David-Alexandre "DA" Gros

As a manager, recognizing and rewarding your team for improving their skills in any area is not just beneficial, it's essential. Here’s how to effectively acknowledge and incentivize skill development: 1. Identify and acknowledge specific areas where each team member has improved. Personalized recognition directly and publicly is powerful. 2. Incorporate skill development into performance reviews to aid in compensation and promotion. This approach proves the organization values continuous learning. 3. Offer opportunities for further development. 4. Offer mentorship/leadership roles. This not only acknowledges their expertise but also leverages their skills for the development of others in the team.

In the realm of entrepreneurship, storytelling is not merely a skill but a strategic asset, especially when it comes to acing interviews. Stories woven from personal experiences, shed light on challenges and triumphs, revealing a deep-seated resilience and adaptability. When sitting across the table from potential investors, partners, customers, or employees, these narratives do more than just engage; they illustrate an entrepreneur's ability to navigate the tumultuous seas of business and are compelling evidence of an entrepreneur’s commitment, creativity, and problem-solving prowess. For entrepreneurs, mastering storytelling is not just about building a brand; it's about showcasing a mindset and tenacity indispensable for success.

In entrepreneurship, having a clear vision is not just a guiding star; it's a fundamental necessity. Vision is crucial because it shapes strategy, aligning every decision, big or small, towards a defined goal. Without this clarity, entrepreneurs risk wandering aimlessly, diluting their efforts, and potentially squandering not only their time and resources but also that of their employees and investors. A well-articulated vision thus acts as a roadmap, providing direction in the face of uncertainty and keeping the entire team aligned and motivated. It's the difference between merely floating with the tide and steering the ship towards a specific destination so that every action taken builds something meaningful, impactful, and sustainable.

Strategy is like poker in that the art of managing one's emotions is a cornerstone of success since emotions can cloud judgment, leading to suboptimal outcomes. Just as in poker, where impulsive moves driven by emotions can result in losses, strategy professionals must exercise emotional control to make calculated decisions, effectively respond to unexpected challenges, and stay on track towards achieving their strategic objectives. The ability to maintain composure under pressure and navigate complex scenarios with a steady hand is a trait that not only defines poker champions but also distinguishes exceptional strategy professionals in their field.

The crux of excelling as a strategy professional lies in fostering robust working relationships and alignment spanning from senior leadership to peers and direct reports. While it's tempting to rely on intellectual prowess, being the smartest person in the room is never enough and coping strategies only go so far. Ultimately, it's the harmonious interplay of individuals, united by a shared vision and common goals, that propels a strategy professional to thrive amidst pressure since the collective wisdom and collaboration of a team always outshines the brilliance of any individual, creating a synergy that is indispensable for navigating and overcoming complex strategic challenges.

In B-school, I read Tedlow's "Giants of Enterprise" and Koehn's "Brand New" which I believe are must-reads for aspiring entrepreneurs and ideal choices for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance in the world of business. While "Giants of Enterprise" provides a captivating historical perspective on legendary entrepreneurs like Henry Ford and Andrew Carnegie, offering timeless lessons in innovation, leadership, and resilience, "Brand New" explores the stories of history making entrepreneurs who successfully crafted influential brands, showcasing the contemporary importance of brand-building and adaptability. These books offer a rich tapestry of insights and inspiration to navigate the ever-evolving world of business and entrepreneurialism.