Are You Sabotaging Your Own Leadership Potential?
In this episode of Leadership Jam Session, I sat down with Dr. Philip Agrios, an internationally renowned business consultant and author of the best-selling book Life’s One Law. Dr. Agrios shared fascinating insights into his discovery of the “inborn sabotaging trait”—a hidden mechanism that holds us back from achieving success in both personal and professional life. In this session, we delved into the ways leaders can identify and overcome self-sabotage to unlock their true potential.
The Protective Trait and Self-Sabotage
According to Dr. Agrios, we all possess an inborn sabotaging trait that actually protects us from success because deep down, we associate success with discomfort or fear. This protective trait can block us from achieving our goals, whether it’s in leadership, business, or personal life. Dr. Agrios’s work focuses on helping people recognize this trait and shift from protection to growth, which is where true transformation happens.
He explained that leaders are often unaware of how their sabotaging trait holds them back. By identifying this trait and applying what he calls the “antidote,” leaders can overcome their fears and take control of their leadership journey.
Understanding the Three Sabotaging Traits
Dr. Agrios has identified three primary sabotaging traits that impact everyone:
- The Supplier – Those who give too much of themselves to others, often at the expense of their own well-being.
- The Director – Individuals who either scatter their focus or become hyper-focused on tasks, often missing the bigger picture.
- The Communicator – Leaders who talk too much or too little, struggling with connecting their message effectively.
How These Traits Impact Leadership
As leaders, we often view our strengths, such as serving others, as pure positives. However, Dr. Agrios emphasizes that these strengths can turn into weaknesses when overused. For example, if you’re a supplier, you might give too much, leading to burnout or resentment. Similarly, a director might get lost in tasks, losing sight of overall goals.
Practical Solutions for Leaders
Dr. Agrios provides actionable steps for leaders to recognize their sabotaging trait and apply the antidote. He shares that these traits not only affect how we lead but also influence how we manage our teams. Once you recognize your own trait, you can also identify the traits of your team members, allowing for more effective leadership.
For example, if a team member is a supplier, they may need help setting boundaries, or if they are a director, they may need more structured guidance to stay on task. By understanding the traits of your employees, you can tailor your management approach to support their growth and reduce conflict.
How to Break Free from Sabotage
Throughout the episode, Dr. Agrios emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. He provides real-life examples of how individuals have overcome their sabotaging traits to achieve greater success, both personally and professionally. One of the key takeaways is that once you understand your sabotaging trait, you can shift from protection to growth, allowing for transformational leadership.
3 Tips for Leaders to Overcome Self-Sabotage
- Recognize Your Sabotaging Trait: Whether you’re a supplier, director, or communicator, identifying your dominant trait is the first step to unlocking your potential.
- Apply the Antidote: Once you recognize your trait, use the antidote to shift from protection to growth. This will help you break free from patterns that hold you back.
- Empower Your Team: Understanding the sabotaging traits of your team members allows you to tailor your leadership style, fostering a more collaborative and supportive environment.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
– The role of the inborn sabotaging trait in leadership (00:04:13)
– How to shift from protection to growth (00:06:01)
– The three types of sabotaging traits (00:06:42)
– Applying the antidote to self-sabotage (00:09:25)
– Using sabotaging traits to better manage teams (00:12:17)
Leadership Resources
How are the leaders at all levels of management tackling the toughest challenges each day? Learn more at: https://sartoleadershipgroup.com
About the host, Rob Fonte
Rob Fonte is the founder and President of Sarto Leadership Group, whose reputation has been built on being a transformational leader and inspirational coach with a passion for developing others. His twenty-year career spans across multiple disciplines including leading award-winning sales teams. Rob is an academically trained Executive Coach certified by The University of Texas and the International Coach Federation.