Good to Great
10 Competencies that take you from a Good Leader to Great Leader in the 3 Tier Industry
One of my first managers shared a powerful piece of advice with me and the rest of our team: "Good is the Enemy of Great." Whenever I feel like I’ve done a “good” job, I remember that quote. It serves as a reminder that being merely “good” is not enough to achieve true greatness. To reach your full potential, you must consistently exceed expectations and push beyond your comfort zones.
In the 3-tier system, leadership goes beyond simply managing processes and hitting targets. It’s about building strong, lasting relationships, fostering trust, and driving collaborative growth. Whether you’re a supplier, distributor, or retail leader, mastering these key competencies will elevate your leadership and transform your organization. Here’s is aquick checklist on how to go from good to great.
Self Awareness
Recognize your leadership style, strengths, and areas for growth, and continuously work on improving yourself.
Good: A good leader understands their strengths and challenges but may not consistently reflect on how their behavior impacts their team and partners.
Great: A great leader is deeply self-aware, actively seeking feedback from their team and partners, and adjusting their leadership style to better support collaboration and success.
Quote: "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." — Aristotle
Emotional Intelligence
Understand and manage your emotions and use empathy to connect with and support your partners.
Good: A good leader is aware of their emotions and responds appropriately but may struggle with difficult conversations or complex emotional dynamics.
Great: A great leader excels in navigating emotions—both their own and others’—to build trust, diffuse conflicts, and foster collaboration. They respond with empathy and actively listen to their partners’ concerns.
Visionary Thinking
Set a clear, inspiring vision that unites suppliers, distributors, and retailers in working toward a common goal.
Good: A good leader has a vision but may struggle to communicate it or keep everyone aligned toward long-term objectives.
Great: A great leader creates a compelling vision that motivates the entire network, aligns all partners, and drives shared growth. They constantly refine and update the vision to meet market shifts and future demands.
Communication Skills
Foster open, clear, and transparent communication across all levels, ensuring alignment and trust.
Good: A good leader communicates clearly but may miss opportunities for two-way communication or timely updates.
Great: A great leader actively listens, communicates regularly with all partners, and ensures that all stakeholders are aligned on goals, expectations, and progress. They create an open channel for feedback and discussion, ensuring everyone feels heard.
Adaptability
Be flexible and agile in responding to changes in market trends, customer demands, and regulatory shifts.
Good: A good leader can adjust to changes but may struggle when the industry or competitive landscape shifts unexpectedly.
Great: A great leader thrives in dynamic environments, adapting quickly to new information, market conditions, or shifts in consumer preferences. They remain flexible and guide their partners through uncertainty with a clear strategy.
Decisiveness
Make informed, confident decisions that keep your team and partners on track and moving forward.
Good: A good leader can make decisions but may overthink or delay action, especially in complex situations.
Great: A great leader makes decisions with clarity and confidence, trusting their data and insights while empowering their team and partners to act quickly. They avoid indecision and communicate their reasoning clearly, enabling swift execution.
Integrity
Lead with honesty, transparency, and strong ethical standards, building trust with every interaction.
Good: A good leader maintains integrity in day-to-day operations but may falter in more challenging situations.
Great: A great leader consistently demonstrates integrity, making ethical decisions even when it’s difficult. Their actions align with their values, fostering a culture of trust across the supply chain.
Empowerment
Equip your team and partners with the resources, autonomy, and confidence to succeed and innovate.
Good: A good leader provides direction but may still hold too much control, limiting autonomy.
Great: A great leader empowers their team and partners, providing the tools, training, and space to make decisions and drive results. They trust others to lead, fostering innovation and growth throughout the entire 3-tier network.
Accountability
Ensure everyone is accountable for their role in achieving shared goals, fostering a culture of responsibility.
Good: A good leader holds themselves accountable but may struggle to enforce accountability with others.
Great: A great leader establishes clear expectations, consistently holds themselves and their partners accountable, and provides constructive feedback to keep everyone on track. They maintain high standards and lead by example.
Resilience
Demonstrate perseverance and a positive outlook in the face of challenges, inspiring others to stay committed.
Good: A good leader can handle setbacks but may not always inspire their team during tough times.
Great: A great leader remains resilient through challenges, motivating their team and partners with optimism and determination. They use obstacles as opportunities for growth and guide their partners toward creative solutions.
Final Thought
In the 3-tier industry, leadership is not just about managing processes; it’s about building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating a sustainable path forward for everyone involved. By embracing these competencies, you’ll elevate your leadership, foster stronger partnerships, and drive long-term success across your supply chain.
Ready to Elevate Your Leadership?
At LTO Consulting, we specialize in empowering leaders in the 3-tier industry with the tools, strategies, and insights they need to succeed. Whether you're a supplier, distributor, or retail leader, we help you build stronger relationships, enhance your leadership skills, and drive long-term growth.
