The Copple Leadership Podcast

You can measure someone’s performance. You don’t get to determine their worth.

In this episode of The Copple Leadership Podcast, Bert Copple uses a quarter—and what happens when it falls through a storm drain—to explore a truth every leader needs to remember: circumstances can change without someone’s value changing.

Through the story of Gloria, a trusted caregiver whose unexpected mistakes had an overlooked cause, Bert challenges business owners and managers to see the person behind the performance report.

Drawing on Isaiah 58:6–7, he explores how faith becomes visible in everyday leadership decisions—and why compassion and accountability belong together.

You’ll discover:

• Why KPIs should prompt questions rather than define people.
• How curiosity can uncover obstacles that correction alone won’t solve.
• What it means to hold people accountable while preserving their dignity.
• A simple quarter-sized reminder to bring into your next difficult conversation.

This week’s challenge: Choose one person you’ve started seeing as a problem. Ask, “Help me understand what’s getting in the way.” Then listen—and follow through.

Learn more at https://bertcopple.com. 

“Hey, do you have a second?”

Twenty-seven questions, six problems, and one cold cup of coffee later, your own work hasn’t moved. Why does everything have to come through you?

In the first episode of The Copple Leadership Podcast, Bert Copple explores how capable, well-intentioned leaders can accidentally teach their teams to depend on them for every answer—and how to begin changing that pattern.

With practical examples and a little humor, Bert walks through four steps: Awareness, Understanding, Ownership, and Action.

You’ll explore:
• How constantly solving problems can limit your team’s development.
• Whether employees need your knowledge, training, or simply your permission.
• When to give clear direction and when to ask a coaching question.
• How to encourage independent thinking while keeping support and communication open.

Your challenge this week: Choose one recurring, low-risk situation where you normally supply the answer. Pause and ask, “What do you think we should do, and why?” Then give the person room to respond.

Better questions. Stronger leaders. Meaningful results.

Explore leadership coaching, workshops, and resources at https://bertcopple.com.

Follow the show and share this episode with a leader who could use a little more time—and a warm cup of coffee.