Good leaders don’t do it all themselves. They seek input. They find value in learning about others’ perspectives. It deepens their insight.
Good leaders are more focused on the greater good than on themselves. They steel themselves to be OK hearing about their blind spots. This deepens their awareness.
I want to share a portion of an article I read in FAST Company, The ‘invisible work’ leaders do – and why it matters. Here is one example of how a leader worked with her team to address what was at the core of their issues. As they learned from each others’ input, perspectives and insights, they grew to understand and trust each other more, which led to productivity at a whole new level.
“One of the most impactful but often invisible aspects of leadership is creating space for vulnerability and open dialog within the team. As leaders, we’re often expected to be solutions-oriented, decisive, and forward-focused. While these traits are critical, the behind-the-scenes work of fostering trust and ensuring everyone feels heard is just as vital, though it rarely makes the highlight reel.
“A real-life example comes from my time leading marketing at a private company. The team was incredibly talented but stretched thin as we took on a large-scale branding initiative. It was clear that the surface-level team updates weren’t addressing the underlying stress and misalignment. So, I introduced a weekly stand-up meeting. It was a simple concept: every team member anonymously submitted one thing they felt was working well and one thing causing frustration.
“The key wasn’t just collecting feedback, it was addressing it transparently. Each week, I’d share a summary of the submissions and collaborate with the team to find actionable solutions. This process wasn’t glamorous, and it required consistency and vulnerability. I had to acknowledge blind spots, accept critique, and, sometimes, admit we didn’t have an immediate fix. Also, that it would take all of us to solve. “Over time, this practice reshaped our team dynamics. People felt safe to speak up and trust grew stronger. Productivity soared because the hidden obstacles were brought to light and resolved. The importance of this kind of invisible work lies in the ripple effect. When team members feel heard and supported, they don’t just work harder, they work smarter and with greater collaboration.
“Leadership isn’t always about big wins or public recognition; it’s about the small, consistent actions that cultivate an environment where people can thrive.”
This leader’s commitment of time and consistency paid off for all involved. They became a powerful team that worked at a whole new level together. That’s what good leaders do.
