‍At this year’s Leadercast conference I heard Kat Cole for the first time. She was really, really, really good. At 37 years old, Kat is the CEO over the following companies: Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Moe’s Southwest Grill, McAllister’s Deli and Schlotzsky’s Deli. Makes you hungry just thinking about it! Her presentation to thousands of leaders was great, but her “Hot Shot Rule” really stood out for me.

The Hot Shot Rule is easy to understand and easy to implement. Today, YOU can do both. But be careful, after implementation you might have some tough choices to make. But these choices could catapult you to greater success. Sound interesting? Let’s go for it.

If you took a 6 month sabbatical from your current position and your boss brought in a super sharp, go-getter leader to replace you, what decisions would that Hot Shot make right away?

Here is why it is such a compelling question—the areas that you know have been greatly improved in the past year, the Hot Shot doesn’t know that! The Hot Shot sees everything as it is today, not knowing what was good or bad at this time last month. That’s a big advantage because decisions can be made based on where things are right now without the emotional baggage of past wins and losses.

The Hot Shot will ask:

• Who are our best people?
• What are the one or two areas are absolutely crucial to our success?
• How do we measure those areas?
• Have we identified a “champion” responsible for each area?
• Are the individual and team expectations crystal clear?
• Do people agree on the deadlines?
• What do I need to be communicating daily?

THE BOTTOM LINE: Are you ready to lead like the superstar Kat Cole? As you go into work tomorrow, carve out 30 minutes to implement the Hot Shot Rule in your area of responsibility. What changes would you make? Do you have the guts to make them?