Model. Connect. Involve. The 3 Habits of Great Leaders

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Want to build a high-performing team? You don’t need complex frameworks or fancy leadership jargon.

The most effective leaders follow a simple, day-to-day formula that creates a team people want to be part of—a group that’s not only productive but truly engaged in improving every day.

This approach isn’t theoretical. I’ve seen it work again and again in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

It comes down to this:

Model. Connect. Involve.

Let’s break it down.

1. MODEL the Behavior You Want to See

Your team is always watching—what you do matters more than what you say.

If you want a team that’s on time, be early. If you expect transparency, model it. If you want them to hustle, show that energy yourself.

Modeling goes beyond major moments. It’s in how you listen. How you treat others. How you respond to pressure. These daily habits set the tone.

Try this:

• Run a self-awareness audit—are you demonstrating what you expect?
• Walk the talk—align your words and actions.
• Be intentional—your behavior becomes the blueprint.
  

2. CONNECT with the People You Lead

Leadership isn’t about giving orders. It’s about building trust.

Take time to know your people—what drives them, what blocks them, what they care about. Your team won’t follow you if they don’t believe you see them.

Connection isn’t just about check-ins. It’s about empathy, support, and shared wins.

Try this:

• Hold regular 1:1s focused on them, not just their tasks.
• Listen actively—read between the lines.
• Recognize the human behind the role.
• Build real rapport beyond work status updates.
  

3. INVOLVE Them in What Matters

People are more invested in what they help create.

Involve your team in decisions, problem-solving, and strategy. Not only do you tap into their ideas—you build ownership, pride, and momentum.

Delegating isn’t enough. True involvement means asking for input, sharing the “why,” and letting them shape the work.

Try this:

• Ask their opinion before making decisions.
• Give them room to own outcomes, not just tasks.
• Solve problems with them, not for them.
• Make sure they see how their work connects to the bigger picture.
  

The Power of the Trifecta

Model. Connect. Involve.

Three deceptively simple habits that, when practiced consistently, unlock trust, engagement, and high performance.

You don’t need to lead like a guru. You just need to lead like someone worth following.

By Travis Janko, CEO of GSD Coach & Recruiting, helping SaaS founders build the top 5% of talent, FAST!