Most business owners think their team is the problem.

But what if the real bottleneck is the leader?

In this episode of Small Business Pivots, Michael D. Morrison sits down with Croft Edwards, leadership coach, ontological coach, author, and founder of Croft + Company, to talk about what leadership really is and why business owners must grow before their business can grow.

Croft has coached leaders since 2001, working with frontline supervisors, CEOs, Navy admirals, founders, and business owners across industries. In this conversation, he explains why leadership is not just a title, position, or personality trait. Leadership is a practice.

You’ll hear why management gives you authority, but leadership earns commitment.

Croft breaks down why business owners often struggle to create real team buy-in, why employees do not automatically give more just because you are the boss, and why the owner’s growth sets the ceiling for the company’s growth.

If you feel like your team is not motivated, your culture is stuck, or your business depends too much on you, this conversation will challenge you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why leaders are developed through practice
• The difference between management and leadership
• Why you cannot mandate motivation or commitment
• How business owners become the bottleneck in their own company
• Why leadership is closer to coaching than commanding
• How to build commitment instead of compliance
• Why curiosity, practice, and beginner mindset matter
• How leadership impacts culture, team performance, and business growth

Croft also shares lessons from his military background, coaching underground mine supervisors, writing leadership books, and helping leaders shift how they show up physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Key takeaway:

Your business’s ability to grow is directly connected to your ability to grow as a leader.

If you want a stronger team, stronger culture, and stronger business, start practicing leadership.

Listen now to learn how to stop being the bottleneck and start becoming the leader your business needs.

Support the show

1. Want professional business coaching with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison?
https://www.michaeldmorrison.com

2. Want to set up a FREE business consultation with the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison?
https://www.michaeldmorrison.com/consultation

Connect and follow the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison to learn how to grow a successful business :

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Email the podcast host, Michael D. Morrison: Michael@MichaelDMorrison.com