The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with 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.

In this episode, Ben explores the common leadership advice that if you have a problem with someone, you should speak to that person directly. While this idea is widely recommended, many leaders still hesitate to have these conversations because they feel uncomfortable or worry about how the other person might react. Ben discusses why avoiding the conversation can allow issues to linger and sometimes make the situation worse. Instead of hoping the problem will disappear, leaders often benefit from addressing the issue with the person involved so it can be clarified and resolved. At the same time, the episode highlights the importance of approaching these conversations thoughtfully. The goal is not confrontation for its own sake, but resolving misunderstandings and improving the working relationship. Resources mentioned in this episode: Work with Ben.