Effective Leadership: Getting the Most Out of Your People
Built by Legacy. Led by Example. Powered by Grit.
Built by Legacy. Led by Example. Powered by Grit.
From the warzone to the worksite—leadership doesn’t change. The uniform might.
By: Tommy and Son Solutions, LLC
Leadership isn't about barking orders from a high horse. It’s about showing up, stepping in, and giving a damn—about the mission and the people. I’ve led men into combat, directed million-dollar programs in social services, and now I’m building something of my own with Tommy and Son Solutions, LLC. One thing I’ve learned across every chapter: leadership that inspires results starts with respect.
Care About Your People for Real—Not for Optics
Employees can smell fake from a mile away. If your “How’s your day going?” is just a formality, don’t bother. At Tommy and Son, we care about morale like we care about safety—non-negotiable. People do better when they feel seen, respected, and protected. A leader who listens is a leader who retains good folks.
"The best leaders don’t just manage—they serve."
Clear Communication Wins Wars and Workdays
I learned in the Army that vague orders can cost lives. In business, they cost time, money, and trust. Be clear. Be concise. Whether you’re assigning a task or correcting behavior, don’t sugarcoat, and don’t overcomplicate. The mission is too important for confusion.
Boundaries Are Love in Action
You can be kind and still say, “That’s not acceptable here.” You’re not doing your team any favors by being too lenient or avoiding conflict. Hard boundaries protect morale, quality, and the culture you’re building. Respect goes both ways.
Know the Work—Be the SMI
The Subject Matter Expert isn’t just someone who knows the job—they understand it inside out. I’ve worked retail stockrooms, social service trenches, battlefield foxholes, and back-breaking junk hauls. That’s why I can lead with credibility. If you don’t know the job, how can you lead the people doing it?
"Real leadership means you can teach it, do it, and improve it."
Be Fair, Not Friendly
Favoritism will ruin your team faster than failure. Set standards. Apply them across the board. Your top performer and your new hire should both know what excellence looks like—and that it applies to everyone. Fairness builds trust. Trust builds teams.
Do the Work Beneath and Beyond Your Rank
No job is beneath me. Not cleaning up debris. Not making deliveries. Not taking out the trash. And when the situation calls for high-level strategy, best believe I’m in that room too. A leader who’s too “important” to get their hands dirty has already lost the room.
From Combat Boots to Steel-Toe Boots
I’ve led soldiers, social workers, and now sanitation technicians. Different fields. Same rules. Leadership is about consistency, care, and courage. At Tommy and Son Solutions, we don’t just haul junk—we’re building a culture of legacy, accountability, and pride. That starts at the top.
Want a team that works hard? Work harder.
Want a team that respects you? Respect them first.
Want to lead well? Learn the work. Love your people. Lift them up.
Written by Jay "Tommy" Thomas, Purple Heart Veteran, Mental Health Professional turned Founder of Tommy and Son Solutions, LLC — built by legacy, powered by family.
📘 Built by Legacy. Powered by Purpose. Read the books that shaped the leader behind Tommy & Son Solutions.
🔵 Raising Leaders: Teaching Soft Skills for Lifelong Success
Learn how to develop and teach vital soft skills—like communication, empathy, leadership, and emotional intelligence—whether you're a parent, educator, or team leader. A practical guide to raising the next generation of powerful, emotionally intelligent leaders.
