Season 9 Episode 38: E.A.T. Leadership for Today’s World

Season 9 Episode 38: E.A.T. Leadership for Today’s World

In a world marked by disruption, high rates of change, and historically low levels of trust, the old models of leadership are no longer just outdated; they’re ineffective. The traditional top-down, command-and-control style may get things done, but it often leaves a trail of burnt bridges, disengaged employees, and a toxic corporate culture. So, what does it take to truly lead and build compelling teams in today’s complex environment?

In the 300th episode of The Thermostat, Jason V. Barger explores a necessary shift in leadership mindset. He introduces a practical framework for leaders who want to move beyond coercion and instead cultivate an environment where people are inspired to contribute their best. This approach focuses on the essential ingredients that sustain a healthy and high-performing team culture.

Summary

This episode of The Thermostat examines why a different approach to leadership is a necessity, not just a good idea. Jason Barger begins with a powerful story about a construction superintendent, a veteran of his industry, who once believed that fear and intimidation were the only tools for getting results. After decades of leading this way, he acknowledged the wreckage it caused: running off good people, damaging relationships, and hurting projects. His regretful wish—”I wish I had learned this stuff 35 years ago”—highlights a common turning point for many seasoned leaders.

Barger contrasts this “top of the pyramid” dictator style with the concept of servant leadership, which he visualizes as flipping the pyramid upside down. This modern leadership philosophy is not about power and control, but about service, mission, and empowering others.

To make this concept tangible, Barger offers the acronym E.A.T.—Empathy, Accountability, and Trust—as the core “nutrients” that today’s leaders must consume and practice.

• Empathy is about genuinely caring for your people. It involves seeking to understand their perspectives, experiences, and feelings. When team members feel seen and understood, the foundation for a strong connection is built.
• Accountability is presented not as a punitive measure but as a reciprocal, two-way street. True accountability in teams is about shared expectations and mutual responsibility. It involves celebrating when people do what they say they will do, not just correcting them when they fall short. This redefinition fosters a positive and collaborative spirit.
• Trust is the natural outcome of practicing empathy and reciprocal accountability. In an era where only 23% of employees trust their leaders, intentionally building trust is critical. It is the currency of a thriving culture, directly impacting performance, retention, and the ability to attract top talent.

Ultimately, the episode makes it clear that creating a compelling corporate culture doesn’t happen by magic. It requires intentional leadership and a commitment to nurturing the human elements that allow teams to flourish.

Notable Quotes

 

• “Man, I wish I had learned this stuff 35 years ago… When I was growing up in this business, there was really only one way that we did things. You get people to do what you want them to do by fear and anger and intimidation.”
• On the old style of leadership: “Well, I did get a lot of **** done. But you know what? I sure ran a lot of good people off. I sure burnt some bridges.”
• “Leadership is about service, it’s about mission, it’s about relationship building and empowering the gifts of other people to help us accomplish something that we can’t on our own.”
• “The adage, ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,’… that comes to life when the people on your team truly feel like you care about them.”
• “The true and compelling form of accountability is the fact that it’s reciprocal. It’s a two-way street.”
• “We’re always either building trust or deteriorating trust with those around us. Every moment… it’s a byproduct of how we think, act, and interact in the culture.”

Questions to Ponder

1. In what ways do you have the opportunity to show empathy and care about the people around you?
2. How could you help redefine accountability into a two-way street on your team?
3. What specific behaviors would build trust with your colleagues, rather than deteriorate it?

Links and References

Follow @JasonVBarger on social media for even more insights and new video content.

For more insights and practical tips, be sure to check out Jason V Barger’s book Breathing Oxygen. This book dives deeper into the concepts discussed in this episode and provides additional strategies for fostering a positive mindset and effective leadership.

By incorporating these practices into your summer routine, you can breathe new life into your personal and professional endeavors. Remember, as Jason says, “The best leaders, teams, and cultures on the planet stimulate progress by recalibrating their thermostat together.”