The Cost of Avoidance: Why Real Leadership Means Facing the Hard Stuff
In this episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader, I’m joined by Tanya Gallagher—founder of Limitless Leadership and a seasoned expert in Learning and Development. Together we take an unflinching look at one of leadership’s most overlooked challenges: avoidance.
When leaders don’t address what’s uncomfortable—whether it’s a difficult team dynamic, poor performance, or shifting boundaries after a promotion—what’s really happening is neglect. Tanya and I explore what good, bad and terrible leadership looks like, how to master the contracting conversation, and why real leadership is often unglamorous but essential.
Highlights include:
What separates extra-Ordinary leaders from average ones
How avoidance becomes organisational toxicity
The promotion trap: when you lead people who were once your peers
How to use a “contracting conversation” to build trust and clarity
Coaching advice for leaders who’ve never done this before
Why great leadership can be deeply unglamorous—and why that’s okay
If you’re ready to face what’s holding you back as a leader, this episode will meet you where you are.
If you’ve ever avoided a necessary conversation or felt unsure how to switch from peer to leader, this episode is for you.
Want support stepping into a new mindset? Reach out. I partner with leaders to help them win again and again by doing the inner and outer work. Let’s start your leadership journey.
