EPISODE · May 10, 2026 · 12 MIN
#326: Secret leadership - are you doing it?
from The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley · host Ben Brearley
In this episode, Ben introduces the idea of secret leadership. This is when leaders try to implement leadership techniques with their team without explaining what they are doing or why. This often happens after leaders attend training, read a leadership book, or learn a new approach they want to try. Instead of openly discussing it with their team, they quietly introduce changes. Ben suggests this can happen because leaders feel a sense of embarrassment or vulnerability about admitting they are trying something new or changing their leadership approach. However, implementing leadership ideas "by stealth" can backfire. Team members may notice the changes anyway and react sceptically or roll their eyes because they don't understand the purpose behind them. Ben argues that a better approach is to be open about what you're trying to do. By explaining what you've noticed, what you've learned and what you're hoping to improve, you involve your team in the process rather than quietly applying techniques without explanation Resources mentioned in this episode: Brené Brown – work on vulnerability and trust Work with Ben.
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#326: Secret leadership - are you doing it?
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