ABOVE THE LINE: LEADING WITH CLARITY & COURAGE

-- by Jamey Lutz

In every conversation, every decision, every moment—we stand at a line.

It’s not drawn in ink or carved in stone. It’s invisible, yet unmistakable. A boundary between two mindsets: one that lifts, and one that limits.

Above the line is ownership, curiosity, and accountability. It’s the posture of a learner, a coach, a high-trust leader. It asks, “What can I learn? How can I contribute?” It powers culture, strengthens resolve, and multiplies leadership impact.

Below the line is blame, defensiveness, and control. It’s the posture of fear. It asks, “Who’s at fault? How do I protect myself?” It shrinks possibility and erodes trust.

We all cross the line. The question isn’t if—it’s when, how often, and how quickly we return.

The Line as a Mirror

Mindset isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mirror. It reflects how we choose to interpret reality, respond to pressure, and ultimately lead others.

Above the line, we respond. Below the line, we react.

Above the line, we see feedback as fuel. Below the line, we see it as threat.

Above the line, we embrace discomfort as growth. Below the line, we avoid it as danger.

This isn’t about perfection—rather just the opposite. It’s about posture. A leader can be brilliant, strategic, and charismatic—but if they operate below the line, they sow fear and uncertainty. If they live above it, they cultivate trust.

The Growth Mindset Connection

Carol Dweck, author of Mindset, offers a powerful lens:

“In a growth mindset, challenges are exciting rather than threatening. So rather than thinking, ‘Oh, I’m going to reveal my weaknesses,’ you say, ‘Wow, here’s a chance to grow.’”

That’s the essence of above-the-line thinking. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about staying open to them. It’s the difference between protecting your image and expanding your impact.

When leaders adopt a growth mindset, they normalize learning, invite feedback, and model resilience. They create cultures where people feel safe to stretch, fail, and improve.

Common Triggers That Pull Us Below

We don’t drop below the line randomly. We’re pulled there—by fear, fatigue, frustration.

• Criticism: We feel exposed, so we defend.

• Uncertainty: We feel out of control, so we grasp.

• Disappointment: We feel let down, so we blame.

These triggers are normal. But they’re also invitations—to pause, reflect, and rise.

How to Recognize Your Mindset

The shift begins with awareness. Here are a few cues:

• Are you open or closed?

• Are you curious or judgmental?

• Are you seeking truth or defending your position?

Above-the-line thinking doesn’t mean you’re always agreeable. It means you’re grounded in clarity, growth, and contribution—even when the stakes are high.

Four Practices to Stay Above the Line

1. Pause

   Before reacting, breathe. Ask, “Where am I right now? Are these feelings serving me or sabotaging me?” Awareness is the first step to elevation.

2. Pivot

   Shift from judgment to curiosity. Replace “Why did they do that?” with “What might they be experiencing?”

3. Practice

   Build rhythms that reinforce altitude—journaling, feedback loops, reflection, coaching.

4. Partner

   Surround yourself with truth-tellers. People who authentically care enough to say, “You’re below the line—come back up.”

Coaching Others to Rise

As leaders, we don’t just manage behavior—we shape mindset.

• Use mirror questions: “Where are you right now—above or below?”

• Model vulnerability: Share your own mindset shifts.

• Create culture cues: Visuals, language, rituals that reinforce elevation.

Above-the-line cultures don’t happen by accident. They’re built—one conversation, one decision, one mindset at a time.

A Personal Reflection

I’ve dropped below the line more times than I can count. In moments of stress, ego, or exhaustion, I’ve reacted instead of responded. But I’ve also learned that growth is always available. That altitude is always accessible.

One of the most powerful shifts came during a difficult client engagement. Tensions were high, expectations unclear, and I felt the pull of defensiveness. But instead of reacting, I paused. I asked, “What’s the story I’m telling myself?” I chose curiosity. I chose stewardship. I chose to rise.

The result wasn’t just a better outcome—it was a better me.

Final Thought: Choose Altitude

Above-the-line thinking isn’t just a mindset—it’s a multiplier. It elevates how we lead, how we serve, and how we grow. It’s the difference between shutting down and leaning in. Between fear and learning. Between control and contribution.

So today, choose altitude. Choose curiosity. Choose to lead above the line—not just for performance, but for people. Because when leaders rise, cultures follow.

jameylutz.com