49. Your Ego Is Sitting In the CEO Chair

There are some leadership conversations that feel a little bit like holding a mirror up to yourself. This is one of them. This week, Patti and Meghan are getting very honest about the uncomfortable truths of leadership, especially when your ego starts sitting in the CEO chair. Because sometimes, the problem isn't your staff. Sometimes... it's you. If your team needs your approval for every tiny decision, if you're constantly jumping in with "Never mind, I'll just do it," or if you need your idea to win every time, it might be time to take a good, hard look at how you're leading. And before you get defensive, remember, Patti and Meghan are saying this with plenty of lived experience and a healthy dose of "we've absolutely made these mistakes too." This episode is about learning to lead people based on what they actually need, rather than what makes you feel most comfortable. In this episode, we chat about: 🚩 The signs your ego might be running your business, including micromanaging, needing to win and struggling to let other people make decisions. Why you should hire people who are better than you at the things you aren't great at, rather than feeling threatened by them. Different leadership styles, and why great leaders know when to be directive, collaborative or completely hands-off. Why talking less and listening more can completely change your team culture. How to spot the people who naturally step up as leaders, while making sure you don't burn out the same key players by leaning on them for everything. When your business has outgrown an employee's role, and why that doesn't automatically mean someone has failed. The uncomfortable truth about hiring friends, family and former students, and why the rose-coloured glasses have to come off when you're making business decisions. Why behaviour is a language, and why you need to pay attention when someone's actions don't match their words. The difference between "I have to be right" and "I have to get it right." And one simple question you can ask an employee this week: "What's one thing I could do that would help you do your job better?" Your leadership challenge this week Ask one person on your team: "What's one thing I could do that would help you do your job better?" And then comes the really hard part. Don't defend yourself. Don't explain. Don't justify. Just listen. You might be surprised by what you hear. And if you're wondering whether you're actually leading your team or accidentally rescuing, micromanaging or holding them back, send Patti and Meghan a message. They might just give you the Meghan and Patti version, complete with the sassy answer and the HR-appropriate one.