In this episode, Stephen Smith, CEO of Strike Group, addresses critical leadership challenges, including the pitfalls of over-promoting employees and fostering authentic leadership. Stephen shares actionable insights on building trust, aligning teams, and creating a collaborative culture. He also reveals why “people leave managers, not organizations” and how leaders can transform their teams by focusing on authenticity and vision-sharing. This episode is a must-listen for managers looking to elevate their leadership skills and team success.

0:00 Introduction to this episode

2:00 Who is Stephen Smith and what is Strike Group?

7:15 Leadership styles from an expert

15:20 Advantages of leading from the front

16:45 Reach: How does a leader ACTUALLY become accessible

20:00 Some tips on sharing vision with staff

24:25 Preach: Consensus vs. collaboration

25:15 The strength of a 1-page plan

27:15 Teach: creating a management training program

32:10 Helping your people by being open and vulnerable

35:45 How do you handle someone whose aspirations don’t fit their ability?

39:45 Scaling leadership: Do not over promote and “red boxing” 

43:45 Characteristics of great potential managers

46:20 Real authenticity as a leader; Be who you are!

48:50 Stephen’s biggest mistake

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