Spear or Star?

WHAT IT IS

It’s the concept that the tip of the spear, by itself, is not lethal or effective. The tip of the spear gets strength and momentum from the staff. The glue that firmly affixes it to the end of the staff is understanding, appreciation, and communication.

Most organizations are not spears, they are more like throwing stars, each point on the star has its moment while all the other points are in supporting roles, but they all have to stay aligned and balanced to be effective.

STRONG TEAMS

• Understand what everyone (individually and teams) contributes to the mission and show appreciation across the board.
• Do not make assumptions about anyone else; if they don’t know they ask.
• Realize that their role might not always be the main focus of the organization and that their greatest contribution is in supporting the main effort.
• Understand what their team contributes to the overall mission and is always in search of finding a way to "yes" and supporting everyone else within the organization.

The Formula

THE CORE EQUATION

Understanding
=
Appreciation
=
Communication
=
Teamwork

HOW IT WORKS

You cannot have true teamwork without effective communication. You cannot have effective communication without appreciating what others bring to the table. And you cannot appreciate someone until you actively seek to understand them.

Understanding

WHAT IT IS

Understanding is the foundational step. It requires you to stop making assumptions and choosing to be curious about what is important to others and how they process the world.

🔍 LEADER LENS

• Curiosity vs. Questioning: Ask questions to learn about their perspective, not to interrogate, trap, or test them.
• Acknowledge Differences: Recognize that everyone processes data, emotions, and timelines differently than you do.
• Suspend Judgment: When someone reacts unexpectedly, ask yourself, "What do they see that I am missing?"

Appreciation

WHAT IT IS

Appreciation in this context isn't just saying "thank you." It is the active realization that your team's different processing speeds, communication styles, and natural tilts are essential assets, not annoyances.

✅ GREEN FLAGS

• Recognizing when a teammate's completely different approach is exactly what a project needs to succeed.
• Creating safe space in meetings for different communication styles to shine (e.g., giving processors time to think, letting externalizers talk it out).
• Viewing pushback as valuable data rather than insubordination.

Communication

WHAT IT IS

Effective communication happens when you stop forcing others to adapt to your style and instead take responsibility for the connection.

ACTION PLAN

• Identify the Need: Ask yourself, "What does this person actually need from me right now?" (Do they need bottom-line impact, detailed clarity, emotional connection, or rigid structure?)
• Shift Your Gear: Adjust your delivery, pace, and tone to match what they need to hear, even if it feels unnatural to your default style.
• Verify: Ensure the message sent was the message received.

Know Your Customers

WHAT IT IS

A Team of Stars recognizes that every single person you interact with is a "customer" of your leadership and communication.

👥 INTERNAL CUSTOMERS

• Your peers, direct reports, and your own leaders.
• The Check: How are you serving them? Are you providing the clarity, support, and appreciation they need to be successful?

🌍 EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS

• The clients, end-users, or external partners.
• The Check: Your internal teamwork directly dictates the external customer's experience. If internal communication breaks down, the external customer pays the price.