LEAD YOURSELF FIRST: DR. ANDY NEILLIE ON TRUST, SERVANT LEADERSHIP & THE GOLDEN PRINCIPLES

LEAD YOURSELF FIRST: DR. ANDY NEILLIE ON TRUST, SERVANT LEADERSHIP & THE GOLDEN PRINCIPLES What separates someone who manages people from someone people genuinely want to follow? On this episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, Uncle Dave welcomes Dr. Andy Neillie, leadership speaker, coach, author, and founder of Neillie Leadership Group. Andy’s fascination with leadership began by seeing two very different examples: the servant leadership he read about through his faith and bosses whose behavior showed him exactly how he did not want to lead. Those experiences began a decades-long journey of studying what makes leaders effective, how trust is earned, and why leadership ultimately starts with the person in the mirror. In this episode, you will discover: • The difference between managing and truly leading • Why leaders must balance results with developing people • Andy’s Four Leadership Necessities • How “anti-mentors” can teach powerful leadership lessons • Why leadership is stewardship rather than status • How leaders influence organizational culture • Why avoiding one difficult employee can hurt an entire team • How trust is earned through purposeful time • Leadership lessons Andy learned from his rescued dog, Redford • Why you cannot simply declare yourself a “trusted advisor” • How leaders can meet people where they are without leaving them there • What virtual leaders must do differently • Why purposeful meetings matter more than simply scheduling meetings • How self-awareness and feedback improve leadership • Why different personalities can strengthen a team • The importance of leading yourself before trying to lead others MANAGER VS. LEADER Andy describes managers as often having their eyes down—focused primarily on processes, numbers, deadlines, and production. Leaders learn to get their eyes up. They still have responsibility for results, but they also ask: Do my people have what they need to succeed? That means balancing accountability with empathy, helping people grow while still fulfilling the mission. TRUST CANNOT BE GIVEN BY TITLE One of Andy’s most powerful teachers was Redford, a Golden Retriever rescued from a terrible puppy-mill environment. When Redford arrived, he was terrified of Andy. Trust did not happen because Andy wanted it to happen. He had to slow down, meet Redford where he was, and make small deposits over time. The same principle applies to leadership. You cannot put “Trusted Advisor” on a business card and make it true. Other people decide whether you have earned their trust. SOMETIMES THE BAD BOSS IS THE TEACHER Andy also talks about anti-mentors—leaders who demonstrate exactly what you never want to become. One former boss took credit for the team's successes. Another early supervisor struggled to control his anger. Those experiences helped Andy recognize that leadership is not about being the most important person in the organization. Sometimes the leader is closer to the bottom of the pyramid, supporting everyone else. THE GOLDEN PRINCIPLES Andy’s bestselling book, The Golden Principles: Life and Leadership Lessons from a Rescued Dog, uses Redford’s story to explore trust, relationships, patience, and leadership. His work emphasizes that trust takes time—and purposeful investment in people. SEED FOR THE MAGIC GARDEN Andy’s seed is: You will never be a better leader than you are a person. Leadership starts with you. Andy encourages leaders to create a Leader’s Hour—not necessarily exactly 60 minutes, but intentional time devoted to personal disciplines. Exercise. Reflection. Prayer or meditation. Planning. Reviewing priorities. Thinking about your people. Before you can effectively lead others, you must continually practice leading yourself. CONNECT WITH DR. ANDY NEILLIE Neillie Leadership Group: https://neillieleadershipgroup.com/ Book: The Golden Principles: Life and Leadership Lessons from a Rescued Dog #PeaceLoveAndBringABat #AndyNeillie #Leadership #ServantLeadership #TheGoldenPrinciples #Trust #LeadershipDevelopment #SelfLeadership #CompanyCulture #ExecutiveLeadership To support us: https://davidchametzky.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@davidchametzkyNOW https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/peace-love-and-bring-a-bat/id1552738547