When to throw it away? That is the question. The other night, I was getting ready to brush my teeth, and there it was… lying on the counter… the tube of toothpaste staring at me. Who would win? I know toothpaste is left in there, but could I squeeze it all out? Who would win? The fight began… I smoothed it out with the edge of my toothbrush. I pulled it across the top edge of the counter. I even maxed out rolling it up and got a black binder clip (I remember my dad doing this) to hold. Oh, the fight. That was four days ago, and yes, I’m still squeezing some out, yet the struggle remains…

In leadership, getting the best out of others is akin to getting the last bit of toothpaste out of a tube. This can be applied to any level of an organization or even as an educator trying to get the most they can out of students. At first, it’s easy—just a gentle squeeze and you get a full portion with little or no effort. But as the tube empties and time goes on, extracting the last bit of potential takes more effort and finesse, just like getting that stubborn final bit of toothpaste.

So, the leadership tube of toothpaste connection… (think of how you tackle your own tube of toothpaste…)

Gentle Pressure, Focused Impact

Initially, toothpaste flows easily, much like how people will deliver results with general guidance. However, as with anything, relationships mature, and quality leadership has to apply a more focused, deliberate approach. Leaders must shift from giving broad directions to providing more specific guidance tailored to each individual’s strengths. It’s no longer about squeezing randomly—it’s about applying pressure strategically, knowing when to push and when to ease off. As you know, there is an art to getting the final remains out.

Maximize Efficiency

Only a little toothpaste comes out if we always squeeze near the nozzle where the cap is (I guess that is what we call it) when we use it often. Just like rolling up the toothpaste tube to push everything toward the nozzle, leaders need to help during the processes, find and eliminate inefficiencies, and optimize resources. This isn’t about working harder, but working smarter. Leaders should empower team members with the right tools, training, and opportunities for growth to unlock hidden potential. And then, please let them do their job… Trust in their abilities and empower them to take charge.

Don’t Let Anything Go to Waste

A good leader knows there’s more inside people than meets the eye, but this is done through establishing a leadership relationship and allowing an environment to work with and not for. Just like there’s always a little more toothpaste in the tube than you first thought when it gets down to the end. Sometimes, it’s about digging deeper, identifying untapped skills, finding a way to transform, and encouraging team members to stretch their capabilities.

Ultimately, leadership is about a hands-on strategy and belief in the potential of others. Like a well-squeezed tube of toothpaste, people who are guided and supported well will deliver value until the very end.

I believe I can get a few more squeezes out over the next few days. I’m going to apply pressure, fold, squeeze, and maybe put the tube in a vice grip… However, I’m drawing the line at filleting the tube open and scraping the sides…

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… X @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…