Too Nice to Lead? How to Manage Up to an Ineffective Boss

In this episode of Lead to Soar, Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher tackle a quiet but costly leadership issue: the boss who’s “too nice to lead.” They’re kind, approachable, and well-intentioned—but decisions stall, standards slip, and teams burn out.

You’ll learn how to recognise this pattern, manage up with evidence and courage, and raise the standard without burning out or doing their job for them. Michelle also unpacks why organisations keep rewarding comfort over competence, and what real leadership development should look like.

Lead to Soar is a podcast for ambitious women and the leaders who support them. Hosted by Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher, it delivers evidence-based, practical advice on leadership, career progression, and closing the gender gap. Join the Lead to Soar Network at leadtosoar.network or get Michelle’s book The Leadership Compass at michelleredfern.com/book.

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