Success tips for business owners from one of the world’s best success coaches
Insights from Tim Grover's book Relentless
Tim Grover's "Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable" offers a powerful blueprint for anyone aiming to achieve extraordinary success. As a business owner, the principles laid out in this book can profoundly impact your leadership style and your company's success. In this article, we uncover the core principles of "Relentless" and provide practical examples to help elevate your leadership.
Your Leadership Standard: The Cleaner Mindset
Tim Grover categorises achievers into three groups:
Coolers
Closers, and
Cleaners
The standard for successful business leadership is the Cleaner. They are the elite operators who deliver results, no matter the circumstances. They are relentless, and driven by an internal standard of excellence.
Cleaner Principle 1: Trust Your Instincts
Cleaners trust their instincts and act decisively. In business, this means trusting your experience, decision-making processes and instincts, when making decisions - even when they go against conventional wisdom or others’ opinion.
Example: Imagine you’re considering a risky investment in a new technology. Data may show it's a gamble, but your instinct, informed by years of industry experience, tells you it's the future. Trust your instinct, do your due diligence, but be prepared to make bold moves.
Cleaner Principle 2: Be Obsessed with Improvement
Relentless leaders are never satisfied with the status quo. They constantly seek ways to improve themselves and their company. This relentless pursuit of improvement and excellence drives innovation and keeps businesses successful.
Example: Implement a culture of continuous improvement in your business. Encourage your team to bring new ideas to the table and regularly review and refine processes. This could involve setting up a professional development program for all staff, regular brainstorming sessions or innovation workshops to foster creativity and improvement.
Cleaner Principle 3: Do the Work That Others Won’t
Cleaners are willing to put in the work that others shy away from. This means going the extra mile to sharpen your knowledge and skills and doing more than others are willing to achieve success.
Example: If your company faces a significant challenge, lead by example. Roll up your sleeves and dive into the problem alongside your team. Your willingness to tackle tough tasks will inspire your employees and demonstrate your commitment to the company’s success.
Cleaner Principle 4: Stay Focused Under Pressure
Pressure is inevitable in business, especially for leaders. Cleaners thrive under pressure, manage their emotions, maintain focus and make clear, decisive actions even in the most challenging situations.
Example: Develop stress management techniques that work for you, whether it’s mindfulness, exercise, or other strategies. Share these techniques with your team to help them manage pressure effectively. During high-stress periods, ensure you’re visible and composed, setting a calm example for your team to follow.
Cleaner Principle 5: Own Your Results
Cleaners take full responsibility for their actions and results, both good and bad. This ownership fosters accountability and drives continuous improvement.
Example: If a project fails, don’t point fingers. Study what went wrong, learn from the mistakes, and take responsibility as the leader. This approach will build a culture of accountability and encourage your team to take ownership of their roles.
Cleaner Principle 6: Out-focus Everyone
Focussed and disciplined work is a non-negotiable for Cleaners. They refuse to be distracted by unimportant tasks. Their focus and work ethic set them apart and ensure they are always prepared to seize opportunities.
Example: Set a high standard for yourself and your team. Model an approach to disciplined and focussed work. Share your personal habits and strategies with the team. Show them that you are willing to do what it takes to do great work, and they will be motivated to follow suit.
Cleaner Principle 7: Relentlessly Pursue Your Goals
Cleaners have a laser-like focus on their goals and will not be deterred. They build daily habits and routines that help them move toward their goals. This relentless pursuit ensures they achieve their objectives.
Example: Define clear, measurable goals for your business and outline the daily habits needed to achieve them. Break these goals down into actionable steps and regularly track your progress. Celebrate small wins to maintain momentum and keep your team motivated.
Cleaner Principle 8: Surround Yourself with the Best People
Cleaners surround themselves with top performers who share their commitment to excellence. Building a team of high performers creates a culture of success and relentless pursuit of growth.
Example: Hire individuals who demonstrate not only the required skills but also the attitude and work ethic of a Cleaner. Invest in their development and create an environment where they can thrive. Recognise and reward high performance to reinforce the behaviour you want to see.
Cleaner Principle 9: Keep Pushing the Limits
Cleaners are never satisfied with past successes. They continually push the limits to achieve more and set new growth goals and standards.
Example: Regularly challenge your team to push beyond their comfort zones. Set ambitious targets and encourage innovative action and thinking. Provide opportunities for professional growth and development to help your team members reach their full potential.
Implementing Relentless Principles in Your Business
Set a Clear Vision: Establish a compelling vision for your business that inspires and motivates your team. Ensure that every decision and action aligns with this vision.
Lead by Example: Demonstrate the qualities of a Cleaner through your actions. Show your team that you are committed to the same high standards, daily habits and pursuit of excellence that you expect from them.
Foster a Growth Mindset: Encourage a culture of learning and development. Provide opportunities for your team to enhance their skills and knowledge, and create an environment where innovation is celebrated.
Maintain High Standards: Set and uphold high standards for yourself and your team. Hold everyone accountable for their performance and foster a culture of support and excellence.
Stay Resilient: Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Maintain your focus and composure under pressure, and encourage your team to do the same.
Celebrate Successes: Recognise and celebrate the achievements of your team. Acknowledge their hard work and dedication, and use successes as motivation to keep growing.
From Good to Great to Unstoppable
Tim Grover’s "Relentless" provides invaluable insights for business owners striving to achieve extraordinary success. By embracing the Cleaner mentality and implementing these principles, you can elevate your leadership, foster a culture of relentless improvement, and drive your business to new heights.
Remember, the journey from good to great to unstoppable is not easy, but with relentless commitment and focus, you can achieve it.
