Two decades ago, I thought leadership was about control. As a young leader, I was relentless in my pursuit of perfection: both in myself and those I led. I demanded punctuality, flawless execution, and results that matched my sky-high expectations.
When my team fell short, I’d lose my temper quickly, often shutting people out in frustration. Patience wasn’t in my vocabulary. I believed that holding everyone to an impossible standard was the only way to succeed.
Looking back, I see how that approach limited me. My need for perfection created tension, not progress. It wasn’t until my mentor pulled me aside for a candid conversation that I began to see leadership differently.
A Turning Point
During one of our regular check-ins: a habit my mentor taught me to prioritize, he shared a piece of wisdom that changed everything: “Stop expecting perfection from others, even if you’ve invested heavily in their growth. When you let go of expectations, you create space for gratitude.”
His words hit hard. I had been so focused on what wasn’t working that I missed what was: dedicated people trying their best, each with their own strengths and struggles.
That conversation was a wake-up call. I realized that leadership wasn’t about enforcing my vision of perfection but about fostering growth, trust, and connection. I began to shift my approach, focusing on patience and appreciation instead of frustration. I listened more, invested in my team’s potential, and let go of the need for everything to be flawless.
The Ripple Effect
The change wasn’t overnight, but it was transformative. My relationships with my team deepened. They felt valued, not judged, and that trust unlocked their potential in ways I hadn’t imagined. Instead of demanding results, I started empowering others to find their own path to success.
Years later, the impact of that shift still resonates. Recently, a former colleague, shared a memory that brought it all full circle. He’d kept notes from one of our monthly calls, where we discussed challenges and opportunities for the week ahead. He said that a piece of advice from that call shaped to build a culture of collaboration while still getting results.
Hearing that felt humbling. To know that a single conversation had influenced not just his leadership but the culture of an entire school. It is a reminder of the legacy we create when we lead with intention.
Lessons That Endure
That mentor’s advice: letting go of expectations to embrace gratitude, became the cornerstone of my leadership philosophy. Here are a few lessons I’ve carried forward:
- Patience unlocks potential. People grow when they feel supported, not pressured. Investing in their development, even when they stumble, builds trust and loyalty.
- Listening is leadership. Consulting others, as I advised my colleague, creates buy-in and fosters solutions that are stronger than any one person’s vision.
- Proactive connection matters. Regular check-ins, like those weekly calls, build relationships that outlast challenges and create a culture of openness.
- Gratitude transforms perspective. When we focus on what’s working rather than what’s lacking, we see the best in others: and they rise to meet it.
A Legacy of Impact
Today, I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve built over the years in my leadership journey. I have learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice or the strictest enforcer: it’s about creating space for others to thrive.
What’s a lesson that reshaped your leadership journey? Or who’s a mentor whose advice still guides you?
I’d love to hear your stories in the comments #Leadership #GrowthMindset #TeamBuilding #GratitudeInLeadership
Smile and Let Smile 