Leadership Lessons from the Deli Counter

Great management isn’t limited to the boardroom.

After a workout, I treat myself to a sandwich from a local deli—not just because it’s delicious, but because the place runs like a leadership clinic.

The manager leads with clarity and purpose. He encourages questions, ensures the team understands not just what to do but why, and runs daily huddles to sync with the owner and team. Everyone—from new hires to customers—is treated with respect, clarity, and care.

It’s a real-world example of the people-first leadership we coach at Nexus: clear communication, managing up effectively, shared values, and daily accountability. These aren’t “nice to haves”—they’re the foundation of effective leadership in any industry.

Honestly, I’d love to bring a group of our middle managers here—not just for the sandwich, but for the real-time case study in action. Sometimes, the best leadership training happens far from a boardroom.

#Leadership #mining #construction #manufacturing #HR