The 3 Overlapping Traits of Great Leaders
Sean McCool
Transforming Leaders | Energizing Teams | Maximizing Outcomes | I am a speaker, coach and trainer who can help your organization thrive.
Trust deeply. Behave boldly. Give generously.
On the surface, these phrases might sound like something you’d hear in a motivational seminar or read on a poster with a mountain in the background.
But don’t let their simplicity fool you.
These three traits aren’t fluff. They’re the foundation of exceptional leadership. And when combined, they create the kind of leader—and human—people want to follow.
Let's take a quick look at each one...
Trust Deeply
Trust isn’t a luxury in leadership; it’s a requirement.
When you trust your team deeply, you do three things:
Practical Shift: The next time a team member brings you an idea, instead of defaulting to, “Let me think about it,” try, “I trust your judgment. Run with it, and let’s regroup after you test it.”
Behave Boldly
Leadership requires boldness, but not recklessness. Boldness means being willing to take calculated risks, speak up when it matters, and lead with conviction—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Your bold behavior sets the tone for your team. When they see you make decisions with courage, they feel empowered to do the same.
Practical Shift: Identify one area where you’ve been holding back—whether it’s sharing a new idea with your boss or addressing a tough issue with your team. Take bold action today.
Give Generously
Giving in leadership isn’t about material things—it’s about time, attention, and recognition. When you give generously, you create loyalty and inspire your team to go the extra mile.
Generosity doesn’t mean saying “yes” to everything. It means showing up fully and investing in the growth of others.
Practical Shift: Make it a habit to highlight one team member’s contributions in your next meeting. Simple acts of acknowledgment can have a ripple effect.
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The Overlap: Leading from the Center
Picture these three traits—Trust, Boldness, Generosity—as a Venn diagram.
The overlap is where great leadership happens. It’s where trust fuels empowerment, boldness drives progress, and generosity builds connection.
When you lead from this center, you give your team permission to do the same.
Oso’s Challenge for the Day
Reflect on these three traits and ask yourself:
Pick one area to focus on and take action.
Oso’s Closing Thought
Trust deeply. Behave boldly. Give generously.
These aren’t just ideas—they’re choices. Choices that shape your leadership, your team, and the culture you create.
Next week, we’ll dive into how consistency builds trust over time. Until then, lead from the center and watch the ripple effects unfold.
In your corner,
Sean "Oso" McCool
Sean "Oso" McCool is a thought leader and transformational coach who helps leaders unlock clarity, build trust, and inspire growth through wisdom, wealth, and courage. With decades of experience and a unique approach to leadership, Oso provides actionable insights to elevate both individuals and teams.
Want to take your leadership to the next level? Subscribe to Oso McCool’s Leadership Letter for more insights, or reach out to explore how Oso can support your team’s growth.
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2 个月Great insights Sean. I recently spoke with a previous team member who learned to be bold in their approach with others because I fostered an environment for them to accept ownership. I always had their backs. AND ALWAYS encouraged them to be better.