# Top 3 Takeaways

- **Episode:** [229](https://agents.truthliesandwork.com/episodes/229.md) (2025-09-04)
- **Type:** interview
- **Tags:** takeaways, leadership, actionable-advice
- **Time:** 52:47–54:20 (start 3167s)
- **Listen:** [https://truthliesandwork.com/229?t=3167](https://truthliesandwork.com/229?t=3167)

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[52:47] Leanne Elliott: Before we go, let's talk about our top 3 takeaways for leaders who really do want to build businesses without becoming banana-hoarding monkeys
[52:55] Al Elliott: Lesson 1, you need to learn how to actively listen because that builds genuine connections. Don't just wait for your turn to talk. Ask follow-up questions, stay present, and let people share what they actually want to share. This is the number 1 skill of effective leaders
[53:10] Leanne Elliott: And lesson 2, redefine success around stakeholder benefit. Not just profit for profit's sake. Companies that do focus on employees, customers, and community can and do outperform traditional businesses 14 to 1. This isn't just morally right, it's financially smarter
[53:27] Al Elliott: Lesson number 3, choose intrinsic over extrinsic motivation. Sounds complicated, but basically research has shown that people motivated by purpose, autonomy, and growth end up happier and less stressed than those chasing money, titles, and influence. Your quality of life matters far more than impressive metrics
[53:45] Leanne Elliott: Find Meghan at meghanfrenchdunbar.com. That's Meghan with an H. And use discount code TLW for 20% off her book, This Isn't Working, at hatchetbookgroup.com. I will leave all the links in the show notes
[54:00] Al Elliott: Remember, you don't have to choose between being successful and being human. The best leaders are proving that you can have both
[54:08] Leanne Elliott: So stop hoarding bananas, start sharing them. And remember, in a world where you can be anything, be more MFD. This is Truth, Lies and Work. We will see you next week
[54:17] Meghan French Dunbar: Bye