THE BENCH: The small things do matter

As promised, this year will be all about the details and the reality of understanding, it is not easy, it is not always handed to you and it is all about hard work and the details to be a true leader. Like with the BENCH, you can do those BIG LIFTS, many weightlifters only brag about the massive bench or squats they do, BUT, the tiny inner muscles all matter especially over time so real strength comes from working those small muscles as they will be the weak link to strength.

So here are a few REAL stories about small details that make a difference but that if you had not done or done will alter the results.

1. Polish and being a class act head to toe. I had a younger executive who wanted to "be like Kevin", this was many many years ago. So they asked to assess me and see how I am doing. Here is the TOUGH love. I said, ok you now have a nice well-fitting suit, you have now groomed yourself so hair, facial, etc all good but here are the smaller items that take away from the polish. You take off the sports coat and the shirt is all wrinkled? You get a custom shirt with double buttons on the sleeve and do not button both? ( Picky yes sloppy yes). You have socks on that do not color-match the suit? How about polishing the shoes? Listen the question was do you want to be like me? Well, I was 39 and running $18 Billion with no political help, and with everyone looking to shoot holes in me so I left no openings. So yes picky but polished. Perception is reality and when you enter a room the FIRST IMPRESSION is a lasting impression, make it the best. Not sure how to dress, OVER DRESS. You can always take a tie off or the coat off.
2. PRODUCTS: True story here and it shows details matter. I very well-known company wanted to introduce a revolutionary product into the market, and they wanted a retail merchandising experts opinion but this was TOP SECRET. I was fortunate to be in a role where they asked me, with the permission of my organization to take 4 days, secret meetings rooms had black covering every window, etc. I invested the 4 days, brainstorming the design the branding and this was an item for everyday use by a man, and it had to appeal to a masculine branding style. In the end after being there, I said, This does not feel heavy enough to have a guy say, I love this, it needs weight in it. They all struggled to think as it was gearing up for a national launch, I said, what if we took a fishing weight and dropped it on in the handle and sealed it in? we ran to the floor, they ran out, and bought some fishing weights in a local store we put them in the handle, and BOOM, one of the largest most successful brand launches in retail history took place. This seemingly minor change made the brand what they wanted it to be and the competition was left in the dust, 30 plus years later it after 4 more versions the best-selling product in the category.

I will keep sharing more and more details and stories, but know that in the end, details matter, and many ask over and over HOW SELF DISCIPLINE! I did not need nor have anyone telling me to button those sleeves up or shine those shoes, or think about what that man will want holding that in his hand, I had to do it, I had to THINK and ACT fast as time was critical to get this done. PAY ATTENTION, do the work, LOOK IN THE MIRROR, and be the best version of YOU.