In our last edition, we explored a powerful truth: Great organizations don’t stumble into success—they design it. As the year winds down, we reflected on how the future is shaped by intention. That design begins with a plan rooted in purpose, driven by vision, and executed with discipline. If you missed it, now’s a great time to revisit those insights at 3SixtyManagementServices.com as we build momentum into the new year.
In this edition, I want to shift the spotlight back to what truly drives every great organization: its people. I know—in a world buzzing about artificial intelligence, algorithms, and automation, this might sound old school. But here’s the reality: no technology, no tool, no trend can replace the power of a committed, inspired, and well-led team.
While AI might optimize processes, it’s people who build trust, spark innovation, and close deals. They are the heartbeat of culture, the architects of strategy, and the ones who turn vision into reality.
My belief that people are our greatest asset isn’t just a leadership mantra—it’s a conviction rooted in one of my favorite passages from history. In his 1910 speech Citizenship in a Republic,Theodore Roosevelt delivered a timeless reminder of where true value lies:
“It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena…”
This excerpt—famously known as The Man in the Arena—celebrates those who dare, who strive, who show up with grit and heart. It’s a tribute to the doers, the builders, the leaders who face challenges head-on and keep moving forward.
That’s who your people are. They are in the arena every day—making calls, solving problems, leading teams, and pushing toward goals that matter.
So, as you plan for the year ahead, ask yourself:
• How are you equipping your people to thrive in the arena?
• What culture are you building to support their courage and resilience?
• Are you recognizing the effort, not just the outcome?
Let’s lead with intention. Let’s invest in the people in the arena who make it all happen.
Rebuilding the Bridge: People First in 2026
Over the past few years, uncertainty has taken its toll. And too often, the first casualty has been the training and development of our greatest asset—our people. It’s the first cut, the deepest wound, and the slowest to heal.
That’s why I believe 2026 must be the year we reverse that trend. Our people are not just important—they are essential. They deserve our priority, our investment, and our focus.
Disciplined Approach: Develop Leaders, Elevate Talent
If we want to build the best, the brightest, and the most informed professionals in our industry, we must treat leadership development as a strategic imperative—not a luxury. The past few years have seen training and development take a backseat. It’s often the first cut and the slowest to return. That must change.
In 2026, our competitive edge will come from how well we mentor, educate, and prepare our people to lead—not just today, but into the future.
Here’s what a disciplined approach to leadership development looks like:
• Leadership Alignment: Leaders must model the mindset of continuous learning and intentional growth.
• Mentorship Culture: Create systems where experience is passed down, and emerging leaders are coached to rise.
• Hiring for Potential: Seek out individuals with the curiosity and character to grow into leadership roles.
• Performance Development: Go beyond evaluation—invest in education, feedback, and stretch opportunities.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Equip leaders to navigate change with clarity, confidence, and composure.
Disciplined development is the bridge between potential and performance. It’s how we turn promising individuals into industry-defining leaders.
A strategic business plan must include more than vision and execution—it must include a commitment to building leaders. We’ve talked before about how disciplined people with disciplined thought create world-class organizations through disciplined action. Now, we must apply that same principle to leadership development.
Because the future belongs to those who prepare their people to lead it.
From Vision to Legacy: The Discipline That Builds Leaders
Disciplined action is the bridge between vision and results—it’s what turns good intentions into great outcomes.
A business plan isn’t just a document—it’s a living strategy. It must include:
• A Strategic Vision that inspires
• A Tactical View that guides execution
• A Disciplined Approach that ensures follow-through
We’ve talked in past newsletters about how disciplined people with disciplined thought can build world-class organizations through disciplined action. Now it’s time to apply that same rigor to the development of our people—not just as contributors, but as future leaders. Because when we invest in our people—when we mentor, educate, and elevate them—we don’t just build businesses; we build legacies.
A Strategic Investment in People
If 2026 is the year we recommit to our greatest asset—our people—then leadership development must be more than a goal. It must be a strategy.
And that’s exactly why our commitment to leadership development isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a strategic investment. To build those legacies, we must equip our people with the skills, insights,
and support they need to lead with confidence and clarity.
That’s why we offer training workshops. This newsletter is not a sales pitch, but a way to give back. I’ve always believed that if you can leave things a little better than you found them, you’ve made a meaningful contribution. These workshops are designed to do just that: equip leaders with practical tools to elevate their teams and strengthen their organizations.
Our training workshops are designed to motivate and develop your people to optimize outcomes. These sessions go beyond theory—they equip leaders with the tools, mindsets, and skills to thrive in today’s dynamic workplace.
Core Workshop Topics Include:
• Leadership Roles for the Supervisor – Embrace the multifaceted responsibilities of effective leadership
• The Value of Appropriate Feedback – Give feedback that drives growth and accountability
• Communication Skills – Master listening and questioning techniques
• Presentation Skills – Deliver messages that resonate and inspire
• Handling Objections – Navigate resistance with clarity and confidence
• Planned Goals and Organizational Alignment – Set goals that align with purpose and drive performance
• Coaching – Lead improvement conversations that empower and uplift
• Delegation – Understand the stages and benefits of effective delegation
• Succession Planning – Build your bench and prepare future leaders
Most Popular Workshops:
• Why Values Matter
• High Performance Selling
• Balanced Leadership
Tighten the Lug Nuts isn’t just a book—it’s a living, breathing workbook. It’s filled with real-world insights and practical exercises that bring these leadership concepts to life. Whether used in workshops or one-on-one coaching, it’s a powerful tool for developing leaders at every level.
Start Your Day with The Leadership Library Podcast:
This podcast delivers practical leadership tips based on decades of experience. Each episode offers proven strategies—not textbook theory—and is designed for busy professionals who want quick, relevant insights.
Unlike other podcasts, Rocky shares real lessons from his 40+ years in leadership. For example, simple acts of kindness can boost morale and productivity—and that’s just one of many takeaways you’ll find.
Available on all major podcast platforms, The Leadership Library is your go-to resource for daily inspiration and actionable leadership advice.
Visit us for more on this topic—and to explore our Leadership and Sales Workshops, Keynote Speaking Topics, and Podcast—visit TightenTheLugNuts.com. It all starts with the Amazon Best Seller, Tighten The Lug Nuts—the foundation of our message and mission.
LOOKING TO BOOK A SPEAKER FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT?
Let’s work together. I am a practitioner as well as an educator and motivator, and an experienced senior leader and CEO with over 45 years of boots-on-the-ground experience. I led one of the largest rebranding initiatives in franchising history – The UPS Store, revolutionizing the $9 billion retail shipping and business services market.
I believe that none of us can achieve success without some help along the way. For each of us, there is a person, a mentor, who we are grateful towards and who can help us get to where we aspire to be. Sharing stories and experiences as a speaker is a way of recognizing the value of these experiences and giving back to the next generation of leaders. It also is a way of demonstrating in words and deed the value I am placing in mentorship. As for me, I have been fortunate to have worked with and mentored by some incredibly special people, and none more incredible than Coach John Wooden.
“Rocky was the Keynote Speaker at our FragilePak Connect Conference. His presentation on Balanced Leadership was educational, informative, and delivered with great energy and enthusiasm. We especially appreciated Rocky attending the conference to learn more about who we are, what we stand for and what we are trying to accomplish as a team. He received a 4.9 score on our survey and the following comments best represent the overall comments.”
“He was the best speaker and had useful life tips”
“Fantastic”
“Amazing”
Rick Schad / VP FP Certified Providers Network
FragilePak
I have broad experiences to share that can help others as they grow and take on new challenges. During my time as president of UPS Supply Chain Solutions, I integrated over 20 acquisitions that became UPS Supply Chain Solutions. I steered UPS’s entry into the health care industry and created the mantra, “It’s a patient, not a package. ®” With the ability to see a clear vision of the changing business landscape, the passion to develop strategies, tactics, and metrics to drive desired results, and the passion to develop the Best, The Brightest, Most Informed, and Best People in the industries they serve.
Please give me a call today at 610-322-0720 or email at
[email protected]
THE LEADERSHIP LIBRARY PODCAST SEASON 8
Looking for quick morning leadership advice in under 5 minutes?
Check out Rocky’s leadership library podcast.
https://tightenthelugnuts.com/podcasts
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: WHAT IS TEAM BUILDING?
For more information visit our website https://www.3sixtymanagementservices.com/. My book,
Tighten The Lug Nuts, will also serve as a workbook for these important topics and discussions.
Read my latest Forbes article:
TIGHTEN THE LUG NUTS: THE PRINCIPLES OF
BALANCED LEADERSHIP
Looking to become a better leader or get noticed at your job? Buy Rocky’s best selling book:
Visit our website, https://3sixtymanagementservices.com, as well as my book, Tighten The Lug Nuts, for additional information.
Contact me at: [email protected].
Have a leadership question for Rocky? EMAIL ROCKY TODAY
For more information or to book Rocky at your next event visit our website at https://3sixtymanagementservices.com
Our Sales Training Workshop Includes Classroom Training and Actual On Road Training as we spend a day with each sales professional.
