Glow Getters, Not Show-Offs: True leaders don’t chase the spotlight—they shine it on others, lead with care, and make people feel seen, safe, and inspired!
Glow Getters, Not Show-Offs: True Leaders Shine the Light on Others
Ever worked with a leader who thought yelling was the way to inspire people? Yikes. That might work for dogs at the park—but not for teams trying to succeed together.
Then there’s the other kind. The ones who step into a room and instantly elevate everyone. Instead of shrinking back, people lean in. These leaders don’t seek power—they empower others.
What makes them different? Simple. And you can copy them.
1. They Show Confidence—Not Ego
Meet Boastful Bob. He once kicked off a meeting with, “Let me tell you why I’m always right.” Guess what happened? Nobody cared.
Then there’s Calm Carla—no shouting, no bragging, just clear thinking and sharp questions. Real confidence isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about believing in the team, not demanding their approval.
Think of it like this: Confidence should feel like a warm campfire—inviting, steady, something everyone gathers around. Ego? That’s a flashlight blinding people instead of guiding them.
2. They Ask Questions That Spark Big Ideas
Great leaders don’t pretend to know everything—they know the power of asking smart questions.
Like Curious Casey, who kicks off meetings with: “What might we be missing?”
Her teams don’t just hit their goals—they outgrow them. Curiosity creates space for innovation. It doesn’t just change conversations—it transforms teams.
Think of it like this: Good leaders act like detectives alongside their teams—not rulers issuing commands.
3. They Own Mistakes—And Stay Cool About Them
Take Honest Hank, who once sent the wrong project to a client. Instead of panicking, he owned it—with a funny apology, a clear fix, and total calm. His team didn’t fear failure—they trusted the process.
When leaders stay steady about mistakes, their teams feel safe to take risks.
Think of it like this: A mistake isn’t the end—it’s just falling off a bike. The real move? Get up and ride again.
4. They See Strengths Before You Do
Great leaders spot hidden talents—and speak them into existence.
Like Quiet Quinn, who rewrote the training guide on her own time. Instead of a simple “Nice job,” her leader gave her the chance to lead the training itself. Now she’s teaching the teachers.
Think of it like this: A great leader is like a gardener—seeing the seeds that will grow before anyone else does.
5. They Put People First
Deadlines matter. So do humans.
The best leaders work hard without forgetting that people have feelings. They ask real questions:
✅ “How are you really doing?” ✅ “Are we pushing too hard?” ✅ “Let’s balance efficiency with sustainability.”
Leadership isn’t about maxing out your team—it’s about keeping them motivated and energized.
Think of it like this: Good leaders don’t burn out their teams like old lightbulbs. They help them shine steadily—like stars.
✍️ Note to Self: True leaders don’t grab the spotlight—they turn it on for others.
The FUNomenal™ Finale: Start your own leadership checklist today!
Which of these leadership traits do you already have—and which one will you strengthen this week?
Lead like it’s a superpower. Because it is.
-> Read More: Empowered, Not Overpowered: Leadership That Lifts, Not Controls
AI Sidekick Alert: This post was unpacked and given a touch of FUNomenal™ sparkle with the creative assistance of my behind-the-scenes AI brainstorming buddy!
About Tony
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Tony Brigmon | Speaker—Emcee | TonyBrigmon.com
Tony Brigmon is a party animal. He’s been known to stay up well past nine o’clock drinking root beer and telling G-rated jokes. Sure, the neighbors complain, but that doesn’t stop him. Because Tony is serious about having fun. Serious fun, with serious results.
As a result of his questionable spelling skills, Tony learned at an early age that his name spelled backward is “YNOT.” As in, “YNOT take a closer look at his book?” Or “YNOT smile when you should be crying?”
Tony was a Southwest Airlines “Insider” and the former “face” of their renowned culture as their official “Ambassador of Fun”. At Southwest Airlines, “fun” was the power of “positivity” that helped catapult a small carrier into a force that changed the airline industry.
Today, Tony is a popular speaker, emcee, and author of The FUNomenal™ Workplace. (FUNomenal™ is pronounced the same as phenomenal but it’s a lot more FUN.)
Former CEO of Southwest Airlines Howard Putnam says: “Tony has a gift for blending fun and capturing ideas in a manner that sticks for audiences.” Tony’s friends say that no one should have so much fun while sober. Tony’s wife said she has had about all the cheerfulness she can stand.
“Fun” transformed this author’s work and life. YNOT discover if the serious power of fun can transform the next 30 seconds of your day or 30 years of your life?
YNOT arrange to have Tony Brigmon teach you and your team how the power of fun can help you get more done, bring out the best in everyone, and make you irresistibly attractive in your communication with others. You can do this. So, YNOT?
