Want to Be a Better Leader? Pick Up a Shift.

Want to Be a Better Leader? Pick Up a Shift.
Why Great Leaders Stay Connected to the Work That Matters Most

Leadership isn’t about sitting in a conference room or reviewing dashboards—it’s about understanding the people and the work that make success possible. Many leaders rise through the ranks after once being on the front lines themselves. But as time passes, they become further removed from the daily realities of their teams. Processes evolve, customer expectations shift, and new tools are introduced. Without realizing it, leaders can lose touch with what the job actually feels like today.

That’s why one of the smartest leadership moves you can make is simple: pick up a shift.

The Power of Seeing It for Yourself

Home Depot recently asked all corporate employees to spend at least eight hours working in the stores. This initiative wasn’t a gimmick—it was a strategic effort to reconnect decision-makers with the heart of their business: the frontline. When executives and analysts work beside store associates, they see firsthand what’s working, what’s frustrating, and what truly impacts the customer experience.

That kind of firsthand experience reveals insights that no report or meeting ever could. You notice where systems slow people down, where policies don’t make sense, and where your team’s ingenuity fills the gaps. Just as importantly, you gain empathy—an understanding of what your employees navigate daily to deliver results.

Bridging the Leadership Disconnect

The longer leaders spend away from the front line, the easier it becomes to make assumptions. Metrics may suggest everything is fine, but metrics don’t show the small obstacles that chip away at morale or productivity. A “simple” policy might look great on paper but create unnecessary burdens in practice.

By getting back into the work, leaders bridge that disconnect. They shift from asking, “Why isn’t this being done?” to “What’s getting in the way?” That subtle difference is what separates a manager from a leader. It shows humility, curiosity, and respect for the people doing the work every day.

Building Credibility and Trust

When leaders roll up their sleeves and work alongside their teams, it builds credibility fast. Employees notice when a leader isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty. They appreciate that you’re not just observing—you’re learning. That act alone communicates that you value their contribution and are invested in making their jobs better.

It also transforms communication. After working a shift together, conversations about improvement feel more collaborative. Employees are more likely to share honest feedback because they’ve seen that you’re genuinely listening and learning.

Leading with Understanding

Leaders often talk about “walking in their employees’ shoes.” Picking up a shift is that saying in action. It grounds your leadership in reality. It ensures that your strategies, policies, and decisions are informed by lived experience, not assumptions.

If you want to lead with authenticity, credibility, and empathy—don’t just talk about understanding your team. Step into their world. Whether it’s for an hour or a day, the perspective you gain will reshape how you lead.

Because the truth is simple: you can’t effectively lead what you don’t understand.