What Great Managers Do Differently: Lessons in Trust, Presence & Recognition from Justin Patton
What do great managers do differently?
That question was at the heart of this year’s LeadingBetter™ Summit—a signature leadership development event hosted by the Leadership Louisville Center and LeadingBetter™ —where nationally recognized leadership coach, author, and TEDx speaker Justin Patton delivered a keynote that was equal parts transformative, tactical, and deeply human.
In a packed auditorium filled with over 200 leaders from across the region, Justin challenged us to rethink our roles—not just as managers, but as high-impact leaders who build trust, shape team culture, and empower human growth. The event was a powerful example of what LeadingBetter™ leadership training is all about.
Coaching in Action: The Power of Asking, Not Telling
One of the most memorable moments came when Justin invited a participant on stage for a live coaching session. The topic? Career uncertainty—choosing between two professional paths.
But instead of offering advice, Justin did what great managers do best:
He asked thoughtful questions.
- “Which decision would you make if fear was leading you?”
- “Which one would you choose if you were inspired?”
- “What’s one small action you could take this month to move forward?”
In just a few minutes, the participant found clarity—not because someone solved their problem, but because someone created space for them to reflect and own their next step. That’s the heart of coaching conversations, and it’s a core part of the LeadingBetter™ philosophy: better questions build better leaders.
“There is no holy grail question,” Justin said. “It’s not about you looking like a brilliant coach—it’s about helping someone see themselves more clearly.”
Presence Creates Psychological Safety
As leaders, we’re always communicating—even when we’re silent. Justin demonstrated how small, intentional shifts in body language can create psychological safety and build trust in leadership.
We learned how to:
- Lean in to show attention
- Turn your body fully toward someone
- Break eye contact to reduce pressure and create space
- Use head tilts and nods to signal empathy
These subtle signals aren’t about “performing” leadership—they’re about being present, and presence is the foundation of high-performance team culture.
The Duck That Started a Movement
Every attendee walked away with a small rubber duck—and yes, it came with a leadership lesson.
Justin, a long-time Jeep owner, shared how Jeep drivers often leave ducks on each other’s vehicles as a gesture of appreciation and belonging. His challenge to all of us:
“Put your duck somewhere visible at work. Let it remind you to ask yourself: Did I make someone feel seen today?”
Recognition doesn’t have to be grand—it just has to be genuine. A handwritten card, a simple thank-you, or a moment of specific praise can transform relationships. This kind of everyday recognition is a hallmark of great managers and high-impact leadership.
A Final Reminder: Your Impact Matters
As the LeadingBetter™ Summit came to a close, Justin left us with this challenge:
“Leadership is an invitation to help others believe in themselves. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about staying in it when it gets hard, and believing in the type of leader you can be.”
In a fast-paced world where burnout is real and leadership is more complex than ever, this message hit home.
The event was more than just a keynote—it was a reminder of what sets LeadingBetter™ leadership training apart:
It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about learning how to ask better questions, create space for growth, and lead with empathy, presence, and trust.
Because we’re not just managers—we’re builders of culture, champions of performance, and catalysts for change
As part of our commitment to advancing leadership development, LeadingBetter™ brings experts like Justin Patton to spark new conversations about how individuals lead, collaborate, and communicate in today’s workplace. Her talk invited attendees to reframe workplace gossip as a team-building strategy, and to explore how effective communication builds trust, sets cultural norms, and strengthens professional relationships.
Stay tuned for date and speaker announcements for the 2026 LeadingBetter™ Summit!
Want more insights on how to navigate difficult conversations, shift toxic team dynamics, and grow as a communicator and leader?
Read more at leadingbetter.com, your hub for leadership development and talent training designed for today’s most dynamic workplaces.
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