06/03/2026
One of the biggest misconceptions about leadership is that it's about telling people what to do.
At this year's Annual Conference, Merril Hoge shared why the most effective leaders focus less on directing people and more on challenging them, supporting them, and believing in their potential.
“Leadership is about influencing people by challenging them and believing in them.”
In an industry built on teamwork, trust, and responsibility, the best leaders are not the loudest people in the room. They are the ones who challenge people to grow, believe in them before they believe in themselves, and help build confidence over time.
That mindset changes crews. It changes companies. And it changes careers.