How One Simple Leadership Moment Saved a "Bad Hire"

(simple, but not easy)

Focus Positively on What You Want to Create

Leadership isn’t about standing on a podium or having thousands of followers.

It’s not about your title, your catchy LinkedIn profile, or how many people report to you.

Leadership is defined by influence. And it’s most clearly revealed in one key moment: When something goes sideways, who do people look to?

That’s your leader.

But leadership also shows up in the quieter, more human moments… like the story a client shared with me this morning.

She had recently hired a Gen Z staff member who was thriving under two teammates but struggling under another. Just as she started thinking, “Maybe this person isn’t the right fit,” she took a moment to connect.

In a short 1:1, she discovered what she had started suspecting - the new hire has ADHD.   It was confirmation of a different approach.   All the new team member needed was clearer structure. A direct set of expectations, a clear to-do list, and some encouragement.

They built that structure together.

The result? The team member worked their tail off, showed real enthusiasm, and had a great rest of the day & week. More importantly, they felt understood.

And now my client is confident this person belongs on the team.

That’s leadership in action. Not rushing to judgment, but responding with presence, curiosity, and care.

What People Actually Want From Leaders

Gallup’s latest global study—based on thousands of people in 52 countries—identified four things people want most from their leaders:

• Hope – A sense of forward direction and possibility

• Trust – Reliability and consistency

• Compassion – Real empathy and care

• Stability – Steady, grounded leadership

  
  

Hope wasn’t just on the list… it was number one by a landslide. Fifty-six percent of people named it their top need. Trust came in at 33 percent. Compassion at 7. Stability at 4.

If you’re a leader in any capacity, that should land with you.

People don’t just want tasks and targets. They want to believe in the future. They want someone to show them what’s possible and walk with confidence toward it.

Want to Lead More Powerfully? Start Here.

Here’s your opportunity. These questions are simple, but they’re not surface-level. They’re meant to be written down and answered with honesty. That’s where your next level of leadership begins.

• How could I bring more authentic optimism into my team or my relationships?

• How often could I set time aside to look ahead and see what’s coming, even just a little further than last time?

• What specific actions could I take to deepen trust with my team or the people who matter most?

Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency, connection, and the courage to show up with heart.

If you want to lead better, this is how you do it. With work. With intention. And with hope, trust, compassion, and stability guiding the way.

Ready to Level Up Your Leadership?

If this resonates and you’re ready to apply it in real-time with your team or business, I’d love to help.

Book a Leadership Discovery Call because sometimes one honest conversation unlocks a whole new chapter in growth and performance.