Decades of Stories and Leadership.
I recently went to the EPIC museum in Dublin with my family. And let me tell you, it really was epic. Reading all of those stories about emigration out of Ireland - the letters that people sent home, the portrayal in the media, and the musical roots and traditions – emphasized how important human connection is.
And naturally, it got me thinking about how that relates to running a business. Like life lessons, most leadership lessons aren’t learned through textbooks, but rather, through lived experiences.
Culture Isn't a Poster on Your Wall
Your company culture isn't defined by mission statements or motivational posters. It's what happens when you're not in the room. And it often reveals itself in how your team handles crisis moments. That's your culture showing up, unfiltered and authentic.
The most empathetic leaders understand this deeply. They create environments where people feel safe to be their authentic selves, especially when challenges arise.
Data Tells Stories, But Stories Move Mountains
Your MBA teaches you metrics and analytics – and don’t get me wrong, those matter. But experience teaches you that metrics without meaning are just expensive paperweights. The best leaders master both: they can read the numbers and translate them into compelling narratives that inspire action.
Empathy is your secret weapon here. When you understand what motivates your team, you can frame data in ways that resonate emotionally. The stories behind the numbers in the Epic Museum are what made it impactful. Numbers inform decisions, but stories create movements.
Success Leaves Receipts
Your team's success is your leadership made visible. Their failures? Those are your teachable moments in disguise. The corner office is just a room. Your true legacy lives in the leaders you develop and the impact they create long after you're gone. Just take a look at the number of American songwriters who still use Irish themes and melodies. (I’m looking at your Bruce Springsteen).
This perspective transforms how you lead. Instead of hoarding opportunities, you become an opportunity creator for others. Instead of fearing your team's growth, you celebrate it as proof of your leadership effectiveness.
True leadership is empathizing with your team’s crises, successes, failures, and stories. It’s taking all of that new knowledge and figuring out how to best support them – because your team is what makes up your business. When they’re supported and doing their best, it will show and strengthen your business overall.
Want more of my thoughts on business and leadership? Sign up for my monthly newsletter, The Gray Matter.
