In this episode of The Present Professional, we kick off our series titled "Lead from Any Level," inspired by John Maxwell's book, "The 360 Degree Leader." John and Tony discuss the concept of leading down, emphasizing the importance of leadership at every level of an organization—from first-time supervisors to executives. They share personal experiences of leading from various positions and highlight how influence can be exercised regardless of one's official title. Tune in to discover actionable insights that you can apply to enhance your leadership journey, no matter where you find yourself in your career.
The best leaders know that success is not just about hitting goals; it is about connecting with people. As John Maxwell explains in 360 Degree Leader, effective leadership means meeting people where they are. It is about understanding your team’s struggles, listening to their ideas, and showing up in ways that make them feel valued.
Put down your phone, make eye contact, and really listen when your team talks. Do not just wait for your turn to speak; listen to what is being said and what is not. Grab coffee with your team, chat during breaks, or host a laid back team lunch. These moments matter. Learn what is going on in their lives. If someone is struggling at home, be flexible. It shows you care beyond work.
When leaders lead with empathy, teams feel safe, heard, and motivated. This kind of environment encourages creativity, trust, and collaboration.
A leader’s vision should be easy to understand and inspiring. When your team knows where you are headed—and why—they are more likely to give their all. Keep it simple, share personal stories that connect to your goals, and celebrate progress along the way. Let your team feel like they are part of something bigger.
Teams thrive when leaders invest in their development. Bring in experts for fresh perspectives, offer training, and acknowledge wins, big or small. Celebrating milestones keeps energy high and shows your team that their hard work matters.
Leadership is about more than strategy; it is about people. When you lead with empathy, communicate clearly, and invest in your team’s success, you create a culture where people want to show up, grow, and win together. That is how real success happens.
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