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Leadership Training - June 2026 Responses
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 would 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?
We polled several Silver Fox Advisors, and below are some recommendations on what James’s possible next steps should be:
- James needs to confront Barry to address the situation and express his issues, concerns, and feelings. If he doesn’t, the situation likely will get worse and will turn out badly for all.
- Some of the blame here is on James’ shoulders in that he should not be so open about ideas, as nearly everyone usually only has their own best interests at heart.
- James should meet with the Company’s owner, make him/her aware of the situation, and ask for direction to help James become a better leader himself in the future. It is usually hard for someone to say no when you ask for help.
- One suggestion was to feed Barry a really bad idea, and if he offers that idea up and it doesn’t go over well, then maybe Barry will get the message. That might be a good suggestion when you are playing tit for tat, but that approach doesn’t necessarily demonstrate a positive characteristic of a good leader and could fuel or even create a more difficult situation (be careful if you play that game).
- Generally, in the long game, Barry’s techniques will surface, and Barry will be one that is shown in a bad light.
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.
