Not all managers are leaders—and understanding this distinction can make or break your organization’s success. On today’s episode of The Small Business Show, John and Katie McCann, the husband-and-wife duo behind Green Leaf Leadership, shared transformative insights from their book Leadership and Culture: Why Managers Fail and Leaders Prevail. Discover the five essential leadership skills for fostering belonging and driving performance in today’s evolving workplace.
John and Katie McCann reveal the key to thriving organizations: a positive, inclusive culture that values employee contributions. Their book outlines five essential leadership skills that foster belonging and engagement.
According to Katie, many employees feel disconnected from their organizations today, leading to disengagement and minimal effort. She emphasized that creating a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued is key to reversing this trend. Citing examples, she discussed how unethical practices, like those seen at Wells Fargo, stemmed from a toxic culture focused solely on results, underscoring the importance of authenticity and employee satisfaction for long-term success.
On the other hand, John explored common reasons managers fail, including being thrust into leadership roles without proper training or support. He noted that promotions often prioritize technical skills over leadership ability, resulting in managers who struggle to lead effectively. Without mentoring or higher-level guidance, these managers often flounder, impacting the morale and performance of their teams.
Nevertheless, the McCanns addressed how successful leaders involve frontline employees in decision-making, driving greater buy-in and ownership of organizational changes. By cultivating a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, businesses can empower employees to solve problems independently and contribute meaningfully to the company’s goals.
"Teach people how to think, not what to think. When employees learn to solve problems on their own, they take ownership of their roles, and the organization thrives." – John McCann.
