Rocky Mountain Performance Excellence

The difference between good and great teams? How their leaders give feedback. Here's what most get wrong: 1. The Impact Rule ? Focus on behavior, not character ? Describe effect, not judgment ? Show patterns, not incidents ? Connect dots to goals 2. The Balance Formula ? Start with real appreciation ? Identify one key improvement ? Suggest specific solutions ? End with clear next steps 3. The Trust Framework ? Make it timely, not rushed ? Keep it specific, not vague ? Make it actionable, not abstract ? Keep it objective, not personal The truth most leaders don’t realize is: Bad feedback creates fear. Great feedback creates futures. Your words either: ? Build confidence or plant doubt ? Drive growth or cause retreat ? Create trust or breed suspicion ? Inspire action or force compliance Remember: Leaders who master feedback master growth. PS: Do you agree? Let me know below! ?? Repost to spread the message! ?? Doors are now open to the Next Door Hustles Community. If you’re ready to build a business that sets you free, join here: https://lnkd.in/gWPx-eKi

Only 20% of success is from raw intellect. The remaining 80% is found through emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the? foundation of great leadership. It’s not an abstract “soft skill”. It’s a measurable, trainable ability, rooted in neuroscience. Leaders with high EQ are 70% more likely to build trust, foster collaboration, and create resilient teams. Here are?8 ways to demonstrate your emotional intelligence: 1?? Show Empathy Empathy is not about “fixing” others—it’s about understanding. Mirror neurons in the brain let us feel others’ emotions as if they’re our own. This biological connection builds trust and reduces conflict. 2?? Assume Good Intent Trust first, question later. Our brains naturally perceive threats faster than rewards, leading to unnecessary defensiveness. By assuming good intent, you create psychological safety. This mindset drives better teamwork and innovation. 3?? Pause Before Reacting Take a moment before responding. Reacting emotionally activates the amygdala, the brain’s fear center. Pausing lets the rational prefrontal cortex take over. A pause isn’t inaction—it’s wisdom. 4?? Ask Before Assuming Misunderstandings create unnecessary conflict. Asking questions fosters clarity and collaboration. Curiosity deactivates the brain’s threat circuits. Communication grows on clarity. 5?? Own Your Mistakes Admitting mistakes shows strength, not weakness. Vulnerability deepens trust and humanizes leadership. Mistakes are inevitable—denial is optional. 6?? Say Thank You Gratitude changes everything. It lowers stress, improves mood, and rewires the brain for positivity. A simple “thank you” strengthens bonds and boosts morale. Gratitude is powerful and free. 7?? Lift Others Up Encourage, mentor, and amplify others’ strengths. Acts of support release dopamine for both the giver and receiver. Teams that feel valued are 3x more likely to innovate. Helping others isn’t a sacrifice—it’s strategic. 8?? Keep Your Promises Trust is built on reliability. When promises are kept, the brain releases oxytocin— a chemical that deepens connection. Break promises, and you activate distrust pathways. Reliability isn’t just ethical—it’s neurological. — EQ isn’t just about emotions—it’s about results. Leaders with EQ drive loyalty, reduce turnover, and unlock team potential. In today’s fast-paced world, EQ ensures endurance, and a leader is powerless without emotional connection. Inspirational? Repost to share with others ?? And follow Benjamin B. Bargetzi for more on Neuroscience of Personal Growth (Image Credits to Justin Wright)

Happy Entrepreneurs' Day! ?? Entrepreneurs are the heart of innovation and progress, but the journey isn’t always easy. Between adapting to market changes, managing limited resources, and keeping customers happy, the challenges can feel overwhelming. That’s why we believe in the power of the Baldrige Excellence Framework. It’s not just for large organizations—it’s a flexible, practical tool that helps entrepreneurs like you: ? Stay nimble and adapt quickly to change ? Streamline operations and eliminate waste ? Focus on what matters most—your customers and your mission ? Build a strong, empowered team ? Make smarter, data-driven decisions ? Scale sustainably without losing control The Baldrige Framework equips you with the structure to make informed decisions and the agility to respond to challenges with confidence. Whether you’re launching a new business or scaling an established one, it provides the roadmap to inspire excellence at every step. Today, let’s celebrate the bold risk-takers who drive our economy forward—and commit to tools like Baldrige that can help turn their vision into lasting success. Check out our latest article to learn more about how the Baldrige Framework can transform your entrepreneurial journey. ?? #EntrepreneursDay #Leadership #Excellence #Baldrige #Innovation #Entrepreneurship

Stop asking people for "thoughts" or "feedback." 15 Questions High performers aren't afraid to ask: Over 18 years of leading teams, I’ve noticed high performers always ask the smartest questions in meetings. ?? These 15 questions may shock people but lead to better outcomes: ? "What big thing are we not talking about?" ? When avoiding a tough topic ? Bring up hidden issues everyone's scared to mention ? "Who might we upset by this choice?" ? When needing quick results ? Think about how changes affect others ? "What went wrong last time we did this?" ? When trying a risky idea ? Learn from past mistakes and avoid repeating them ? "If money wasn't a problem, how would we do this?" ? When the budget is tight ? Think big and find creative solutions ? "What might we be wrong about?" ? When everyone agrees ? Challenge assumptions and avoid groupthink ? "Who else should be part of this talk?" ? When key people are missing ? Include important voices and perspectives ? "What do we risk if we do nothing?" ? When the team is afraid ? Show the risks of not taking action ? "How does this help our big goals?" ? When the project is off-track ? Refocus the team on what really matters ? "What's the worst way this could fail?" ? When planning a big launch ? Prepare for potential disasters ? "Who might fight against this idea?" ? When suggesting a big change ? Anticipate and address resistance ? "What skills do we need but don't have?" ? When facing a tough challenge ? Find gaps in the team's abilities ? "How will we know this didn't work?" ? When starting a new project ? Plan for failures and set clear goals ? "What if this works better than we expect?" ? When things are going well ? Plan for unexpected success ? "How will we explain this to our customers?" ? When changes affect customers ? Consider the impact on those you serve ? "What important things are we saying no to?" ? When agreeing to a new project ? Consider trade-offs and priorities ____ P.S. High-impact questions make meetings more effective. They solve more problems and lead to smarter decisions. Don't be afraid to ask them. Do you agree or disagree? ?? Repost to help your network elevate their performance! ?? Want a high-resolution PDF of this? 1. Just follow me, Dr. Miro Bada 2. Sign up for my free Peak Performance Community at https://peakprotocol.co/

How to "feel" better: Train your EQ with the wheel of emotions. Most leaders I know don't know how to feel themselves: They are feeling. But they usually have a deficiency ? describing what they feel ? allowing the feeling ? & understanding the intelligence behind that feeling. This is bad news. If our leaders dont know how to feel themselves, they ???are more prone to take terrible decisions ???will be less empathic, as they dont feel themselves ? & act out from a child state without noticing. Here is the wheel of emotions I use to train the muscle of emotional intelligence. Want to train your EQ? Start noticing and feeling more. Realize why you feel this and what your system tells you. Enter the Wheel of Emotions to the rescue: The inner core emotions on this wheel are foundational or primary. They serve as the root feelings from which more nuanced, secondary emotions emerge. Each one acts as a family of emotions, and the outer layers reflect variations in intensity or expression of these core feelings. Learn what each emotion tells you: 1. Anger: Anger often signals a response to perceived injustice, violation of personal boundaries, or frustration. It can motivate protective or assertive actions to address perceived wrongs or restore balance. 2. Anticipation: This emotion, sometimes linked with curiosity or excitement, prepares individuals for action and helps them focus on future possibilities. It can drive planning, preparation, and engagement with new opportunities or challenges. 3. Joy: Joy reflects positive engagement and satisfaction, which reinforce behaviors and relationships that bring fulfillment. It encourages connection, creativity, and an openness to new experiences 4. Trust: Trust is foundational for forming bonds and cooperation. It fosters social connection, safety, and a sense of reliability in relationships, which is essential for building supportive communities and teamwork. 5. Sadness: Sadness helps individuals process loss, disappointment, or unmet expectations. It can lead to introspection, fostering growth, empathy, and stronger connections with others who provide support and comfort. 6. Disgust: Disgust serves as a protective response, often triggered by things perceived as harmful, toxic, or culturally unacceptable. It can help people avoid risks and maintain social norms. 7. Surprise: Surprise signals an unexpected event, capturing attention and promoting rapid cognitive processing. Depending on the context, it can lead to excitement or caution, helping individuals adapt quickly to new information. 8. Fear: Fear is a protective emotion that prepares individuals to respond to perceived threats, either through fight, flight, or freeze responses. It heightens awareness and vigilance, keeping individuals alert to potential dangers. Don't be that leader that doesn't feel. Be precise. Train with the wheel. What helps you to "feel" better?

I made a huge mistake in my first leadership role. I treated every team member exactly the same way. What worked for my more senior employees completely frustrated the younger ones. And what motivated my Millennial teammates made the Boomers uncomfortable. Here's what I learned: Great leaders don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. Some team members crave daily feedback. Others prefer monthly check-ins. Some want detailed instructions. Others need creative freedom. Some love collaborative brainstorming. Others do their best thinking alone. The secret? Get to know each person as an individual. Ask them: ? When they do their best work ? How they prefer to communicate ? What support they need to succeed ? What kind of feedback helps them grow Because leadership isn't about your style. It's about adapting your style to help each person thrive. The best teams aren't built on treating everyone equally. They're built on treating everyone individually. That's when magic happens. And that's when everyone wins. What's your best tip for leading different generations? ?? Find this valuable? Repost to help other leaders. Credit: Justin Wright

2024 Baldrige?Fall?Conference, Miami, Florida ?? Yesterday was nothing short of amazing! David Kutcher and I facilitated a practical workshop on Strategy Development, Deployment, and Execution. “How To Win” Afterward, we gifted every attendee a Freemium Package of the Connected Business Model Software and Management System, valued at over $15K! Following the workshop, I was honored to deliver the opening keynote for the Malcolm Baldrige Fall Conference. Alex Faison-Donahoe A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to such an enriching experience! Let’s keep the momentum going! #MalcolmBaldrige #TheBillyRayTaylor #LinkedXL #ConnectedBusinessModel

7 Self-Care Processes For You to Implement Today? What are your?favourite?self-care tools?? Check out these 7?? ?? As a coach and business owner, I've learned that effective self-care goes beyond the usual advice.?? ? Sometimes, doing something completely different can be empowering.? ? After all, a change is better than a rest....... sometimes!? ? Here are seven self-care processes for you to implement today to truly enhance your wellbeing:? ?? 1. Digital Detox Zones? Establish specific areas in your home or office where digital devices are not allowed. This practice helps to create a sanctuary where your mind can rest and recharge without the constant bombardment of notifications. Use these zones to read, meditate, or simply enjoy a moment of peace and quiet ?? 2. Emotional Check-ins? Set aside a few minutes each day for an emotional check-in. This involves pausing to identify and acknowledge your feelings. Are you stressed, happy, anxious, or content? Understanding your emotional state can help you manage it better and avoid burnout. Use journaling or apps designed for mood tracking.? ?? 3. Nature Immersion Therapy? Spending time in nature has proven benefits for mental health. Try walking through nature whenever possible. This is a practice that is proven to be great for the mind and body as well as to reduce stress. Even urban dwellers can find parks or green spaces to practice this.? ?? 4. Creative Expression? Engage in a creative activity that you enjoy but don’t often have time for. This could be painting, writing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument. Creative expression can be incredibly therapeutic and provides a way to release stress and tap into your inner self. ?? 5. Intentional Breathing Techniques? Practice intentional breathing exercises such as the 4-7-8 technique (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds). This simple process can help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and promote a sense of calm. ? ?? 6. Social and Media Sabbaticals? Take regular breaks from social media. Constant exposure to curated lives and endless news can lead to anxiety and stress. Schedule sabbaticals where you disconnect from all social media AND media channels for a day or even a week 7. Sleep?Optimisation? Invest in your sleep environment. This means more than just getting 8 hours of sleep. Set up your bedroom for quality rest by ensuring it's dark, quiet, and cool. Consider using white noise machines, blackout curtains, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. ?? Implementing these self-care processes can transform your approach to wellbeing. Remember, self-care is not selfish—it's essential for leading a balanced, fulfilling life.?? ? What would you add to this list? Will you tell me in the comments please? ------- Like this? Will you please give is a like ?? and repost ? to your network so we can get their valuable insights. Follow me @ for more and remember to sign up for my newsletter, the link is in my bio.?

Why do some moments stay with us while others disappear? Our brains handle memory through two systems:? short-term?and?long-term. Each plays a unique role in shaping our decisions, identity, and lives. Here’s what makes them different and how you can?train your memory. ?? Short-Term Memory This is your brain’s “scratchpad.” Where quick info—like a phone number—gets stored. Capacity:?Holds about 7 items (like phone digits). Duration:?Without repetition, fades in 30 seconds. Purpose:?Helps us in the moment, but it’s fragile. ?? Long-Term Memory This is your personal vault. It stores memories of strong emotions, skills, and breakthroughs. Capacity:?Virtually limitless—what shapes us lives here. Duration:?Lasts a lifetime if linked to strong emotions. Purpose:?Forms who we are—beliefs, skills, identity. Fun Fact:?Emotionally intense memories are “tagged” by the amygdala, making them unforgettable. ?? How These Memory Systems Work Together Why remember an old friend’s face but struggle with a new name? These systems rarely work alone. For info to move to long-term, it needs two steps: 1. Repetition:?Repeating info shifts it to lasting memory. 2. Association:?Our brain is effective at storing memories tied to?meaning, not just info. Connecting new info to things you know, and reinforcing it through repetition, builds a “bridge” to long-term memory. ?? 3 Practical Neuroscience Tips to Train Your Memory - Visualization:?Picture what you want to remember. - Storytelling:?Turn info into a story to add meaning. - Sleep:?Quality sleep helps convert short-term memories into long-term. Managing your memory is a skill, not a fixed trait. What types of memories are you hoping to strengthen today? Memorable? Repost to share with others ?? And follow Benjamin B. Bargetzi for more on Neuroscience + Psychology + Tech