Leaders Should Sweat the Small Stuff

Almost every day we read about a CEO ouster, a logo change that backfires, or a product launch that fails to live up to its hype.

As a young sailor, I was taught how to salute properly, and how to wear my dress blues and summer whites correctly. Later, as a naval officer I was reminded regularly that details matter, and can be the difference between life and death. It should be no different in business – business leaders need to learn early to “sweat the details”.

From my more than three decades in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, it has been my experience that the reasons for most failed executions are one or more of the following:

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About the Author

Ritch K. Eich is the former Chief of Public Affairs for Blue Shield of CA and is a Captain, U.S. Naval Reserve (Ret.). He is the author of three books: Truth, Trust + Tenacity: How Ordinary People Become Extraordinary Leaders (2015); Leadership Requires Extra Innings: Lessons on Leading from a Life in the Trenches (2013); Real Leaders Don’t Boss: Inspire, Motivate, and Earn Respect from Employees and Watch Your Organization Soar (2012).

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