Corner House Agency is a year old this month. I find it amazing as to where this company has landed. A full roster of clients who are committed to learning and growth. On a weekly basis, I get to chat with people who live in Budapest, Rome, Dubai, London, Spain, Prague, Atlanta, Vegas, Los Angeles, Dallas, New Orleans, Boise, Detroit, Chicago, and other places all over the world.

Friends will ask, “Do you have room for any additional clients?” I’ll chuckle and say, “I’ll find room.” But Corner House is pretty full. That isn’t a testament to me or my skills. It’s grace and kindness from above. Corner House is also successful because Kayla, my wife, believed I could do this. She never once doubted me or this venture. To say she is a gift would be an understatement.

What have I learned in these first twelve months talking with leaders all over the world? Why are they hopeful about the future? What are their fears?

First, they see a need to always be learning. Every single client, and the teams I work with, believe that to be the best they must be growing. You never know enough or arrive at your destination. Leadership is a journey that never ends. They fear becoming stagnant and outdated. One client said recently, “I’m trying to peek around the corner and see what is next. If I can see that, I want to be equipped to handle it.” Great leaders never stop learning.

Second, they’re not excited about artificial intelligence. They understand it and can see what it will do to their business and team. What they want is for their team to see what it will do to them. These leaders want to work with real people, not an AI chat. AI will spit out information or a graph, but it can’t “feel” what the numbers are saying. It doesn’t read emotion or understand the flow of a project and how it could engage the heart of a prospective client. They fear their teams will become less effective dealing with people because they interact with an online information system all day. Leaders understand that success is all about people. Get the people piece right and you’ll win. Great leaders believe in people more than artificial intelligence.

Third, they’re not afraid of bold moves or hard conversations. In the last twelve months I’ve counseled leaders who made a swift turn in their businesses and coached them through conversations of radical candor. They realize that to sit in the chair will require enormous courage and blunt talk. The business moves will excite them and fuel them with energy. While none of the leaders enjoy confrontation, they see it as a necessary part of the role. Interacting with people will require both praise and criticism. If you can’t do both you’ll have a weak organization. Great leaders embrace bold moves and hard conversations.

Fourth, leaders come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. There isn’t one specific personality that makes for a great leader. Introverts, extroverts, quiet, loud, contemplative, or rash, leaders can be successful no matter how they’re made. As a coach and consultant, the goal isn’t to make people like me. (What a horrible world this would be if everyone was like me) These leaders have embraced who they are and trying to extract from themselves the very best so their organizations can have greatest impact and profitability. Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities.

Finally, leaders believe in their people. I’ve watched as leaders fought for their people this past year. They coached, equipped, and then set up a mechanism for accountability. Other leaders found the dollars to reward their teams for a job well done. I’ve been a part of team meetings where the leader has said, “I believe in you. I’m thankful for you and in the most HR appropriate way, I care about you.” I’ve seen leaders explain to their teams how much of a difference they’re making. That inspires me. It reveals the tremendous potential each person has. At the same time, I love watching these leaders extract that potential. I also appreciate that leaders show their teams respect. By believing in someone, and telling them you do, you’re showing respect to their very existence. You’re affirming they are here for a reason and they’re not a waste of space. Great leaders believe in their people.

I’m thankful for what I get to do. This is what I was built to do. When what you do has an impact on others that’s when you live within your purpose. I’m living within mine and having the time of my life. Thank you to the clients who have given me this opportunity. Thank you to my wife who believes in me. Thank you to Him who guides and gives.

Leadership matters,

Brian