How Great Leaders Inspire Loyalty and Growth
By Angel L. Santiago | Photography by Taylor Lane
Good leadership is like a tailored suit—if it doesn’t fit (your team), you need to make some adjustments!
That’s precisely what John Harris, owner of Second Looks, a men’s consignment clothing store at the intersection of N. New Braunfels and Nacogdoches, has done. He’s been in the upscale men’s fashion business since 1981, and from the very beginning, he knew he didn’t want to just “boss people around.”
“I refer to them as my co-workers because they are,” John said. “I mean, I do employ them, but truthfully, we’re working together to achieve a goal.”
To John, leadership isn’t just about telling people what to do—it’s about setting a standard through action. “I would never ask them to do something I wasn’t willing to do myself,” he stated.
Leading by Example: More Than Just a Good Look
In the world of high-quality men’s fashion, how you present yourself matters—and John believes the same goes for leadership.
“You’ve got to be a self-starter, and you’ve got to be able to motivate yourself,” John explained. “How I look at myself and how I come across says a lot about who I am. I do my best to take care of myself—it’s hard being a solo entrepreneur, so I try to get plenty of rest and really reflect on what motivates me. That way, I don’t unintentionally turn someone off or lose a great employee. I want them to see that I care about myself and this business.”
John couldn’t be more right. Research shows that leaders who lead by example significantly enhance employee engagement and commitment. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that when leaders model the behaviors they want to see, employees develop a stronger sense of ownership over their roles. Translation? When leaders show up with integrity, employees follow suit.
And let’s be real—nobody wants to work for a leader who demands excellence while running on fumes and treating their team like robots. Self-reflection and introspection aren’t just trendy buzzwords; they’re the foundation of strong leadership. Without a deep understanding of your own values, strengths, and weaknesses, leading others effectively becomes an uphill battle.
People Over Profits: The Shift in Workplace Motivation
During our conversation, one thing was abundantly clear—John treats people as people, not as assets.
“I want to treat them with respect,” John said. “I want them to be happy at their job. And if I do that, they’ll do a much better job.”
This mindset is more important now than ever. Employees spend a significant portion of their day at work, and for many, their sense of identity, fulfillment, and connection is deeply tied to their work environment. Leaders who understand this shift—from work being just a paycheck to work being a community—are the ones who will thrive in the long run.
Recent studies show that employees today value how they are treated in the workplace more than traditional incentives like money or status. While financial stability is important, factors such as acknowledgment, respect, and appreciation are becoming stronger motivators.
John is already ahead of the curve in this regard. He fosters an environment where employees feel seen and valued.
“I just want them to know that I appreciate them,” he said. “They’re taking time to be here—sometimes even sacrificing a beautiful day outside—so I make sure to tell them, thank you for being here.”
Caring for People: A Leader’s Top Priority
At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about titles, power, or profits. It’s about people. Because without your team, you don’t have a business.
So, how do you become a leader who truly cares for others?
Lead Yourself First – You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritize your own growth, mindset, and well-being so you can show up fully for your team.
Listen with Intent – Ask about your team’s goals, challenges, and concerns. Don’t just hear—listen.
Practice Empathy – Step into their shoes. Acknowledge their struggles, celebrate their wins, and support them through the ups and downs.
Communicate Transparently – Honesty builds trust. Be open and clear about expectations, decisions, and challenges.
Recognize and Appreciate – Everyone wants to feel valued. Find out how your team prefers to be appreciated and make it a habit.
Support Growth – Invest in your team’s development. Provide mentorship, learning opportunities, and career guidance.
Create a Positive Work Environment – Foster a culture where respect, collaboration, and psychological safety are the norm, not the exception.
Lead by Example – Integrity isn’t a “sometimes” thing. Model the values and work ethic you want to see in your team.
Be Approachable – Keep an open-door policy. Make time for your team and ensure they feel comfortable coming to you for guidance.
Prioritize Well-Being – Encourage work-life balance, mental health awareness, and a culture that prioritizes people over just productivity.
The Bottom Line
A caring leader creates an environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued—and when that happens, engagement, performance, and loyalty skyrocket.
So, take a page from John Harris’s playbook: Lead with respect, set an example, and always put people over profits. Because at the end of the day, business isn’t just about selling suits—it’s about suiting up as the kind of leader your team wants to follow.
Are you ready to become the kind of leader who inspires loyalty, growth, and lasting success? Whether you’re looking to develop your leadership skills, build a stronger team culture, or create a workplace where people thrive, I can help.
Let’s work together to transform your leadership and mindset. Schedule a call today and take the first step toward leading with purpose and impact.
#LifeCoachAngel | 210.239.3435
