Leadership is not just about getting results. It’s about how you make people feel while getting there. When people feel seen, heard, valued, and needed, they are more likely to trust, contribute, and speak up.
Stephen “Shed” Shedletzky and keynote speaker, author and mattering researcher Zach Mercurio explore why relationships are at the heart of effective leadership, and how small moments can shape culture. They unpack the idea of “articulated intention,” the balance between support and challenge, and how leaders can turn good intentions into everyday behaviors.
You’ll hear:
• Why leadership should be treated as an occupation with real skills, behaviors, and standards.
• How helping people feel that they matter can create stronger trust and a culture where people speak up.
• The difference between meaningful support and coddling people.
• Simple ways to notice, affirm, and support people without adding more meetings to your calendar.
This episode is for anyone who wants to lead people better, whether they have a leadership title or not.
Find more about Zach Mercurio’s work and books at https://www.zachmercurio.com/ and read more about the inception of his mattering work at https://www.zachmercurio.com/2023/10/the-cost-of-not-mattering-at-work/.
For more leadership insights from Shed, subscribe to the Shed Some Light Substack at https://shedinspires.com/podcast
If this episode was helpful, you can download the free tools and resources we reference here — and across the podcast — at https://shedinspires.gumroad.com.
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