In the latest episode of MetaPod, host Ron Crabtree is joined by Ernesto Gomez, CEO of Aspen Mindset 1. With decades of experience as both a corporate leader and entrepreneur, Ernesto brings a deep understanding of what drives performance inside complex organizations. Their discussion centers on a critical question: how can companies unlock untapped potential within their existing workforce, especially in an era of constant change, labor shortages, and shrinking resources?
The Cost of Untapped Human Potential
Many teams operate at only 50-60% of their potential, often due to poor organizational structures and outdated leadership models. Ernesto estimates that unrealized employee potential can account for 20-40% of payroll costs. This “hidden cost” can stifle growth, innovation, and resilience during times of disruption.
The traditional “push model” of leadership, characterized by pressure, stress, and top-down direction, may yield results temporarily but leads to burnout and disengagement in the long run. Instead, Ernesto advocates for a more empowering approach focused on unlocking what already exists within individuals and teams.
Three Organizational Diagnostics
According to Ernesto, leaders need to focus on three diagnostic areas to truly elevate performance:
- Untapped Potential: Start with a tough question: Are our people truly performing at their highest capability? Most senior executives acknowledge there’s a gap, but can’t always explain why. Often, it’s not about talent but about environment, structure, and trust (or lack thereof). Leaders must create conditions for employees to take initiative, be heard, and grow.
- Change Readiness: Drawing on W. Edwards Deming’s famous quote, “A bad system will beat a good person every time,” Ernesto encourages companies to evaluate their internal systems. Are outdated procedures and risk-averse incentives holding people back? Are key roles filled with top talent? He urges leaders to assess whether their people, processes, and mindset are ready for the evolution they’re demanding.
- Cultural Barriers: Culture is often the invisible barrier to performance. Misaligned values, rigid hierarchies, and unspoken assumptions prevent teams from reaching their full potential. To address this, Ernesto outlines the importance of psychological safety, ownership, and team-wide support.
The Four Conditions for High-Performing Teams
To turn diagnostics into action, Ernesto outlines four foundational elements necessary for team transformation:
- Psychological Safety: Teams thrive when members feel safe to share ideas and challenge the status quo without fear.
- Ownership: High-performing teams consist of people who follow through and take responsibility for outcomes.
- Mutual Growth: Team members must be committed to helping one another succeed, not just protecting their own turf.
- Truth over Ego: Success should be measured by accuracy and progress, not by who had the original idea.
A New Model for Leadership
Perhaps the most compelling insight from the episode is Ernesto’s redefinition of leadership. Instead of climbing the ladder by outperforming others, he believes the best leaders are those lifted by their teams. Leadership, he argues, should be about stewardship – creating an environment where people can grow, perform, and thrive together.
As Ron puts it in the episode, “All things being equal, your competitors have access to everything you do.” The real differentiator is how well you’ve engaged your people.
Connect and Learn More
Ron and Ernesto close their conversation with a reminder that nearly all business challenges are, at their core, people problems. Strategy, process improvement, and digital tools all matter, but unless organizations can shift their mindset and culture, long-term success will remain elusive. If you have additional questions or would like to further discuss how your organization can unlock untapped potential within your existing workforce, you can get in touch with Ernesto by connecting with him on LinkedIn or visiting aspenmindset1.com. You can also get in touch with Ron via email at metapod@metaexperts.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.
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