# Home > Steve Black's The 5 Rules: business and leadership coaching, keynotes and workshops that help grocery and retail teams build a brighter culture. - Address: https://abrighterday.life/ - Updated: 2026-10-27 # Five simple rules.One _brighter_ culture. ![](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/steveblackpic-300x328.png) **By Steve Black** Author · Leadership coach · Keynote speaker In **The 5 Rules**, Steve distills 50+ years of leading tens of thousands of people into five expected behaviors that transform your culture — for yourself, your team and your family. [Get your copy](https://a.co/d/6tKlU8x) Watch the overview ![Steve Black, author of The 5 Rules](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/steveblackpic-938x1024.png) 1Rule one ### Do your job Too important to skim over — the foundation every other rule stands on. ![Maxwell Leadership Certified Team — Executive Program Leader](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-maxwell-seal.webp) Join the movement ## The grocery & retail leaders _living the rules._ Retailers & wholesalers 0 Associations & partners 0 Retailers & wholesalers ![Clark's Market logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-clark-s-market-300x118.webp) ![Food Rite Hays Cash Saver logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-food-rite-hays-cash-saver.webp) ![KEHE logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-kehe-300x76.webp) ![UNFI logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-unfi.webp) ![Associated Wholesale Grocers logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-associated-wholesale-grocers.webp) ![Brooks Grocery logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-brooks-grocery-300x40.webp) ![Ace Hardware logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-ace-hardware.webp) ![Holiday Market logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-holiday-market-300x103.webp) ![Sav Mor Foods logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-sav-mor-foods-300x87.webp) ![North State Grocery logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-north-state-grocery.webp) ![IGA logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-iga.webp) ![Priceless IGA logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-priceless-iga.webp) ![Food Giant logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-food-giant.webp) ![Save a Lot logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-save-a-lot.webp) ![Subway logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-subway.webp) ![Slim Chickens logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-slim-chickens.webp) ![Sonic logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-sonic.webp) ![Niemann Foods logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-niemann-foods-300x169.webp) ![Woodman's Markets logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-woodman-s-markets-300x91.webp) ![Superior Grocers logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-superior-grocers-300x119.webp) ![Houchens Food Group logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-houchens-food-group-300x163.webp) ![Market Basket logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-market-basket.webp) ![Niemann Harvest Market logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-niemann-harvest-market.webp) ![B R Stores logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-b-r-stores.webp) ![Broulim's Fresh Foods logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-broulim-s-fresh-foods-300x66.webp) ![Busch's Fresh Food Market logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-busch-s-fresh-food-market-300x140.webp) ![Brothers Market logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-brothers-market-300x140.webp) ![Jumbo Foods logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-jumbo-foods.webp) Service providers & associations ![Women Grocers of America logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-women-grocers-of-america-300x57.webp) ![Alliance Retail Group logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-alliance-retail-group.webp) ![Nicholls State University logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-nicholls-state-university.webp) ![National Grocers Association logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-national-grocers-association.webp) ![Coca Cola logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-coca-cola-300x94.webp) ![Mission logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-mission.webp) ![Flexprint logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-flexprint-300x117.webp) ![RSA America logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-rsa-america-300x95.webp) ![California Grocers Association logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-california-grocers-association.webp) ![Brdata logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-brdata-300x167.webp) ![Gk logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-gk-300x118.webp) ![Nak Dental Group logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-nak-dental-group.webp) ![Rofda logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-rofda-300x84.webp) ![Independent Operators Symposium logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-independent-operators-symposium-300x105.webp) ![Streamside logo](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-client-streamside-300x42.webp) ![Steveblackpic](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/steveblackpic-938x1024.png) ![Maxwell Leadership Certified seal](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-maxwell-seal.webp) 50+ **Years of leadership** Rouses · Sprouts · United Author, coach & leader ## Meet Steve Black, _the leader_ behind the rules. Our mission We transform the way people connect and collaborate — strengthening connections, developing leaders, and changing any culture with _simple principles_ anyone can live by. With nearly five decades in retail grocery — including President & COO roles at two chains — Steve believes a culture where everyone feels welcome brings out the best in people. Today he’s a Maxwell Leadership Certified coach, teacher, trainer and speaker, an NGA-endorsed leadership coach and a contributor to _The Shelby Report_. - Rouses Markets - United Supermarkets - Sprouts Farmers Market - Sunflower Farmers Market - Lucky's Farmers Market [Read Steve's story](https://abrighterday.life/about/) Read the book · Live the framework ## Inside _The 5 Rules._ Leaders want results, but only 5% have plans in place to develop their teams. It doesn’t take a complex plan — just five expected behaviors, simple enough to remember and deep enough to change a culture. Rule **1** / 5 1 Ownership ### Do your job This simple rule is too important to skim over. Doing your job well — every day, for the people who rely on you — is the foundation every other rule stands on. - Know what's expected, and deliver it - Own it when things go wrong - Help others do their job well, too 2 Respect ### Be kind Kindness isn’t soft. It’s how leaders earn trust, how teams stay together under pressure, and how customers decide where to come back to. - Treat every teammate with respect - Walk slowly through the crowds - Lead with empathy under pressure 3 Communication ### No surprises Bad news doesn’t get better with age. Communicating early means problems get solved faster — and progress comes faster too. - Share bad news early - Keep your leader and team informed - Keep communication simple and two-way 4 Composure ### No drama Exaggerated facts and runaway feelings quietly erode a team. Stick to what’s true, keep emotions in proportion, and solve the real problem. - Stick to the facts - Keep emotions in proportion - Address gossip directly and kindly 5 Integrity ### Protect the brand In everything you do, you represent the brand — your company’s, your family’s and your own. Always, always, always assume the mic is hot. - Decide as if it's on the record - Represent your team well, everywhere - Your name is your legacy “Its pages are filled with common sense, everyday leadership lessons that can truly change your world and your own inner circle.” Dr. John C. Maxwell · New York Times bestselling author Bring the rules to your team. [Buy in English](https://a.co/d/6tKlU8x) [Comprar en español](https://a.co/d/8OjoQ1V) [Bulk orders](https://abrighterday.life/contact/?topic=bulk#contact-form) [Masterclass](https://5rules.online/masterclass) [Signed copy](https://abrighterday.life/shop/) 0 + Years leading teams in retail grocery 0 s Team members led across the country 0 % Of leaders have a plan to develop their teams 0 Languages — the book is in English & Spanish Work with Steve ## Five ways to build stronger leaders, _culture and results._ Business & leadership coaching for grocery and retail leaders — every engagement built on The 5 Rules, so your people leave with a shared language they can use on Monday morning. [![Celebrating the rules — A 5 Rules kick-off](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-balloons-team.webp) 1 The 5 Rules Book & Online Masterclass ### Culture Boost / Reset Reignite team culture with Steve’s Maxwell-endorsed book and a guided online masterclass that turns The 5 Rules into daily habits for your leaders and teams. - Books for every leader on the team - Self-paced video Masterclass - A shared language by Monday morning Learn more](https://abrighterday.life/services/#culture-boost) [![Houchens Leadership Academy — A full room of store leaders](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-academy-houchens.webp) 2 1- or 2-Day Session, Powered by The Shelby Report ### Leadership Academy An immersive, on-site or regional leadership development experience for directors and store leaders — built on proven grocery retail leadership principles. - On-site or regional cohorts - Built for store directors and leaders - Run with Houchens, Jumbo Foods & more Learn more](https://abrighterday.life/services/#academy) [![Teaching the rules — Woodman's leadership masterclass](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-workshop-woodmans-3.webp) 3 Grow Sales, Margins & Customer Engagement ### Business Coaching Hands-on coaching engagements focused on measurable gains in sales performance, margin discipline, pricing strategy, and front-line customer engagement. - Sales and margin discipline - Pricing strategy - Front-line customer engagement Learn more](https://abrighterday.life/services/#business) [![Masterclass graduation — Woodman's Markets](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-workshop-woodmans-2.webp) 4 Strategy Sessions for the Year Ahead ### Annual Planning Sessions Facilitated strategic planning sessions that align leadership teams around clear priorities, goals, and an actionable roadmap for the coming year. - Facilitated by Steve - Clear priorities and goals - An actionable roadmap Learn more](https://abrighterday.life/services/#planning) [![One conversation at a time — Coaching happens in the hallway too](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-conversation.webp) 5 One-on-One, Monthly Zoom Calls ### Executive Coaching Confidential, ongoing coaching for executives and rising leaders — monthly video calls focused on accountability, decision-making, and personal growth. - Confidential, one-on-one - Monthly video calls - Accountability & decision-making Learn more](https://abrighterday.life/services/#executive) The 5 Rules on the road ## From the keynote stage to the _break room._ Keynotes, Leadership Academies and store-level workshops across the country — from the NGA Show and WKU to Woodman’s, Houchens and Jumbo Foods. Kentucky Center for Leadership · WKU 5 Rules kickoff · Bowling Green The NGA Show 2026 Fireside conversation with Kristin Popp · NGA Leadership Conference, Washington, D.C. Houchens Leadership Academy Woodman’s Master Class NGA-endorsed leadership coach Connecting with leaders The 5 Rules Masterclass ## Learn the rules at your own pace — _then teach them._ A self-paced video course that walks you and your leaders through each rule with Steve, so the whole team can live them out together. - Video lessons for every one of The 5 Rules - Watch on desktop, tablet or phone - Ideal for onboarding and leadership development [Get started](https://5rules.online/masterclass) Watch overview ![](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/width_800-1.png) Team pricing availableAsk about seats for your leaders New · AI leadership guide ## Got a leadership question? _Ask Coach Black._ Steve can’t be in every store at once — so we built a guide that answers the way he coaches. Practical, honest and built on The 5 Rules. - Every answer maps to the rule that fixes it - Three things to try tomorrow — tick them off as you go - Type or speak your question, any time [Open Ask Coach Black](https://abrighterday.life/ask-steve/) [Take the Check-up](https://abrighterday.life/checkup/) “ Leadership is influence, and he's used his influence to lead tens of thousands of team members. I encourage you to walk slowly through the chapters of this book. ![Maxwell Leadership Certified seal](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/abd-maxwell-seal.webp) **Dr. John C. Maxwell** NYT bestselling author · 35 million books sold What leaders are saying Should be mandatory reading for leaders everywhere! Steve Black’s 5 Rules are essential to creating the right culture in the workplace and at home, something that is so important today. Greg FerraraPresident & CEO, National Grocers Association The relatable storytelling in Steve Black’s book, “The 5 Rules”, resonated with me as authentic learnings from one of our own. Greg RushPresident, Houchens Food Group Looking to simplify leadership and life? Look no further. Drawing from 45 years of leadership experience, Steve Black shares five essential rules that have proven effective in leading thousands of employees and teams across the United States. Kristin PoppPresident, Woodman’s Food Markets Culture is changing. After hearing Steve Black present to a group of independent grocers earlier this year, the Clark’s Market leadership team was eager to share The 5 Rules with its entire store director team. Samantha JohnstonDirector of Marketing, Clark’s Market Our company is built on these foundations! This book is very easy reading and relatable. Susanne HallSVP & Chief Commercial Officer, Coke United I highly recommend the book! I found The 5 Rules by Steve Black to be a great read. David SmithFormer President & CEO, Associated Wholesale Grocers Clear, concise and compelling! In The 5 Rules, Steve Black adeptly describes and illustrates key components of a healthy culture. Dr. Randy RossBestselling author, Founder & CEO of Remarkable! A “how to live your best life” guide. This is a must read for anyone and everyone you care about! Jena SowersChief Executive Officer, ARG Alliance Group The 5 Rules are simple yet profound. Steve has a dynamic leadership style, and his influence and mentorship have proved invaluable to me both professionally and personally. Wade YennyGrocery executive, podcast host, former Director of Non-Foods at Rouses Markets There are books I recommend and then there are books I give away… this is the latter! Steve Black unpacks leadership in the most practical, considerate way I have come across in years. Rev. Keith Wiginton IIPastor, Claremore Oklahoma First Baptist A must read for anyone in a leadership role. Steve Black brings more than 49 years of leadership experience to life in this very readable guide to culture transformation. Stephanie ReidCOO & Publisher, Shelby Publishing, Inc. The 5 Rules are a simple breakdown for success in a complicated world. Living out these principles in our family has been a game changer! Jared S. BlackEnterprise Sales Executive, ECRS [Read all 32 endorsements](https://abrighterday.life/5-rules/#endorsements) The 5 Rules shop ## Keep the rules _in sight._ [Visit the shop](https://abrighterday.life/shop/) - [![The 5 rule book](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/the-5-rule-book1-300x300.jpg) ## Signed Copy Of The 5 Rules $30.00](https://abrighterday.life/product/signed-copy-of-the-5-rules/)[Add to cart](https://abrighterday.life/index.md?add-to-cart=818) - [Sale! ![Gift set](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_5027-scaled-300x300.jpg) ## The 5 Rules Gift Set Original price was: $189.00.Current price is: $171.00.](https://abrighterday.life/product/the-5-rules-gift-set/)[Add to cart](https://abrighterday.life/index.md?add-to-cart=1075) - [![The 5 Rules Coaching Blocks](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_5026-scaled-300x300.jpg) ## The 5 Rules Coaching Blocks $99.00](https://abrighterday.life/product/the-5-rules-game-set/)[Add to cart](https://abrighterday.life/index.md?add-to-cart=1079) - [![The five rule wooden sign](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/the-five-rule-wooden-sign-300x300.jpg) ## The 5 Rules Hanging Wooden Sign $299.00](https://abrighterday.life/product/the-5-rules-hanging-wooden-sign/)[Add to cart](https://abrighterday.life/index.md?add-to-cart=1316) ![](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/648E7DF9-562A-4E7B-A583-BDEC10F2F4A9_1_201_a.jpeg) Watch · Office Hours ### Steve Black with David Meltzer & Blaine Bartlett From the blog ## Leadership lessons, _one nugget_ at a time. [View all insights](https://abrighterday.life/blog/) [![](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/yearinreview-819x1024.jpg)](https://abrighterday.life/2026-year-in-review-2026-leadership-lessons-in-bite-size-nuggets/) ### [2026 Year in Review – 2026 Leadership Lessons in Bite-Size Nuggets](https://abrighterday.life/2026-year-in-review-2026-leadership-lessons-in-bite-size-nuggets/) October 27, 2026 Every good store director I ever worked with had the same habit at the end of a long day. Before turning out the lights, [![November](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/november-300x201.jpg)](https://abrighterday.life/november-is-when-leadership-becomes-visible/) ### [November Is When Leadership Becomes Visible](https://abrighterday.life/november-is-when-leadership-becomes-visible/) October 2, 2026 [![Schuller composite](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/schuller_composite-300x206.jpg)](https://abrighterday.life/a-brighter-day-on-the-other-side-of-the-holidays/) ### [A Brighter Day on the Other Side of the Holidays](https://abrighterday.life/a-brighter-day-on-the-other-side-of-the-holidays/) August 27, 2026 [![A Call for Civility](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-04-at-9.51.06-AM-300x243.png)](https://abrighterday.life/a-call-for-civility/) ### [A Call for Civility](https://abrighterday.life/a-call-for-civility/) August 4, 2026 [![Appreciate you](https://abrighterday.life/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/appreciate-you-300x169.jpg)](https://abrighterday.life/3-words-more-important-than-i-love-you/) ### [3 words more important than “I Love You”](https://abrighterday.life/3-words-more-important-than-i-love-you/) July 1, 2026 Let's talk ## Ready to make it a brighter day for your team? Book a no-pressure call with Steve to talk through your goals — coaching, a workshop, a keynote or bulk copies of the book. [Schedule a call](https://abrighterday.life/contact/) [Explore services](https://abrighterday.life/services/) No spam ever — just updates ### Get leadership lessons in your inbox. Rocky Mountain Gold lessons, new articles and event news from Steve.