Let me share something raw with you...

I thought I knew what leadership was. I had the title, the responsibilities, the confidence. Then came the Leadership Circle assessment at Rocket Companies – a 360-degree review that literally brought me to my knees.

Here's the gut punch: I saw myself as the most selfless leader imaginable. Someone who always put others' needs first. The ultimate team player.

The feedback from my peers? They saw something completely different: a leader focused on recognition, personal gain, someone who wasn't really concerned with the greater good.

A perfect picture of a "reactive" leader: closed, defensive, focused on being right.

Talk about humbling. The gap between how I viewed myself and how others experienced me wasn't just wide – it was an ocean.

But something unexpected happened in that moment of devastation – curiosity sparked.

"Why do others see me this way?"

That single question became the doorway to a series of breakthroughs that would change everything. I know that sounds cliche, but there's no other way to describe it. The transformation was profound.

Then came a choice that would deepen the journey even further: I could become a mentor within the organization, or get certified in the Leadership Circle framework to support other leaders through their own development.

I chose certification. Not because it was easier (it wasn't), but because something in me knew I needed to go deeper into this work.

Here's where it gets really interesting...

Working with other leaders through their journeys didn't just deepen my understanding – it transformed how I show up every single day. Not just at work, but for my family, my friends, myself. Every time I sit with a leader starting their journey, I discover something new about my own.

So here's my challenge to you:

Sometimes the most painful revelations are actually gifts. And often, our deepest transformations come from seeing ourselves through others' eyes.

Ready to get curious about your own leadership journey?

Hit reply and share what's holding you back. I'd love to hear your story.

Here's to embracing the uncomfortable,
Jeff

P.S. That feedback you've been avoiding? It might just be the breakthrough you've been waiting for.

Every week, I share a “daily coffee break” post on LinkedIn.

Mon: Turn Your To-Do List Into a Success Map Every transformational leader I coach discovers the same liberating truth: clarity beats complexity every time. The path to extraordinary results often begins with bold prioritization. What one goal, if accomplished, would make everything else on your list easier or unnecessary? ☕️ #MindsetMonday

Tue: Excellence Lives in Progress, Not Perfection The most successful leaders I know share a surprising trait: they value progress over perfection. When we embrace the beauty of continuous improvement, every step forward becomes a victory. What amazing project would you launch today if you knew "good enough to start" was perfect enough? ☕️ #TransformationTuesday

Wed: Your Self-Doubt is Your Success Signal When I first launched my solo agency, that voice of self-doubt was my constant companion. But here's what experience taught me: those moments of uncertainty often signal you're growing into new possibilities. What if your current challenges are simply proof you're playing a bigger game? ☕️ #WisdomWednesday

Thu: Action Turns Strategy Into Success Two decades in digital transformation have shown me that the magic happens when great planning meets bold action. Your strategy becomes unstoppable when you pair it with consistent execution. What exciting first step could you take today to bring your strategy to life? ☕️ #ThoughtLeaderThursday

Fri: Launch Now, Perfect Later Innovation thrives in the space between good and perfect. Every successful product or service I've seen started as a "work in progress" that evolved through real-world feedback. What opportunity are you ready to seize by embracing the power of starting before you're ready? ☕️ #FutureForwardFriday