Allies, Not Subordinates: Lead with them, not above them—you’ll earn their loyalty and avoid the sting of ‘friendly fire’!
You’re Not a Superhero—You’re a Squad Leader in Spandex
Leadership isn’t about standing solo on a rooftop with a flapping cape. It’s about diving in—boots first—with your team. And maybe handing out snacks before someone stages a snack mutiny.
This isn’t just a catchy quote. It’s a mic-drop moment for every leader who’s ever mistaken “I’m in charge” for “I’m above you.” Let’s unpack this leadership lunchbox—with extra sauce and zero side-eye. Leadership thrives when leaders build loyalty through trust and teamwork, rather than standing apart.
The Myth of ‘Top-Down’ Greatness
Ever had a boss who thought “asserting dominance” was part of the job description?
Meet Clarabelle Groove—smart, driven, and always one step away from an impromptu TED Talk. She ran her team like a solo mission—making every decision, barking orders, and wondering why everyone suddenly started calling in “existential.”
People don’t follow leaders just because they’re in charge. They follow leaders who make them feel valued. When a leader climbs and yanks the ladder up, no one follows. They scatter—or bring pitchforks.
Lead With, Not Over—The Power of Leadership Loyalty
Now meet Todd—marketing manager, dry sense of humor, closet Lego nerd.
Todd sat with his team in brainstorms. He let others take the lead on client pitches. He tossed around wild ideas without worrying about credit.
The result? A loyal, creative, all-in team that crushed deadlines—and brought snacks.
Todd didn’t lead from a pedestal. He led from the middle. And that’s why people followed.
Friendly Fire Isn’t So Friendly
Ever been blindsided by “constructive feedback” that felt more like a betrayal than a boost?
That’s workplace friendly fire—when people feel steamrolled, shut down, or invisible and pretend everything’s fine… while plotting your professional demise over lunch.
Avoid it by listening like it’s your superpower. Invite input. Empower decisions. Don’t just assign—align.
When people feel heard, they fight for you, not against you.
Loyalty Is Built in the Mud, Not the Throne Room
No one remembers your PowerPoint transitions. But they will remember the night you stayed late to fix that deck—or said, “Let’s solve this together.”
True allies don’t need orders. They need ownership. And a leader who isn’t afraid to get muddy—or maybe end up with glitter in their smoothie.
✍️ Note to Self: Real leaders don’t stand on pedestals. They build trust in the trenches—one empowered teammate at a time.
The FUNomenal™ Finale: Your Move, Leader
Pick one person on your team today and ask: “How can I better support you?”
Then actually do it.
Because loyalty, creativity, and connection? They don’t come from titles.
They come from you.
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?
