The technical skills that earned you your promotion are impressive, but leading a team requires a different toolkit.

When high performers step into leadership, it is natural to want to maintain control by "doing it all yourself." However, this often leads to exhaustion and what we call the "Valley of Despair."

In this episode, Patrick sits down with Walter Dusseldorp (The Dutch Mentor) to explore the journey from technical expert to confident leader. Walter shares his mentorship approach, focusing on small, manageable behavioural changes that create lasting results.

You will learn the difference between having a relationship with your team and building a true partnership. Plus, discover the "Parking Lot Experiment"—a simple exercise to help you understand the nature of habit change—and why measuring your progress is the kindest thing you can do for your career.

✅ Navigating the Valley: How to recognise the signs of the "Valley of Despair" and view them as a natural part of your growth curve.

✅ Mentor vs. Coach: Understanding the value of guidance based on deep personal experience.

✅ The 15-Minute Rule: How to sustainably build your leadership skills with just 15 minutes of focused intention per day.

✅ The Parking Lot Experiment: A humble test to help you understand the psychology of changing habits.

✅ Relationship vs. Partnership: Moving beyond simply "knowing" your team to "rowing the boat" together in perfect sync.

✅ Cadence of Accountability: How regular check-ins provide the structure and support needed for success.

❗️Your Ethical Persuasion Challenge ❗️

1. The Parking Lot Experiment: Try a small experiment in habit change. For the next 30 days, park in the spot furthest from the door. It is a simple way to build empathy for how difficult change can be for your team.

2. The 15-Minute Pause: Give yourself permission to stop "doing" for 15 minutes a day. Use this time to learn, reflect, or plan. Prioritising your growth is a leadership act.

3. Define Your Why: To lead others effectively, it helps to know yourself. Take some time this week to write down your personal "Why."

Resources Mentioned:

Guest: Walter Dusseldorp, The Dutch Mentor

App: The Dutch Mentor App (Available on App Store)

Books by Walter: The Happy Leader, Pure Leadership Power

https://www.thedutchmentor.com/about

GIVE AWAY: Free Strategy Call at TheDutchMentor.com

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