! I want you to sit with this question for a minute—do you believe in your people? I’m not just talking about saying the right things. I mean really believe.
Let me take you back to a moment I’ll never forget. I was in the field, early in my business, working closely with leaders and their sales teams. I was sitting in the back of a training room next to an executive. As each salesperson introduced themselves, he whispered to me what he thought of them—“She’ll never make it.” “He’s too soft.” “That one? Total waste.”
It was like a gut punch. Not because they weren’t top performers—but because he’d already decided they couldn’t be. And if he didn’t believe in them, how could they possibly believe in themselves?
The Trap
Here’s the truth: when you stop believing in someone, but you keep them on your team, you’re not helping them—you’re holding them hostage. They feel your doubt. It seeps into every meeting, every one-on-one, every email. Belief is not optional—it’s essential.
And this goes beyond business. I’ve seen it in parenting. My kids know—Mama believes in them. I pour that belief into them daily. Because that’s what makes them resilient, driven, and confident.
The Flip
Now think about this: what happens when someone does believe in you? I had a boss once who believed I could go from good to great. I was already performing—but his belief lit a fire in me. He saw more. And because he believed, I started to believe more in myself. That’s the power you hold as a leader.
The Challenge
So I want to challenge you today—really ask yourself:
Do you believe in your people? Your team? Your kids?
Because they know. And if you don’t, it’s time to either lean in—or let go. Don’t hold people hostage with low expectations or quiet doubt.
Your belief might be the one thing standing between average and extraordinary.