Leadership Isn’t Complicated
Chris March talks about: Why Being Human is Your Greatest Strength
I had a great conversation recently for the LevelUp podcast with Chris March. Chris is a seasoned leadership and executive coach with amazing global experience, having lived and worked in Australia, the UK, and Canada. His journey, which took him from a 17-year career in the travel industry to becoming a certified coach, is fascinating.
What struck me most was his refreshing, no-nonsense approach to leadership. We got deep into what really matters when you’re leading a team, and it’s something I believe every leader and coach needs to hear. We often get lost in complex theories, but Chris brought it all back to a simple, powerful core.
The Core Concepts: Simplifying Leadership
During our chat, Chris argued that we have, in many ways, overcomplicated leadership. In an age of endless information and competing methodologies, we’ve obscured the fundamental truth.
His philosophy boils down to a few key ideas:
Leadership is Service: This was the anchor of our entire conversation. Chris believes leadership is a privilege, not just a title. Your primary role is to be of service to your people. This philosophy, which he traces back to the compassion of his grandmother, shifts the focus from authority to support.
Leadership is Helping People Get Better: At its simplest, leadership is an action. It’s about helping other people move towards a common goal and, crucially, helping them become better versions of themselves.
The Human Edge: While cultural communication styles differ (we had a great chat about the directness of Australians versus the politeness of Canadians), the fundamentals are universal. People everywhere want to be cared for, nurtured, heard, and valued. Your greatest edge as a leader is simply to be human.
Be the Leader You’d Want: Chris shared his guiding principle: “I’d want to be the leader that I would want for myself.” This simple litmus test cuts through the noise. It pushes you towards being caring, curious, and genuinely invested in the people you lead, not just the hours they work.
Putting This Into Practice
This “back to basics” approach is simple, but it is not always easy. It requires conscious effort and a genuine shift in perspective.
For Leaders
How can you apply this philosophy of service starting today?
Ask Better Questions: Instead of just asking about project status, ask about the person. Chris gave a brilliant example: “Tell me about your family. What are we working towards, Lee? Do you wanna buy a house? Are you here because you want my role? Tell me why you are here every single day.” This level of curiosity builds trust and shows you care about their whole life, not just their output.
Embrace the Coaching Mindset: As I mentioned at the end of the podcast, great leaders are coaches. When a team member is struggling, it is tempting to “dip down” and solve the problem for them. This is often faster in the short term. A leader-as-coach, however, resists this temptation. They support the person in finding the solution themselves. This builds capability and confidence in the long run.
Prepare for the AI Revolution: Chris and I are both excited about the future of AI. He correctly stated that the leadership playbook we’ve known “is gonna be completely rewritten.” AI will handle mundane tasks, which amplifies the need for human-centric skills. Your job as a leader is to master empathy, communication, and support. These are things AI cannot replicate. Chris’s advice? Spend 10-15 minutes every day learning one new thing about AI. It will compound.
For Coaches
For my fellow coaches, Chris’s journey provides a powerful reminder of our purpose.
Frame the Relationship: When working with any client, especially across cultures, it is vital to set expectations. Chris starts by asking: “How do you want to work together? Have you worked with a coach before? What are success metrics?” This establishes a collaborative process from day one.
Remember Your Role: Our job is to be in our client’s corner. As Chris put it, “I’m of service to you.” We are there to help them become the absolute best version of themselves, at work and at home. This service mindset is the foundation of transformational coaching.
Leverage AI as a Partner: Chris and I both use AI note-taking tools. This is a perfect example of his philosophy. By letting AI handle the task of transcription, we can be fully present. We can focus 100% on the human in front of us, listening and connecting, which is where the real value lies. AI can be a brilliant collaborative partner that amplifies your brilliance.
Final Thoughts
My conversation with Chris March was a powerful reminder that leadership does not need to be complex. It is about service, connection, and a genuine desire to help people grow.
Whether you’re leading a global company, a small team, or just looking to improve your personal relationships, the core message is the same: lead with humanity.
Chris also shared his admiration for Kobe Bryant and the “Mamba Mentality,” which is a fantastic philosophy for life: focus on the 1% improvements every single day.
You can learn more about Chris and his work at https://chrismarchcoaching.com or by connecting with him on LinkedIn.
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