Sharpen and Drive: How to Lead 3X When Others Retreat

Wednesday, April 09, 2025

Doug Fleener's 3x Blog/Sharpen and Drive: How to Lead 3X When Others Retreat

With the tariffs, rising prices, and consumer pullback, it’s easy to get distracted. Easy to lose momentum. Easy to retreat and hope things stabilize.

There is no doubt these are challenging times, and the pressure is real for many people.

But this is exactly the kind of moment that separates those who drift from those who drive.

No matter what field you’re in—whether you’re running a store, leading a team, or building something of your own—this is not the time to hunker down. It’s the time to sharpen.

Here’s how to stay 3X focused and effective when others are pulling back:

Double Down on Daily Drivers.
Focus on the specific actions that move the needle: real conversations, real value, real progress. Track them. Celebrate them. Do more of what works.

Lead the Day—Don’t Ride It.
The most effective 3x leaders set their key impact and priorities every morning. Then, they show up with purpose and are relentless in achieving them.

Cut the Noise, Not the Impact.
Ditch distractions disguised as work. Clear your plate for what truly matters. Reclaim time for action, connection, and execution.

Use the “Let Off Steam” Moment to Refocus the Team.
When stress is high and distractions are everywhere, I lead with a simple reset technique. I gather the team and say:
“We’re going to let off steam together for two minutes—then we’re moving on to the things we can control.”


Then I reset with:
* “Here’s what matters most today.”
* “Let’s put our energy here.”
* “What actions are we taking now to have a great day?”

Especially for my friends in retail—your store is a performance machine, not a waiting room. Don’t retreat to the backroom. Be on the floor. Drive momentum. Make today matter.

Let’s sharpen and drive. You got this!

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Blog by Doug Fleener

The 3x Coach and Speaker

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617-340-9041

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