Have you wondered why military teams have crystal clear expectations while business teams often operate in a “fricking void” of clarity? In this episode (complete with surprise appearances from Matt’s son), Cam and Otis dive deep with Matt Granados, founder of Life Pulse Inc., on the missing link between expectations and performance.
“You have to articulate what the expectations are,” Matt explains, “but then the key is you have to properly equip your people to be able to live up to them.” It’s this combination that’s often missing in business leadership.
From the fascinating distinction between high performance (unsustainable pace) and optimal performance (sustainable excellence) to the provocative question of whether we’re forcing growth on people who don’t need it, this conversation challenges conventional wisdom about team development. Matt even shares the four levels of performance that transform how leaders view their teams: lazy, unaware, high potential, and the elusive optimal performance.
Whether you’re leading a team that’s struggling with clarity or you’re wondering if your own “high performance” might be burning you out, Matt’s practical insights offer a refreshing alternative to the “microwave theory” of leadership development.
Special Link for 10x Your Team Listeners: https://www.lifepulseinc.com/co
More About Matt:
Matt Granados is the founder and CEO of Life Pulse Inc., where he teaches organizations how to stop treating symptoms and finally fix their people problems—for good. A two-time #1 international bestselling author and in-demand speaker, Matt’s work is grounded in real-world results, not theories. His proprietary Life Pulse Methodology fuses structure with mindset to create “Perpetual Development”—a practical, scalable system that builds high-performing individuals and teams from the inside out. Matt first proved his power by turning a Craigslist-hired crew into a $40 million sales force. Today, clients like Google, Twitter, and the U.S. Air Force use his system to improve performance, reduce burnout, and transform culture at every level. Whether he’s working with executives or entry-level employees, Matt helps people take ownership of their growth and leaders build teams that run on purpose—not pressure.
#10xYourTeam #TeamClarity #LeadershipDevelopment #HighPerformanceTeams #OptimalPerformance #TeamGrowth #BusinessLeadership #EmployeeDevelopment #PerformanceCulture #SustainableExcellence #LeadershipInsights #TeamEquipping #PurposeDrivenLeadership #LifePulseMethod #TeamTransformation #NextLevelLeadership
Chapter Times and Titles:
Setting Clear Expectations [00:00 – 18:52]
Introduction to Matt Granados
The importance of articulating standards
Properly equipping people to meet expectations
The Military-Business Disconnect [18:53 – 25:00]
“Why is it a fricking void in the business world?”
Otis’s experience with written expectations in the Army
The transition challenges for military leaders entering business
The “All Boats Rise” Philosophy [25:01 – 42:00]
Creating a culture where everyone improves
The “microwave theory” of leadership
Building sustainable growth systems
A Family Interruption (and Proud Grandpa Moment) [42:01 – 43:05]
Matt’s son makes a surprise appearance
“It’s a family show!”
The human side of leadership conversations
The Four Levels of Performance [43:06 – 46:09]
Lazy, unaware, high potential, high performance
The critical fifth level: optimal performance
Why do we force unnecessary growth on people
High Performance vs. Optimal Performance [46:10 – 50:38]
“High performers: high output, unsustainable pace”
The subtle but drastic differences
Finding the sustainable sweet spot
Elevating the Whole Team [50:39 – End]
The Salesforce example of valuing BDRs and SDRs
Treating entry-l
