Is your leadership approach getting old?

Let’s level up our leadership—30 days, 30 practical shifts you can apply immediately. Leadership isn’t a title. It’s a relationship. And like any relationship, it requires intention, discipline, and real effort.

Today’s focus: How you show up in conversations with your team.

When a team member brings you a concern, it’s natural to want to relate. You’ve been there. You’ve seen it. You want to help. But here’s the trap:

In trying to connect, we sometimes take over—and make the conversation about us.

Even with the best intentions, the impact can miss the mark. Most of the time, your team doesn’t need your story. They need your presence.

They need you to:

1. Listen fully (not just wait to respond)

2. Stay curious instead of jumping in

3. Create space for them to feel heard

4. Partner with them to find a path forward

It’s not about proving you’ve had it harder.

It’s about helping them navigate what’s hard right now.

Next time someone comes to you with a problem, pause and ask yourself:

“Am I truly listening—or am I preparing to talk?”

Small shifts like this build trust. And trust is where great leadership begins.