Becoming the Leader Your Team Deserves

As men in leadership roles, we have the power to either elevate our teams or create chaos. The key often lies in our programming—those deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviours that shape how we lead. When these elements are flawed, they can result in ineffective leadership, affecting not just our performance but the performance of the entire team.

From childhood, various influences have shaped our attitudes and behaviours, acting like lines of code in our mental programming. The way we were raised, the education we received, and the cultural pressures we internalised all play a part in shaping our leadership style. Recognising how these factors influence the way you lead is crucial for growth.

If you grew up in a home filled with conflict or criticism, it’s easy to replicate those destructive patterns. Many of us unconsciously mimic the behaviours we experienced, which can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding in our leadership. Traditional education often emphasises rote learning over critical thinking, stifling creativity and leaving us unprepared to develop innovative solutions when faced with challenges. Additionally, society often glorifies aggressive behaviours and a “win at all costs” mentality, pushing us to make decisions that compromise our ethics and create a toxic work environment.

Our beliefs—those core convictions that guide our actions—can also shape our leadership outcomes. If you view your abilities as static, you’re less likely to invest in the growth of your team. A fixed mindset can stifle both your potential and theirs. Doubting your capabilities may lead to micromanagement, which creates confusion and frustration for your team, and ultimately leads to burnout. And if you believe the ends justify the means, it can lead to unethical behaviours that erode trust and undermine the foundation of your leadership.

The consequences of poor leadership extend far beyond your own performance. When you’re overly critical or unempathetic, you demoralise your team, leading to high turnover. If your team feels they can’t make decisions because you’re micromanaging, productivity will decrease. High-stress environments create burnout, impacting the overall health of your team. And when trust is eroded, it stifles communication and collaboration—two key ingredients for a strong, cohesive team.

Ineffective leadership doesn’t just hurt the team—it impacts the entire organisation, from financial performance to employee well-being. The good news is, the story doesn’t have to stay the same. By investing in developing a strong, ethical leadership style, you can create a positive work environment that promotes long-term success and sustainability.

Now is the time to reflect on your leadership programming. What beliefs and stories are you telling yourself that might be holding you back? Embrace the opportunity to rewrite those narratives and step into the leader your team truly deserves. Your journey to becoming a more effective, authentic leader starts today—are you ready to take that first step?