration of a man's battle with alcoholism, the strains it puts on his family, and the internal demons he grapples with. It's not just a horror story; it's a study in human behavior, vulnerabilities, and resilience.
Classic literature, from the works of Jane Austen to Fyodor Dostoevsky, offers a window into different eras, cultures, and societal norms. These stories, while set in different times and places, touch upon universal themes of love, ambition, betrayal, and redemption. They provide insights into human motivations and relationships that are as relevant today as they were when they were written.
For leaders, reading fiction is like having a secret weapon. It fosters empathy, a crucial trait for anyone in a leadership position. By immersing ourselves in the lives of fictional characters, we learn to understand different perspectives, emotions, and challenges. This, in turn, allows us to better connect with, understand, and lead our teams.
While business books equip us with tools and techniques, fiction equips us with understanding and empathy. It's a balance of both that truly enriches our leadership capabilities. So, the next time you're looking for a book to read, consider picking up a novel. You might just discover insights that transform your leadership approach.
There are myriad business influencers out there that preach the importance of getting up at 5 am, working out, reading, and meditating all before 7 am and basically creating an almost unsustainable approach to life. I am a firm believer in creating habits that support you and your goals specifically, not just blindly following the advice of others. For some, their best work is accomplished in the morning. For others, particularly creatives, the late evening hours are when they are most productive. Some find better results working out at the end of the day, others need to do it first thing. Create habits and a ritual that works best for you!
That said, a non-negotiable in my mind is creating time to read. It is often said that, “not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” I have found this mostly to be true but I have also observed some people turn reading into a weird sort of competition. Almost like checking something off of their to-do list.
Once I was talking with a young man that reported to me at my previous company. He was trying to get in better shape and create better health habits. He recognized, rightly, that a healthy body equals a healthy mind. I gave him some pointers and advice. He was taking notes and sharing with me how excited he was to implement these ideas. I then recommended a book by Aubrey Marcus called Own Your Day, Own Your Life. I was shocked when he told me he just read that book. That book was literally where I got all of the action items I had just shared with him.
The point is not to read just to read. It is not a contest. We hear stories of Bill Gates reading hundreds of books a year and I think that we have to somehow do the same. The better approach is having a plan with each book. Read for understanding and simply plan to make one or two key changes based on what you learned in the book. That is the way. By taking this approach, you will gradually create an arsenal of powerful approaches and ideas that will truly transform your life. Don’t read for bragging rights. Read to be the best version of yourself.
Every successful team understands the importance of starting the day right. The morning huddle, inspired by the Rockefeller Habits, has become an essential ritual for many high-performing teams around the world. It's not just a meeting; it's a strategic tool to align, motivate, and set the tone for the day. We practice this habit at Faris Capital Partners!
Good News/Updates: Beginning the huddle with positive news or updates from the previous day sets a positive tone. It's an opportunity to celebrate small wins, acknowledge efforts, and foster a sense of camaraderie. This segment acts as a morale booster, reminding everyone of the progress being made. It is also a great way to create alignment across departments and work groups. The more dialed in everyone on the team is to what others are working on, the more opportunity for cross-department collaboration.
Daily Metrics Review: Numbers don't lie. A quick review of daily metrics provides clarity on where the team stands. It offers insights into what's working, what's not, and where efforts need to be channeled. This data-driven approach ensures that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.
#1 Priority for the Day: By identifying and discussing the single most crucial task for the day, teams can ensure focused effort and resource allocation. It's about understanding what will move the needle the most and ensuring that it gets the attention it deserves.
Stucks: Ending the huddle by addressing any roadblocks or challenges allows for proactive problem-solving. It's an open platform for team members to voice concerns, seek assistance, and ensure that nothing impedes progress.
The Rockefeller Habits approach to the huddle emphasizes rhythm, clarity, and alignment. It's not about lengthy discussions but quick, focused, and efficient check-ins that ensure everyone is aligned and ready to tackle the day's challenges. By adopting this approach, teams can enhance communication, foster transparency, and drive daily productivity.
In conclusion, the morning huddle, when done right, can be a game-changer. It's a simple yet powerful tool that can transform the dynamics of a team, ensuring that every day starts with purpose, clarity, and momentum.
In a world that often rewards instant gratification and surface-level success, Robert Greene's "Mastery" stands out as a beacon, guiding readers towards the deep, enduring rewards of true expertise. The book dives into the lives of historical figures and modern masters, unraveling the common threads that led them to achieve unparalleled excellence in their respective fields.
Greene doesn't just offer biographical accounts; he provides a roadmap. He identifies the phases of mastery, from the initial phase of discovering one's calling to the rigorous apprenticeship and, finally, achieving mastery. The book emphasizes the importance of time, dedication, and deep work. It's a reminder that true mastery isn't about shortcuts or hacks; it's about immersion, persistence, and continuous learning.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Mastery" is its universality. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, athlete, or in any other field, the principles Greene outlines are applicable. They remind us that in an age of fleeting attention spans and quick fixes, there's immense value in dedication and depth.
"Mastery" by Robert Greene isn't just a book; it's a manual for anyone seeking to elevate their craft, career, or passion to the next level. If you're looking for a guide to achieving true expertise and understanding the intricacies of your field, this book is an invaluable resource.
For further insights on mastery in a more digestible format, check out Steven Pressfield’s books, The War of Art, Turning Pro, and Do the Work.
There's a saying in the business world coined by Peter Drucker, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." While strategies, plans, and tactics are essential, it's the culture of an organization that truly drives its success. Culture is the heartbeat of a company, the shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that determine how employees interact, make decisions, and approach their work.
Let's consider a tale from the tech industry. A few years ago, a leading tech company known for its innovative products and employee-friendly culture underwent a leadership change. The new CEO, with a reputation for aggressive strategies and a focus on short-term profits, quickly implemented changes that, on paper, seemed like they would boost the company's bottom line.
However, as the months went by, something began to shift. The company's once vibrant and collaborative culture started to erode. Employees felt less valued, less inspired, and less connected to the company's mission. They felt fearful of speaking up in meetings and were told by the senior leadership team by way of the new CEO that certain items were non-negotiable or off the table. The focus shifted from innovation and long-term growth to meeting quarterly targets. And while the company did see a short spike in profits, it wasn't sustainable. Employee turnover increased, product quality suffered, and the company's reputation began to tarnish. The once-thriving tech giant was now struggling to keep up with its competitors. And, not only that, profits quickly eroded.
This story underscores the power of culture. A strong, positive culture can propel a company to new heights, while a weak or toxic culture can bring even the most strategically sound businesses to their knees. It's not just about having the right plans in place; it's about fostering an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and aligned with the company's vision.
In conclusion, while strategies are essential, it's the culture that truly defines a company. As leaders, it's our responsibility to nurture and protect that culture, understanding that it's the foundation upon which all our successes are built.
Leadership is more than just guiding a team or making decisions. It's about understanding the heartbeats of those you lead, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, and leading with both the head and the heart. At the core of impactful leadership lies emotional intelligence and empathy.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage our own emotions, as well as those of the people around us. It's what allows a leader to navigate challenging situations with grace, to communicate effectively, and to inspire those they lead. Empathy, on the other hand, is the capacity to place oneself in another's shoes, to genuinely understand their feelings and perspectives. It's the bridge that connects leaders to their teams on a profound, human level.
Two leaders who exemplified these qualities in their leadership styles are John Wooden and Coach K. John Wooden, often referred to as the "Wizard of Westwood," believed in leading with integrity, humility, and a focus on the personal growth of each individual on his team. His teachings emphasized the importance of character, effort, and the journey rather than the destination. Similarly, Coach K, with his unmatched record in college basketball, has always stressed the significance of building relationships, understanding each player's unique journey, and leading with empathy.
Both these legendary figures understood that leadership is not just about strategies and skills; it's about connecting, understanding, and inspiring. It's about leading with the heart as much as with the mind. In the words of John Wooden, "The most powerful leadership tool you have is your own personal example." So, as we strive to be better leaders, let's remember to lead with emotional intelligence, empathy, and the teachings of those who have walked the path before us.