Beware of Underlying Agendas: The Hidden Challenge in Leadership

Leadership is challenging. It requires constant effort, intentionality, and an unwavering

commitment to growth. John Maxwell reminds us that "people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care." Genuine leadership is built on trust and transparency. However, one of the most significant obstacles leaders face is when underlying agendas drive decisions—often at the expense of the team and mission.

The Impact of Hidden Agendas on Leadership

Leaders may claim to be focused on one objective, yet their focus and actions reveal an entirely different motivation. This disconnect creates confusion, erodes trust, and ultimately reduces efficiency.

Take this real-world scenario: Ann, a dedicated team member, works in a smaller department within a large corporation. Her team is responsible for developing a product intended for children ages 5-12. Their department head, "Boss," emphasizes the importance of serving this demographic. However, when Ann and her team suggest tailoring the product to better meet the needs of younger children, Boss dismisses the idea. Instead, the focus shifts toward efficiency and conformity with other divisions—even though Ann’s approach has proven successful.

The real issue? Boss’s hidden agenda isn’t about improving the product or serving the children—it’s about impressing upper management and advancing their own career. Instead of prioritizing the mission, they prioritize personal gain.

Leadership and Integrity: Aligning Actions with Intentions

John Maxwell’s Law of Solid Ground states, “Trust is the foundation of leadership.” When leaders allow personal ambition to overshadow team success, they break trust. Employees quickly recognize when decisions stem from self-interest rather than the greater good. Over time, this erodes morale, engagement, and efficiency.

Leaders must regularly ask themselves:

• Who am I really serving?

• Are my actions aligned with my stated goals?

• Am I prioritizing short-term personal gain over long-term team success?

Building a Culture of Authenticity and Trust

The best leaders create environments where people feel heard, valued, and aligned with a shared mission. To do this, leaders must:

1. Communicate Transparently – Clearly articulate the “why” behind decisions and ensure that actions match stated values.

2. Prioritize the Team Over Personal Gain – Leadership is about serving others, not self-promotion.

3. Encourage Open Dialogue – Create spaces where team members can voice concerns without fear of repercussions.

4. Lead with Integrity – Follow Maxwell’s Law of the Picture, which states, “People do what people see.” Your team will model the integrity—or lack thereof—that you demonstrate.

Leadership in Action

Great leaders don’t let hidden agendas dictate their leadership. They focus on fostering trust, prioritizing their team’s success, and aligning their actions with their mission. If we want to build thriving workplaces and inspired teams, we must commit to leadership that is honest, transparent, and driven by purpose rather than personal ambition.

As Maxwell teaches, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” Let’s lead with integrity—because real leadership isn’t about power; it’s about service.

Questions?  Give me a call.  Set up a Discovery Session.  Send me an email.  I’d love to chat with you!

Kris

Set up a meeting, Coaching or Discovery Session

Kris@leadershipharbor.com