Leadership Is a Bank Account: Are you making enough deposits?

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Happy Sunday!

I hope you’re enjoying a moment of rest and reflection today. Leadership is an art, and one of the most effective ways to think about it is as a bank account. Every interaction, decision, and action you take as a leader either makes a deposit into your leadership bank account or withdraws from it. When that account runs dry, employees lose faith, trust, and motivation. But if you’re intentional about making consistent deposits and carefully managing withdrawals, you’ll have a strong foundation for leading your team.

But before we get into the newsletter, here are some treats for you…

• In this week’s Pay or Quit Podcast, co-host Tony Cline and I share some BIG mistakes we had made in business because we didn’t understand the marketplace and how we avoided them on our next launch. Listen here or click the thumbnail below!

• If you’re a big fan of learning on YouTube, like I am, check out my channel @ShawnAustinJohnson 

Let’s explore how to build and maintain your leadership bank account with actionable strategies.

1. Start with Deposits: Building Trust and Credibility

Great leadership starts with building trust, just like filling a bank account starts with consistent deposits. Small, intentional actions like listening to your team, recognizing their efforts, and offering growth opportunities add up over time. These actions create a reserve of goodwill that you can draw on when challenging situations arise.

Why it matters: Trust is the currency of leadership. When your team trusts you, they’ll give you their best work and remain engaged, even during tough times.

Actionable Step:
Set a weekly reminder to acknowledge at least one employee’s contribution. Whether during a team meeting or a personal conversation, this recognition acts as a deposit in your leadership account.

2. Avoid Unnecessary Withdrawals: Small Mistakes Add Up

Withdrawals from your leadership bank account come in many forms: criticism without solutions, broken promises, inconsistent decision-making, or a lack of communication. While one small mistake may not cause immediate damage, a series of withdrawals can quickly drain trust.

Why it matters: Employees may forgive occasional missteps, but too many withdrawals without replenishment will erode their confidence in your leadership.

Actionable Step:
Before offering feedback, pause and ask yourself, “How can I make this constructive?” Pair criticism with actionable suggestions for improvement to ensure the conversation remains positive and productive.