Why Leaders Hold Onto Control
from 11 Ten Leadership
What does it actually mean to “give power away” as a leader — and why is it so difficult to do? In this episode, Rob Shields and David Spickard why leaders often hold onto control without realizing it, how identity and fear of insignificance drive that behavior, and what it costs teams when leaders don’t fully let go. The conversation also reframes vulnerability — not as weakness, but as strength — and shows how giving power away can lead to greater freedom, trust, and healthier team culture. Finally, they offer practical first steps for leaders who want to build real ownership and empowerment within their teams. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and the topic of giving power away 03:15 – Understanding power and leadership blind spots 06:15 – Why giving power away scored lowest in the Thrive Assessment 09:15 – The emotional and operational cost of holding onto control 12:15 – How teams experience leadership blind spots 15:15 – Delegation vs. true empowerment and authority 18:00 – Fear, identity, and the struggle to let go 20:00 – How faith reshapes leadership and power 23:15 – Practical first steps leaders can take today 25:00 – The “training wheels” analogy for empowering teams Resources 11 Ten Leadership 2026 State of Leadership
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