5 Leadership Secrets They Don’t Teach You
Leadership isn’t about titles, accolades, or applause… it’s built on the invisible work you do when no one is watching. In this thought-provoking discussion, Mike Phillips is joined by leadership experts Mike Ashie and Jim Burgoon to unveil the unspoken truths that define exceptional leaders. From mastering consistency to creating a lasting legacy, these insights will challenge and inspire you to elevate your leadership game.
1. Leadership is Built in the Shadows
True leadership begins long before you’re in the spotlight. Both Mike and Jim emphasized how the personal work you do in private shapes the leader you’ll become. Mike Ashie shared his story of being overlooked for promotions and how he refused to wait for permission to lead. Instead, he took initiative, started his YouTube channel, and carved his own path.
Jim Burgoon echoed this sentiment, detailing his own journey of self-discovery during challenging times. His takeaway? Your character is built in the dark, through the choices you make and the lessons you embrace. Leadership thrives when you invest in yourself, even when no one is watching.
2. Consistency Trumps Intensity
It’s not flashy bursts of effort that make an impact; it’s the quiet, consistent actions that do. Jim highlighted his commitment to releasing one podcast episode every week for 60 consecutive weeks, even during moments of exhaustion or difficulty. His secret to success? Focus on what’s sustainable and aim for progress, not perfection.
Mike Phillips added, “Intensity impresses people, but consistency impacts them.” Success isn’t about the occasional grand gesture; it’s about showing up every single day and mastering the basics. Consistency builds trust, demonstrates reliability, and paves the way for long-term growth.
3. Courageous Conversations Define Teams
Leadership isn’t about avoiding conflict—it’s about addressing challenges head-on with honesty and respect. Both Mikes emphasized the importance of having tough, yet respectful conversations with your team. Mike Ashie shared, “I approach difficult conversations from a place of respect. My intention is always to help, not to hurt.”
Jim provided a practical framework: Reframe the conversation as a partnership. Instead of asking for permission to give critical feedback, invite the team member to collaborate: “Let’s partner together to solve this.” This approach fosters mutual respect and shows that you’re invested in their growth, not just the outcome.
4. Leading Through Uncertainty Requires Clarity
In a world full of unknowns, the best leaders provide clarity and calm. Mike Ashie shared his experience navigating multiple pivots in an AI startup. Despite major changes, the leadership team maintained transparency and focus, ensuring everyone on the team understood the “why” behind each decision.
Mike Phillips summed it up perfectly: “People don’t need a perfect plan. They need a present leader.” Being present, calm, and communicative during uncertain times is what anchors your team and builds trust.
5. Legacy Leadership: Focus on Impact, Not Ego
Your legacy as a leader isn’t defined by your title or accolades—it’s defined by the lives you’ve impacted. Jim shared a powerful reflection: “At your funeral, people won’t remember your name as much as they’ll remember the principles you lived by and the impact you had.”
Mike Ashie added that the small, seemingly invisible moments of leadership often leave the biggest mark. A kind word, a supportive gesture, or a piece of advice could change someone’s life. Focus on being a leader worth following, and the legacy will take care of itself.
The Key Takeaways:
- Work on yourself. The inner work you do when no one is watching is what shapes you as a leader.
- Be consistent. Show up every day and master the basics. Small, consistent actions create big impacts.
- Have courageous conversations. Respect and honesty are the foundation of meaningful dialogue and team growth.
- Provide clarity during uncertainty. Be the calm, present leader your team can rely on.
- Focus on impact. Your legacy isn’t about your name—it’s about the lives you’ve touched and the principles you’ve passed on.
Ask This Daily:
As Mike Phillips closed the episode, he left listeners with a transformative question to ask themselves daily: “Who did I serve today and how?” Leadership isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about serving others, one act at a time.
So, how will you lead when no one is watching? How will you grow yourself to grow the people around you? The answers to these questions will define your impact, your legacy, and your journey as a leader.
Check out this full episode of The Leadership Toolkit podcast with guests Mike Ashie and Jim Burgoon on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or my YouTube Channel, Or click to watch below.
Check out past episodes of The Leadership Toolkit on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform!
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Our host, Mike Phillips is a seasoned leadership educator and expert. He has a knack for extracting the most valuable insights from his guests. His passion for helping individuals reach their leadership potential shines through in every episode. Thank you for reading and watching. Please share this with someone who needs this message today!
