The Leadership Loop You Didn’t Know You Need

I recently had a ‘eureka moment’ when I discovered something unexpected in my work as an executive coach and educator.

I coach seasoned executives, many of whom face challenges in managing younger employees. At the same time, I teach at Rutgers Business School, where I engage with the next generation of business leaders.

When an executive shares a challenge with a junior employee, I sometimes take that scenario (anonymously, of course) to my students. Their feedback often opens my eyes to perspectives I hadn’t considered. They help me understand where younger employees are coming from, and I challenge them to see things from the executive's side. Through this, students learn how to manage up, navigate company cultures, and better understand leadership dynamics.

But it doesn’t stop there.

I take these insights back to the executives I coach. I help them see their younger employees' perspectives — what motivates them, what frustrates them, and how they interpret leadership decisions. This often leads to powerful changes in how these leaders engage with their teams, making them more effective and adaptable.

Through this process, I’ve unintentionally created a mutually beneficial feedback loop—a Triple-Win Loop. The students win by gaining real-world leadership insights. The executives win by better understanding and leading their teams. And I win by creating additional value for both groups while deepening my own understanding of leadership across generations.

Where Can You Create Your Loop?

I want to challenge you to think about where you can create loops like this in your own professional life.

• Where can you bridge gaps between different groups? Departments, generations, or teams?

• How can you position yourself as the person who brings valuable perspectives from one group to another?

• What opportunities exist for you to create a triple win in your organization?

The most effective leaders don’t just manage down; they create ecosystems where ideas, feedback, and understanding flow in all directions. Look for places where you can become that bridge—and watch how much value you can create.