In the latest episode of The Rundown with Ramon, executive leadership consultant Justin Winstead, challenges all professionals to stop being average. In the conversation with small business expert, Ramon Ray, publisher of ZoneofGenius.com.

Justin says there’s three types of people:

• People who DRAIN others and are takers.
• People who COAST and just exist in life, or business or in a community.
• People who ADD VALUE, improve others lives others.

Justin Winstead’s book, “Become an Improver: A Guidebook for Growth and Impact,” (Kindle version here) offers valuable insights that can transform the way entrepreneurs approach their personal and professional lives. Let’s dive into the key concepts and how they apply to your entrepreneurial journey.

Watch the interview below, or here. Listen to the interview on our podcast here (and subscribe).

The Improver Spectrum: Where Do You Stand?

As an entrepreneur, you’re likely familiar with the concept of growth. But have you considered where you fall on the Improver Spectrum? Winstead introduces this concept to help us understand our current state and potential for improvement. Are you actively seeking ways to enhance yourself and your environment, or are you stuck in a cycle of maintenance or even decline?

Take a moment to reflect on your recent actions. Have they been geared towards growth, or have you been merely treading water? Recognizing your position is the first step towards becoming a true Improver.

Six Core Areas of Improvement for Entrepreneurs

Winstead identifies six core areas where we can focus our improvement efforts. As an entrepreneur, each of these areas presents unique opportunities:

1. Things: How can you optimize your processes, tools, and physical environment?
2. Ideas: Are you continuously learning and innovating in your industry?
3. Self: What personal skills or traits can you develop to become a better leader?
4. Others: How can you better support and develop your team members?
5. Teams: Are you fostering a collaborative and high-performing company culture?
6. Leaders: How can you improve your leadership style and inspire others?

By focusing on these areas, you can create a holistic approach to improvement that touches every aspect of your business.

The Daily High Five: Building Habits for Success

Success in entrepreneurship often comes down to daily habits. Winstead’s “Daily High Five” provides a practical framework for incorporating improvement into your routine:

1. Show Thanks: Express gratitude to your team, partners, and customers.
2. Grow Healthy: Prioritize your physical and mental well-being.
3. Be on Purpose: Align your daily actions with your long-term vision.
4. Be Accountable: Take responsibility for your decisions and outcomes.
5. Serve Others: Look for opportunities to add value to those around you.

By consistently practicing these five habits, you’ll create a positive ripple effect that extends from your personal life to your business operations.

Setting FAST Goals for Your Business

As an entrepreneur, goal-setting is crucial. Winstead introduces the concept of FAST goals:

• Front-and-Center: Keep your goals visible and top-of-mind.
• Accountability-Based: Share your goals with others who can hold you accountable.
• Specific: Define clear, measurable objectives.
• Time-Bound: Set deadlines to create urgency and track progress.

Implement FAST goals in your business planning to drive focused action and measurable results.

Balancing Natural Purpose and Divine Purpose

Winstead delves into the concept of purpose, distinguishing between natural purpose (our innate talents and interests) and divine purpose (our higher calling or mission). As an entrepreneur, aligning your business with both can lead to profound fulfillment and success.

Consider how your venture aligns with your natural abilities and how it serves a greater purpose. This alignment can provide the motivation and resilience needed to overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship.

The Input-Output Cycle: Maximizing Your Impact

Understanding the relationship between what you put into your business and what you get out of it is crucial. Winstead’s Input-Output Cycle emphasizes the importance of quality inputs—be it knowledge, resources, or effort—to achieve desirable outputs.

As an entrepreneur, audit your inputs. Are you investing in the right areas? Are you surrounding yourself with the right people and information? Optimizing your inputs can lead to exponential improvements in your outputs.

Integrity: The Cornerstone of Entrepreneurial Success

Winstead emphasizes the importance of integrity in leadership. He introduces the concept of “Integrity Red Alerts”—situations that may tempt us to compromise our values. As an entrepreneur, being aware of these potential pitfalls is crucial.

Develop a strong ethical framework for your business. When faced with difficult decisions, use Winstead’s “Improver Mindset Checker” to ensure you’re staying true to your principles while pursuing success.

Conclusion: Embracing the Improver Mindset

Becoming an Improver is not a destination but a journey. As an entrepreneur, adopting this mindset can lead to continuous growth, both personally and professionally. By focusing on the six core areas of improvement, practicing the Daily High Five, setting FAST goals, and maintaining integrity, you can transform yourself and your business.

Remember, the goal is not perfection but progress. Embrace the challenges, learn from setbacks, and celebrate the small wins along the way. As you become an Improver, you’ll not only enhance your own life but also positively impact your team, your customers, and your entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Are you ready to become an Improver? The journey starts now.