• Henry Chidgey's Linkedin Analytics

Micromanaging might feel like a way to keep projects on track—but it often backfires, especially when your team craves autonomy. When employees lack autonomy, they feel disengaged and undervalued, leading to confusion and even procrastination. While autonomy can drive motivation, it's also challenging if employees don’t have clear guidelines or support. Swap micromanagement with structured support—high-quality 1:1 coaching check-ins instead of daily check-ups. This method respects autonomy while keeping accountability intact. In coaching check-ins, focus on active listening and ask powerful questions. Help employees reflect, adjust, and set their own course, fostering growth and independence. Let’s hear from you! What steps have you taken to balance autonomy and accountability on your team? P.S. I've opened spots for two leaders of small to medium sized businesses that employ skilled blue-collar workers over the next 6-12 months. My coaching has helped my past clients enhance their leadership skills and overcome challenges. You'll receive personalized strategies and dedicated support. You will make more money, have more discretionary time and become the leader you and your team would want to follow. To be considered, schedule a free call: [Book a call](https://lnkd.in/gFniWyZP)

You’re not leading. You’re babysitting. It’s a harsh truth — but one I had to learn the hard way. For years, I thought being a “good boss” meant checking every detail, fixing every problem, and answering every single question. But that wasn’t leadership. That was micromanagement. And it nearly burned me out. The turning point? A simple framework I now teach called T.R.I.P.  🟦 T – Trust  🟩 R – Respect  🟨 I – Integrity  🟥 P – Purpose Once I used it, my team started taking ownership.  My stress dropped. And my business finally had room to grow without me watching everything. I wrote a full article explaining exactly how I did it — and how you can too.   👉 Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/gthhUgvG If you’re stuck in the cycle of “do everything yourself,” this might just change everything for you. And hey — if it resonates, I’ll even give you a free 30-minute strategy call to help you implement it.  Just DM me here on LinkedIn or email me at henry@henrychidgey.com

This might make you jump outta your chair! Howdy , A few months ago, I was just stepping out of my house. My trusty sidekick, Jaxon, was right there with me, as always. But when I tried to head back inside, I couldn't help but notice something weird by the steps. It looked like a twisted, dark greenish-brown rope. Pretty strange, right? Can you spot it too? Now, take a peek at this close-up shot: Ta-da! Surprise, surprise! It's not a harmless jute rope! It's a Texas water moccasin, or cottonmouth! A venomous cottonmouth water moccasin we often find around here in Texas. Definitely not what I expected to find on my doorstep. This exciting little encounter got me thinking about leadership. See, in leadership, just when you think you've got it all figured out, life can throw you a curveball. It's all about keeping your cool, handling the unexpected, and pushing forward. Now, think about this: trying to handle poisonous snakes without a clue is not just risky. It's plain crazy. You might lose more than an arm if you're not careful. The damage can be beyond repair. But here's the deal: When you face life's unexpected challenges with someone who's been there, done that, it's like a walk in the park. That's why you need to have someone like me at your side. Think of me as your extra pair of glasses for your business vision. Together, we can spot potential risks and steer your ship towards success. P.S. I've opened spots for two leaders of small to medium sized businesses that employ skilled blue-collar workers over the next 6-12 months.  My coaching has helped my past clients enhance their leadership skills and overcome challenges. You'll receive personalized strategies and dedicated support. You will make more money, have more discretionary time and become the leader you and your team would want to follow.      To be considered, schedule a free call: [Book a call](https://lnkd.in/gFniWyZP)

Skilled teams fail — not because they can't do the work, but because they don't have strong leadership. It's not a skill gap. It's a clarity gap. Give your team vision, trust, and purpose — and watch them win. #LeadershipMatters #Teamwork #WorkCulture #GrowthMindset #BusinessTips #LeadershipDevelopment

The Difference Between Managers and Leaders - And Why It Matters for Your Career We've all had managers - the ones who make sure the trains run on time, that projects get completed, and keep day-to-day operations humming. Managers know how to provide stability, order, and consistency. Without good management, companies couldn't function. But there's another type of supervisor who can truly accelerate your career - the leader. Leaders inspire teams to push boundaries, take smart risks, and achieve more than they ever imagined. They motivate people through vision, purpose and passion, not just process and efficiency. I've been fortunate to work for both excellent managers and gifted leaders during my career. The contrast has taught me invaluable lessons. Managers keep you on a steady course while leaders can make your trajectory soar. Managers will make sure you complete your assigned responsibilities. Leaders will encourage you to go above and beyond and volunteer for stretch assignments. Managers tend to pigeonhole you into roles based on your past experience. Leaders see capabilities and potential in you that you never spotted in yourself - and put you on projects to unlock them. Managers react to external cues and changes in the marketplace. Leaders actively seek to disrupt the status quo and shape the future. So if you have hopes of advancing rapidly, try to gain exposure to the leaders in your organization. Get on their radar. Learn from their boldness and vision. While good management is essential for operations, leadership is indispensable for growth. For your own skills, aim to develop both over the course of your career - manage for reliability, lead for greatness. What are your thoughts on management vs leadership? What other differences have you observed? I'd welcome perspectives from your experience in the comments! P.S. I've opened spots for two leaders of small to medium sized businesses that employ skilled blue-collar workers over the next 6-12 months.  My coaching has helped my past clients enhance their leadership skills and overcome challenges. You'll receive personalized strategies and dedicated support. You will make more money, have more discretionary time and become the leader you and your team would want to follow.  To be considered, schedule a free call: [Book a call](https://lnkd.in/gFniWyZP)

At 19 months old, I was bitten by a rattlesnake.  It almost killed me—but it taught me everything I needed to know about resilience.    That near-death experience became my metaphor for leadership.  You don’t get through life—or business—without facing danger.  But what matters is how you respond.  Later in life, I faced corporate crises, operations failures, and burnout.  Each time, I remembered: Keep your head, stay grounded, move forward.    That’s why I coach the way I do—with clarity, composure, and TRIP™ values.  If you’re a leader under pressure, I can help you steady the ship.    What’s the “rattlesnake moment” that tested your leadership most?

Here’s mine: Earn trust before expecting results. When I took over a plant, things looked okay on paper. But the team? Cold. Disengaged. Minimal effort. I realized I hadn’t earned their respect. Here’s what changed everything: ✅ I stopped managing from the office  ✅ I listened more than I talked  ✅ I admitted what I didn’t know Bit by bit, morale improved. Smiles returned. Productivity picked up. Respect can’t be forced—it has to be earned. Start by showing up, listening, and being human.  P.S. I've opened spots for two leaders of small to medium sized businesses that employ skilled blue-collar workers over the next 6-12 months.  My coaching has helped my past clients enhance their leadership skills and overcome challenges. You'll receive personalized strategies and dedicated support. You will make more money, have more discretionary time and become the leader you and your team would want to follow.      To be considered, schedule a free call: [Book a call](https://lnkd.in/gFniWyZP)

Leadership training isn’t just for managers—everyone on your team can benefit. Imagine a workforce where every employee is equipped to lead. Here’s how: -Empower Every Level When everyone understands leadership principles, productivity thrives. Employees who know how to solve problems contribute more effectively. -Foster Independence Leadership training encourages employees to offer feedback and take ownership, creating a positive, engaged work environment . -Unearth Hidden Talent Your next star leader might already be on your team. Leadership training reveals and nurtures these hidden gems. -Build a Culture of Growth Empowered employees with a growth mindset strengthen your organization from within. Ready to build leaders at every level? Start the shift today. P.S. I've opened spots for two leaders of small to medium sized businesses that employ skilled blue-collar workers over the next 6-12 months. My coaching has helped my past clients enhance their leadership skills and overcome challenges. You'll receive personalized strategies and dedicated support. You will make more money, have more discretionary time and become the leader you and your team would want to follow. To be considered, schedule a free call: [Book a call](https://lnkd.in/gFniWyZP)

Respect needs less of this: 🚫 One-time gestures  🚫 Empty praise  🚫 “We’ll look into it” with no follow-through  Respect isn’t a checkbox—it’s a daily habit. Here’s how to make respect your leadership foundation: ✅ Lead with fairness, not fear  ✅ Handle conflict with care  ✅ Communicate with honesty—even when it’s hard  If you want loyalty, you have to earn it daily. Ask yourself:  ➡️ “Do my actions show I value my team?”  ➡️ “Where can I do better?” Long-term success starts with daily respect. P.S. I've opened spots for two leaders of small to medium sized businesses that employ skilled blue-collar workers over the next 6-12 months.  My coaching has helped my past clients enhance their leadership skills and overcome challenges. You'll receive personalized strategies and dedicated support. You will make more money, have more discretionary time and become the leader you and your team would want to follow.      To be considered, schedule a free call: [Book a call](https://lnkd.in/gFniWyZP)

When workers feel disrespected, they check out. Over time, low respect leads to bad morale, poor performance, and high turnover. Here’s how to fix it: ✅ Listen and Act  Hearing complaints isn’t enough. Take action.  ✅ Communicate with Kindness  Shouting orders creates fear, not motivation. Show appreciation daily.  ✅ Make Safety a Priority  A leader who ignores safety loses trust fast.  Want to build a workplace where people feel respected and work harder? Start by asking: “What does respect mean to you?” Then, act on it. P.S. I've opened spots for two leaders of small to medium sized businesses that employ skilled blue-collar workers over the next 6-12 months.  My coaching has helped my past clients enhance their leadership skills and overcome challenges. You'll receive personalized strategies and dedicated support. You will make more money, have more discretionary time and become the leader you and your team would want to follow.    To be considered, schedule a free call: [Book a call](https://lnkd.in/gFniWyZP)

Harsh truth: If you aren't successful, stop blaming circumstances. Your mindset is the reason for failure. Embrace the formula of Be x Do = Have by Developing a values-driven identity and taking disciplined action. The path to success starts within yourself. P.S. I've opened spots for two leaders of small to medium sized businesses that employ skilled blue-collar workers over the next 6-12 months.  My coaching has helped my past clients enhance their leadership skills and overcome challenges. You'll receive personalized strategies and dedicated support. You will make more money, have more discretionary time and become the leader you and your team would want to follow.    To be considered, schedule a free call: [Book a call](https://lnkd.in/gFniWyZP)

Ever wondered how success and failure contribute to our learning journey? Many of us overlook the learning opportunities presented by both success and failure. Recognizing the lessons embedded in both outcomes is key to growth. Success reinforces effective behaviors and strategies, while failure prompts us to analyze, adapt, and grow. Embrace both success and failure as integral parts of your learning journey. Reflect on what worked well and what didn't, and use those insights to fuel your growth. Like this tip? Share this to your team and follow for more value P.S. I've opened spots for two leaders of small to medium sized businesses that employ skilled blue-collar workers over the next 6-12 months. My coaching has helped my past clients enhance their leadership skills and overcome challenges. You'll receive personalized strategies and dedicated support. You will make more money, have more discretionary time and become the leader you and your team would want to follow. To be considered, schedule a free call: [Book a call](https://lnkd.in/gFniWyZP)

Your leadership is the bottleneck. If your biz can’t run without you, it can’t grow. Want to scale without burnout? DM me ‘SCALE’ #EntrepreneurMindset #LeadershipTips #ScaleYourBusiness

What if I told you the most powerful leadership move you’ll ever make… starts before you lead a single person? ✅ No title. ✅ No team. ✅ Just YOU. Back in 1972, I was working night shifts on the railroad, chasing my engineering degree by day, when a superintendent told me something I’ll never forget: “If we’re ever going to improve the quality of leaders in this industry, it has to start from within.” That advice changed my life. From getting chewed out on radio calls at 6 AM… To leading 130+ people at a 24/7 repair facility… And much more. It all came down to this one thing: 💥 Self-Leadership. In this week’s Wednesday Memo, I’m sharing how you can build unstoppable leadership—starting with leading yourself. 📽️ Watch it now Then, if you’re ready to build a stronger business, culture, and team— 💬 Let’s talk. I’m offering a free strategy call to help you apply this in real life. Visit www.henrychidgey.com Because before you lead anyone else… You’ve got to lead YOU. #Leadership #SelfLeadership #SmallBusiness #WednesdayMemo #TRIPMethod

Life isn't fair. It’s what you make of it. Here’s how to deal with it: 1. Accept Reality Understand that life won’t always go your way. Gravity doesn’t care about your needs. It just exists. Your job is to learn to deal with it. 2. Earn Special Treatment In my world, you get special treatment when you show outstanding attitude and commitment. Until then, you get treated equally as everyone else. 3. Show Resilience Life will throw challenges your way. Like surviving a rattlesnake bite at 19 months old, you need to be resilient and rise above the obstacles. 4. Demonstrate Commitment Prove your dedication to your organization and its purpose. Only then will you earn the tools and opportunities to climb higher. 5. Embrace Hard Work Growing up on a farm taught me the value of hard work. Apply this principle in your life to overcome the unfairness you encounter. 6. Stay Adaptable Versatility and adaptability are key. Whether in the railroad industry or co-founding a business, being flexible will help you navigate life’s unfair moments. 7. Trust the Process Follow the TRIP™ leadership principle: Trust, Respect, Integrity, and Purpose. This will guide you in dealing with life’s unfairness effectively. Remember, life isn’t about what you need. It’s about how you handle what you get. P.S. I've opened spots for two leaders of small to medium sized businesses that employ skilled blue-collar workers over the next 6-12 months. My coaching has helped my past clients enhance their leadership skills and overcome challenges. You'll receive personalized strategies and dedicated support. You will make more money, have more discretionary time and become the leader you and your team would want to follow. To be considered, schedule a free call: [Book a call](https://lnkd.in/gFniWyZP)

Respect isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of strong leadership. Without it, teams disengage, collaboration suffers, and turnover skyrockets. Want to know what respectful leadership looks like? It starts with listening, recognizing contributions, and treating employees as valuable team members—not just workers. When leaders lead with respect, they build teams that trust them, follow their vision, and stay engaged. A simple “great job” or an open conversation can change everything. Ready to create a culture of respect in your workplace? Drop a 💡 in the comments if you agree!

My biggest struggles as a new leader were thinking that my learning journey ended once I achieved a leadership role. Many leaders mistakenly believe that once they achieve a leadership role, their learning journey is complete. However, stagnation can lead to a decline in effectiveness. Embrace the idea that leadership is a never-ending learning journey. Continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow. Surround yourself with mentors, cheerleaders, pragmatists, winners, and passionate workers who can contribute to your growth, and you can contribute to theirs. Commit to lifelong learning and seek out individuals who can support and challenge you on your leadership journey. Remember, the more you invest in your growth, the more effective of a leader you become. Follow me here for more value in the future. Take care now. P.S. I've opened spots for two leaders of small to medium sized businesses that employ skilled blue-collar workers over the next 6-12 months.  My coaching has helped my past clients enhance their leadership skills and overcome challenges. You'll receive personalized strategies and dedicated support. You will make more money, have more discretionary time and become the leader you and your team would want to follow.      To be considered, schedule a free call: [Book a call](https://lnkd.in/gFniWyZP)

Howdy folks, today let's dive into what I like to call the unsung heroes of success: soft skills. Now, listen up, because I'm about to lay it all out for you: 1. Conversation Skills: - It's all about being curious and compassionate. - Really listen to people, try to understand where they're coming from. - Seek common ground and understanding. 2. Adapting: - Don't just roll with the punches, anticipate them. - Flexibility is key, adjust your approach as needed. - Embrace change with open arms, don't let it scare you. 3. Problem-Solving: - Focus on the main issues, follow the 80/20 rule. - Confront your fears head-on, but have a solid plan. - Test out different solutions until you find what works. 4. Leadership: - Paint a vivid picture of your vision. - Empower your team to shine. - Understand what makes your team tick, and support them accordingly. 5. Time Management: - Knock out those small tasks ASAP. - Prioritize based on urgency and importance. - Keep tabs on your weekly tasks to stay on track. 6. Emotional Intelligence: - Get to know yourself and practice mindfulness. - Put yourself in others' shoes and show empathy. - Keep your emotions in check, and handle them like a pro. 7. Creativity: - Set aside time to let those creative juices flow. - Don't be afraid to fail – it's all part of the process. - Foster a space where creativity can thrive. 8. Resilience: - See challenges as opportunities for growth. - Stay focused on your goals, even when the going gets tough. - Step out of your comfort zone and push your limits. So, if you find this breakdown helpful, pass it on! Let's all work on honing these skills together, shall we?

When leaders focus only on results, they often overlook what truly motivates teams. Shifting to purpose-driven leadership builds a culture of trust and empowerment. Here’s how: Start with Trust, Not Control Instead of, “Why aren’t they performing?” ask, “What support can I offer?” Building trust lays a foundation for openness and reliability in your team. Focus on Respect Over Hierarchy Treat every team member as a critical player. Respecting each role fosters a sense of belonging, no matter the job title. Align Actions with Integrity Make sure words match actions. Demonstrating integrity, even in small ways, encourages a culture where commitments are kept, and accountability thrives. Reinforce the Team’s Purpose Clearly communicate the purpose behind the work. When people know why their role matters, it ignites motivation beyond the task at hand. Empower Others to Lead Encourage your team to embody these principles. A purpose-driven team not only gets the job done but does it with loyalty and pride. Ready to take the leap into purpose-driven leadership? What’s one action you’ll take this week? P.S. I've opened spots for two leaders of small to medium sized businesses that employ skilled blue-collar workers over the next 6-12 months. My coaching has helped my past clients enhance their leadership skills and overcome challenges. You'll receive personalized strategies and dedicated support. You will make more money, have more discretionary time and become the leader you and your team would want to follow. To be considered, schedule a free call: [Book a call](https://lnkd.in/gFniWyZP)

How to be an effective leader. Step back and look at the big picture: 1. Prioritize Your Focus Don't let urgent tasks overshadow important goals. • Identify key objectives: What truly matters in the long run? • Delegate wisely: Assign tasks that others can handle. • Avoid distractions: Limit time on non-essential activities. 2. Evaluate Your Team Your team's success is your success. • Know your team’s strengths: Place people where they excel and grow. • Foster open communication: Encourage honest/ sraight feedback. • Recognize achievements: Celebrate wins, big or small. 3. Manage Your Time Time management is crucial for effective leadership. • Plan ahead: Use calendars and to-do lists. • Set boundaries: Protect your time from constant interruptions. • Prioritize tasks: Focus on high-impact activities first. 4. Develop Your Skills Continuous improvement is key. • Invest in learning: Attend workshops and read leadership books. • Seek mentorship: Learn from experienced leaders. • Reflect regularly: Assess your progress and adapt. 5. Maintain Balance A balanced leader is a strong leader. • Take breaks: Avoid burnout by resting. • Stay healthy: Exercise and eat well. • Nurture relationships: Spend quality time with loved ones. Effective leadership is about seeing the big picture and ensuring the important things aren't lost in the rush of daily tasks. Remember this: "Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge." Great leaders step back, prioritize, and lead with purpose.