How to NOT Execute Your Strategy (Episode 35): Dave Brock
Dave Brock is the author of one of the absolute BEST sales leader books I have ever read… The Sales Manager Survival Guide. And, as the CEO of Partners In EXCELLENCE, he is the trusted advisor of senior executives globally. Dave is truly an expert in business growth, and in this conversation, we break down the hidden dangers of success – why so many leaders fall into complacency, how curiosity drives real strategy, and what it takes to unlock your organization’s full potential before it’s too late.
- Find the audio version on your favorite platform or go directly via RSS.com
- Watch this episode on Youtube
Three key concepts:
- Success can be a trap. Just because you’re hitting your targets doesn’t mean your strategy is still sound. Many organizations unknowingly rely on outdated approaches that were built for a different market reality. Don’t mistake momentum for relevance – what worked yesterday may be silently failing today.
- Curiosity isn’t optional – it’s strategic. The best leaders constantly ask, What’s changed? What are we missing? Curiosity drives innovation, sharpens strategy, and reveals hidden opportunities. Without it, even high-performing teams become stagnant – and blind to what’s possible.
- Complacency turns into toxicity… fast. When curiosity disappears, complacency sets in. And once results start slipping, fear-based leadership takes over – leading to blame, dysfunction, and disengagement. Staying proactive – not reactive – is the only way to break the cycle before it breaks your business.
BONUS – Leader guide: Use the following questions for (a) self-reflection as a leader and/or (b) a great discussion with your team.
1) Listen to the full episode before this discussion.
2) Dave described how success can easily turn toxic over time. Have you ever experienced this in your own life? If yes, what happened?
3) In 10 words or less, define complacency. Share your answers.
4) How do we keep success from generating complacency?
5) Dave talked about the power of asking, “What’s changed? What are we missing?” Do we ask those questions now? Why or why not?
6) Looking at our efforts now, is there anything that we are doing/not doing that is generating complacency in how we execute the strategy? What leadership advice does this generate?
7) Option: Take time right now to define exactly what following that advice looks like (the outcome(s), metrics, and requirements).
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with at least one person. And leave me a review on whatever platform you engaged this podcast. Your feedback is invaluable to me.
Holomua. Onward and upward.
All the best ~ Tim
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