The Leadership Perspective That’s Challenging Everything I Thought I Knew
Why "Working for Your Team" Might Be the Most Powerful Shift a Leader Can Make
Twice now, I’ve had something pop up in my feed that made me pause. First, it was Gary Vaynerchuk. Then, Barbara Corcoran.
Both shared the same perspective on leadership:
If you think your employees work for you, you have it all wrong. You work for them.
The first time I heard it, I dismissed it—not because I didn’t respect Gary’s insight, but because it just didn’t sit right with me. If I treat my employees like I work for them, won’t they lose respect for me? Wouldn’t that mess up the dynamic of leadership?
But then Barbara said it.
And now I’m paying attention.
I’ve always been open about my leadership—my strengths, flaws, the things I get right, and the things I’m still figuring out.
The Good: What I Know I Bring to the Table
I’m not the kind of leader who micromanages. I don’t care when or how you work, as long as the work gets done. I roll up my sleeves, jump in the trenches, and work just as hard—if not harder—than anyone on my team. I believe in loyalty and give it back tenfold to those who stick by me.
That’s why I’ve had employees who have worked with me for 10, 12, even 16 years. That’s something I take a lot of pride in.
But I also have my flaws. And I’m not afraid to admit them.
The Harder Truths About My Leadership Style
I hold on to people longer than I should. Not because they’re bad at their job, but because I feel bad letting them go—even when it’s clear we’re no longer a fit. My mentor once told me that keeping someone who isn’t a good fit does a disservice to them, to you, and the rest of your team. And they were right.
I like things done my way. Call it OCD, call it control issues—whatever it is, I know I struggle when people want to do things differently. I want to get better at letting go, but it’s a work in progress.
I can’t stand people who don’t take accountability. Mistakes don’t bother me. Excuses do. Own it, learn from it, move on. That’s all I ask.
I never stop working. I’m always on, and while I can handle that pace, I know it can burn out the people around me.
Sometimes I think I’ve communicated something when I haven’t. And then I get frustrated when it doesn’t get done. That’s on me.
There are probably plenty of other flaws I haven’t even recognized yet, but I’m working on them.
So… Do I Need to Change?
That’s the question I’m sitting with right now. If people like Gary and Barbara say I’ve been looking at leadership all wrong, it’s worth considering.
But how do I shift my mindset? What does it look like to lead if I work for my team? And—perhaps the hardest question—can I make that shift while still staying true to who I am?
I don’t have the answers yet. But I do know this:
I’m listening.
I’m reflecting.
And I’ll keep you updated on what I learn along the way.
I would love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever had a leadership belief challenged like this? Hit reply and let me know.
Until next time,
Dr. Alexa D’Agostino
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
ThynkFuel Media