Template for Practicing the Hotshot Rule

Print this if you’d like a literal guide to practice the Hotshot Rule. It’s a great way to get started. Make it your own, share with others. This started as a quarterly exercise, then became monthly, then weekly, because it was so easy and actionable and impactful!

Intention:

Set the intention of being the very best ________________.

(wife, husband, leader, salesperson, friend, dad, etc.). 

Reflection:

Take 10 minutes to think. Imagine your ‘HOTSHOT’. This is a combination of the most technical talent, an amazing leader, etc. that you can think of. It can be a fictional combination of the best skills or a blend of actual leaders or people you have known and been impressed with. I like to think of it as a Mr. or Mrs. Potatohead of awesomeness. It can simply be someone you admire.

Now imagine they take over your job tomorrow. You are gone. No time to hire or fire that person. No time to have that chat give thought about for months. No time to send that email that’s moved on your to-do list times. 

Think about them on their first day. They’re at your desk, seeing your work, meeting your customers, team, family, etc. (whatever is applicable based on the role you chose above for this exercise).  Don’t let this intimidate or depress you - let it inspire you. See it as a guide.

Remember. Even though things are so much better (to you) than they were on your first day than the last few years, etc.—humans are blinded by our own progress. Because we make improvements and have success, whatever is our current state is put into the perspective of how much worse it was or could be, which often diminishes a sense of urgency, prioritization, and action. But the reality is, if a new person, and an awesome one at that l, came in—they would see it as the worst it will ever be. Day 1. “Only up from here.”

What do they see/ hear? 

If you are objective and candid...What is one thing (only one), first thing, that they will immediately improve—because they have fresh eyes?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The question is — why can’t that be you? Of course, it can be. 

Action:

Now take action. Make that call, address that issue, etc. immediately. Just like that hotshot would on their first day/week etc. 

Vulnerability:

Now share what you thought of and what you did with your team. Acknowledge how you realized you needed to just do it. This can be one on one or in a group if the culture welcomes it. Learn from and support each other – we are all on a journey – even the finest of athletes have coaches and improve over time. 

The power is in realizing one thing you can improve, address, accelerate on a regular basis, in doing something about it, and in sharing this with your team to show humility and courage—all in service of constant improvement to Drive the business or family or relationship forward. 

...now encourage them to do the same.