If you want great results, start by putting great people first

In Good to Great, Jim Collins reminds us that lasting success starts by “getting the right people on the bus.” It’s not just about talent — it’s about finding people whose values, purpose, and vision align with the organization.

But getting the right people is only the beginning. In Scaling People, Claire Hughes Johnson shows us that leaders must build the systems, clarity, and culture that allow those people to thrive. Without that foundation, even the most talented team will struggle to reach its potential.

And in Master Your Code, Darren Gold makes the point that the culture you create for others begins with the mindset you choose for yourself. Leaders who take ownership of their beliefs, values, and actions set the tone for the entire organization.

Why does this matter so much? Because organizations don’t achieve extraordinary results in spite of their people — they achieve them because of their people. When leaders put people first:

• Teams feel trusted and empowered, which fuels creativity and problem-solving.

• Psychological safety encourages open dialogue, innovation, and faster learning.

• Loyalty and engagement grow, reducing turnover and strengthening culture.

• The ripple effect reaches customers, partners, and the broader community.

Taken together, these ideas form a simple truth: when leaders put people first — in who they hire, the environment they build, and the way they lead themselves — they create teams that trust deeply, innovate freely, and deliver extraordinary results.

Question for you: How do you, as a leader, put people first in the way you think, act, and build your organization?