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In this episode of From Rookie to Rank, Matt Hyde dives deep into the foundation of effective leadership: leading yourself first. Leadership in corrections doesn’t start when you walk into the facility—it begins with an honest look in the mirror. Matt explores the importance of self-awareness, asking tough questions, and leading with integrity. He discusses how real leadership isn’t about authority or rank, but about the consistency and accountability you bring to every decision, every interaction, and every challenge.

Tune in to learn practical strategies for checking yourself before you lead others, how to handle feedback, and why your internal work as a leader is the key to building external influence. Whether you're leading a team or striving to improve as an individual, this episode provides actionable insights to help you grow as a leader.

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In this episode of The From Rookie to Rank Podcast, Matt Hyde dives into the crucial leadership trait of emotional armor—the ability to maintain emotional control under pressure. As a leader in corrections, you’re constantly tested, and your emotional response can make or break your effectiveness.

Matt explains why emotional control isn’t optional, especially in high-stress environments. He highlights the importance of composure and how the way you manage your emotions directly impacts your team’s morale, trust, and overall performance. Leadership isn’t about reacting in the moment—it’s about being the steady presence when everything else is chaotic.

Through real-world examples and practical advice, Matt shows you how to stay calm in the storm, set the right tone for your team, and lead with emotional discipline, even when the pressure is at its peak.

If you’re ready to learn how to protect your leadership, your team, and your own well-being through emotional resilience, this episode is for you.

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In this episode, Matt Hyde delves into the distinction between leadership and needership, examining the risks of becoming the go-to person for every problem. When you step in to solve every issue, it may feel like leadership, but it’s actually creating a team that relies on you instead of learning to handle challenges on their own.

Matt discusses the fine line between being a leader who empowers their team and a leader who micromanages, and how the best leaders know when to step back and allow their team to grow through their own decision-making and mistakes.

True leadership is about developing other leaders, not just being indispensable. Tune in to learn how to shift from being the problem-solver to the one who builds a team that can thrive without you.

If you want to learn how to avoid the trap of needership and create a team of independent, capable leaders, this episode is for you.

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In this episode of The From Rookie to Rank Podcast, host Matt Hyde dives into one of the most challenging aspects of leadership: The Weight of Leadership. Drawing from his experience as a corrections veteran and former SERT Commander, Matt breaks down what it truly means to step into a leadership role and the heavy responsibility that comes with it.

This isn’t about titles or recognition. It’s about the real, unglamorous work of leadership—making tough decisions, carrying the emotional burden, and leading with integrity when everything else is falling apart. Leadership in corrections isn’t easy, and it isn’t for the faint of heart.

If you’re a leader who’s ready to dig deep, face the tough truths, and learn what it really takes to lead with purpose and strength, this episode is for you.