Insecure Bosses and the Scientist Mindset
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
Release Date: 11/24/2019
#312: Got a Ghostworking Problem? Here’s What to Do
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
In this episode, Ben breaks down the concept of ghostworking (which is really modern-day presenteeism) and explains why it’s usually a commitment issue rather than laziness. He draws on motivation theory, including hygiene factors and intrinsic motivation, and shares practical ways to rebuild commitment through connection, purpose, responsibility, and fairness. The focus of this episode is on addressing root causes rather than defaulting to control or punishment. Resources mentioned in this episode:
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#311: My Values Aren’t Helping My Leadership. Can I Change Them?
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
In this episode, Ben explores whether personal values can be changed and what to do when they seem to hold you back. He explains that while values are relatively stable, we can adapt our behaviour regardless of what our values are. Through examples of conflicting values like ease versus growth, he shows how leaders can consciously choose which values to prioritise in different situations. This episode offers reflection questions to help identify your own values and use them more intentionally. Resources mentioned in this episode:
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#310: How Long Should You Wait Before Enforcing Consequences?
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
This episode tackles a common leadership dilemma: how long to wait before enforcing consequences for poor performance or behaviour. Ben walks through a practical decision-making process, starting with curiosity and feedback, then moving to support, clarity, and finally consequences if behaviour doesn’t change. He discusses the importance of stakeholder alignment, realistic follow-through, and why avoiding consequences can undermine trust and motivation across the team. Resources mentioned in this episode:
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#309: What beliefs are holding you back this year?
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
In this episode, Ben explores how deeply held beliefs shape behaviour and can quietly limit leadership confidence. Using personal stories about fitness, public speaking, and career choices, he illustrates how untested assumptions can become self-imposed barriers. Ben explains the difference between fixed and growth mindsets, the role of self-talk, and how beliefs often become baked into identity. He encourages leaders to notice when they say “I can’t do that” and get curious about whether those beliefs are actually true. Resources mentioned in this episode: .
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Farewell 2025... and a bit about principles.
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
In this short and sweet episode, Ben farewells 2025, says Thank You and talks a little bit about how principles (rather than goals) can help you set intentions about how you want 2026 to go. Thanks for listening in 2025, and Ben will be back around mid-January 2026.
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#308: 4 things to remember to support your team.
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
Supporting your people doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, Ben shares four key reminders leaders often forget. He explains why these fundamentals matter more than dramatic leadership techniques and how thoughtful leaders can use them to build trust and stability. Ben draws from coaching conversations and real workplace examples to help you support your team with confidence. Resources mentioned in this episode: .
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#307: A better model for giving constructive feedback.
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
In this episode, Ben introduces a straightforward model to help leaders give challenging feedback in a way that hopefully helps the receiver get on board with it. He explains each of the parts of the model and shares practical examples to show how the model works in real conversations. Ben also talks about common mistakes thoughtful leaders make, like softening the message too much or delaying feedback out of discomfort. The episode links closely to , which helps leaders process feedback they receive and builds their confidence in asking for feedback. Resources mentioned in this episode: ...
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#306: Struggling to move from individual contributor to leader?
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
Many new leaders struggle when moving from individual contributor to leadership. In this episode, Ben breaks down why the transition feels so difficult, especially for thoughtful, high-performing people. He covers key mindset shifts including letting go of control, redefining success, prioritising relationships over tasks, and stepping into visibility even when it feels uncomfortable. Ben also shares stories from coaching clients who found leadership hard because they still identified as “doers”, not leaders. Resources mentioned in this episode:
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#305: Is adapting your leadership style authentic?
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
In this episode, Ben explores whether it’s possible to stay authentic while also adapting your leadership style. Drawing on coaching conversations and personality models like DISC and OCEAN, he explains why adaptability doesn’t mean “changing who you are”. Instead, adjusting your behaviour to meet the needs of different situations is both necessary and can still be genuine. Ben shares real examples from his facilitation and project management work, showing how leaders can honour their natural traits while flexing their approach when required. Resources mentioned in this episode: ...
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#304: Is leadership simply about finding the right balance?
The Thoughtful Leader Podcast with Ben Brearley
In this episode, Ben talks about the importance of balance in leadership: knowing when to step in and when to step back. He discusses common traps, like micromanaging or being overly hands-off, and helps leaders identify their “sweet spot” where they can provide enough guidance without stifling independence. Ben offers practical reflection questions and strategies to help you stay balanced, effective, and confident as a thoughtful leader. Resources: .
info_outlineIn this episode I talk about a question I received from someone asking advice about having an insecure boss. Many of us have bad bosses at one time or another, so it's an important question for both leaders and team members alike!
I give my thoughts on what to do in this situation and how you can try to make a shift in your manager's behaviour by putting on your "scientist hat" and experimenting with different approaches.
The original question was:
"My manager is extremely insecure, and he has good reason to be. He is supervising people who are smarter than him and better than him at everything that falls within the scope of work we are performing. He compensates for his lack of legitimate leadership capabilities by exercising arbitrary authority over us regularly to remind us that he is in charge. What can unlucky subordinates do to improve their situation when they find themselves under the thumb of a hopelessly incompetent leader?"
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