You say you’re a people-first leader… but what happens when it gets hard?
Budget cuts. Underperformance. Tough calls that impact real people.

In this week’s Reflection Session, Benj Miller and McKenzie Reeves Decker pull back the curtain on what it really means to lead with a people-first mindset, especially when the pressure’s on.

Forget the clichés. This is about more than being “nice.” It’s about having the courage to lead with clarity, honesty, and dignity.

🎧 Inside this episode:

✅ When Loyalty Backfires
Keeping someone “because they’ve been here forever” might be costing your team more than you think.
✅ Kind ≠ Weak
Avoiding hard conversations doesn’t make you compassionate—it makes things worse. Real leadership means facing the tough stuff.
✅ Dignity Over Drama
It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it. Layoffs, feedback, and even promotions—every moment is a chance to lead with dignity.
✅ Lead Out Loud
Bringing your team into tough decisions builds trust. Going silent? That breeds doubt, fast.
✅ Ask Before You Assume
Benj shares the two powerful questions every leader should ask their team (and themselves) before claiming the “people-first” title.


This episode is a gut-check for every leader who wants to build a business with heart without losing their edge.

If you’re navigating hard decisions and want to lead with both strategy and soul, this one’s for you.

Sessions is hosted by Benj Miller and McKenzie Decker

The best businesses aren’t just built on strategy, they’re built on soul.

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Visit https://www.systemandsoul.com/261

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