🧭 Kirby Smart on the Costs of Leadership

In partnership with

Good Day, and welcome to The Growth Compass!

GREAT NEWS 🚨 We have given all subscribers access to our FREE Growth Compass Library that you can access HERE.

Here’s Where We Are Headed Today:

• Simon Sinek on Leadership

• Kirby Smart on the Costs of Leadership

• Great Posts of the Week

• Free Mental Fitness Links 👇

Kirby Smart on the Costs of Leadership

Leadership isn't just a title, it's a commitment to doing more. This often means making tough decisions that won't always win you popularity contests. As Kirby Smart, the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, wisely said, "If we truly want to be honest and upfront about leadership you can't ignore the cost of leadership. Great leaders are willing to accept those costs."

The idea for this newsletter came from University of Georgia’s head coach Kirby Smart and his 2023 pre-season Press Conference where he talks about the 3 costs of leadership that he has pinned to his wall. His 3 costs of leadership are:

1. "You will have to make hard decisions that negatively affect people you care about.”

2. “You will be disliked despite your best attempt to do the best for the most.”

3. “You will be misunderstood and won't always have the opportunity to defend yourself.”

People talk about the upside to leadership, but you have to be willing to accept and embrace the costs of what it takes to lead others. Those costs could be unpopularity, sacrifice, criticism, stress, or even loneliness.

So why do you do it? Despite these costs, true leadership is about doing what's best for the team. It's about having the courage to make decisions that lead to long-term success, even if they are not popular in the short term.

Leadership:

• Sets the tone for the team.

• Sets the direction for the team.

• Gives the team an example of selflessness.

• Shows that you care about people and their future.

• Demonstrates commitment to a cause bigger than yourself.

What are some things to think about when it comes to the cost of leadership?

1. Decision Making - Not everyone will be happy with every decision you make. Think through what you are doing and why. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that effective leaders often make decisions that are unpopular but necessary for the health of the organization. Over 60% of surveyed executives acknowledged that their toughest decisions were met with initial resistance.

2. Managing Criticism and Stress - Think about the resilience and emotional intelligence that you will need to be successful in your role. According to a study by the Center for Creative Leadership, 88% of leaders feel that handling criticism and managing stress are significant challenges.

3. Being Proactive and Collaborative - Being proactive and collaborative with the team can have a significant impact on team morale and performance. A study by Gallup found that leaders who actively engage with their teams and provide regular feedback see a 21% increase in productivity and a 41% reduction in absenteeism.

4. Creating a Support System - Establishing a leadership council and support system can help mitigate these feelings by providing a network of peers who understand the challenges you face. A survey by RHR International revealed that 50% of CEOs reported feelings of loneliness in their role. This isolation is often due to the unique pressures and responsibilities of leadership.

Goodbye Meal Kits, Hello Hungryroot

Hungryroot is a grocery and recipe delivery service that supports any health needs you and your family might have. Whether you’re looking to incorporate a gut-friendly diet, just trying to eat healthy, or anything in between, Hungryroot makes achieving your goals on your terms easy.

Browse the thousands of groceries and recipes available each week, or have Hungryroot curate a delivery made just for you and your family based on your preferences. Save hours planning, shopping, and cooking each week. Plus pick one free item for life.

Take the quiz and get 30% off your 1st order!

Great Posts from the Week

That's a wrap for today. If you want to spread the joy, make sure to refer the newsletter to someone you think would benefit!