Most people trying to improve focus on what they need to start doing. But they're only working half the equation. The old habits are still running in the background, cancelling out the new ones. When you stop the behaviours working against you at the same time as starting the ones that will help you, the results don't just improve — they accelerate.

Two seeds from the same tree — one planted in a rainforest, one in a desert. Same seed, completely different result. The environment was everything. Before you blame your team for underperforming, it's worth asking an honest question: is the problem the seed, or the soil you've planted them in?

Most leadership frustrations come down to one thing: not knowing what's actually causing the underperformance. The GWC framework gives you a simple way to find out. Three questions — Do they get it? Do they want it? Are they competent? — scored out of ten. The pattern tells you exactly what conversation needs to happen next. And before you apply it to your team, apply it to yourself.