There’s this thing about entrepreneurship that nobody tells you upfront: it’s a messy, winding road. You start with grand ideas, a solid plan, and then reality hits like a freight train. You realize pretty quickly that what separates the successful from the stuck isn’t just knowledge or resources. It’s the ability to adapt, learn, and actually listen. That’s what really hit home during my conversation with Dr. Troy Hall, a guy who’s lived through it all.
Let me tell you, Troy’s not just some corporate leader spewing out theory. He’s lived his leadership journey starting from a small coal-mining town, learning some tough lessons along the way. His mom’s leadership advice still rings in his ears: “I don’t care if you sweep floors. Be the best damn floor sweeper out there. I’ll be checking the corners.” That’s the kind of no-nonsense, hands-on approach Troy took with him into the business world.
Stay Teachable or Get Stuck in Your Own Ego
Here’s where things get real: a lot of us think leadership means knowing everything. But as Troy pointed out, “The first attribute of an effective leader is being teachable.” That one hit me square in the chest. He talked about how he’s spent years building his career, and yet, his main focus has always been on learning from everyone around him. No matter how successful you get, that’s something you can’t lose sight of.
We often think we need to have all the answers, especially when people look to us for leadership. But, if you’re the smartest person in every room, you’re in the wrong room. Being open to new ideas, even when they challenge what you thought you knew, is how you stay relevant. Troy calls it “being teachable.” And it’s not just lip service—this is a guy with decades of experience who’s still learning. He even picks up lessons from casual conversations and his travels.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Always be teachable: Leadership isn’t about being the smartest in the room. It’s about learning from others.
- Knowledge without relationships gets you nowhere: Sure, what you know matters. But who you know—and how you treat them—matters more.
- Take lessons from unexpected places: It could be from a business meeting or a casual conversation over coffee. Every interaction holds a lesson if you’re open to it.
Communication: The Simple Thing That We All Screw Up
If there’s one thing that derails more businesses, teams, and even personal relationships, it’s bad communication. Troy didn’t mince words when he said, “There are two dysfunctions in organizations: tasks and people. People break down because of poor communication.”
Half the time, we assume people know what we’re thinking, or we think we’re being clear, but really, we’re just causing confusion. Whether it’s at home or in the office, how many times have we dropped the ball just because we didn’t say what needed to be said?
Troy shared a story about a time he didn’t feel like making dinner but failed to let his wife know. What could’ve been a simple conversation turned into a “discussion of elevated volume,” as he put it. He didn’t just brush it off either. Troy admitted it was a lesson in emotional intelligence and self-awareness. Owning up to your lack of communication is half the battle.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Communicate early and often: Don’t assume people know what you’re thinking—say it.
- Emotional intelligence is key: Being aware of how your actions (or lack of communication) affect others can save you a lot of grief.
- Trust is built through communication: If people don’t trust that you’ll be clear and upfront, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
Reflections from the Interview
Our conversation was full of those “aha” moments where you realize something you’ve been missing. But it wasn’t all theoretical. Troy’s lived this stuff, and he’s not shy about sharing the mistakes he’s made. He doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, but he’s figured out a few things that could save you some headaches down the road.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Let go of what holds you back: Whether it’s fear, ego, or toxic relationships, sometimes you just have to cut ties. Troy said it best: “You can’t be a victor of your future if you’re held captive by your past.”
- Leadership isn’t about being liked: As Troy put it, “Being liked as a leader is overrated. Your job is to be effective.” That’s a hard pill to swallow, but it’s true.
- Embrace imperfection: If you wait for everything to be perfect, you’ll never move forward. Get it done, even if it’s not perfect.
- Take risks in leadership: Whether you’re leading a team or your family, don’t be afraid to push people out of their comfort zone. They’ll thank you later.
- Your success is tied to how you serve others: As leaders, our job is to help others succeed, plain and simple.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, this conversation with Dr. Troy Hall was a reminder that being an entrepreneur—or a leader in any capacity—is about being human. It’s about learning, communicating, and building relationships that matter. Forget the buzzwords, forget trying to impress people. It’s about showing up, being real, and always staying open to learning.
If there’s one thing you should walk away with, it’s this: you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. But you do need to stay teachable, communicate clearly, and cut the ties that are holding you back. The rest will follow.
CONNECT WITH DR. TROY HALL:
Website: https://drtroyhall.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtroyhall/