Hello, Marty and David from Calm Capital here.
We're pretty sure the last thing you want is another email in your inbox telling you a better way to run your business. We promise this is no such email.
Yet, many folks ask us:
- How do I build and lead a "calm company"?
- What operational frameworks and playbooks do you use?
- What is your decision-making process?
- Why did you do it that way?
- What is influencing your thinking?
- and more...
So, instead of writing something to attract subscribers or build a wider audience, this particular newsletter is the same one that goes to our team. It's meant for them.
But we invite you to our table. Welcome. Be encouraged. Be challenged. And please, be respectful.
Past Letters
Letters to Leaders Seventeen — Carry the Standard
Hello, leaders. A few weeks ago, former Duke University and Team USA basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) sat down with the Glue Guys podcast to discuss leadership. We ask you to set aside your team affiliations and take an hour to give this a listen. Listen: https://joincolossus.com/
David Horne
Letters to Leaders Sixteen - Post Strategic Planning
Hello, leaders. Congratulations on finishing the Strategic Planning process! You invested time in self reflection and preparing well, digging deep during the strategic planning session, and leaving with a clear guide on what to do next. Nice work! But it’s just the beginning. Now comes the daily commitment to
David Horne
Leaders to Leaders Fifteen - Strategic Planning
Not too long ago, we discussed preparing for your Strategic Planning conversations. Today, we’ll continue with the actual Strategic Planning process. As we discussed last time, the value of the planning process is invaluable.
Before we dive into the details, here are a few housekeeping items.
David Horne
Letters to Leaders Fourteen - Underestimated Possibility
Hey, leaders. I know you’re awaiting part two of our Strategic Planning series. But we’re not quite ready. We hope to get something out for you soon. It’s a good time to read part one if you haven’t already. In the meantime, I thought the article from David’
Marty Balkema
Letters to Leaders Thirteen - Strategic Planning Prep
Hello, leaders. We’re getting into the strategic planning season for next year. Over the next few letters, we will delve into Calm Capital’s strategic planning process—covering preparation, planning, and post-planning strategies to elevate your business. You might think “strategic plans are a waste of time or busy
David Horne
Letter to Leaders Twelve - Cherry Pickers
Hello, Leaders. One mindset we notice in high-performing teams is that of the “cherry picker,” sometimes called a “goal hanger” or “poacher.” The “cherry picker” positions themselves in locations around the goal where they’re most likely to see scoring opportunities. These folks have a knack for being in the
David Horne
Letters to Leaders Eleven - Decision-making Cheat Sheet
Hey, leaders. Allow me to share a handy cheat sheet we use for decision-making. Some of these oppose popular belief. Heck, you may disagree with some of them. * principle > popular * patience > fomo * persistence > talent * perpetual > trendy * performance-oriented > intention * distribution > product * perceived value > actual value * focus > speed * action > ideas * clarity > insight
David Horne
Letters to Leaders Ten - Moving the Bell Curve
This is an excellent time of year to invest in a burst of deep thinking on “how you get there.” The most important aspect of achieving our goals is not…
David Horne
Letters to Leaders Nine - Two Sides of Patience
When it comes to pursuing deals and opportunities with patience, there are two sides to consider — yes and no. Both of these are important.
David Horne
Letters to Leaders: Eight - Your Advantage
Hello, leaders. Marty and I want to apologize. We have not given this email enough time and attention. We started the year with big plans for this newsletter — to help you grow yourself and the businesses you’re stewarding. The aim was to share the insights we learned and communicate
David Horne
Letters to Leaders: Seven - The Fixer
I met a veteran a few weeks ago who became known as “a fixer” throughout various units in his line of work. Immediately, my imagination pictured
David Horne
Leader to Leaders: Six - Board season
As a point of reflection on board meeting season, we want to share a little about how we approach the preparation for, facilitation of, and…
David Horne
Leaders to Leaders: Five - More right things
Peter Drucker said, “Efficiency is doing things right, effectiveness is doing the right things. We don’t take this to mean efficiency has…
David Horne
Letters to Leaders: Four - Play Your Game
A recurring theme from our conversation pertaining to all the respective businesses you lead was momentum. From new identities…
David Horne
Letters to Leaders: Three - Intuition
Marty and I thought we’d send you a quick note with an ebook we recommend checking out.
David Horne
Letters to Leaders: Two - Progress
We’re not in love with the word “desperation” but this brief article nails the importance of “progress over process”.
With everything…
David Horne
Letters to Leaders: One - Gorilla Business
All of you are leading businesses where achieving your goals requires focused execution while in a state of strategic adaptation.
David Horne