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\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\nFor many who are new to a leadership role, the instinct is to take charge, set expectations, and demonstrate certainty. Fagan did the opposite. He signalled humility, invited contribution, and handed ownership to the people closest to the work. Having witnessed this first address and working alongside Fagan since, I\u2019ve seen how an ego-free approach to leadership can transform performance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And while the example here is elite sport, this same approach can apply to any workplace.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a persistent myth that humility equals softness, but in reality, it is a competitive advantage. It creates the psychological safety people need to speak up, experiment, and take responsibility. Author Jim Collins famously described the highest-performing CEOs<\/a> as \u2018Level 5 leaders,\u2019 those who are ambitious for the organisation, but personally humble. They take responsibility when things go poorly, credit their teams when things go well, and build environments where success can continue long after they leave.<\/p>\n \tSmarter business news. Straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n \n For startup founders, small businesses and leaders. Build sharper instincts and better strategy by learning from Australia\u2019s smartest business minds. Sign up for free. <\/p>\n By continuing, you agree to our Terms & Conditions<\/a> and Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n Fagan reflects that style of leadership and has always been open about not having all the answers. He is also the first to admit his mistakes. I\u2019ve seen him stand in front of the team after a loss and say he \u2018over-coached\u2019 them. This kind of honesty in a leader changes the behaviour of everyone around them.\u00a0<\/p>\n Key to Fagan\u2019s empowerment of others is his continual reinforcement that mistakes are part of the journey. As the club was rebuilding, he talked about \u2018failing our way to the top\u2019 and about \u2018either winning or learning\u2019. This created a culture where players felt safe to speak up, take responsibility, and learn from mistakes rather than hide them.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s a lesson we often teach our children. If you fall, don\u2019t let it stop you from getting up and trying again. Learn from your mistakes, don\u2019t let them define you. But somehow in the workforce, this lesson is too often lost.\u00a0<\/p>\n When he handed the floor to the Brisbane players group on day one, we asked them to assess their own behaviours in an exercise any team can replicate. In separate cohorts, players listed the cultural habits they thought were holding them back. At the time, doing extra training or speaking up in meetings resulted in teasing from other players. And naming examples of negative behaviours like these was like holding up a mirror. Once players took ownership, the shift was immediate. <\/p>\n \n\t\t\tRelated Article Block Placeholder<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tArticle ID: 276961\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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