Episode 27 (101) High-Performing Behaviors: The Power of Elite Members (11:34) Companies Are Stretched in the Middle

Welcome to the ChairLife podcast with Tom Cuthbert. As a CEO, coach, and Vistage Master Chair, Tom shares insights, strategies, and tools to help you build a successful Chair practice where mission and purpose intersect with a balanced work life. This is your guide to leading with impact while living with intention. In this episode, Tom kicks off a 12-week series on high-performing behaviors, focusing on the power of elite members, and addresses challenges companies face in mid-level management. Let’s dive in. The Power of High-Performing Behaviors Tom quotes NBA coach Phil Jackson: “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team,” linking it to Vistage’s success. High-performing groups depend on elite members committed to shared values and trust. Vistage supports Chairs with speakers, but members drive group excellence. This 12-week series addresses rate increases, showcasing high-performing behaviors as value justification. Why High-Performing Behaviors Matter Tom explains the dual importance of focusing on member excellence, referencing Culture by Design by David Friedman. High-performing members elevate meetings, one-to-ones, and inter-meeting interactions, increasing value. Annual rate hikes (e.g., 2025) prompt questions; high-performing groups provide the best response. Episode 9 offers an overview of these behaviors’ impact. Cultivating High-Performing Behaviors Tom outlines steps for Chairs to model and inspire elite membership, starting with self-reflection. Self-Reflection: Assess personal commitment (e.g., enthusiasm, accountability) as members watch and discuss your actions. Challenge Members: Ask questions like “How can I improve?” or “How am I holding others back?” in one-to-ones and meetings. Avoid Mediocrity: Push for growth in companies, people, and community investment. Model Excellence: Demonstrate behaviors to inspire members to elevate the group. Tom’s Tips & Tricks: Companies Are Stretched in the Middle Tom addresses mid-level management strain, offering Vistage solutions to support Chairs and CEOs. Challenges: Companies face stretched middle management due to talent shortages and overload. Impact: Low engagement and high turnover disrupt operations. Solution: Leverage Vistage’s Emerging and Advancing Leader Groups to develop mid-level talent. Benefits: Strengthens company bench strength and retention. Action: Encourage CEOs to invest in mid-level leaders through Vistage programs. Conclusion Thank you for tuning into ChairLife. Cultivate high-performing behaviors to build elite groups and address mid-level challenges with Vistage solutions. Reflect on one personal improvement and discuss a mid-level development plan with a CEO. See you next time. Resources Explore these resources to support your Vistage Chair practice: www.tomcuthbert.com www.chairlifepodcast.com www.tomcuthbert.com/highperforming https://www.tomcuthbert.com/blog/2018/6/27/companies-break-in-the-middle www.amazon.com/Give-Take-Helping-Others-Success/dp/0143124986 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B7L-gmrSBGi7xczAN-udd7nuQ5CwpE4mCJgy1w1Cc4Y/edit?usp=sharing