Let’s rip the Band-Aid off: leadership isn’t just about vision boards, motivational quotes, and being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about showing up—consistently, vulnerably, and with the kind of grit that earns trust, not just titles.

But even the most well-meaning leaders (yes, even in our beloved small towns) can fall into habits that quietly erode their credibility. So let’s talk about five sneaky behaviors that might be making you a worse leader—and how to flip the script.