Real Leadership: The Moment That Changed Everything

There’s a difference between looking like a leadership team and being one.

One team I coached had been doing all the “right” things - strategic planning sessions, well-run meetings, even off-sites with inspiring guest speakers. But something wasn’t landing. Performance had plateaued. Energy was low. People were following processes, not purpose.

It turned out, the leadership team had fallen into ‘performance’ mode. They were leading from image, not intention. Titles over truth. It wasn’t that they didn’t care, it’s just that they didn’t feel safe enough to be real.

There was a moment that changed everything. In a group conversation, one leader shared something personal - a story about a failure and what it taught them about humility, collaboration, and trust. The tone shifted immediately. Other leaders started to follow. At first it was awkward and some were unsure. But with some space the energy in the room changed from defensive to open. The team realised they didn’t need to be perfect, they needed to be present.

Through a series of workshops, we started exploring who they were as individuals - what they believed in, what shaped their leadership, and what kind of legacy they wanted to leave. These weren’t just introspective exercises - they were leadership rewiring.

They began having different conversations. Braver ones. They challenged each other more directly, but with more empathy. They built team agreements based on shared values and purpose, not roles and hierarchy. They redefined success - not just in numbers, but in how they made people feel and grow.

Within months, the business saw a surge in innovation, retention, and client engagement. Staff started speaking up more. There was renewed energy. The team wasn't just leading the business - they were shaping the culture.

Leadership gets real when we stop performing and start aligning who we are with why and how we lead. And when an entire team does it? The results go beyond what any strategy deck can deliver.

#RealLeadership #LeadershipTeam #LeadershipDevelopment #MichelleSalesLeadership

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