Coachable Moments Make Unstoppable Leaders

Why the Right Leadership Mindset Drives Retention, Results, and Real Growth 

After more than a decade in staffing—holding roles across 360 sales/recruiting, individual contributor, player-coach, and leadership—I’ve experienced a wide range of leadership styles. 

Some leaders? I still call them today as they are my mentors. Others? Let’s just say a little leadership training for them would have gone a long way. 

When I first became a leader, I believed I was ready. I had a strong track record of producing and assumed that success would carry over. The cold, hard truth? I wasn’t even close. But with a few guideposts, some honest feedback, and a whole lot of trial and error (coachable moments), I grew. 

Fast forward to today—18 months into my time at Butler Street—I get to coach leaders and producers daily. And I’ve come to recognize the same turning point I faced: the coachable moment. Those moments are where good leaders grow—and where great ones are made. 

If you’re leading a sales, recruiting, or staffing team, here are three critical behaviors that separate the good from the great: 

1. Great Leaders Drive Effort and Morale 

They don’t wing it. They set the tone—early and often.  The best leaders are calm on the surface and paddling like mad underneath. Their attitude, behavior, and communication create a ripple effect across the team. Praise in public. Coach in private. And always lead by example. 

They also take the time to understand their team’s Operating Reality. That means listening first, recognizing what’s getting in someone’s way, and knowing when to push and when to support. 

Trust and performance are built in the foxholes—not just during team meetings. 

2. They Live the Four Bs of Engagement 

• Basics – Clarity of role, tools to succeed, and consistent training. 
  

• Backing – Coaching, feedback, and advocacy that says, “I’m in your corner.” 
  

• Belonging – Creating a team culture where people feel aligned and valued. 
  

• Becoming – Helping every team member define and pursue their version of success.   

Not every recruiter or salesperson wants to be a leader—and that’s okay. The key is helping them grow toward their goals, not yours. 

3. They Model the Four Cornerstones of Success® 

At Butler Street, we live by these four fundamentals—because we’ve seen what happens when leaders ignore them, and when they fully commit: 

1. Attitude: Your mindset is your message. Bring the right one, every day. 
   

2. Personal Accountability: People fail in direct proportion to their willingness to accept socially accepted excuses. If you allow your team to make excuses, you are preventing their growth.
   

3. Perseverance: Leadership isn’t easy. Growth isn’t linear. Grit matters. Great leaders say the same thing over and over again to ensure the team understands, internalizes and executes upon it. 
   

4. Habit: Excellence isn’t occasional—it’s what you do every day. Great leaders build great habits and help their teams do the same. 

If this hits home—it should. None of us get it right all the time. But those coachable moments? That’s where the real growth begins. 

At Butler Street, we help organizations like yours acquire, retain, and grow both clients and talent. Our leadership programs, industry-specific expertise, and AI-powered coaching give your people the tools to lead with confidence and consistency.  

That includes Leadership Coach AI—your on-demand coaching partner designed to reinforce the Four Cornerstones of Success® and support your leaders between sessions. Whether it’s practicing tough conversations, setting expectations, or managing agreements, Leadership Coach AI is there 24/7 to guide, challenge, and grow your team. 

Let’s connect, because in a world full of noise, uncertainty, and change... 

Coachable moments make unstoppable leaders.