The foundation of effective leadership

Leadership is a concept that’s often misunderstood in today’s business world. Many believe it’s about directing others, maintaining control, and being the final decision-maker. However, as Dr. Kevin Mays of Mays Leadership explains on the latest Dead Pixel Society podcast, true leadership begins with leading yourself.

Dr. Mays, a self-described “recovering psychologist,” brings a unique perspective to leadership development. His journey from aerospace engineering student to leadership consultant wasn’t planned but evolved through his experiences and observations. This path has given him invaluable insights into what makes organizations thrive or struggle, particularly when it comes to founder-led businesses.

At the core of effective leadership is self-awareness and intention. Before you can lead others, you must understand your thought patterns, biases, and how your mind works. Too many business leaders get caught in the trap of believing they must control every aspect of their organization. This “founder syndrome” often results in talented employees feeling stifled, unable to contribute meaningfully, and eventually leaving the company. The irony is that these leaders hired these individuals precisely because of their expertise and capabilities.

Trust emerges as a critical component of effective leadership. Leaders must trust their teams to make decisions and bring their knowledge to the table. When leaders micromanage and insist on doing things their way, they create environments where employees disengage, stop caring, and simply wait to be told what to do. The result is mediocrity rather than excellence.

One of the insights Dr. Mays shares is that leadership is about creating an environment of engagement where people bring their “A-game.” When employees feel validated, heard, and empowered, they take ownership and develop a sense of accountability. This shift from controlling to empowering is what transforms a struggling organization into a thriving one.

For business owners approaching retirement or considering succession planning, Dr. Mays offers practical advice. The first step is honest self-assessment: How are you spending your time as a leader? Many owners find themselves doing $10/hour tasks when they should be focusing on strategic direction. Creating an organizational chart that differentiates roles and responsibilities, even in a small business, helps clarify what functions need to be performed and by whom.

Documenting processes and systems is another crucial element in creating a sellable business. Too often, critical knowledge remains “in the head” of the owner, making the business dependent on them and therefore less valuable. By codifying best practices and creating training materials, owners can build bench strength and prepare successors to maintain the company’s standards and reputation.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect for many business owners is letting go of control. The belief that “if you want it done right, do it yourself” becomes a prison, preventing the business from growing beyond the owner’s direct involvement. Shifting from a task-focused mindset to a leadership mindset means trusting others, allowing them to make (and learn from) mistakes, and becoming a mentor rather than a dictator.

The ultimate goal is creating a business that works for you, not one that you work for. A truly successful business owner should be able to step away, knowing that the organization will continue to function effectively in their absence. This doesn’t mean abandoning the business but rather elevating to a strategic position where you can see the bigger picture and guide the organization’s future direction.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, adaptability is essential. Companies that fail to adapt—like Polaroid and Eastman Kodak Co. initially did when digital photography emerged—risk becoming obsolete. Effective leaders balance tradition with innovation, maintaining core values while embracing necessary changes to stay relevant and competitive.

Dr. Mays’ insights offer a roadmap for business owners who want to build organizations that can survive and thrive beyond their direct involvement. By leading themselves first, creating environments of engagement, documenting processes, developing team members, and adopting a strategic mindset, they can create businesses that are both personally fulfilling and financially valuable.