The Self Aware Leader with Jason Rigby

The story of Navy SEAL Jason Redman is one of remarkable resilience, unwavering determination, and a positive attitude that has captivated and inspired many. Jason, a decorated U.S. Navy SEAL, faced daunting challenges after being severely wounded in Iraq in 2007. His journey to recovery and the lessons learned along the way serve as powerful reminders of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. In this blog post, we will explore Jason Redman's journey and the power of a positive attitude in the face of life's most significant challenges. Jason Redman's Background Before we dive into his inspiring story, let's take a moment to understand the man behind the name. Jason Redman joined the U.S. Navy in 1992 and served as an enlisted SEAL for over a decade. During his time in the military, he deployed to various global hotspots, including Iraq and Afghanistan, and earned numerous commendations and medals for his bravery and service. The Turning Point On September 13, 2007, Jason's life changed forever when he was critically injured during a mission in Iraq. While attempting to capture a high-value target, his team came under heavy enemy fire. A bullet struck Jason in the face, and shrapnel from a grenade peppered his body. Despite his life-threatening injuries, he continued to lead and protect his team until they reached safety. The Road to Recovery Following the attack, Jason was flown to the United States, where he underwent numerous surgeries to reconstruct his face and remove the shrapnel from his body. His physical recovery was a long and painful process, but it was his positive attitude and mental resilience that truly set him apart. Jason refused to let his injuries define him or dictate his future. Instead, he saw them as an opportunity to grow, learn, and inspire others. One notable example of Jason's positivity during his recovery was the handwritten sign he placed on his hospital door. The sign read: "Attention to all who enter here. If you are coming into this room with sorrow or to feel sorry for my wounds, go elsewhere. The wounds I received, I got in a job I love, doing it for people I love, supporting the freedom of a country I deeply love. I am incredibly tough and will make a full recovery. What is full? That is the absolute utmost physically my body has the ability to recover. Then I will push about 20 percent further through sheer mental tenacity. This room you are about to enter is a room of fun, optimism, and intense rapid regrowth. If you are not prepared for that, go elsewhere." The Power of a Positive Attitude Jason's sign quickly gained national attention, serving as a symbol of his unbreakable spirit and the power of a positive attitude. His recovery was nothing short of miraculous, and his message resonated with people from all walks of life. Jason's story demonstrates that no matter the obstacles we face, our mindset and attitude can determine our ability to overcome them. Conclusion Today, Jason Redman continues to be an inspiration to many, sharing his story through motivational speaking engagements, writing books, and mentoring others facing adversity. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that we can choose how we react to the challenges life throws our way, and with a positive attitude and relentless determination, we can rise above them. His website is here

In today's competitive market, small businesses must have a well-thought-out and tailored marketing plan to thrive. In this blog post, we'll outline the key steps in creating a successful local small business marketing plan that connects with your target audience, generates leads, and ultimately drives sales. Identify the Target Audience The first step in any marketing plan is to identify your target audience. Consider factors such as industry, company size, and geographical location when defining your ideal customers. Once you've identified your target audience, you can create personalized marketing messages that resonate with them. Develop Buyer Personas Create detailed buyer personas for each segment of your target audience to better understand their pain points, challenges, and needs. These personas will help you craft targeted messaging that addresses each segment's unique requirements. Establish a Content Marketing Strategy Develop a content marketing strategy that includes various types of content such as blog posts, case studies, whitepapers, and eBooks. Focus on addressing the pain points of your target audience and demonstrating how your products or services can provide solutions. Build a Conversion-Focused Website Your website should be optimized for lead generation and conversion. Ensure that your site has clear calls-to-action, lead capture forms, and a user-friendly design that encourages visitors to engage with your content and ultimately become customers. Implement SEO and SEM Optimize your website for search engines using search engine optimization (SEO) techniques and invest in search engine marketing (SEM) to reach your target audience. Both SEO and SEM are essential components of a comprehensive marketing plan. Create a Social Media Presence Identify the social media platforms where your target audience is most active and establish a presence there. Use social media to engage with and educate your audience, positioning your business as a valuable resource in your industry. Leverage Email Marketing Email marketing is an effective way to stay top-of-mind with potential customers. Develop targeted email campaigns that provide value to your audience and move them closer to making a purchase. Utilize Marketing Automation Marketing automation tools can help streamline your marketing process and increase efficiency. Automate lead nurturing, scoring, and other marketing activities to save time and improve results. Track and Analyze Data Monitor and analyze data to measure the success of your marketing efforts. Track key metrics such as website traffic, leads, conversions, and more. Use this data to optimize your marketing plan and make it more effective over time. Conclusion Creating a winning local small business marketing plan requires a strategic approach, focusing on understanding your target audience and addressing their unique needs. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to crafting a marketing plan that drives growth, generates leads, and ultimately results in increased sales for your business. Please go to www.abqpodcast.com where you can get show notes, resources, and links to everything we talked about today to help you navigate your journey as an entrepreneur and business owner. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @abqjasonrigby or Twitter at @abqjasonrigby also don't forget to sign up for our email list where I drop exclusive business strategies & marketing secrets to help you and your business grow!

First principles thinking is a powerful mental model that involves breaking down complex problems into their most fundamental elements and building up solutions from scratch. By embracing this approach, leaders can drive innovation, foster creative problem-solving, and lead their teams to new heights of success. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of first principles thinking, how to apply it as a leader, and practical examples of its impact in the business world. The Benefits of First Principles Thinking for Leaders Fosters Innovation: First principles thinking allows leaders to challenge existing assumptions and paradigms, enabling them to develop groundbreaking solutions and drive innovation within their organizations. Enhances Problem-Solving: By breaking problems down to their core components, first principles thinking encourages creative problem-solving that goes beyond conventional wisdom and "best practices." Cultivates Agility: Adopting a first principles mindset helps leaders stay nimble and adaptive in the face of changing circumstances and evolving market conditions. Encourages Continuous Learning: First principles thinking emphasizes questioning and learning, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and growth. Applying First Principles Thinking as a Leader Question Assumptions: Start by challenging the assumptions and beliefs that underpin your current understanding of a problem or situation. Ask yourself, "Why do we do things this way?" and "What assumptions are we making?" Break Problems Down: Decompose complex problems into their most basic elements, stripping away any extraneous information or preconceived notions. Identify the Fundamental Principles: Determine the core principles or "building blocks" that underpin the problem at hand. These principles should be objective, universal truths that are not influenced by context or personal bias. Build Solutions from Scratch: Use the fundamental principles identified in step 3 as a starting point to build up new, innovative solutions. This process may involve brainstorming, experimentation, and iteration. Foster a First Principles Culture: Encourage your team to embrace first principles thinking by promoting open dialogue, questioning assumptions, and celebrating creative problem-solving. Examples of First Principles Thinking in Action Elon Musk and SpaceX: Elon Musk used first principles thinking to revolutionize the space industry. By questioning the assumptions behind rocket production costs, Musk and his team at SpaceX were able to design and manufacture reusable rockets, significantly reducing the cost of space travel. Airbnb: The founders of Airbnb applied first principles thinking to challenge the traditional hotel industry. By questioning the assumptions around accommodations and recognizing the fundamental need for shelter and connection, they developed a platform that has disrupted the entire hospitality sector. Netflix: Netflix applied first principles thinking to redefine the way people consume entertainment. By questioning the assumptions around content distribution and recognizing the potential of the internet, Netflix transformed from a DVD rental service to a global streaming giant. Conclusion Embracing first principles thinking as a leader can unlock innovation and drive growth within your organization. By questioning assumptions, breaking down problems to their core components, and building solutions from scratch, you can foster a culture of creative problem-solving and continuous learning. As demonstrated by some of the world's most successful companies, first principles thinking is a powerful tool that can revolutionize industries and propel your organization to new heights of success. Please go to www.abqpodcast.com where you can get show notes, resources, and links to everything we talked about today to help you navigate your journey as an entrepreneur and business owner. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @abqjasonrigby or Twitter at @abqjasonrigby also don't forget to sign up for our email list where I drop exclusive business strategies & marketing secrets to help you and your business grow!

"The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results" by Gary Keller is a thought-provoking book that encourages readers to identify and focus on the single most important task or goal in their lives. By honing in on "the one thing," we can achieve extraordinary results and lead a more fulfilling life. In this blog post, we'll explore the key concepts from the book and provide actionable steps for applying them in our everyday lives. Key Concepts from "The One Thing" The Domino Effect: Keller draws upon the domino effect to illustrate the power of focusing on one task or goal at a time. Like a chain of dominos, knocking down the first one sets off a chain reaction that leads to the achievement of larger goals. The Focusing Question: To identify "the one thing," ask yourself the focusing question: "What's the one thing I can do, such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?" The 80/20 Principle: Also known as the Pareto Principle, this concept suggests that 80% of our results come from 20% of our efforts. By focusing on the most impactful tasks (the top 20%), we can achieve more significant results with less effort. Time Blocking: To ensure progress toward "the one thing," Keller recommends time blocking, which involves setting aside dedicated, uninterrupted time to focus solely on your most important task. Applying "The One Thing" in Your Life Identify Your One Thing: Reflect on your personal and professional life to determine your most important goal or task. This may be a long-term goal, like building a successful business, or a shorter-term task, like completing a crucial project at work. Ask the Focusing Question: Use the focusing question to guide your daily actions and decision-making. Continuously ask yourself, "What's the one thing I can do today that will make everything else easier or unnecessary?" Prioritize the 20%: Analyze your daily tasks and responsibilities to identify the top 20% that yield the most significant results. Focus your time and energy on these high-impact tasks, and eliminate or delegate less important tasks when possible. Schedule Time Blocks: Dedicate a specific time each day to work exclusively on your one thing. Protect this time from distractions and interruptions, and treat it as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself. Cultivate Habits and Discipline: Consistently focusing on your one thing requires discipline and the formation of habits. Develop a daily routine that supports your commitment to your one thing, and practice self-discipline to stay on track. Conclusion "The One Thing" by Gary Keller offers a powerful framework for achieving extraordinary results in our personal and professional lives. By identifying and focusing on our most important task or goal, asking the focusing question, prioritizing the top 20% of our efforts, time blocking, and cultivating habits and discipline, we can unlock our full potential and lead a more focused and fulfilling life. Embrace the principles of "The One Thing" and embark on a journey toward greater success and personal fulfillment. Please go to www.abqpodcast.com where you can get show notes, resources, and links to everything we talked about today to help you navigate your journey as an entrepreneur and business owner. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @abqjasonrigby or Twitter at @abqjasonrigby also don't forget to sign up for our email list where I drop exclusive business strategies & marketing secrets to help you and your business grow!

Mimetic desire is a concept that has been explored extensively in the fields of anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Coined by French philosopher René Girard, the term refers to the process of imitating the desires of others, particularly when it comes to aspirations and ambitions. This blog post will delve into the connection between mimetic desire and leadership, and how understanding this concept can enhance your ability to lead and inspire others. The Power of Mimetic Desire Mimetic desire is a natural human instinct. It helps individuals form relationships, learn from one another, and adapt to their environment. As a social species, humans have a strong need to belong and fit in, which often leads us to imitate the behaviors, values, and desires of those we admire. This can be both a blessing and a curse, as it can lead to growth and progress, but also to unhealthy competition and envy. Leadership and Mimetic Desire At its core, leadership is about influencing others to achieve common goals. A good leader can motivate, inspire, and guide others to strive for greatness. By understanding the power of mimetic desire, leaders can harness this natural instinct to create a positive and productive environment. Lead by Example One of the most effective ways to use mimetic desire in leadership is to lead by example. When leaders display the qualities they wish to see in their team, such as hard work, determination, and empathy, they inspire those around them to adopt these behaviors. This not only fosters a positive work culture but also contributes to the success of the organization. Cultivate a Culture of Growth and Collaboration Mimetic desire can sometimes lead to unhealthy competition and rivalry within a team. To prevent this, leaders should emphasize the importance of growth and collaboration over competition. By nurturing a supportive environment where team members can learn from one another, leaders can harness the power of mimetic desire to drive collective progress. Identify and Encourage Positive Role Models Leaders can capitalize on the influence of mimetic desire by identifying and encouraging positive role models within their team. These role models can serve as examples for others to emulate, creating a ripple effect of positive behaviors and attitudes. By acknowledging and rewarding these individuals, leaders can reinforce the importance of adopting these desirable qualities. Address Negative Patterns and Behaviors Mimetic desire can sometimes lead to the spread of negative behaviors and attitudes. Leaders must be proactive in addressing these issues to prevent them from becoming ingrained in the team culture. By openly discussing these behaviors and providing constructive feedback, leaders can guide their team towards healthier, more positive patterns. Conclusion Mimetic desire is a powerful force that can significantly impact the dynamics within a team or organization. By understanding and harnessing its potential, leaders can inspire and motivate their team to achieve greater heights. By leading by example, cultivating a culture of growth and collaboration, identifying and encouraging positive role models, and addressing negative patterns, leaders can create an environment where mimetic desire contributes to the success of their organization. Please go to www.abqpodcast.com where you can get show notes, resources, and links to everything we talked about today to help you navigate your journey as an entrepreneur and business owner. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @abqjasonrigby or Twitter at @abqjasonrigby also don't forget to sign up for our email list where I drop exclusive business strategies & marketing secrets to help you and your business grow!

Having self-awareness is a crucial ingredient in living a life that is focused, energetic, productive, stress-free, fearless, and aligned with your true potential. By understanding ourselves better, we can navigate our lives with a clear sense of purpose and direction. In this blog post, we will explore how to cultivate self-awareness and harness it to achieve a life full of focus, energy, passion, productivity, and fearlessness. Totally Focused: The Power of Mindfulness To achieve total focus, practice mindfulness in your daily life. Mindfulness allows you to be fully present in the moment, free from distractions and scattered thoughts. Cultivate mindfulness through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply by paying attention to your thoughts and emotions throughout the day. Working with Energy and Passion: Discover Your "Why" Identify your passion by reflecting on your values, interests, and strengths. Knowing your "why" will help you work with energy and enthusiasm, as it connects your actions to a deeper purpose. Create a personal mission statement that outlines your core values and goals, and use it as a compass to guide your decisions and actions. Super Productive: Self-Awareness and Time Management Self-awareness plays a crucial role in productivity. By understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and personal work style, you can develop effective time management strategies tailored to your unique needs. Regularly evaluate your priorities, set realistic goals, and establish a routine that maximizes your productivity. Stress-Free: Understanding Your Triggers and Developing Coping Strategies Being self-aware allows you to identify stress triggers in your life and develop coping strategies to manage them effectively. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, exercise, or journaling to help you manage stress and maintain emotional balance. Fearless: Embracing Vulnerability and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs To live fearlessly, embrace vulnerability and challenge your limiting beliefs. Self-awareness enables you to recognize the fears that hold you back and develop strategies to overcome them. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who encourage you to take risks and push beyond your comfort zone. Living Your Potential: Aligning Your Actions with Your Values Cultivate self-awareness by reflecting on your values, passions, strengths, and weaknesses. This understanding will help you align your actions with your true potential. Set ambitious yet realistic goals, and take consistent steps towards achieving them. Remember to celebrate your achievements along the way and learn from your setbacks. Conclusion Cultivating self-awareness is a continuous journey, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By understanding ourselves better, we can unlock the key to living a life that is focused, energetic, passionate, productive, stress-free, and fearless. Embrace self-awareness and take charge of your life, allowing yourself to fully realize your potential and live a life that is true to who you are. Please go to www.abqpodcast.com where you can get show notes, resources, and links to everything we talked about today to help you navigate your journey as an entrepreneur and business owner. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @abqjasonrigby or Twitter at @abqjasonrigby also don't forget to sign up for our email list where I drop exclusive business strategies & marketing secrets to help you and your business grow!

In today's fast-paced, digital world, it's easy to get lost in the sea of superficial connections and fleeting online interactions. Yet, deep down, we all crave meaningful, genuine relationships that enrich our lives and help us grow. Prioritizing these relationships is essential to our emotional wellbeing and personal growth. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of genuine relationships, how to recognize them, and how to prioritize them in our busy lives. The Importance of Genuine Relationships Genuine relationships offer more than just companionship. They provide emotional support, encourage personal growth, and promote a sense of belonging. Here are a few reasons why genuine relationships should be a priority in our lives: Emotional Wellbeing: Authentic connections help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. They also contribute to our overall happiness and satisfaction in life. Personal Growth: Engaging in deep, meaningful conversations allows us to learn from others and gain new perspectives on life, leading to personal growth. A Sense of Belonging: Genuine relationships foster a sense of belonging and security, which is essential for our emotional wellbeing. Recognizing Genuine Relationships To prioritize genuine relationships, it's important to recognize the traits that set them apart from superficial connections. Here are some signs of genuine relationships: Mutual Trust: Trust is the foundation of any authentic relationship. Both parties should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities without fear of judgment. Emotional Support: In genuine relationships, both individuals offer emotional support to each other, particularly during difficult times. Open Communication: Open and honest communication is key to resolving conflicts and maintaining a healthy connection. Shared Values: Authentic relationships often have a shared set of core values that help to deepen the bond between the individuals involved. Commitment: Genuine relationships are characterized by a mutual commitment to the wellbeing and growth of the relationship. How to Prioritize Genuine Relationships in Our Lives Now that we understand the importance of genuine relationships and can recognize them, let's discuss how to prioritize them in our lives: Make Time: Ensure that you dedicate time to nurturing these relationships. Schedule regular phone calls, visits, or outings with the people you care about. Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries to protect your genuine relationships from being overshadowed by superficial connections. Be mindful of your time and energy, and choose to invest them in the relationships that matter most. Cultivate Empathy: Practice empathy by putting yourself in the shoes of your loved ones. This will help you better understand their feelings and needs, allowing you to be more present and supportive. Engage in Meaningful Conversations: Steer conversations toward deeper topics to foster emotional intimacy and personal growth. Show Appreciation: Express gratitude for the positive impact that genuine relationships have on your life. This not only nurtures the relationship but also reinforces the importance of prioritizing these connections. Conclusion Genuine relationships are an essential component of a fulfilling life. By recognizing and prioritizing them, we can cultivate emotional wellbeing, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. So take a moment to reflect on the connections that truly matter and make a conscious effort to nurture them. Your emotional wellbeing and personal growth will thank you. Please go to www.abqpodcast.com where you can get show notes, resources, and links to everything we talked about today to help you navigate your journey as an entrepreneur and business owner. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @abqjasonrigby or Twitter at @abqjasonrigby also don't forget to sign up for our email list where I drop exclusive business strategies & marketing secrets to help you and your business grow!

Time is one of the most precious resources we have. It's something that we can never get back once it's gone. That's why it's crucial to value your time and make the most of every moment. One of the best ways to value your time is to set clear goals for what you want to achieve in your personal and professional life. Goals help you stay focused and motivated, and they give you a sense of direction. Take the time to think about what you want to achieve, and write down your goals. This will help you prioritize your time and make sure you're spending it on things that matter most. Once you have your goals in place, it's important to prioritize the most important things first. Determine what tasks or activities will help you reach your goals and focus on those. Eliminate distractions that don't align with your goals. For example, if your goal is to start a business, spending hours scrolling through social media won't help you achieve that goal. Instead, focus on tasks that will help you start and grow your business. Learning to say no is also an important part of valuing your time. It's easy to get caught up in activities or events that don't bring value to your life. Saying no to these things can be difficult, but it's necessary if you want to focus on what's important. Saying no can be a way of setting boundaries and protecting your time. It's okay to say no to things that don't align with your goals or values. On the flip side, saying yes to experiences that enrich your life is also important. Traveling, trying new hobbies, and spending time with loved ones are all experiences that can add value to your life. These experiences can help you grow as a person and create memories that will last a lifetime. In conclusion, valuing your time is crucial for living a fulfilling life. Set clear goals, prioritize the most important tasks, eliminate distractions, learn to say no, and say yes to experiences that enrich your life. By doing so, you'll be able to make the most of every moment and live a life that you're proud of. Remember, time is a non-renewable resource, so use it wisely. Please go to www.abqpodcast.com where you can get show notes, resources, and links to everything we talked about today to help you navigate your journey as an entrepreneur and business owner. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @abqjasonrigby or Twitter at @abqjasonrigby also don't forget to sign up for our email list where I drop exclusive business strategies & marketing secrets to help you and your business grow!

Narcissistic leadership is a phenomenon that has been observed in many areas of life, including politics, business, and even family relationships. A narcissistic leader is someone who has an inflated sense of self-importance and a deep need for admiration and attention. They often exhibit a lack of empathy towards others and are willing to exploit those around them to achieve their goals. In this blog post, we will explore the traits of a narcissistic leader and the impact they can have on those around them. Grandiosity Narcissistic leaders often have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and believe they are special and superior to others. They have a strong desire to be recognized as exceptional and are preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, and achievement. They may boast about their accomplishments and exaggerate their abilities and achievements. Lack of Empathy Narcissistic leaders have a limited capacity for empathy and may not be able to understand or connect with the emotions of others. They may see others as mere tools to achieve their own goals and may exploit or manipulate them without concern for their well-being. They may also lack insight into their own emotions and motivations, which can make it difficult for them to develop genuine relationships with others. Need for Admiration Narcissistic leaders have a deep need for admiration and attention. They may seek out praise and validation from others and become angry or resentful when they do not receive it. They may also be highly sensitive to criticism and may react with hostility or defensiveness when their actions are questioned or challenged. Sense of Entitlement Narcissistic leaders often believe they are entitled to special treatment and privileges. They may expect others to cater to their needs and may become angry or resentful when they do not receive what they feel they deserve. They may also exploit others to achieve their own goals, without concern for the consequences or impact on others. Lack of Accountability Narcissistic leaders often have a tendency to blame others for their failures or mistakes. They may refuse to take responsibility for their actions and may shift the blame onto others, even when they are clearly at fault. They may also use their power and influence to evade consequences for their actions and avoid accountability. The Impact of Narcissistic Leadership The impact of narcissistic leadership can be significant, both for the leader and for those around them. Narcissistic leaders may create a toxic work environment and may cause high levels of stress and burnout among their subordinates. They may also make poor decisions that negatively impact the organization or the people they lead. In extreme cases, narcissistic leaders may engage in unethical or illegal behavior, which can have serious consequences for themselves and for others. In conclusion, narcissistic leadership is characterized by traits such as grandiosity, lack of empathy, a need for admiration, sense of entitlement, and lack of accountability. While these traits may help the leader achieve short-term success, they can also have negative consequences for the organization and those around them. It is important to recognize these traits and take steps to address them, both for the well-being of the leader and for the success of the organization.

Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Different situations require different styles of leadership, and effective leaders must be versatile and able to adapt their leadership style as the situation demands. In 2000, consulting firm Hay/McBer (now part of Korn Ferry) conducted a study on 3,871 global executives to explore the different styles of leadership and their effectiveness in producing results. This study found that there are six general styles of leadership that leaders can adopt depending on the situation. The Coercive Style The coercive style of leadership is characterized by leaders who demand immediate compliance from their subordinates. They are driven by achievement and self-control and believe in the mantra "Do what I tell you." This style of leadership can be effective during a crisis or emergency when quick decisions are required, or when dealing with a problem employee who has failed to respond to other forms of leadership. However, this style is generally ineffective and can have a negative impact on morale, creativity, and the sense of ownership among subordinates. The Authoritative Style The authoritative style of leadership is characterized by leaders who mobilize people toward a vision. They are self-confident, empathetic, and want to drive change, and believe in the mantra "Come with me." This style of leadership helps people understand the vision and how their work connects to it, creating clarity and establishing clear standards. An authoritative leader gives people freedom to innovate, experiment and make decisions to achieve the vision. This leadership style generally has a strong positive impact on culture and is most useful when a new vision or clear direction is needed. The Affiliative Style The affiliative style of leadership is characterized by leaders who create emotional bonds and harmony among their subordinates. They are communicators and relationship builders who value people above all else and believe in the mantra "People come first." This style of leadership inspires fierce loyalty and drives teamwork, and is most effective when a team needs to be brought together. However, leaders who rely solely on this style can create an environment of mediocre standards, subpar performance, and a lack of direction and accountability. The Democratic Style The democratic style of leadership is characterized by leaders who build consensus among their subordinates. They are driven by collaboration and teamwork and believe in the mantra "What do you think?" This style of leadership builds buy-in, trust, and respect among subordinates and creates ownership as goals and plans are co-authored. However, this style can be inefficient and, at worst, drain a team. Use this style when a leader wants different ideas and perspectives, or when buy-in is essential, but know when to balance it with an authoritative style. The Pacesetting Style The pacesetting style of leadership is characterized by leaders who demand excellence from their subordinates. They are drivers with extremely high standards for performance and believe in the mantra "Do as I do." While some "Type A" high-performers may thrive in this environment, this style of leadership crushes most people, and employees can feel overwhelmed by the demands and crippled by pressure. If you have a highly motivated team and need quick results, this style can be effective, but use it sparingly, and balance it with more positive styles. The Coaching Style The coaching style of leadership is characterized by leaders who develop people for the future. They are driven by learning and growth and believe in the mantra of personal development and continuous improvement. Coaching leaders have a positive impact on culture and excel at delegating. They give employees stretch goals and assignments and are patient with the short-term struggle in exchange for long-term excellence.