Have you ever found yourself in a frustrating situation, blaming circumstances or other people for a lack of progress? It’s a natural human reaction, but for a leader, it’s a trap that drains power and erodes trust. In this episode, we explore a simple but transformative leadership model called "Above and Below the Line."

Through personal stories, I'll show you how this model plays out in real-time. We'll break down the difference between the land of powerlessness and the land of empowerment and give you the tools to steer any situation. You'll learn why your team, just like a horse, is an instant mirror for your own accountability and how a simple shift in your mindset can turn resistance into a willing partnership.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• The difference between living 'Above the Line' and 'Below the Line'.
• What the acronyms BED (Blame, Excuses, Denial) and OAR (Ownership, Accountability, Responsibility) mean for your daily leadership.
• How to spot the subtle language of excuses and blame in yourself and your team.
• The one powerful question you can ask yourself to immediately pull yourself Above the Line.

A Challenge For You This Week

Your challenge is not to be perfect - we all slip Below the Line. The challenge is simply to notice. Listen for the language of Blame, Excuses, and Denial in your own thoughts and conversations. When you catch it, don't judge. Just pause, take a breath, and ask yourself the one question that changes everything: "What's my part in this?"

Key Insight from the Episode

Your team, just like a horse, doesn't respond to your excuses or your blame. They respond to your energy and your ownership. When you live Below the Line, you create resistance; when you lead from Above the Line, you invite trust and partnership.

Connect with Merinda:


Instagram: @IamMerindaSmith

Website: www.merindasmith.com.au