Competence is the Strategy
I read Teachers, Teams & Tugboats not just as a leadership
book, but as someone who has shared demanding, high-stakes
environments with Rich Higgins. The lessons he lays out mirror
what matters most when conditions are dynamic and consequences
are real: clarity, trust, preparation, and knowing when to lead
from the front versus when to step back.
Rich is a rare combination of teacher, team player, and tugboat.
He understands that effective leadership isn’t always about
speed or altitude, but about steady control, sound judgment,
and keeping everyone aligned toward the objective.
What I respect most about Rich — as both an example and a friend —
is his consistency. He shows up prepared, keeps his ego in check,
and focuses on enabling the team to succeed.