A Story of Two Leaders
A few years ago, a mid-sized tech company faced a tough moment. Deadlines were slipping, morale was low, and the best talent was quietly leaving.
Two leaders emerged in this story.
- One believed leadership meant tight control. He issued stricter deadlines, monitored performance daily, and doubled down on authority.
- The other believed leadership meant shared responsibility. She rolled up her sleeves. She joined brainstorming sessions. She asked what was blocking progress. She made space for people to own solutions.
Within months, her team turned around. They felt trusted, energized, and connected to a common purpose. Meanwhile, the other team grew more frustrated and disengaged.
The difference? One chose to participate, activate, engage, and build trust.
Participate: Be Part of the Story
The second leader sat in on design sprints and coding sessions. She did this not to micromanage, but to learn and encourage. Her presence mattered. People felt seen.
Story takeaway: Leadership isn’t about standing above the team. It’s about standing with them.
2. Activate: Spark Potential
Instead of saying, “Here’s how you should solve it,” she asked, “What’s your idea? How can I help you test it?”
One junior engineer, given space to explore, proposed a new feature rollout process that cut errors in half. By activating his potential, the leader turned a hesitant newcomer into a confident innovator.
Story takeaway: Leaders don’t carry all the answers—they unlock answers in others.
3. Engage: Create Connection
She didn’t just talk about KPIs. She asked: “What part of this project excites you?” and “What’s been hardest for you lately?” That authenticity opened space for honest dialogue.
Team members no longer just worked—they cared. They owned the mission.
Story takeaway: Engagement turns compliance into commitment.
4. Increase Trust: The Foundation
Trust grew not from slogans, but from actions. When a delay happened, she didn’t hide it. She shared openly with the team and the client: “We hit a roadblock, but here’s how we’ll recover.”
Her honesty built confidence. People felt safe to admit mistakes, ask for help, and innovate without fear.
Story takeaway: Trust is the soil where participation, activation, and engagement can grow. Without it, nothing sticks.
Closing the Story
By the end of that year, her team had delivered their projects. They also retained top talent and grew closer as a unit.
The other leader? He had results on paper but a team ready to leave at the first opportunity.
The lesson is simple: leadership is no longer about control—it’s about co-creation.
The New Guide to Leadership
- Participate: Be present in the journey.
- Activate: Unlock the best in people.
- Engage: Connect with meaning and authenticity.
- Increase Trust: Build the foundation of loyalty.
This story is not about one leader in one company. It’s about the future of leadership everywhere.
Everyday Reflections 
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