Hey Leaders, What kind of environment are you really creating? One where people wait to be told… Or one where people take ownership? This HBR article challenges a common leadership gap. Many organizations say they want empowered teams, but their culture quietly discourages initiative. A high-agency culture doesn’t happen by accident. It is built intentionally by leaders who create clarity, trust, and accountability. Here’s what stands out: - Agency starts with clarity - People take ownership when they understand the mission, the expectations, and how their role contributes. - Leaders must let go of control - You can’t ask for ownership while holding on to every decision. High-agency cultures require trust. - Normalize smart risk-taking - If people fear failure, they will avoid initiative. Leaders must create space to try, learn, and grow. - Hold people accountable to outcomes - Agency is not just freedom, it’s responsibility. Ownership means delivering results. - Model it first - Leaders set the tone. If you avoid responsibility or play it safe, your team will too. Here’s the leadership truth: You don’t build empowered teams by telling people to step up. You build them by creating a culture where they can. At Axis Leadership, we believe leadership is about developing people who think, act, and lead with confidence, because that’s how organizations grow from the inside out. Better People. Better World. Download and read full article. Let’s discuss: What is one thing leaders can do today to encourage more ownership on their teams? - Dr. Joe

Hey Leaders, What values are defining your legacy as a leader? In this week’s episode, John Maxwell illuminates how true leadership can only center on values, and those values can only center on people. After his lesson, Mark Cole and Chris Robinson dig into practical ways you can identify, live out, and multiply these values within your team and organization. Key takeaways: - The test of good values is whether they value all people, all the time, in every situation—this alignment is the foundation of real leadership. - Leaders who see and lift others unlock greater potential, but when they stop valuing people, they lose their right to lead. - Values act as the glue, foundation, compass, and map for a leader, providing stability, accountability, direction, and daily guidance. Click here to listen. The BONUS resource for this episode is the Values Are the Soul of Leadership Worksheet, which includes fill-in-the-blank notes from John’s teaching. - Dr. Joe

We had a blast at Morning By Morning this AM for Coffee & Conversations Podcast. Can’t wait to hear our convo!

Hey Leaders, In this week's Wisdom Wednesday impactful episode, hosts Perry Holley and Chris Goede explore a common leadership mistake: turning your best performers into culture-killing leaders. Drawing from research and real-world experience, they unpack why great individual contributors often struggle in leadership roles and how it can kill culture and performance across an organization. Building on insights from Gallup and the concept of the “Peter Principle,” this episode reveals how promoting too soon can unintentionally set up leaders—and their teams—for failure. Listen to this week's episode here: https://youtu.be/WL7nW5JI-EI?si=YSZKirSa1wJmuj4I You’ll hear practical strategies for identifying high-potential leaders, developing them intentionally, and creating a culture where leadership growth happens before promotion—not after. Perry and Chris also share personal stories, including early leadership missteps, to highlight just how critical preparation is for long-term success. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: - Why Performance Doesn’t Equal Leadership Readiness: Being great at your job doesn’t automatically translate to leading others. Learn why organizations often promote based on performance, and how that decision can backfire spectacularly. - The Hidden Cost of Unprepared Leaders: Discover how poor leadership development impacts not just one role, but entire teams. From lower engagement to reduced productivity, the ripple effects can shape your organization’s culture and bottom line. - How to Identify and Develop Future Leaders: Learn what to look for in high-potential leaders—coachability, initiative, emotional intelligence—and how to give them real leadership opportunities before promotion. - The Power of Intentional Development: Leadership isn’t built overnight. Explore how consistent training, coaching, and real-world exposure can prepare team members to lead. - What to Do in the First 90 Days: The early days of leadership matter. Discover how to support newly promoted leaders with structure and development to set the tone for long-term success.

During one of my coffee talks this week, I saw an interesting post that got me thinking. The question was asked, "Is Leadership Lonely?" The speaker said yes, then outlined how they have to carry the vision of the business, amongst other things. My question to you all is "What do you think? Is leadership lonely?" I'm very curious to hear your perspectives on this. I made a video on my thoughts, but I'd like to hear everyone's perspective first. 😁