Jimmy Burroughes on Why Traditional Leadership Training Fails (and What Works Instead)

Agile Leadership Development Strategies with Jimmy

In this episode, I sat down with Jimmy, a leadership consultant who has spent the past 7–8 years transforming frustrated managers into confident, strategic leaders. Jimmy explained that the leadership challenges many organizations face today aren’t because of individual shortcomings, but rather a lack of meaningful leadership development investment at the enterprise level over the past 25 years. Instead of relying on outdated training methods, Jimmy champions agile and adaptable strategies that meet leaders where they are and equip them for a volatile business environment.

Why Traditional Leadership Development Isn’t Working

We discussed how leadership development often gets cut during tough economic times, despite companies spending over $160 billion annually on programs that fail to move the needle. Jimmy shared that more than 72% of these initiatives don’t change behaviors or outcomes, while nearly half of leaders admit they don’t trust leadership at all. I reflected on how fatigue and personal demands add to this challenge, making it difficult for managers to fully engage with leadership training.

A Practical Framework for Change

Jimmy broke down his 4C framework — designed to shift beliefs and behaviors rather than just deliver more content. His approach focuses on practical applications, like improving one-on-one conversations and learning how to navigate tough discussions. Unlike most training sessions that end when the slides are closed, Jimmy’s program provides three months of ongoing support to help leaders build new habits and embed them into their daily practice.

Conversations Over Slide Decks

We compared the effectiveness of traditional presentations versus direct conversations in leadership settings. I shared my preference for meaningful discussions over slide decks, which too often leave leaders disengaged. Both of us agreed that systems — whether in leadership, daily life, or personal wellbeing — play a critical role in creating consistency and adaptability.

Aligning Leaders and Teams

I also spoke about the importance of emotional awareness and alignment between leaders and teams. When goals and expectations aren’t clear, it’s like rowing a boat with everyone paddling in different directions — lots of effort, very little progress. Jimmy echoed this point, highlighting how critical it is to keep teams aligned and engaged.

Time, Energy, and Managerial Effectiveness

Jimmy addressed a common issue for mid-to-senior level managers: the struggle to manage time and energy effectively. Without a shift in mindset and tools, many plateau in their careers. His strategies include rethinking meeting value, task prioritization, and learning to say no. I connected this to my own experience with burnout, emphasizing how leaders must create environments where saying no is safe and respected.

The 80% Capacity List

We explored a practical tool Jimmy teaches called the “80% list,” which helps managers identify when they’re nearing capacity before burnout sets in. By recognizing warning signs, sharing them with a trusted colleague, and conducting self-audits, leaders can prevent overload. Recovery practices ensure they return to optimal performance when needed.

Building Sustainable Leadership

Jimmy reinforced the importance of sustainable leadership, noting that many people have been sprinting at full capacity since COVID — what he calls the “cursed window of five years.” Psychometric tools, he explained, help leaders identify their optimal state so they can operate at their best without constantly burning out. I shared a quote from Joan Roan on the simplicity of action versus inaction, reminding listeners that often the difference between growth and stagnation is choosing to act.

The Amplify Program

We closed with Jimmy’s Amplify program at JBLHighPerformance.com.

His approach begins with a “verbal dump,” allowing overwhelmed leaders to release mental clutter before layering in tools for self-repair and momentum. It’s a practical, supportive path for leaders ready to move from frustration to effectiveness.