The Leadership Litmus Test: Are You Building a Dream Team or an Ego Army?

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Earlier today, December 3rd, 2024, I posted this principle to LinkedIn. However, after posting, I thought a broader article would be more beneficial.

It’s been said that LEVEL A leaders hire LEVEL A leaders, while LEVEL B leaders hire LEVEL C leaders. This simple yet profound observation reveals the core difference between organizations that thrive and those that stagnate. It’s not just about the talent you bring on board—it’s about the mindset driving your leadership decisions.

LEVEL A leaders understand that excellence attracts excellence. These leaders are secure enough in their abilities to welcome peers and subordinates who may challenge them, bring new ideas, have superior skills, and push the organization to new heights. They know that success isn’t a solo performance but a symphony of collaboration, with each high-performing team member playing their part. By hiring top talent, they multiply their impact and create a culture where high standards are the norm and expected.

On the other hand, LEVEL B leaders let insecurities guide their decisions. They see top performers as threats rather than assets, and consciously or subconsciously, they hire LEVEL C team members—those who are less likely to challenge authority or outperform their manager. This dynamic may preserve the leader’s ego, but it stifles growth, innovation, and morale across the organization. Teams led by LEVEL B leaders become stagnant, riddled with inefficiency, and ultimately fail to reach their potential.

The takeaway for C-Suite executives and business owners is this: Your organization’s success hinges on your ability to hire people better than yourself. Don’t let ego or insecurity sabotage your vision. Instead, create an environment where the best talent wants to join and stay because they know they’ll be valued, challenged, and empowered. As a leader, your legacy won’t just be what you accomplish—it will be the greatness you inspire in others.

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About The Author

Brian Webb is a 23-year entrepreneur, private investor, business & profit growth mentor, a B2B marketer, and the Business Growth Show podcast host.

In addition to managing a growing portfolio of businesses, Brian is the CEO of Whatbox Digital, an award-winning marketing and business growth consulting agency in The Woodlands, Texas (Greater Houston Metroplex).

You can find Brian on Apple, Google, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and Amazon. Brian’s writings have been published and featured on NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, and MarketWatch, and he has been approved as a Forbes Business Council member and content contributor.

You may also recognize some of Brian’s anchor clients, such as Coca-Cola, Comcast, Coldwell Banker, Entrepreneur’s Organization, Hospital Corp of America, and Karbach Brewing.

Brian has had the opportunity to speak and share the stage with internationally renowned business legends like ABC Shark Tank star Daymond John, multiple-time New York Times & Wall Street Journal best-selling author Suzy Welch, serial investor and entrepreneurs Roland Frasier and Metta World Peace, and the business growth G.O.A.T. himself, Jay Abraham.

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