"I do believe that any successful business starts from the top and works its way down."

This one feels timely for a whole host of reasons on a whole bunch of different fronts and levels.

Last week I had the good fortune to be a speaker during one of our leadership programs. I shared the key pillars of who I am and how I lead, and I wrapped with a Dolly quote, naturally. I also had the opportunity to listen to what some of our most senior executives shared with the program participants during their turn on the virtual stage.? Wow! If you ever needed a shot in the arm to give you the energy and optimism to take the next hill, listening to great leaders inspire younger leaders is definitely a good way to spend a bit of time!

There’s a challenge, though, in the messages and actions of the leaders at the top. For things to be good throughout the organization, those messages and actions have to be good – that much is obvious. I think the part that most organizations struggle with is that you have to somehow maintain that level of “good” from the top of the organization all the way down. You can’t lose energy along the transmission line – which is as difficult a problem in business as it is in literal energy transmission. In fact, I’d argue that you have to increase that “good” as it trickles down through the organization. The messages have to be louder and more clear. The actions have to be more aligned and very obviously connected to state you’re headed towards. And consistency? Well let’s just say nothing can be astray of the direct line.?

Wherever and whatever you’re leading, my 4th of July (almost) challenge to you is to take the “good” you’re getting from above and turn it into “great” as you cascade it out and down.

Be like Dolly. Make sure they can hear you in the back row.