Wow—these findings hit hard and definitely push us to reconsider how we approach leadership. The idea that leaders who go "above and beyond" are seeing less than half the reciprocation they expect challenges one of the core beliefs many of us hold: that investing deeply in people always yields a positive return. This "reciprocity myth" suggests that what we think is generosity might sometimes be fostering dependence, or worse, entitlement.
In my experience as a coach and leader, I’ve seen how critical it is to pair support with accountability. True development isn’t just about being there for people—it’s about creating a balanced environment where team members grow with clear expectations and ownership of their contributions. Otherwise, “support” can end up feeling more like rescue or enablement, creating exactly the dynamics we hope to avoid.
What are some ways you've seen leaders strike that balance between supporting and empowering? And what’s your take on how much “above and beyond” should actually be sustainable for leaders?
Bottomline, leadership isn't about winning popularity contests. It's about building teams that last. The next generation of successful leaders aren't the ones memorizing leadership mantras – they're the ones who know how to protect their teams from leadership myths.
We can get started with:
👉 Implementing trust metrics: Measure contributions, not just promises
👉 Creating growth filters: Screen for mindset before skill set
👉 Deploying clear contracts: Document expectations in writing
👉 Building cultural safeguards: Protect the team environment at all costs
Great insights! Agree with what you have said, it's about creating a balanced-environment that promotes ownership of the contribution. Thank you for sharing.
This just proves that we need to challenge conventional wisdom with evidence-based analysis. There are beliefs and practices applied in the workplace that are expected to yield great results and happier experiences but produce what exactly the company is avoiding. Being a manager in a tech company, almost all of the "pretty theory" I saw and believed.
These are hard truths to swallow BUT a great starting point towards improving a workplace in alignment with what the world is now. #PushTheStatusQuo
This is a powerful read! Painful yet true. Tolerance and denial to the truth can truly bleed leadership. 'We've created leadership systems designed for who we wish people were, not who they actually are." I love the concept of Structured Generosity- a very timely and needed awakening this article is! Thank you Master Coach A!
"The greatest challenge in modern leadership isn't teaching people what to do – it's creating the wisdom to understand what not to do, and the courage to act on that understanding."
Interesting Title. Great learning on the content and how the content was created and the part wherein how can we act on those insights.
A great read that will explain why many leaders gets burnout and lose their best people.
It's time for leaders to step up and make a change.
Indeed, "The greatest challenge in modern leadership isn't teaching people what to do – it's creating the wisdom to understand what not to do, and the courage to act on that understanding."
Thank you Master Coach A for this very timely topic.
Wow—these findings hit hard and definitely push us to reconsider how we approach leadership. The idea that leaders who go "above and beyond" are seeing less than half the reciprocation they expect challenges one of the core beliefs many of us hold: that investing deeply in people always yields a positive return. This "reciprocity myth" suggests that what we think is generosity might sometimes be fostering dependence, or worse, entitlement.
In my experience as a coach and leader, I’ve seen how critical it is to pair support with accountability. True development isn’t just about being there for people—it’s about creating a balanced environment where team members grow with clear expectations and ownership of their contributions. Otherwise, “support” can end up feeling more like rescue or enablement, creating exactly the dynamics we hope to avoid.
What are some ways you've seen leaders strike that balance between supporting and empowering? And what’s your take on how much “above and beyond” should actually be sustainable for leaders?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts...
Bottomline, leadership isn't about winning popularity contests. It's about building teams that last. The next generation of successful leaders aren't the ones memorizing leadership mantras – they're the ones who know how to protect their teams from leadership myths.
We can get started with:
👉 Implementing trust metrics: Measure contributions, not just promises
👉 Creating growth filters: Screen for mindset before skill set
👉 Deploying clear contracts: Document expectations in writing
👉 Building cultural safeguards: Protect the team environment at all costs
Quoting this quote from Master Coach A “Kindness without boundaries isn't leadership – it's negligence.”
Great insights! Agree with what you have said, it's about creating a balanced-environment that promotes ownership of the contribution. Thank you for sharing.
This just proves that we need to challenge conventional wisdom with evidence-based analysis. There are beliefs and practices applied in the workplace that are expected to yield great results and happier experiences but produce what exactly the company is avoiding. Being a manager in a tech company, almost all of the "pretty theory" I saw and believed.
These are hard truths to swallow BUT a great starting point towards improving a workplace in alignment with what the world is now. #PushTheStatusQuo
numbers don't lie and recalibration in leadership style for many executives and team leads is one critical focus every company should prioritize...
True numbers don't lie
This is a powerful read! Painful yet true. Tolerance and denial to the truth can truly bleed leadership. 'We've created leadership systems designed for who we wish people were, not who they actually are." I love the concept of Structured Generosity- a very timely and needed awakening this article is! Thank you Master Coach A!
It is unfortunate but many of US don't know when ENOUGH is enough! We permit abuse to happen right before our very eyes!
"The greatest challenge in modern leadership isn't teaching people what to do – it's creating the wisdom to understand what not to do, and the courage to act on that understanding."
Interesting Title. Great learning on the content and how the content was created and the part wherein how can we act on those insights.
Thank you Master for this content.
Something needs to change!!!
Yes po Master!!!
A great read that will explain why many leaders gets burnout and lose their best people.
It's time for leaders to step up and make a change.
Indeed, "The greatest challenge in modern leadership isn't teaching people what to do – it's creating the wisdom to understand what not to do, and the courage to act on that understanding."
Thank you Master Coach A for this very timely topic.
Leadership Revolution
Really good article. The data makes for miserable reading, doesn't it?? The recommendations are good though!!!