True Leadership Means Providing Meaning Not Just Direction

“The Sundance Company logo with white text reading ‘The Sundance Company – Commercial Real Estate’ on a dark blue background with a faint building graphic.”

Discover how hidden leadership blind spots can erode trust, frustrate teams, and cost you top talent—and what it takes to connect, empower, and lead people more effectively in the modern workplace.

Are Leadership Blind Spots Costing You Trust and Talent?

Matt Bertman, a leadership expert with decades in HR and talent development, has made it his mission to uncover what real leadership looks like—from the employee’s perspective. On the Future of Work Podcast, Bertman dives into why so many managers miss the mark and reveals that a staggering 60% of employees would fire their boss if they could.

The Disconnect in Leadership

Traditional, top-down leadership styles aren’t working. Bertman’s research shows that while many managers believe they’re leading well, employees experience hierarchy, lack of trust, and poor communication. The pandemic accelerated this disconnect, exposing leaders who defaulted to control and compliance instead of empathy and flexibility.

From Control to Empowerment

True leadership isn’t about strict command—it’s about empowering teams. Bertman shares the story of a Navy captain who broke hierarchical norms, letting his crew make vital decisions. In business, when employees are trusted with ownership (not just instructions), organizations see deeper commitment and engagement.

The Feedback Problem

Feedback is often a one-way street, happening once a year or delivered as a fleeting compliment. Bertman argues for ongoing, specific, two-way feedback, including self and peer reviews, to build true collaboration and trust.

Emotional Intelligence and Authenticity Matter

Great leaders go beyond policies and performance metrics—they practice emotional intelligence and genuinely connect with their teams. This means listening, demonstrating self-awareness, and leading with empathy and authenticity.

As workplaces continue to change with technology and hybrid models, Bertman’s message is simple: focus on connection, trust, and emotional intelligence. That’s the future of real leadership.

You can listen to the full podcast episode here.

The Sundance Company                                                              
Established in 1976, The Sundance Company has the experience to help you with your commercial real estate needs throughout the Boise Valley. If your requirements include property management, leasing, real estate development, project planning, construction, or space planning, then look to us. The Sundance Company has more than 1.6 million square feet of office and industrial space available in prime locations in the Boise metropolitan area. More information is available at The Sundance Company or 208.322.7300.

Why Your Online Presence Might Matter More Than Your Resume

These days, the first stop for anyone interested in working with you isn’t your resume—it’s Google. Decision-makers and recruiters typically begin by searching for your name online, checking LinkedIn, talent databases, and even AI-powered screening tools. What do they find? That matters way more than you might think.

If your online profiles appear outdated or appear to be copy-pasted, it’s a red flag. People want to see consistency and authenticity. An ignored LinkedIn page or posts that don’t match what you claim can hurt your chances. In a world driven by search, employers are hiring for adaptability and honesty, not just skills. So, it’s important that your digital footprint tells the same story as your resume.

Can you rely on a professional service to polish your online presence? Sure, it helps—but you can’t outsource authenticity. A real personal brand is about living your values, not just posting them. It’s not about being everywhere or posting all the time. Instead, your core platforms (especially LinkedIn) should reflect you—your expertise, your direction, your voice.

Recruiters expect your online content, network endorsements, and casual interactions to back up your claims. If there’s a disconnect, they’ll move on—not because you lack experience, but because there’s no proof it’s genuine.

Presence isn’t just about showing up in the office anymore. Visibility online is key in a world of video calls, digital comments, and remote teamwork. People can tell when you’re being thoughtful versus chasing attention, so intentional content and real engagement go a long way.

If you’re trying to shift careers or break into a new field, don’t wait to update your profile—do it before you need it. Ensure your brand accurately reflects your strengths and remains true to your journey. You’re not aiming to go viral. You’re building trust through a visible, honest track record.

At the end of the day, the professionals who stand out are those with a digital presence that genuinely reflects who they are and how they work—not just a curated version designed to impress, but a consistent one that is designed to connect.

Portions of this article originally appeared on Allwork.space website.

The Sundance Company                                                              
Established in 1976, The Sundance Company has the experience to help you with your commercial real estate needs throughout the Boise Valley. If your requirements include property management, leasing, real estate development, project planning, construction, or space planning, then look to us. The Sundance Company has over 1.6 million square feet of office and industrial space available in prime locations throughout the Boise metropolitan area. More information is available at The Sundance Company or 208.322.7300.