I recently attended a professional development course with one of our own trainers at The Learning Lab at Emmaus. The topic? Building healthier relationships with employees. While I expected a refresher on familiar leadership practices, what I received was a much-needed challenge.
I will admit, I appreciate it when training sessions highlight uncomfortable truths. It is a reminder that leadership is not static. If you are a leader who values growth, here is what I learned and how you might benefit from similar reflection.
Growth as a leader requires humility, discomfort, and a willingness to shift your approach.
The Hidden Cost of Independence
On paper, I would say my team trusts me. I give honest feedback, make time to listen, and offer clear direction. But this session made me realize something deeper: trust is not a one-time achievement. It requires ongoing investment.
I am fiercely independent and that can work against me. When I handle everything myself and rarely ask for help, I may unintentionally communicate that I do not trust others. That realization hit hard.
Here is what asking for help really says:
- I value your expertise
- I trust you to deliver without micromanagement
- I believe in shared ownership of our goals
Moving forward, I am working to shift my mindset. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is an invitation to partnership. That small mindset shift—from “I’ll handle it” to “Let’s handle it together”—build stronger, more confident teams.
The Quiet Way Leaders Avoid Conflict
I have always seen myself as someone who tackles conflict directly. But during the training, something clicked: while I address the conflict itself, I often avoid discussing the real issue behind it.
Without realizing it, this pattern has become a subtle but powerful form of avoidance.
For example:
- I might acknowledge a disagreement about workload…
- …but sidestep the deeper topic of unrealistic expectations or boundaries.
By not diving into those harder conversations, I miss opportunities for transparency, clarity, and resolution.
Leadership Growth Starts Here
These insights did not come from a book or a podcast; they came from our training specialist, Andrew Riggs. And they helped me uncover blind spots in my own leadership style.
If any of this resonates with you, I encourage you to take the next step. Our leadership development programs are built to challenge and empower leaders in every stage of their career.
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