Category Leadership

In a high-stakes game of tug-of-war, four determined men—two on each side—strain every muscle, pulling the rope with all their might. Their goal is clear: to outmatch the opposing team and claim victory. Sweat drips, feet dig into the ground, and teamwork fuels their determination.

But just as the battle reaches its peak, a fifth man approaches—not to join, not to support, but to sabotage. With a swift motion, he raises a pair of sharp scissors and cuts the rope. In an instant, the entire competition collapses—effort wasted, teamwork shattered, and the purpose of the game lost.

This is the reality of unseen spoilers in any individual pursuit, team effort, workplace environment, or organization. Sometimes, it’s not about which side is stronger or more capable—success can be derailed by a single individual with the wrong intentions. Whether driven by jealousy, recklessness, or hidden agendas, these spoilers don’t just pick a side; they ensure that no one wins.

To thrive, individuals and organizations must develop the foresight to recognize and address these threats before they cause irreparable damage. It’s not about who pulls the hardest—it’s about ensuring that success isn’t cut short by those who work against progress.

At The Mentor’s Compass, we help leaders and organizations move from average to exceptional. One of the most overlooked leadership mindsets is what Jim Collins calls Level 5 Leadership—a blend of quiet strength and unshakable drive. Here’s how you can start building those habits today.

1. Stop talking. Start owning. Too many leaders talk results without backing it up. This week, let your work speak. Deliver one measurable result without announcing it first. It builds credibility and trust with your team or peers.

2. Use “we” more than “I.” Recognition often skips the team. In your next meeting or class, shift credit to someone else who helped get results. This reinforces collaboration and motivates those around you.

3. Take the blame first. Most people deflect mistakes. Identify one thing that went wrong under your leadership, own it publicly, and share how you’ll fix it. This builds psychological safety and leadership maturity.

4. Replace goals with purpose. People often chase shallow wins. Ask yourself: “What problem am I solving long-term?” Align one task this week to that purpose. This shift turns your work from busy to meaningful.

5. Think five years ahead, not five minutes. Most decisions are reaction-based. Before you decide on a task or goal, pause and ask: “Will this still matter in five years?” This sharpens strategic thinking and reduces burnout.

6. Give your knowledge away. Leaders sometimes hoard what made them great. Mentor someone this month. Share your failures and lessons. This builds your legacy and raises the next generation of leaders.

7. Fix the private you first. Public success often hides private mess. Audit your personal habits—sleep, screen time, spiritual health—and improve one small thing this week. Strong personal discipline leads to consistent public leadership.

If you want to lead differently—at work, at home, or in your community—start with these behaviors. The best leaders don’t rise by accident. They rise by design.

Need help applying these habits to your team or workplace culture?

That’s what we do at The Mentor’s Compass. Let’s talk at and read more actionable steps like this.