Growth Requires the Courage to Question the Way You've Always Done It.
Just because something worked before doesn't mean it is still working.
Experience builds confidence, but it can also create attachment to familiar methods. When the environment changes or results fall short, do you adjust - or keep doing what you've always done?
The result of resisting change? Stagnation disguised as consistency.
Adapt Your Approach, Not Your Standards
While watching ESPN Original docuseries “Saban” I was reminded that even successful leaders must be willing to question their approach.
During his time at Michigan State, Coach Nick Saban sought guidance from Dr. Lionel Rosen when he recognized the need to change how he motivated and communicated with his players. One important lesson was to separate a player's behavior from their identity. Instead of making criticism personal, focus on the behavior that needs to improve.
That distinction matters. Telling someone they are a failure attacks who they are. Identifying a behavior that needs to change gives them something specific to work on.
Coach Saban's evolution also helped shape his process-driven approach: focus on preparation, execution, and the next play rather than becoming consumed by the outcome. His standards remained demanding, but he became more intentional about how he helped players meet them.
Leaders must examine whether their methods are helping people improve or getting in the way.
In my years of coaching, I learned that establishing high standards is only part of the responsibility. How you communicate, teach, provide feedback, and respond to individuals matters, too.
In my work with leaders and coaches, we often discuss what happens when their approach isn't reaching the people they lead. Repeating the same message louder isn't necessarily the answer. Sometimes, the solution is to teach differently, ask better questions, or listen more carefully.
I remind them that adapting their approach doesn't mean compromising their standards.
Protect Your Principles. Question Your Methods.
A strong process allows for improvement without compromising standards. Evaluate what's working, identify what needs to change, test a better approach, and assess the results.
Your principles provide direction. Your standards define expectations. Your attention helps you recognize when your approach is no longer serving the goal.
Consistency matters, but consistency without reflection can keep you repeating the same mistakes.
Growth requires the willingness to ask: Is this still working?
Coach Druzz's Reflection
What am I doing simply because it works—or because it's familiar?
What worked before that may no longer work today?
What would I change if I were starting again?
This Week's Practice: Evaluate. Adjust. Improve.
1. Evaluate. Identify one method or routine. Is it producing the results you need?
2. Adjust. Determine what needs to change without abandoning the standards that matter.
3. Assess. Try a different approach. Pay attention to the results, learn from them, and refine your process.
You don't have to change everything. You do have to remain willing to change what isn't working.
Great leaders aren't defined by their unwillingness to change. They are defined by their commitment to getting better.
Are you a leader or coach looking to strengthen your approach, build a stronger culture, and help the people you lead reach their potential? I’d welcome a conversation about how I can help you develop the standards and processes that drive growth and sustained performance. Reach out to me at https://www.cathyandruzzi.com/contact to start the conversation.
The Standard Is the Difference.
Raise Your Standard.
Coach Druzz
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