I love The Biggest Loser. It’s an unexpected favorite–this is the first season I’ve watched, and I’m sure it was initially by accident. But maybe since my P90X journey began, I feel solidarity with these folks who are working their guts out (like me). But get ready for the plot twist: this post isn’t about exercise…or television, it’s about leadership.

Anyone who has seen the show knows that the trainers are ‘brutal’ to these pudgy contenders. Their job is to make couch potatoes shed weight like it’s dog hair in summer. They are good at their jobs. They understand that they are not workout coaches. They are people developers. Most of the show focuses on the workouts and challenges, but my favorite moments are when Jillian or Bob take someone aside to break down whatever mental or emotional walls that helped them pack on the pounds in the first place. Read the rest of this entry »