The John Barrett Leadership Podcast

Session Summary: What if the secret to extraordinary leadership has been sitting right in front of you—hidden inside every orchestra, symphony, and musical performance you’ve ever experienced? In this episode, we explore a powerful metaphor that reveals the true difference between average leaders and exceptional ones. Anyone can pick out a few notes on an instrument, but a real musician brings out the best in every part of the ensemble. Leadership works the same way. You’ll discover why great leaders don’t micromanage, why they refuse to play every part, and how they elevate each “musician” on their team to perform at their highest level. This episode will challenge the way you think about delegation, empowerment, and your role as the conductor of your organization’s success. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 56: The Symphony Orchestra first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: What if you treated your leadership like a customer service experience? In this episode, you’ll discover 5 powerful strategies to boost engagement, build loyalty, and create a team fully invested in your vision. You’ll learn why leadership is more like chess than checkers, how to close communication gaps with over-communication, and why dealing hope and leading with a growth mindset are critical during challenging times. You’ll also uncover how to create raving fans of your leadership through trust, respect, and development—while balancing encouragement with correction so your team members can grow to their full potential. Whether you’re leading a small team or a large organization, these insights will help you build a culture where people don’t just stay—they thrive. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 55: 5 Ways To Lead Like You’re In Customer Service first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: Are you stuck doing too much and still feeling like it’s not enough? In this episode, you’ll uncover a powerful framework that will help you stop wasting energy on the wrong things and start maximizing your leadership impact. You’ll learn why the best leaders don’t focus on fixing weaknesses—but on leveraging their unique strengths to create influence, prevent burnout, and lead with greater fulfillment. This episode will challenge the way you think about your time, your priorities, and your leadership effectiveness. If you’re ready to discover the key to doing more of what only you can do, you don’t want to miss this conversation. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 54: The Strength Zone Circle first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: Great leadership isn’t about being constantly available—it’s about knowing when to step back so your team can step up. If you’re always rescuing, you unintentionally keep people dependent and rob them of the growth that only comes through struggle. By practicing strategic unavailability, you give your team the chance to problem-solve, take ownership, and build resilience. At the same time, you create margin to focus on your highest priorities as a leader. This isn’t about abandoning your team—it’s about leading in a way that develops them rather than directing every move. When you strike this balance, you’ll discover that your influence expands, your team grows stronger, and your leadership becomes far more effective. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 53: Why Great Leaders Aren’t Always Available first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: In this episode, you’ll discover why receiving hard feedback is one of the most powerful skills a leader can develop—and how to do it well. We unpack the real reasons feedback stings, the two ways leaders tend to respond, and what separates those who grow from those who stay stuck. You’ll learn practical strategies for turning tough conversations into breakthrough moments, including how to respond with confidence, ask clarifying questions, and build a team culture where feedback fuels development. If you’re serious about becoming a stronger, more effective leader, this episode is a must-listen! Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 52: How To Receive Hard Feedback first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: Are you holding yourself back as a leader without even realizing it? Over the past 25 years of coaching leaders across all kinds of industries, I’ve noticed there are six subtle pitfalls that can seriously sabotage your influence. We’ll talk about how to actually support your team with the resources they need to succeed, not just dump tasks on them. You’ll learn why checking in with your team relationally, not just focusing on the to-do list, makes a huge difference. I’ll also show you how to develop people through questions, not constant direction, and how to coach based on their strengths instead of trying to control every move. We’ll cover authentic motivation—because one-size-fits-all just doesn’t cut it—and the power of bringing clarity instead of complexity. If you want to identify your biggest leadership blind spot and grow into a more impactful, trusted leader, this one’s for you. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 51: 6 Pitfalls Every Leader Should Avoid first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: In this episode, unlock your leadership potential by mastering the art of meeting preparation. Discover why the best leaders treat meetings like game day, using intentional pregame rituals to boost energy, focus, and effectiveness. In just 3–5 minutes, you can transform your mindset and lead with clarity. Learn how to prep your team in advance, set clear expectations, and create a culture of contribution. Plus, gain practical tips for eliminating time-wasting meetings and reclaiming valuable prep time. These proven strategies will turn ordinary meetings into innovation hubs—and elevate your leadership impact. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 50: The Pre-Game Meeting Plan first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: Your leadership excellence doesn’t just depend on how well you speak—it depends on how well you listen. While many leaders focus on crafting their message, the real difference between good and great leadership lies in your ability to actively listen. When you practice active listening, you’re fully present. You show genuine curiosity. You engage both verbally and non-verbally with those around you. You demonstrate value for others through your attention, your thoughtful questions, and your meaningful responses. If you want to transform your leadership, start by becoming a leader who listens. It’s not just a skill—it’s a superpower. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 49: How To Be A Leader That Listens first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: In this episode, I discuss how challenging it can be to stay productive when countless distractions, decisions, and responsibilities pull you in different directions. I’ll also uncover the five biggest productivity killers that impact leadership success and share practical strategies I’ve learned to overcome them. From managing digital distractions to strengthening team communication, I’ll explore how to combat social media addiction, implement effective time management strategies, and optimize decision-making. I’ll also discuss how eliminating distractions and reducing decision fatigue can help create an environment where both you and your team can thrive. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 48: The Top 5 Productivity Killers For Leaders first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: In this episode, I emphasize the importance of self-leadership as a foundation for leading others. I introduce five critical questions that individuals should ask themselves to enhance their success and leadership capabilities. These questions focus on taking bold steps toward one’s vision, identifying outdated beliefs, developing key skills, recognizing limiting habits, and transforming obstacles into growth opportunities. Be encouraged to engage in self-reflection and continuous personal development to level up your influence and impact. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 47: 5 Questions To Ask Yourself To Be More Successful first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: In this episode, I dive into the challenge of mission drift in leadership and life—how it often creeps in so gradually that you don’t notice until you’ve significantly strayed from your core purpose. I explore the primary causes, like a lack of clear vision, chasing new initiatives (shiny object syndrome), sacrificing quality for efficiency, and getting bogged down with people problems and drama. These distractions can slowly pull us away from what truly matters. To prevent mission drift, I share intentional strategies that I’ve found effective, like making vision-casting a daily habit, even when it feels repetitive. I’ll talk about the importance of regular mission drift checks to catch early warning signs, celebrating milestones to keep motivation high, and how small course corrections early on can save you from major deviations later. I’ll also discuss how maintaining quality while pursuing efficiency and staying aligned with your core mission are critical for long-term success. Let’s unpack this together and stay focused on what matters most. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 46: How To Avoid The Mission Drift Effect first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: In this episode of The John Barrett Leadership Podcast, I talk about how true leadership transcends position and power, focusing instead on the genuine care and development of team members. The key elements of leadership include showing honor through respect, providing consistent encouragement, creating growth opportunities, finding common ground with team members, and building trust. When leaders genuinely invest in their people’s success and growth, they create an environment where teams naturally excel and go beyond expectations. The most effective leaders understand that touching hearts leads to moving hands. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 45: The H.E.A.R.T. Of A Leader first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: Discover the transformative power of the Johari Window in enhancing self-awareness and leadership skills. Developed by psychologists Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham, the Johari Window is a matrix that helps individuals understand different aspects of their self-awareness. The four quadrants—Open Arena, Facade, Blind Spot, and Unknown—offer insights into how leaders can focus on strengths, be vulnerable, seek feedback, and uncover hidden potential. This tool is essential for anyone looking to improve their leadership abilities and build stronger connections with others. Learn how to embrace transparency, accept constructive criticism, and continuously strive for personal growth. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 44: The Johari Window first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: Are you a leader struggling with the pressures of overworking? In this episode of The John Barrett Leadership Podcast, we dive into the secrets of achieving a balanced and productive leadership style. We explore how to recognize the signs of overworking and share actionable strategies to regain control of your time and energy. Learn how to focus on what truly matters, delegate tasks effectively, and establish clear boundaries to protect your well-being. This episode is perfect for leaders seeking practical advice on improving decision-making, boosting team performance, and enhancing personal well-being. Don’t let overworking sabotage your success—tune in to discover how to detox from overworking and elevate your leadership to new heights. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 43: How To Detox From Overworking first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: In this episode of The John Barrett Leadership Podcast, discover the transformative power of self-talk and its profound impact on your life. Learn how your internal dialogue can shape your future, influence your confidence, and determine your success. Understand the prophetic nature of words and how positive self-talk can lead to a brighter future while negative self-talk can create a downward spiral. Embrace practical steps to improve your self-talk, using neuroplasticity to your advantage and speaking to yourself with encouragement and confidence. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 42: The Power Of Talking To Yourself first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: In this episode of The John Barrett Leadership Podcast, I want to enhance your productivity and focus. Our latest episode dives into the critical issue of managing distractions, a challenge many face in today’s fast-paced environment. Discover the surprising history of the word ‘distraction’ and learn practical strategies to overcome it. This video covers five key techniques to conquer distractions. These tips are not only actionable but also rooted in the understanding that small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements in productivity. If you’re searching for ways to stay focused, manage your time better, and achieve your goals, listen now. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 41: 5 Techniques To Conquer Distractions first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: In this episode of The John Barrett Leadership Podcast, I about how effective leadership is rooted in the ability to connect with people on a personal level. Leaders should take the time to slow down and intentionally engage with their team members, creating a culture of appreciation and loyalty. Observing and being fully present in interactions allows leaders to understand and meet the needs of their team. By shifting the focus onto others and celebrating their successes, leaders empower their teams and amplify their own leadership presence. Finding even a single shared interest can serve as a foundation for a strong, trusting relationship. Implementing these strategies can lead to a more motivated team and a leader who is truly connected with their people. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 40: 4 Simple Ways To Connect With Others first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: In this episode of The John Barrett Leadership podcast, I discuss the importance of creativity in leadership and outline the five disciplines of creativity: problem-solving, organizing, learning, testing, and collaborating. I emphasize that everyone is inherently creative and that creativity is not a mystical force but a skill that can be developed through discipline. I share personal stories to illustrate how creativity can be integrated into leadership and team-building, encouraging you to embrace your creative potential to enhance your influence and impact. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 39: The 5 Disciplines Of Creativity first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: In this episode of the John Barrett Leadership podcast, I discuss strategies for leading effectively when feeling depleted or “out of gas.” I emphasize the importance of keeping one’s “gas tank” full by taking breaks and engaging in activities that refuel one’s energy and motivation. I also highlight the need to maintain optimism, be honest with your team, and focus on the most critical tasks. I encourage leaders to seek support from coaches and mentors to avoid burnout and maintain clarity in decision-making. Enjoy! Leader Guide Download and follow along with fill in the blanks from the Leader Guide as well as the self/group reflection questions for you and your team to discuss. Download The Leader Guide The post JBLP Episode 38: How To Lead When You’re Out Of Gas first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.

Session Summary: In this episode of The John Barrett Leadership Podcast, I talk about 5 ways to get a raise. You must understand that getting a raise is not just about getting more money; it’s about getting more influence. And the more influence you acquire, the greater your income will be. This episode will give you five different ideas that will help you raise your influence which in turn will raise your income. Enjoy! The post JBLP Episode 37: 5 Ways To Get A Raise first appeared on John Barrett Leadership.