Smith County Judge to Discuss What Every Leader Needs to Hear (Even If They Don’t Want To)
TYLER, Texas – July 17, 2026 – Leadership is often associated with confidence, decisiveness, and having the right answers. But according to Smith County Judge Neal Franklin, one of the most important qualities of effective leadership is something much more personal: self-awareness.
Drawing on decades of leadership in public service, law enforcement, and county government, Judge Franklin will share practical leadership lessons during BBB East Texas’ upcoming Lunch.Learn.Lead workshop, “Unsolicited Leadership Advice.” The session is designed to help business owners, managers, supervisors, and aspiring leaders better understand themselves so they can more effectively lead others.
“Becoming aware of yourself, including personality traits, emotions, behaviors and yes, even fears and anxieties can be a giant step in your leadership journey,” said Franklin.
The interactive workshop will explore how greater self-awareness influences communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, trust, and workplace culture. Attendees will gain practical strategies they can immediately apply to strengthen relationships, build more engaged teams, and become more intentional leaders.
“Every one of us is leading someone – whether it’s our employees, our families, our volunteers, or our community,” said Mechele Mills, President & CEO of BBB East Texas. “The most effective leaders never stop learning. They recognize that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being willing to grow, listen, and become better every day. Judge Franklin has spent a lifetime leading through service, and we’re excited to bring his perspective to our business community.”
While the workshop is rooted in leadership development, its lessons extend far beyond the workplace. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on how their attitudes, communication styles, and behaviors influence the people around them and how small changes in self-awareness can lead to stronger organizations and healthier relationships.
Whether you’re leading a business, managing a department, serving on a nonprofit board, or preparing for your next leadership opportunity, this session offers valuable insights for anyone who wants to become a more effective and authentic leader.
BBB’s Lunch.Learn.Lead series brings together respected local experts to provide practical, actionable education for East Texas business professionals. Each workshop is designed to equip attendees with tools they can immediately apply to strengthen their businesses, develop their teams, and contribute to a more trusted marketplace.
Event Details for Lunch.Learn.Lead: Unsolicited Leadership Advice
Presenter: Smith County Judge Neal Franklin
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas
Register: https://www.bbb.org/article/events/33156-bbb-lunchlearnlead-unsolicited-leadership-advice
Space is limited. Advance registration is encouraged.
About Better Business Bureau: BBB is a nonprofit, non-governmental, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. All BBB services to consumers are free of charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviews on more than 4 million businesses, 11,000 Charity Reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB Serving Central East Texas was founded in 1985 and is one of approximately 100 local independent BBBs across North America. Through programs like Lunch.Learn.Lead, BBB equips business professionals with the knowledge and connections they need to grow stronger organizations and stronger communities.
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