The Escalator Fallacy: What Truly Makes an Uncommon Leader
“Uncommon results don’t come from extraordinary talent. They come from the daily execution of unglamorous disciplines that unintentional leaders are simply unwilling to do.”
Happy Friday, Brew Nation! 
Earlier this week, I was out on my daily lunchtime walk—getting my steps in, grabbing my electrolytes, and tuning into a podcast with Ed Mylett and Rory Vaden.
During the episode, Rory brought up a concept from his book Take the Stairs that challenged me. He talked about how most people walk into a building or through the airport, see a massive crowd waiting for the escalator, and automatically fall in line. Why? Because it’s convenient. It’s automated. It requires zero effort.
Meanwhile, right next to the jammed escalator sits an empty set of concrete stairs.
As I walked, a question popped into my head that I realize I don’t ask or answer nearly enough—even after 225+ episodes of The Uncommon Leader Podcast:
What actually IS an Uncommon Leader?
I have often pondered on what would be a ‘simple’ definition. Here is what I have come up with so far:
An Uncommon Leader is simply someone who consistently does the little, unglamorous things that unintentional leaders are not willing to do.
Read further to see how you can help me with this definition and potentially win a signed copy of my best-selling book, 8 Common Practiced of Uncommon Leaders
Unintentional leaders look for the escalator. They search for shortcuts, quick hacks, and intermittent heroics. Uncommon Leaders bypass the crowd, take the stairs, and embrace the daily climb.
The Scriptural Anchor: The Faithful Steward
When we look to Scripture, Jesus defined this exact mindset through the lens of the Faithful Steward.
In Luke 16:10, Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” And in Matthew 25:21, the master commends the servant not for rare flashes of brilliance, but for consistency: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”
Jesus was pointing out that true leadership isn’t born on the big stage; it’s proven in the unglamorous, everyday details when no one is clapping. Unintentional leaders want the “much” without showing up for the “little.” Uncommon Leaders recognize that stewardship of the small things is where character is forged.
The Contrast: Uncommon vs. Unintentional
Most leaders aren’t malicious or lazy—they are simply Unintentional. They lead by reflex, react to crises, and default to whatever is most convenient in the moment. When you look at the daily choices of an Uncommon Leader, the difference always comes down to intentionality over convenience:
- The Escalator vs. The Stairs (Rory Vaden): Unintentional leaders line up for the easy, automated lift. Uncommon Leaders choose the deliberate, step-by-step climb every single time because they know the resistance builds the muscle.
- The Firefighter vs. The Fire Inspector: Unintentional leaders love the adrenaline rush of sweeping in to save the day during a crisis (intermittent heroics). Uncommon Leaders do the quiet, daily work of checking guardrails and building systems so the fire never starts in the first place.
- The Microwave vs. The Crockpot: Unintentional leaders demand instant culture and high-speed momentum at the push of a button. Uncommon Leaders embrace the slow, steady heat of daily relational investment, knowing true growth takes time to steep.
Quote of the Week
“Unintentional leaders wait for the escalator. Uncommon Leaders take the stairs.”
Being the Uncommon Leader means throwing away the myth of the easy ride. It is the “huddle room” of daily stewardship—the place where you choose the stairs when no one else is watching. Unintentional leaders wait in line for the automated shortcut, only to realize it doesn’t build any real strength. Uncommon Leaders embrace the resistance of the climb, knowing that being faithful in the small details builds the foundation to lead others well.
Special Brew Nation Contest: Define an “Uncommon Leader”!
Now, I want to hear from YOU! How do you define an Uncommon Leader in your world?
Reply to this email or send your submission to coachjohngallagher@gmail.com with the subject line “UNCOMMON DEFINITION” and share your 1-2 sentence definition.
Next week, I will gather the top submissions and feature them in a poll for all of Brew Nation to vote on. The author of the winning definition will win a signed copy of my new book, 8 Common Practices of Uncommon Leaders!
What You Need to Do:
The Stairway Audit
To stop relying on shortcuts and start building compounding momentum today, execute these three steps:
- Identify Your “Escalator”: What is one area in your leadership, health, or relationships where you have been operating on autopilot (unintentionally) instead of doing the actual work? Acknowledge it today.
- Pick One “Stair” to Climb Daily: Choose one unglamorous discipline—whether it’s a 15-minute morning planning block, a daily workout, or an encouraging text to a team member—and execute it with total intentionality every single day next week.
- Submit Your Definition: Reply to this email with your definition of an Uncommon Leader to enter the contest and get on next week’s ballot!
Growth is the only guarantee that tomorrow will get better, but you can’t ride an escalator to the top of a mountain. Lace up your shoes, embrace the resistance of the daily stairs, send in your definition, and keep climbing.
It’s an honor to be your trusted Friday Coffee Guy. Each week, I bring what I’m living, learning, and listening to on my daily walks in the trenches of executive coaching. If this edition challenged you to step out of the escalator line and embrace the climb, SHARE it with a peer who needs a push today, then click SUBSCRIBE. Let’s grow Brew Nation together!
Until next week—skip the shortcut, take the stairs, and go grow champions!
