Accountability doesn't have to be a word that strikes fear into the hearts of new managers. In this enlightening conversation, Brent Ransom reveals how effective supervision begins with genuine human connection rather than rigid control structures.

Drawing from nearly two decades of experience in psychology and human resources, Brent shares a powerful framework for accountability that motivates rather than intimidates. The journey starts with establishing baseline expectations—a critical step many supervisors miss—and building authentic relationships with team members. As Brent explains, "Do you even ask how their dogs are doing, how their kids are doing? Do you even know their kids' names?" These connections create the foundation for meaningful accountability conversations.

Through candid personal stories, including a challenging year-long situation with a resistant employee, Brent illuminates the importance of consistency, documentation, and compassion when navigating difficult supervisory situations. His "rule of three" provides practical guidance for when and how to document performance concerns, while his insights on the delicate transition from "buddy to boss" offer valuable wisdom for newly promoted leaders.

The conversation explores practical strategies that foster a culture of accountability, including daily team briefings, regular one-on-ones, and aligning individual goals with organizational objectives. Perhaps most importantly, Brent emphasizes the need for individualized approaches: "I treat everyone on my team fairly, but not the same." This philosophy recognizes that effective leadership must adapt to the unique needs of each team member while maintaining consistent standards.

Subscribe to the Sawgrass Group Leadership Academy podcast to continue learning about effective leadership practices that build stronger teams and organizations. Visit thesawgrassgroup.com to explore upcoming Leadership 2.0 and 3.0 classes designed to elevate your leadership capabilities.

Brent Ransom and Josh Wilson explore the journey of leadership—wherever you are, from day one to the final stretch.

Brent Ransom is the Founder and CEO of The Sawgrass Group, Inc., a leadership and talent development firm. With nearly two decades of experience and expertise in psychology and HR, Brent brings deep insight into building strong leaders and teams. Together, we’ll share foundational concepts to help you grow and lead with confidence.

Find out more: https://thesawgrassgroup.com

Contact Sawgrass: [email protected]

Understanding your personality profile creates self-awareness that helps you maximize your leadership effectiveness and build complementary teams.

Talking Points:
• DISC measures four key dimensions: Dominance (direct, firm), Influence (outgoing, enthusiastic), Steadiness (patient, accommodating), and Conscientiousness (analytical, precise)
• Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to read emotional and interpersonal needs of a situation and respond accordingly
• Most people aren't fired for lack of intelligence or technical skills, but rather the inability to work effectively with others
• Reading the room and staying composed during difficult situations are hallmarks of strong emotional intelligence
• The eight components of emotional intelligence include being dynamic, outgoing, empathic, receptive, composed, objective, resolute, and self-assured
• Great leaders recognize and value team members with different DISC profiles as complementary strengths
• Diverse thinking prevents "groupthink" and leads to more comprehensive solutions
• The most effective teams include people with different DISC profiles who understand and appreciate their differences

Visit thesawgrassgroup.com to learn more about our Leadership 2.0 program and take the DISC assessment to understand your own leadership profile.

Brent Ransom and Josh Wilson explore the journey of leadership—wherever you are, from day one to the final stretch.

Brent Ransom is the Founder and CEO of The Sawgrass Group, Inc., a leadership and talent development firm. With nearly two decades of experience and expertise in psychology and HR, Brent brings deep insight into building strong leaders and teams. Together, we’ll share foundational concepts to help you grow and lead with confidence.

Find out more: https://thesawgrassgroup.com

Contact Sawgrass: [email protected]

In this episode, “20-60-20: A Leadership Strategy for Change”, Brent discusses his upcoming book "20-60-20," which reveals how effective leaders can transform organizational culture by strategically focusing on different segments of their teams. This principle shows how simple, consistent leadership behaviors can create lasting change even when facing substantial resistance.

Through colorful stories, including the unforgettable "Brass Lady" anecdote about leadership courage, Brent illustrates how consistency becomes your most powerful tool for building credibility when managing change in an organization. "People want to know if you're for real," he explains, highlighting how unwavering resolve distinguishes transformational leaders from ineffective ones. He also discusses how and when to focus on different segments of their workforce, including  ‘early adaptors’ and ‘resistors’.
 
 Whether you've inherited a dysfunctional team or simply need to pivot an established culture, this episode provides practical guidance for starting exactly where you are.

Talking Points

• Culture is a direct reflection of what leadership consistently demonstrates every day
• Effective leaders start by investing in and leveraging their supportive 20% to influence the neutral 60%
• Addressing resistors requires clear expectations, support, and sometimes making tough decisions with humanity
• Cultural change can begin at any time by starting small, being authentic about past shortcomings, and demonstrating consistent new behaviors
• Developing other leaders (Level 4 leadership) creates lasting change that extends beyond your direct influence

Brent Ransom and Josh Wilson explore the journey of leadership—wherever you are, from day one to the final stretch.

Brent Ransom is the Founder and CEO of The Sawgrass Group, Inc., a leadership and talent development firm. With nearly two decades of experience and expertise in psychology and HR, Brent brings deep insight into building strong leaders and teams. Together, we’ll share foundational concepts to help you grow and lead with confidence.

Find out more: https://thesawgrassgroup.com

Contact Sawgrass: [email protected]

Stress management is a critical leadership skill that directly impacts team performance and organizational culture. We explore how leaders can identify stress triggers in themselves and their teams while developing strategies to maintain balance in high-pressure environments.

• Understanding the impact of workplace stressors
• Recognizing warning signs of stress 
• Identifying personal stress patterns and developing self-awareness around your triggers
• Managing difficult relationships with bosses through constructive feedback and boundaries
• Embracing work-life balance as an ebb and flow rather than perfect equilibrium
• Prioritizing self-care as a leadership responsibility (putting on your own oxygen mask first)
• Creating psychological safety for team members experiencing personal challenges
• Being mindful that you may be someone's "last line of defense" during difficult times

Connect with us on LinkedIn at Sawgrass Group or visit our website at thesawgrassgroup.com to learn more about our leadership development programs.

Brent Ransom and Josh Wilson explore the journey of leadership—wherever you are, from day one to the final stretch.

Brent Ransom is the Founder and CEO of The Sawgrass Group, Inc., a leadership and talent development firm. With nearly two decades of experience and expertise in psychology and HR, Brent brings deep insight into building strong leaders and teams. Together, we’ll share foundational concepts to help you grow and lead with confidence.

Find out more: https://thesawgrassgroup.com

Contact Sawgrass: [email protected]

Self-awareness and Emotional Intelligence form the foundation of effective leadership, allowing leaders to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how they fit into the larger organizational puzzle.

• Empathy means recognizing when team members are struggling and initiating supportive conversations
• Leaders must balance empathy with productivity by focusing on helping team members be successful
• Finding mentors who excel at empathy can help those who don't naturally possess this quality
• Understanding personal triggers and stress responses is crucial for emotional self-regulation
• The number one reason people leave jobs is poor relationships with managers, not lack of technical competence
• People remember how you made them feel more than your credentials or technical expertise

Brent Ransom and Josh Wilson explore the journey of leadership—wherever you are, from day one to the final stretch.

Brent Ransom is the Founder and CEO of The Sawgrass Group, Inc., a leadership and talent development firm. With nearly two decades of experience and expertise in psychology and HR, Brent brings deep insight into building strong leaders and teams. Together, we’ll share foundational concepts to help you grow and lead with confidence.

Find out more: https://thesawgrassgroup.com

Contact Sawgrass: [email protected]

Leadership begins with the right attitude, creating the foundation for how you influence others and whether people genuinely want to follow your lead. 

Talking Points

• Attitude follows you everywhere
• Moving into leadership means transitioning from technical business to people business
• Self-awareness is critical - regularly check in with yourself about the energy you're projecting
• Control what you can control and develop strategies to maintain perspective during challenges
• The "rule of five" - you become like the five people you spend the most time with
• What you read, watch and listen to directly feeds into your attitude
• Leadership and culture are synonymous - your attitude shapes the environment around you
• People are looking for leaders worth following who provide guidance and encouragement
• Find positive mentors and be intentional about who influences you

Brent Ransom and Josh Wilson explore the journey of leadership—wherever you are, from day one to the final stretch.

Brent Ransom is the Founder and CEO of The Sawgrass Group, Inc., a leadership and talent development firm. With nearly two decades of experience and expertise in psychology and HR, Brent brings deep insight into building strong leaders and teams. Together, we’ll share foundational concepts to help you grow and lead with confidence.

Find out more: https://thesawgrassgroup.com

Contact Sawgrass: [email protected]

Brent Ransom and Josh Wilson explore the journey of leadership—wherever you are, from day one to the final stretch.

Brent Ransom is the Founder and CEO of The Sawgrass Group, Inc., a leadership and talent development firm. With nearly two decades of experience and expertise in psychology and HR, Brent brings deep insight into building strong leaders and teams. Together, we’ll share foundational concepts to help you grow and lead with confidence.

Find out more: https://thesawgrassgroup.com

Contact Sawgrass: [email protected]

A Familiar Wilson Media Production

 https://www.familiarwilsonsmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

Brent Ransom and Josh Wilson explore the journey of leadership—wherever you are, from day one to the final stretch.

Brent Ransom is the Founder and CEO of The Sawgrass Group, Inc., a leadership and talent development firm. With nearly two decades of experience and expertise in psychology and HR, Brent brings deep insight into building strong leaders and teams. Together, we’ll share foundational concepts to help you grow and lead with confidence.

Find out more: https://thesawgrassgroup.com

Contact Sawgrass: [email protected]