Even Scottie Scheffler Works on the Fundamentals
- rebeccajohnson18
- May 5
- 3 min read
While watching a golf tournament last weekend, a commentator said something that caught my ear:
“Even Scottie Scheffler works on the fundamentals.”
This wasn’t about raw talent or flashy technique. It was a reminder that even the top professionals never outgrow the basics. They return to them daily to stay sharp, consistent, and focused.
It got me thinking: the same is true for leadership.
Leadership Isn’t About Mastery. It’s About the Fundamentals
Just like in golf, the fundamentals of leadership are easy to overlook once you're "playing at a higher level." But neglecting them leads to breakdowns:
Team conflict because roles weren’t clearly defined
Retention issues because you stopped focusing on what motivates your people or makes your clients happy
Sales problems because you never really aligned on your target market
These aren't advanced-level failures. They're fundamental misses.
The Hidden Cost of Skipping the Basics
When leaders don’t stay grounded in the basics, blind spots grow:
Assumptions are made instead of expectations clarified
Priorities pile up without real focus
Communication falters, and conflict simmers
Trust erodes because follow-through slips
What’s needed isn’t a new tool or next-level strategy. It’s a return to the essentials, and that’s where the RESPECT model comes in.
RESPECT: A Leader’s Framework for the Fundamentals
The RESPECT model is a daily reminder of the building blocks that create high-performing, engaged, and resilient teams.
R – Roles & Responsibilities
Clarity prevents conflict. When roles are unclear, deadlines are missed, work overlaps, and accountability breaks down. Define and revisit roles and responsibilities regularly.
E – Expectations
Set and align on how the team operates. How will we handle disagreements? What behaviors create a productive environment? Expectations aren’t just task-based. They’re relational and cultural.
S – Synergy
Real collaboration comes from trust and appreciation. Know your team’s strengths. Build partnerships, not silos. Synergy isn't accidental. It’s built through mutual respect.
P – Priorities
If everything is a priority, nothing is. Great leaders clarify what matters most and communicate that clearly. Focus is an act of respect for your team’s time and energy.
E – Engagement
When possible, align assignments with what energizes your people. Passion fuels performance. People thrive when they’re doing work that lights them up.
C – Communication & Conflict Management
Teams don’t rise or fall on whether they have conflict. It’s how they handle it. Create psychological safety. Equip people with tools to communicate clearly and navigate tension.
T – Trust
Trust is the glue of any team. It’s built through shared expectations, honest communication, and consistent follow-through. No trust? No team.
Every Leader Needs a Pre-Shot Routine
In golf, professionals use a pre-shot routine to stay focused and centered. RESPECT is your leadership equivalent. It’s the rhythm that brings you back to what matters.
So when your team, culture, or performance starts to feel off, don’t overcomplicate it. Go back to the fundamentals. Go back to RESPECT.
To learn more about the RESPECT Framework and some practical tools you can use, download our ebook here:
🌟 I'm Rebecca, your Organization Development Specialist and Leadership Coach. If you are ready to transform your organization and align teams with your vision, DM me and let's explore how we can achieve your next level of growth!
Rebecca Johnson
Dolce Consulting
Organization Development Consultant / Executive & Career Coach
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