Articles

Leadership Training/Mentoring Corner - June Situation

THE LEADERSHIP TRAINING/MENTORING CORNER

In the August 2025 Newsletter, we started a series called “The Leadership/Mentoring Corner” in which we posed a thought-provoking situation for you to think about and put yourself into, asking yourself, “What are your next steps?” 

JUNE LEADERSHIP SITUATION

James is employed as a sales executive with a very successful small business that sells business office equipment (computers, phones, copiers, etc.). James just got his best friend and college roommate, Barry, a job with the same small business James works for.  

James and Barry would talk shop after business hours, when they would get together for drinks or attend a social outing. During these conversations, they exchange thoughts and ideas and often come up with a potential solution regarding an issue in the office.

In a recent company management meeting, Barry offered up comments regarding an issue that was being discussed and offered up a solution as his idea, when in reality, James had come up with the solution during one of James’ and Barry’s after-hours gatherings. James was upset that Barry would do something like that, but didn’t share his feelings with Barry.

A month or so after this incident, the exact same thing happened again, and this time the company’s owner praised Barry in the meeting for being very creative and added that the company needed more employees like Barry.  

What should James’ next steps be?

Please provide us with a brief write-up of what James’ next steps should be? Send your write-up to Lynn Rosado at [email protected] 

In our July 2026 Newsletter, a team of Silver Fox Advisors will provide responses to what he or she would have recommended to James that he should do based on the situation detailed above.

If you need assistance in becoming a better leader, I recommend you start by contacting the Silver Fox Advisors. Silver Fox Advisors are former or present business owners themselves, and they have leadership experience in running a business, and in some cases several businesses, and have dealt with unforeseen and unplanned situations throughout their careers. We encourage you to visit our website at www.silverfox.org to select a Silver Fox Advisor and also to learn more about the Silver Fox Advisors, as well as our great programs and community outreach endeavors.