This past week, I had the privilege of hearing Hall of Fame college football coach Lou Holtz speak on leadership and life. During his talk, Coach Holtz shared three critical questions that people will consistently ask about their leaders:
- Can they trust you?
- Are you committed to excellence?
- Do you care about them?
These questions resonate far beyond football and leadership—they’re a framework for living a life of purpose and building meaningful relationships. As we step into 2025, reflecting on these questions can set the tone for an extraordinary year. Here’s how you can embrace these principles, with real-world examples to guide you.
1. Trust: The Foundation of All Success
Trust is the bedrock of all great relationships, whether at work, in your community, or within your family. People need to believe that you’ll do what you say you’re going to do and that your intentions are genuine.
Example: Consider Sara, a mid-level manager who turned her struggling team into one of the highest-performing groups in her company. How did she do it? She built trust by consistently following through on her promises and owning her mistakes. When a major project ran into unexpected challenges, Sara didn’t deflect blame or offer excuses. Instead, she rallied her team, took accountability, and worked alongside them to find solutions. Her transparency and reliability earned her team’s loyalty and respect.
Now, reflect on yourself: Do your actions align with your words? Are you dependable? Building trust starts with keeping your commitments and showing people that you’re trustworthy, even in difficult situations.
2. Commitment to Excellence: Striving for More
Excellence isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistently seeking to improve and refusing to settle for mediocrity. Leaders and high-achievers who prioritize excellence set a standard that inspires everyone around them.
Example: Look at David, a small business owner who’s built a thriving company in a competitive industry. David’s secret? He constantly evaluates his processes and encourages his team to find better ways of doing things. When others in his field stuck with “good enough,” David introduced cutting-edge tools, streamlined operations, and invested in employee training. His commitment to doing things the right way and striving for better results elevated his business and motivated his team to follow suit.
Ask yourself: Are you consistently finding ways to improve? Do you put in the effort to do things right, even when it’s hard? Excellence requires discipline, focus, and a willingness to push beyond your comfort zone.
3. Genuine Care: People Over Profits
The best leaders and individuals understand that relationships are built on care and connection. When people feel valued and respected, they’re more likely to give their best effort and stay loyal.
Example: Think about Michelle, a director at a non-profit organization. Michelle makes it a point to know her team members on a personal level. She asks about their families, celebrates their successes, and supports them during tough times. Recently, when one of her employees faced a family emergency, Michelle didn’t hesitate to provide flexible work arrangements and emotional support. Because of her genuine care, her team is deeply invested in the organization’s mission and goes above and beyond to achieve its goals.
Now, ask yourself: Do the people around you know that you care? What have you done recently to show appreciation or support? Caring about others means putting in the time and effort to prioritize their well-being, not just their output.
Answering the Big Three in 2025
As you prepare for 2025, take a moment to reflect on these three questions. What would your family, friends, peers, and employees say about you? Are your intentions selfless, and do you do what you say you’re going to do? Are you committed to doing things the right way and finding ways to improve? And finally, do you genuinely care about the people in your life?
If your answers aren’t a resounding “Yes,” this is your opportunity to make changes. Commit to becoming the person who embodies trust, excellence, and care. By doing so, you’ll not only elevate yourself but also inspire and uplift those around you. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, connection, and extraordinary achievements.