The Power of the “Tough Question”

How John Spanczak Drives Leadership at Clickstop

What happens when you’re the person in the room who isn’t afraid to respectfully point out that something isn’t aligned? In many companies, being the person who pushes for accountability can earn you a reputation for being “difficult.” But at Clickstop, those are the exact traits we look for to move our business forward.

For John Spanczak, one of our HR Business Partners (HRBPs) and a Q4 Communicate Award winner, his ability to bridge the gap between support and accountability isn’t just a job requirement—it’s his difference maker. Since joining the team in 2018, John has become an example of how high-level communication can transform our results from “fine” to “excellent.”

Challenging the Status Quo

John’s recent work centers on our internal leadership development program, a space where “surface-level” communication just doesn’t cut it. To build strong leaders, you have to be willing to get uncomfortable.

John has enjoyed the art of the “tough question.” He doesn’t just check boxes; he strives to meet people where they are and challenges them respectfully. He creates a space where leaders can be vulnerable about their struggles, but then quickly realize where they want—and need—to be.

“John asks people questions that draw out what is happening in a way that allows people to be vulnerable. He’s also willing to call it out when things are really not aligned.” – Eric Japenga, Sr. Brand Strategist

Support + Accountability: The Critical Connection

Many workplaces offer support (the “you’re doing great” talk) or accountability (the “this isn’t going well” talk), but they rarely happen in the same breath. In our workplace culture, we believe that if you have one without the other, you’re missing the point.

Whether he is coaching 1-on-1 or working with a large group at scale, John’s communication style is built on maintaining alignment. He doesn’t just have a hard conversation and walk away; he advocates for the leader after the fact and takes action based on those discussions. He is instilling and reinforcing a specific quality in our current and future leaders: the ability to hold a high bar while providing the support needed to reach it.

Why This Matters (And Why We’re Different)

At Clickstop, we know that growth-minded people often feel stifled in traditional environments. If you’re someone who naturally raises the bar—someone who sees a gap and feels a deep responsibility to address it—you might have felt like “too much” in previous roles.

John’s story proves that Clickstop is built for people like you. We don’t want you to “tone it down.” We want you to use that drive to help others excel. John’s impact on our leadership pipeline is sustainable because he doesn’t just do the work—he teaches others how to do it with the same level of integrity and directness.

Find a Home for Your Drive

John’s journey since 2018 is a testament to what happens when your natural tendencies are nurtured instead of suppressed. He has moved toward excellence not by changing who he is, but by refining how he communicates to elevate the team around him.

We are creating a business that is sustainable, enjoyable, and provides opportunity for those who seek it. We are looking for people like John, who are ready to be direct, take action, and pull the best out of their teammates.

If you’re ready for a role where your desire to raise the bar is seen as a competitive advantage, consider joining our team. We’re always looking for future employee-owners who aren’t afraid to respectfully ask the right questions.