Create Win-Wins

This week, we dive into step six of the CONNECT framework - Create Win-Wins. What does that really mean? Simply put, it means recognizing your strengths, and the strengths of others', to create something bigger than yourself. Although I'm learning everyday, I don't claim to be an expert in artificial intelligence. And yet, I'm a cofounder in an AI startup. That sounds like a recipe for disaster. But here's why it's not... One of my cofounders has an extensive history in cybersecurity. Another cofounder, has a substantial background in coding, AI, and App development. My strengths include relationship building, and creating and leading teams. Very few people succeed as a "lone genius". The rest of us need to recognize our own strengths and weaknesses, and also the strengths of those who we trust. Step six is deeper down the line of the CONNECT framework for a reason. This step is after you've "connected" and built a relationship with those who possess different expertise. When you "lean in" to the differences among ambitious people with high levels of character, real magic happens. This is the point where you reapply the other principles with curiosity. "What strengths do they possess that I don't have?" "How can I offer value?" "What can we create together if we start dreaming big?" When applying these principles, we begin to have fun. We brainstorm. We collaborate. We realize that we aren't stuck, because we have talented people surrounding us. And with the right team, anything is possible. Leviathan AI wasn't born from one idea and one person. It was born through this exact framework, put into action. Create relationships through curiosity, offer value, don't judge, nurture relationships, engage authentically, and create win-wins. You'll be amazed at how your mind shifts into ambition, and how you realize that you can change your career trajectory. This week, I challenge you to start dreaming again. What talents do you possess? Who do you trust and what are their talents? What can we create together? If that's not possible yet, then go back to step one of the framework and start building new relationships. It's never too late! Thank you for checking out The Mike Drop. I sincerely appreciate your support. If you're curious about learning more, take a look at my new book 'Self Made: From Poverty to Published' now available on Amazon. https://a.co/d/jcX8u36 If you looked only at the job titles I've held over the course of my adult life, I'm not sure they would make much… I was promoted fairly early in my military career, and at one point I found myself responsible for 26 firefighters and… We're coming up on 25 years since September 11th, and I've been thinking about it a little differently lately; as… Still Needed: I Don't Want to Write This One Alone I've been working quietly on my next book, and until now almost… The first time I asked myself who I was becoming, I didn’t know I was asking it. I was standing in a National Guard… Everyone is talking about what AI can do. Nobody is asking what it's doing to you. You have a self-leadership problem. It’s a familiar phrase: “I’d love to start that, build that, learn that, do that… I… The greatest barrier to entry is rarely lack of ability. It is the fear of being seen trying. Sometimes the hardest part of growth is admitting that a chapter didn’t fail. It simply finished. Why Blue-Collar Leadership Is the Model for 2026 For a long time, we have been sold a very specific version of…