#85 | Stop Asking “What’s Wrong With Them?”
Ever catch yourself thinking, “Why don't they just figure it out?” Or maybe you've found yourself saying, “We've already gone over this!” What if the real problem isn't someone's ability—but the assumptions we make as leaders?
In this episode of Lead with Swagger, Jennifer Sukalo shares an ordinary morning watching a storm cleanup crew that sparked an extraordinary leadership lesson. The biggest leadership mistakes rarely come from bad intentions—they come from bad assumptions. Jennifer explores why assumptions—not incompetence—often hold people back and how one simple shift from frustration to curiosity can transform the way we lead others and ourselves.
Discover why leadership is never one-size-fits-all, how every person moves through four stages of learning—from the eager learner to the confident performer—and why giving the wrong type of support can unintentionally keep people stuck. Drawing on the principles of situational leadership, Jennifer explains how great leaders develop thinkers, not just followers, by meeting people where they are and providing the support they need to grow.
Whether you're leading a team, running a business, coaching others, parenting, or navigating your own personal growth, this episode offers practical leadership strategies to improve communication, build confidence, and create environments where people feel empowered to learn, ask questions, and succeed.
If you've ever been frustrated with someone—or even yourself—this conversation might completely change your perspective.