Leadership is often measured by performance metrics and business outcomes, but its true impact is revealed in the quiet moments at home. The Dinner Table Test asks a simple yet profound question: When your employees go home at the end of the day, what do they say about you as a leader?

Do they share stories of inspiration, respect, and support? Or do they vent about stress, frustration, and lack of appreciation? Leadership does not stop at the workplace—it follows people home, influencing their relationships, well-being, and engagement.

A great leader understands that their legacy is not just written in quarterly reports but in the conversations happening around dinner tables every night.

Leadership isn’t about hierarchy—it’s about contribution. On a recent cruise, I met Mr. Washy Washy, a crew member whose simple job of reminding guests to wash their hands became something extraordinary. Through song and dance, he turned a routine task into a ship-wide phenomenon, creating joy while likely preventing illness.

It was a powerful reminder that the smallest roles can have the biggest impact and that true leadership is about recognizing the value in every team member.

Who’s your Mr. Washy Washy? Who has made an impact in your life—not because of their title, but because of how they showed up?

What a Cruise Ship Taught Me About High-Performance Teams

High-functioning teams don’t happen by accident—they are built through clear roles, seamless communication, a shared mission, and mutual trust. On my first-ever cruise, I witnessed a masterclass in teamwork as thousands of crew members from around the world worked together to create a seamless guest experience.

One small but powerful example stood out: consistency. Every Old Fashioned I ordered on board, regardless of the bartender or location, was perfectly crafted. That level of precision is no coincidence—it’s the result of a strong team culture, clear expectations, and a commitment to excellence.

These same principles apply beyond the cruise industry to any organization striving for high performance. Are they present in your team?

Read more to explore the key takeaways from this experience and how they can elevate your leadership and team dynamics.

"A good mentor hopes their people move on to greater things; a great one knows they will!" This wisdom from Ted Lassoencapsulates the heart of effective leadership: empowering others to grow beyond their current roles. By fostering strengths, nurturing potential, and embracing the inevitability of advancement, leaders create environments where individuals thrive—and organizations excel.