“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
– Steve Jobs
High-achieving leaders stand out not just because of their proven results, but because of how they think. Their mindset allows them to tackle challenges, lead teams, and drive growth in ways that others might not consider. These leaders don’t get bogged down by day-to-day issues or minute details. Instead, they focus on the bigger picture, trusting their team and empowering them to handle the operational side.
Last week, I spent 2 days in Charlotte, North Carolina for the ELEVATE conference, surrounded by some of the most high-achieving leaders in the landscape industry. When I could, without it being awkward, I found myself jotting down quick notes from conversations I had. Without getting too in the weeds with the small note details I had, I left the conference with the biggest takeaway of all. The best of the best high achievers just think differently! They see growth differently! And I’m not just talking about the owners of some of the largest firms in the industry. Their influence cascades even to the senior leaders of these firms. Even these managerial role owners think beyond the day to day problems that we all experience. Quick summary – We talked about solutions, not excuses. The possibilities, not the limitations. Next year, not last year.
I won’t leave you hanging without my (5) top takeaways learned from hanging with some of the “Best Of The Best” owners, CEOs, and top team leaders!
1. Top Leaders Focus on the Big Vision, Not the Day-to-Day Problems: One of the most striking differences in how high-achieving leaders think is their ability to rise above the day-to-day issues and focus on long-term goals. While others are consumed with small operational hurdles, high achievers think in terms of vision and strategy. They spend their time planning for the future, not getting stuck in the weeds. This ability to look at the altitude view – seeing things from 10,000 feet – allows them to make decisions that move the needle on their goals and ultimately grow their organizations!
Applicable Takeaway: As a leader, it’s crucial to remember that you can’t grow if you’re caught up in all the small stuff. Delegate the details to trusted team members and focus on how you can expand the organization, build relationships, and shape the vision!
“Successful people do consistently what others do occasionally.”
2. Top Leaders Trust Their Delegated Leaders: High-achieving leaders don’t need to control every aspect of their organization – they’ve learned to trust their department heads and managers to take care of the operational side. By empowering leaders within their team, they allow themselves the freedom to think strategically and tackle the bigger issues. They understand that leadership is about creating trust and giving others the tools and autonomy to succeed. By doing this, they free themselves up to focus on growth opportunities, innovation, and setting the direction for the company.
Applicable Takeaway: Don’t try to do everything yourself. That is not where to find your value. By doing MORE. Trust your team and delegate the day-to-day operational tasks to people you trust. This gives you the bandwidth to think about the long-term future of your business or organization!
3. Top Leaders Keep a Close Eye on Capital Funds and Cash Flow: High achievers know that cash is king when it comes to organizational growth. They constantly monitor their financials and ensure that the company has enough capital to fund the next phase of growth. Whether it’s expanding services, launching new marketing campaigns, or scaling operations, they know that a business can only grow as fast as it can finance itself. They think ahead and make sure the company is financially prepared for any opportunities that come their way!
Applicable Takeaway: Always ensure you have a solid capital strategy in place. Don’t wait for a need to arise before addressing funding – plan ahead and maintain the necessary financial flexibility for growth. One of the number one reasons that organizations can’t grow, or the worst case, they go under is not due to a lack of vision, or good operations… It’s because they run out of money!
4. Top Leaders See Things in Black and White, Avoiding Overthinking the Details: High-achieving leaders tend to have a clear, no-nonsense approach to decision-making. They see things in black and white, focusing on what matters and leaving the noise behind. While many people get bogged down in the complexity and nuances of issues, these leaders make fast, effective decisions by cutting through the clutter. They know that overthinking can lead to stagnation, so they trust their instincts and move forward with confidence.
“Go as far as you can see; when you get there, you’ll be able to see further.” – Thomas Carlyle
Applicable Takeaway: Don’t waste time overthinking decisions. Trust your judgment, and focus on the larger picture. By seeing things in black and white, you avoid analysis paralysis and make faster, more confident choices.
5. Top Leaders Create and Seize Opportunities, Rather than Reacting to Problems: Where others see roadblocks, high-achieving leaders see opportunities. They have a proactive mindset, ALWAYS thinking about how they can leverage growth, technologies, or shifts in the market to their advantage. Instead of reacting to challenges as they arise, they anticipate them and are already positioning themselves for the next opportunity. This forward-thinking approach enables them to always stay ahead of the competition.
Applicable Takeaway: Shift your mindset from reactive to proactive. Look for opportunities to improve and expand – before challenges even arise. This shift allows you to stay ahead of the curve.
There is a reason the top producing organizations keep on growing, and growing QUICK, and the smaller organizations and leaders stay well, just that (small).
“You can’t solve a problem with the same thinking that created it.” – Albert Einstein
Final conclusion… The difference between a high-achieving leader and someone stuck in the grind is all about the mindset and push. When you think bigger and push harder to grow each and every day — focusing on the vision, trusting your team, managing finances strategically, and avoiding unnecessary details – you position yourself to lead at a higher level. High achievers rise above the day-to-day to keep their eyes on the bigger picture. They trust in the strengths of their team, plan ahead for growth, and make decisions with clarity and purpose.
My application – I want to grow more everyday to continuously adopt this mindset, elevate my leadership, expand my community and global impact, and drive success for both me and those under my charge.
Remember, every win matters. But to big thinkers and top achievers, it’s not about the small wins — it’s about the bigger picture – In everything they do! Stay focused and work towards your dreams, pushing harder to grow 1% every day and let the small details take care of themselves. I can’t drive this point home enough… If you’re not pushing to surround yourself with people that challenge the way you think, I can pretty much make the prediction without even talking to you that you’re struggling with a few areas of your life and leadership to grow!
“Big thinking precedes great achievement.”
– Wilfred Peterson