Brave Leadership: Dare to Ask the Question

Work is more than just a means to get money into your bank account to pay the bills.

We all know that, yet, over the years, I have spoken to so many people who feel trapped in a job, under a manager, or within an organization. They struggle to move toward a professional situation that could bring them happiness—or even joy.

Obviously, everyone has their reasons for staying in a less-than-ideal situation. This is not meant to pass judgment, nor is it a call for people to quit their jobs in search of happiness elsewhere.

Instead, this is directed at you, as a leader, to inspire reflection on your leadership approach and help you grow your team. After all: good leaders enable their team members to perform in the best possible way in their role and to be in the role they perform and feel at their best.

Another observation I've made is that people who openly express dissatisfaction with their roles still strive to perform well. They show up daily and put in the effort—not just for themselves but for their colleagues, their sense of pride, or their belief in the organization's mission. This duality always leaves me torn: on one hand, feeling empathy and sadness for them, and on the other, feeling admiration for their resilience.

When I then ask whether their manager is aware of their unhappiness, the responses are telling. Many don't know how to bring it up, cite their leader as part of the problem, or fear repercussions for voicing the emotional weight they carry every day.

It’s surprising how many leaders are unaware of their team members’ true feelings—or choose to overlook them. At its core, this often points to a lack of strong company culture. However, as leaders, you shape and influence that culture through your daily communication, actions, and decisions.

So, to all leaders, here are five questions to reflect on:

1. What is the true happiness level of your team?

2. How does it compare to the employee survey scores in front of you?

3. How can you genuinely uncover the answer to this question?

4. How can your team members feel safe enough to have honest conversations with you?

5. What do you need to enable the right type of conversations?

Coaching can guide you in addressing these questions, equipping you with the tools and insights to grow as a leader.

BeeKind,

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