Being more Yoda…
There’s a type of leader many of us grew up admiring. Cloaked in invincibility. Leaping into chaos. Fixing problems with charisma and speed. The Superman archetype: save the day, fly off, job done.
But leadership, real, sustainable leadership, isn’t about swooping in. It’s about sitting still.
It’s about being more Yoda.
The Wisdom in the Waiting
Yoda doesn’t rush. He observes. He listens. He waits for the right question before offering the right challenge.
In executive coaching, that’s gold dust. The instinct to “fix” things fast is powerful—but often counterproductive. By slowing down, by resisting the urge to provide instant answers, leaders create the space for others to find their own.
And that’s where the real development happens.
Skillset, Mindset, Toolset
Yoda doesn’t hand Luke a lightsaber and say, “Go.” He trains him. He unpicks the fears. He builds capability, belief, and discipline.
As leaders, we have the same responsibility:
Skillset – Are we teaching people how to do the job better?
Mindset – Are we helping them believe they can do it?
Toolset – Are we giving them the frameworks, processes, and feedback to grow?
Coaching is not about doing it for them—it’s about making it possible for them to do it for themselves.
Stoic Strength in a Noisy World
In today’s workplace, noise is everywhere, WhatsApp pings, Inbox overload, Teams bombardment. The relentless pressure to be “on.” Amid this, being the calmest person in the room is a superpower.
Yoda’s presence isn’t loud—it’s grounding.
Leaders who develop this kind of stoicism aren’t passive. They’re powerful. They help others regulate, focus, and rise. They model a leadership style that’s less about visibility, more about value.
The Alternative to Burnout Leadership
Here’s the truth: Superman gets tired. Rescuing everyone, every time, is unsustainable. And it’s a leadership ceiling—because if the team always needs you to succeed, you’re the bottleneck, not the blessing.
Yoda-style leadership scales. It empowers. It turns followers into leaders. And over time, that’s the legacy that matters.
So, how do you start being more Yoda?
You pause before answering.
You ask questions instead of giving directions.
You hold space, not just airtime.
You train, trust, and let go.
And maybe—just maybe—you begin to feel the Force of what happens when a team learns to believe in themselves.
👇 Ready to lead like Yoda?
If you’re part of the automotive ecosystem and want to unlock your team’s true potential—without always wearing the cape—let’s start a conversation.
Book a no-pressure discovery session or reach out directly via jason@cranswick-consulting.co.uk.
Let’s stop saving the day—and start shaping the future.
Jason Cranswick
Executive Coach | Founder, Cranswick Consulting