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Have you ever found yourself watching someone fumble through a task you could do perfectly – and fast – and felt that itch to step in and take over?
Most of us have. And if you’re in a leadership role (or stepping into one), that urge can feel almost impossible to resist.
But that moment right there – where you pause, breathe, and choose curiosity over control – is the moment that defines your leadership mindset.
Because as a leader, your value no longer comes from doing the task better than anyone else. It comes from helping others become great at doing it.
And that is not easy.
Letting go of being the expert – the fixer – and instead becoming the coach, the guide, the mentor… It requires a complete rewiring of how you see your role. But the impact is profound.
When you don’t “flick the switch,” you end up:
But when you do “flick the switch…”
It starts with one deceptively simple change:
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to talk to your team. A true leadership mindset means choosing your communication style based on each person’s capability in the task at hand.
There are four “languages” every leader should speak:
Choosing the wrong one can frustrate, demotivate, and create friction. But when you get it right, relationships flourish.
Leadership isn’t just about others – it’s also about you.
You’re bringing your own iceberg into every interaction. The top 10% might be what people see – your tone, your instructions, your feedback – but the 90% below the waterline? That’s where your triggers, beliefs, fears, and values live. And that’s where their reactions come from, too.
True leaders aren’t perfect. They’re vulnerable. They’re human. They share. And in doing so, they invite others to do the same. That’s where real trust – and real progress – happens.
It’s the moment you stop saying, “It’s easier if I just do it,” and start saying, “It’s better if they learn how to do it.”
It’s trading perfection for progress. Control for growth. Judgement for curiosity.
And that shift? It changes everything.
Dr Michael Powell is a veterinarian, business thought leader, and Director at Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business. With more than 25 years of experience in veterinary practice, he is also the former owner of a multiple award-winning ASVA Accredited Hospital of Excellence known for its industry-leading commercial performance. Today, his professional passion lies in safeguarding animal welfare by empowering the veterinary professionals entrusted with their care. A committed advocate for the veterinary profession, Michael has led significant research into veterinarian attrition. In 2019, he completed a multinational study of 1,500 veterinary professionals, followed by the Global Veterinary Sustainability Survey in 2021. These studies revealed the scale, causes, and impacts of premature departure from clinical practice and identified opportunities to address the issue. In 2018, Michael formed and chaired the Veterinary Shortage Think Tank, helping initiate the first coordinated steps in Australasia to recognise and respond to the veterinary workforce crisis. In 2021, he led a world-first Veterinary Sustainability Pilot with Royal Canin involving 127 veterinarians across 25 countries, exploring how non-technical competency training supports resilience and professional fulfilment. Outside of work, Michael enjoys time with his family and dogs, and unwinds surfing, camping, hiking, and exploring the Sunshine Coast.
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