Leadership isn’t just about charisma or confidence… It’s about science. During the latest episode of The Small Business Show, we sat down with executive coach, author, and Harvard faculty member Margaret Moore to discuss her new book, The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact. Moore explains how small business leaders can reclaim their impact, drawing on decades of behavioral science and leadership research.
Margaret Moore, executive director at the Institute of Coaching, says she and co-author Dr. Jeffrey Hull wrote The Science of Leadership to bring clarity to a topic that remains misunderstood and often underdeveloped, especially in small business environments. While many leaders rise through the ranks without formal training, Moore argues that leadership can and should be taught like any other discipline.
One of the core ideas of the book is that effective leadership isn’t measured by how a leader performs, but by how others perform under that leader. Traits like humility, care, and accountability aren’t just “nice to have,” they’re essential for unlocking employee potential and engagement. Moore emphasized this distinction, adding that a leader’s true impact is reflected in the performance of others, not simply in their own behavior or mindset.
“Turns out being authentic is good for you and your wellbeing.”
Another major theme of the interview focused on today’s remote and hybrid work culture. While many employees value flexibility for their health and well-being, Moore pointed out that productivity and collaboration often thrive when teams are physically together. She suggested that leaders find a “we deal,” balancing business needs with employee wellness to create a more sustainable and effective workplace.
Moore also introduced several key concepts from the book:
- The Four Leadership Levels: Leading self, leading others, leading systems, and leading transformation.
- The “Noisy Ego”: Stress, anxiety, and a desire for control can create internal distractions that reduce leadership effectiveness. Leaders must learn to quiet their egos, integrate emotional intelligence, and respond to challenges with grace and composure.
- Authentic Leadership Misconceptions: True authenticity isn’t just about “being yourself”—it’s about recognizing and supporting the authentic values of others to foster real connection and growth.
Moore further criticized the lack of foundational training for new leaders, noting that most professionals never receive a “leadership 101.” She likened it to trying to play the piano without learning classical fundamentals.
The book is designed to be that foundational text. It combines Moore’s decades of coaching expertise with the latest scientific findings to create a practical, accessible framework for any business leader, regardless of company size or industry.
To support small business owners, Moore is encouraging leaders to adopt a scientific approach and invest in their own development.
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