Leadership Conversations Simplified: The Power of Wearing the Right Hat

"Leadership Conversations Simplified: The Power of Wearing the Right Hat"

Episode Summary:
As a leader, every conversation requires a different tone, approach, and mindset. That’s why in this week’s episode of Things Leaders Do, Colby Morris dives into the concept of wearing different hats in leadership. Whether you’re a mentor, a leader, or just a friend, knowing which role to play—and when—can make all the difference in building trust and fostering productive conversations.

Colby shares his strategy of asking a simple but powerful question before any important conversation:
"What hat do you need me to wear?"

This episode explores how this practice creates clarity, sets expectations, and transforms leadership relationships. With real-life examples, actionable tips, and a touch of humor, you’ll walk away with practical ways to strengthen your communication as a leader.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The three hats every leader needs to wear: mentor, leader, and friend.
• Why asking for clarity at the start of a conversation changes the tone and frame of mind for everyone involved.
• How to align your leadership style with the needs of your team in any given moment.
• Actionable strategies for applying this approach in your day-to-day leadership.

Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ The Mentor Hat: Provide guidance and perspective by asking the right questions, not giving all the answers.
2️⃣ The Leader Hat: Be decisive, set expectations, and hold people accountable with empathy.
3️⃣ The Friend Hat: Create psychological safety by listening without judgment or solutions.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes, you’re the guide. Sometimes, you’re the boss. And sometimes, you’re just the human who listens."
• "Clarity is the secret weapon of leadership—it creates trust and builds momentum."
• "The next time someone comes to you, ask them: ‘What hat do you need me to wear?’ It’s a small question that makes a big impact."

Action Steps for Leaders:

1. Start every important conversation by asking, “What hat do you need me to wear?”
2. Reflect on whether you showed up in the way your team member needed.
3. Practice shifting between hats intentionally to create stronger connections with your team.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to lead with clarity, purpose, and a whole lot of impact.

Connect with Colby:
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to Things Leaders Do on your favorite podcast platform. Share it with another leader who could benefit from learning about the power of clarity in conversations.

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going! Connect with Colby Morris on LinkedIn to share your leadership stories, questions, and feedback.

#Leadership #Communication #ClarityInLeadership #ThingsLeadersDo #LeadershipPodcast #ColbyMorris

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