Leadership Insights: The Power of Details

Dear Committed Leaders,

In every walk of life, from the grandest boardrooms to the humblest of workplaces, one truth remains: if people are depending on you, then you are a leader.

This month, I want to share a story from my early career that underscores the profound impact of paying attention to the smallest details and how these seemingly minor aspects can shape us into better leaders.

The Sandwich Lesson

I recall one of my first jobs in the restaurant industry, at a still very successful and growing company, Pizza Works. (I loved this job!)

During my first interview, I was asked about a task as simple as making a sandwich. The interviewer and soon to be boss, Kenny B., inquired about how I spread mayonnaise on the bread that I make for myself now.

Did I ensure it reached all the way to the edges, guaranteeing that every bite would be flavorful?? (Of Course… nobody likes a dry sandwich!)

Initially, I hadn’t considered this detail, but it struck me as significant. Kenny B. emphasized that this attention to detail was a key part of their philosophy – ensuring that every customer enjoyed their meal down to the very last bite.

This stuck with me, in every single sandwich that I made throughout my career at Pizza Works.? I envisioned myself eating the sandwich I was making.

“How would I like it?”

And the results for the customers that I served…well, they loved me??

“Success in life is founded upon attention to the small things rather than to the large things; to the every-day things nearest to us rather than to the things that are remote and uncommon.” — Booker T. Washington

This lesson transcended the task of sandwich-making. It highlighted the importance of excellence in every job, no matter how small. It was about not settling for "good enough," but striving for perfection in every aspect of our work.

Lean Principles in Action

What Kenny B. taught us was more than just a focus on detail. He unknowingly introduced us to lean principles, which became evident to me later in my career in manufacturing. Everything at Pizza Works was systematized for consistency and quality:

• Standardized Processes: Every item, from pizzas to sandwiches to sauces, followed a precise recipe and preparation method.
• Quality Control: There were specific measures for ingredients, ensuring that every dish met the same high standards.? Premeasured, prepackaged, eliminating errors down the line.
• Efficiency Systems: Checklists for every shift and task ensured nothing was overlooked, maintaining smooth operations.? Task lists, inventory, dates on last oil change, etc, everything was accounted for.

“Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do.” — Aristotle

These systems allowed even a young, inexperienced team to perform complex tasks reliably. It wasn’t about innate skill but the robust processes that guided us.

Enduring Lessons

This early experience taught me invaluable lessons that I carry with me in my career and personal life:

1. Every Detail Counts: Whether spreading mayonnaise to the edge of the bread or finalizing a major project, every detail matters.
2. Consistency is Key: Establishing and following systems ensures consistent quality and performance.
3. Lead by Example: By committing to excellence in every task, we set a standard for others to follow.

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” — Simon Sinek

Notes from "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries.

This book offers invaluable insights into creating and managing successful processes in any industry.

Here are five quick key takeaways that I thought would help our read today:

• Start Small, Learn Fast:

“The only way to win is to learn faster than anyone else.”

This emphasizes the importance of starting with small, manageable tasks and continuously learning from them.

• Build-Measure-Learn:

“The fundamental activity of a startup is to turn ideas into products, measure how customers respond, and then learn whether to pivot or persevere.”

Consistent processes and attention to detail are crucial in this iterative cycle of improvement.

• Validated Learning:

“Validated learning is the process of demonstrating empirically that a team has discovered valuable truths about a startup’s present and future business prospects.”

Reliable systems help gather data that lead to meaningful insights.

• Minimum Viable Product (MVP):

“A minimum viable product (MVP) is that version of a new product which allows a team to collect the maximum amount of validated learning about customers with the least effort.”

This concept underscores the importance of efficiency and focus on what truly matters.

• Pivot or Persevere:

“If we do not know who the customer is, we do not know what quality is.”

Consistent quality and attention to detail ensure that the end product meets customer expectations, guiding decisions to either pivot or persevere.

A Call to Excellence

No matter your position or the nature of your tasks, you have the power to positively impact those around you. Embrace the small details, strive for excellence in every action, and lead by example. These principles not only drive success in the workplace but also enrich our interactions and relationships, leaving a lasting legacy.

“How you do anything is how you do everything.” — T. Harv Eker, "Secrets of the Millionaire Mind"

The lessons instilled in me at a young age by a great leader in an entry-level job have stayed with me throughout my life. He didn't have to teach us the importance of excellence, but he did. For that, I am truly grateful, and I continue to hold these values dear today.

I now spread them to the teams that I serve, and I hope you’ll do the same!

Thanks for reading.

Committed to You, Committed to Excellence,

Coach Ryan DuBois