Hosts: Ed Schaefer and Andy Siegmund

Episode: 12

Runtime: Approximately 38 minutes

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Website: leadershipexploredpod.com

Episode Description:

In this episode of Leadership Explored, Ed and Andy tackle a silent but persistent leadership trap—the belief that only certain types of work really count. Whether it’s documentation, planning, reporting, or mentoring, these “invisible” parts of the job are often ignored or undervalued.

But here’s the truth: It’s all the work.

Ed and Andy dig into why leaders must embrace the full scope of their roles—not just the glamorous or visible tasks—and how dismissing the less celebrated pieces of the puzzle leads to broken systems, burnout, and stalled careers. They explore mindset shifts, team dynamics, and the subtle ways leadership models either strengthen or erode trust.

From metaphors and practical tips to personal stories and reflection prompts, this episode is a must-listen for any leader who wants to build a high-trust, high-functioning team.

Episode Highlights:

⏳ [00:52] – Why “real work” often gets equated with visible output—and why that’s a dangerous myth.

⏳ [02:36] – The iceberg effect: How we glorify what’s visible and neglect what enables it.

⏳ [05:59] – When leaders skip the “boring” stuff, teams end up paying the price.

⏳ [07:54] – Short-term gains vs. long-term erosion: The delayed cost of neglecting planning and documentation.

⏳ [11:37] – Reporting as a leadership development tool—not just a checkbox.

⏳ [14:40] – Reframing planning, reflecting, and reporting as multipliers, not chores

⏳ [18:04] – Connecting unseen work to purpose, team success, and strategy.

⏳ [22:14] – The music metaphor: Practice, preparation, and performance in leadership.

⏳ [25:20] – Resistance as data: When tasks feel pointless, ask why.

⏳ [29:31] – The power of consistency and cohesion when leaders show up for all the work.]

⏳ [32:16] – Action steps for shifting mindset and honoring behind-the-scenes work.

⏳ [37:51] – Professionalism means doing the work—even when no one’s watching.

Try This:

* Pick one task you usually rush or resent. Slow down. Treat it as a craft.

* Recognize and celebrate someone else’s behind-the-scenes contribution.

* Ask yourself: “What work do I devalue that actually deserves more respect?”

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📬 Have a topic you’d love us to explore? Email us at leadershipexplored@gmail.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.