My GMC Envoy SLE – Original Equipment

Just before our family moved to Colorado in the Summer of 2018, my parents asked if I was interested in purchasing their low mileage 2007 GMC Envoy.  A mid size SUV that had been very well maintained and was quite literally driven to church on Sunday by a little old lady…. namely, my mom!

I knew we would want a four wheel drive vehicle for the snowy mountain roads and we had another “soon to be” driver waiting in the wings.  The price was right so we made the deal.

We journeyed across the Great Plains of America from Minnesota to Colorado and the truck did fine.  After a week of getting settled we decided it was time to explore.  We grabbed our backpacks, donned the hiking boots, jumped into our “rugged-ish” 4 X 4 and headed for the hills!

As we left the level asphalt of front range, suburban Denver and began to climb the switchbacks of the Rocky mountains the truck struggled a bit.  Once we climbed above 8,000 feet, the lack of torque and power was evident.  As someone who enjoys “power on demand” in my vehicles, it was clear something needed to change.  The “All Season” tires slid in and out of the deep ruts on the gravel roads and provided little assurance that we could safely navigate the narrow, twisting and perilous mountain pass ahead.

My frustration growing by the inch, I vocally expressed my disappointment to my wife (which I know she appreciated).  I pounded on the steering wheel and stomped on the accelerator as hard as I could…. the truck continued to sputter along completely unresponsive to my clear disappointment and physical pressure to perform.

Under the Hood

As leaders, we often have people on our teams that have performed well, even excelled within certain roles, expectations and environments.  However, when WE shift OUR focus from the normal, day to day activities and vision them up to “Scale the mountain”, “Reach new heights”, “Take new ground”, they seem to lack the power, experience, even the desire to join us in the endeavor.  We instantly become frustrated and begin to criticize and press them harder.  Then we start shopping for a new vehicle.

In my experience, it’s not because they don’t “want” to go to a new level of performance, excellence or impact.  It’s because they weren’t initially designed for it, they haven’t been equipped for it and to get them there will likely require more from US than it will from them!

Performance Tuning

I began to research the “stock” nature of my 11 year old Envoy.  The air to fuel mixture was set for 500 feet above sea level.  The torque, acceleration and performance designed for the level, paved local streets of main street America.

I connected with a company that would provide a computer module that I could install into the engine.  They just needed to know how I wanted the vehicle to perform.

“Better” was not an acceptable answer.  In order for them to build the module, I had to be very specific about what I expected and required.  How much torque, increased horsepower, acceptable acceleration lag, and so on.

When you are not seeing the performance you desire from a team member, simply telling them they need to be “better” will never get them where you want them to go.  Their ability to improve rests nearly entirely on your ability to communicate exactly what needs to improve.

Initial Investment

Once I knew precisely what I wanted, I sent the specs to the module builder.  A few weeks later it was ready.  I received a small black plastic box with a few copper pins sticking out from one side.  Unimpressed, I said out loud, “I paid $400 for that?!?!”

I read the instructions and couldn’t wait for Saturday.  The install was relatively simple but did require the purchase of a couple tools and about 60 minutes.  It also cost me a few layers of skin off my knuckles.

Once installed, I reconnected the battery and switched on the ignition with great anticipation.  My wife knew that once it was installed, we were heading up the mountain to test it out.

The difference was amazing.  The updated information, calculations and processing speed modified the fuel to oxygen ratio, increased airflow, added 45 horsepower and significant torque.  Virtually no lag in acceleration.

The engine had been informed, equipped and re-trained to meet the demands and expectations of the new environment .

The next issue was increasing grip and control on the washed out gravel roads.  Nothing a set of overly aggressive B.F. Goodrich tires can’t fix!

With a re-trained engine and unshakable traction, that old truck climbed the mountain pass like a Bighorn Sheep!  Our weekly treks up the mountain have changed from frustration and lament to fun and exhilarating.  I love my “new” old truck!

Think about your “under performing” team member:

• Have you articulated “Why” improved performance is necessary?
• Have you clearly explained “What” improvement actually looks like?
• Have you identified the areas in which they will need your support?
• Have you determined how much you’re willing to invest in their development?
• Have you provided everything they need to get traction in the new environment?
• Have you given them a roadmap to the location you have determined as success?

Ongoing Engagement

Don’t assume that just because you made the initial investment, your involvement is done. 

Once I installed the new power control module, other things were required.  The engine is working smarter and harder.  It now requires premium fuel, more frequent oil changes with full synthetic oil and more expensive air filters.  Ongoing investments of time, money and maintenance are the only way to keep the vehicle performing at this new level.

If I don’t continue to invest in my team as they grow, their performance levels will quickly decrease and my initial, upfront investment will have been a short lived waste of time, energy and money.

When you build a plan to launch new programs, projects or products, advance your cause or take the hill, start by building in the performance enhancements your team will require to take you there.  Provide the upgrades, adjustments and resources to the “vehicles” you already own and they will carry you to new levels of leadership and impact.

Performance tuning your team combined with ongoing maintenance and investment will make to journey much more enjoyable and will empower you to… Lead Faster!