Leading from the Right Place: Finding Balance in Leadership

I once asked my platoon sergeant where I should position myself during an operation. He said, “Go where you can best support them.” Helpful… yet vague. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with my squad in the mud would let me experience their struggles firsthand—but I’d lose the broader view for calling in support. Hanging back in the wood line with my radio would keep me safe and maintain my perspective, but distance me from my troops’ immediate needs.

This tension isn’t just a military issue. Leaders in every field ask themselves: Do I jump into the trenches, inspiring by direct action? Or do I stay at the helm, orchestrating resources for maximum impact?

The answer, as is often the case in leadership, lies in striking the right balance. Leading from the front can motivate your team, but it may limit your ability to see the bigger picture. Leading from the rear gives you that strategic edge, but it can create a sense of distance and disengagement.

The key is to be purposeful about where you spend your time:

• Be Accessible: Make sure your team knows you’re available. Approachability boosts trust and morale.
• Provide Guidance: Offer clear direction and resources, so they can perform at their best.
• Recognize the Team: Celebrate wins. A little acknowledgment goes a long way.
• Step Back: Don’t stay in the weeds all the time. Occasionally remove yourself from daily operations to see the bigger picture.

By moving fluidly between the front lines and the strategic vantage point, you’ll keep morale high and vision intact. You’re not just “helping” your team—you’re deliberately positioning yourself for the greatest impact.

In the end, leadership isn’t about always being in one place. It’s about knowing when and where you’ll make the biggest difference.

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Episode 24 – Expanding Access To Mental Health Care Through Telehealth With James Farese

In my latest Eagle’s Insight podcast episode, I interview James Farese, the founder of ReachLink, a telebehavioral healthcare company. James shares his journey in the behavioral health field and how he developed a platform that connects licensed mental health therapists with individuals seeking support for various issues like anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. ReachLink focuses on talk therapy and does not offer medication management.

Key Takeaways:

• ReachLink prioritizes the provider experience by handling administrative tasks such as insurance, billing, and customer service, enabling providers to focus on delivering quality care.
• Telehealth platforms like ReachLink address the challenge of access to mental health care by connecting a large number of people in need with a relatively small group of qualified providers.
• A strong connection and rapport between client and provider is vital for successful therapeutic outcomes.
• Building a telehealth platform involves navigating complex logistical and operational challenges, such as dealing with multiple insurance companies, different time zones, and varying regulatory policies.
• ReachLink utilizes data and analytics to help providers self-assess and improve their clinical outcomes.

Quotes from James Farese in this episode:

“We think the member, a positive member experience is downstream from a positive provider experience.”

“We try to take all of the administrative work out of being a provider so that the provider can just focus on what they went to school for and what their passion is, which is being a great provider.”

“…the better that connection is on the front end, the better the clinical output is long term.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Website:?https://www.reachlink.com/
• LinkedIn:?Bob Dixon
• Email:?[email protected]