In leadership—and in life—words carry weight.
At Strong Automotive, we realize our company theme for 2026 is critical to continued growth: Messaging Matters because every message shapes outcomes. But here’s the challenge: Do we tell people what they WANT to hear, or what they NEED to hear?
The truth is, growth rarely comes from comfort. As author James Clear reminds us, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” Systems – processes, if you will – thrive on honesty, not flattery. Telling someone what they want to hear may feel good in the moment, but telling them what they need to hear builds resilience, clarity, and progress.
The colorful mural outside of my office says it best: ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING. That attitude must include openness to hard truths. Parallel to attitude, our core values—Self, Team, Respect, Optimize, Nurture, Grow—demand accountability. Respect means candor. Nurture means guiding with empathy, even when the message is tough. Growth means embracing feedback that stretches us beyond the easy path.
As Simon Sinek puts it, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” Sometimes that care looks like encouragement; other times, it’s a reality check that sparks improvement. The balance between WANT and NEED isn’t about choosing one—it’s about delivering both with integrity and purpose.
In 2026, our commitment is to messages that move people forward. Because when messaging matters, progress follows.