Ditch the Dictatorship: Why 'Because I Said So' Leadership Fails with Geoff McLachlan
No More Leadership BS
Ditch the Dictatorship: Why 'Because I Said So' Leadership Fails with Geoff McLachlan
September 17, 2025
Why "Because I Said So" Leadership Is Dead (And What Actually Works) Ready to ditch the dictatorship approach to leadership? This episode tackles one of the most persistent myths in management: that leaders can simply bark orders from their ivory towers and expect stellar results. Spoiler alert: it doesn't work, whether you're managing kindergarteners or seasoned professionals. Our hosts dive deep into the messy reality of modern leadership, sharing war stories from the classroom, construction sites, and corporate boardrooms. You'll discover why even five-year-olds reject authoritarian approaches and how the most effective leaders have learned to blend authority with collaboration. The Real Talk on Leadership Myths Why the "sit on high and pronounce edicts" approach fails spectacularly How safety-critical industries balance authority with input The difference between leading in a vacuum versus leading with wisdom From Classroom to Boardroom: Leadership Lessons That Actually Work Real-world examples of inclusive decision-making that drives results Why asking "What do you think?" is a leader's secret weapon How to maintain authority while inviting authentic participation Breaking Down the Crystal Palace Complex The danger of making decisions that affect people without involving them Why consensus isn't always possible (or necessary) in today's polarized world How to engage your team as critical information providers, not just order-takers The Bottom Line True leadership isn't about being the smartest person in the room—it's about making sure you're in the right room with the right people. When leaders trade edicts for engagement, magic happens. Tune in for: Practical strategies for moving from dictator to collaborator How to balance authority with inclusivity in high-stakes situations Why self-awareness beats know-it-all attitude every single time Real stories of leadership transformation across industries Because leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking the right questions and actually listening to the responses.
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Today's Featured Coach -

Geoff McLachlan - Motivational Speaker, Trainer and Coach, Bringing Fun Back Into the Workplace,  Owner/Founder of Professionals At Play  Reach Geoff directly at [email protected] or 509-869-4506

The rest of the gang: