Leaders say a lot about themselves

Whenever you speak as a leader, you reveal a lot about yourself. As you may have often heard me say, words matter to leaders. Why? Because they speak volumes about you. They reveal your leadership capability (so much so that it can even be measured); your cognitive capability (enough to identify the stratum you’re operating […]
Hey leader, it’s not just about you.

It’s not about you. Well, not just about you. If you’re managing a team or an entire organization, you know this. But it’s even more true if you’re leading. And yes, there is a difference. As a leader, you’re challenging the status quo – what is now – with what could be, should be or must […]
Are they responding to your leadership?

Do you know exactly how you need them to respond before you open your mouth to speak? If not, just like Alice, you’ll end up somewhere. But is it where your leadership initiative needs to be? Every time you speak, you have an opportunity to advance what matters to your leadership. Your communication therefore has […]
Are you earning or eroding trust?

In the last few weeks, the world has witnessed how vital it is for a leader to be able to speak. When what matters has to be expressed and isn’t, it’s an abject failure of leadership. That’s because leadership emerges through our words. And then is made credible through our actions – which also have […]
To be or not to be outstanding

If you are or aspire to be outstanding, know that it’s a double-edged sword. It can come with perks, promotions and accolades that recognize and reward. But it can also come at a price. Because the flip side of outstanding is standing out. And if you are outstanding at what you do or how you […]
Leadership cannot subsist on junk food.

Eating nothing but junk food is not a formula for a long and healthy life. It won’t provide the nutrition your body needs to sustain itself. Or even the fuel to get you through the day. Yet many in leadership positions are doing just that. Every time they speak, what’s coming out of their mouths […]
Leaders can’t afford to deceive themselves.

If you think communication is just about sharing information, you’re deceiving yourself. Stop it. You’re doing a huge disservice to your leadership. Even though I’ve been doing this professionally for a long time now, I must admit that I don’t like the word “communication”. Especially today because it’s being practised largely as a mere facsimile […]
What would you change if you could?

What if this year were a blank canvas on which you could create something that doesn’t yet exist? Something that you know would make a real difference, and not just to you. Something that would benefit others in your world, maybe even the world at large. Something significant that matters. A meaningful change. Would you? […]
Can you pass the higher bar for leaders?

You’re got an important communication to deliver soon. But before you do, here’s a critical question for you: Is this about just sharing information with them? Because if it is, you’re doing your leadership a huge disservice. And it will cost you. As a leader, your communication should be about a lot more than just […]
The Secret to Navigating Change

I spent several months living and working in Copenhagen this summer, and it’s given me new insights on navigating change. I’ve long known that a lot of change — most change, in fact – in organizations fails. The stats say as much as almost 80%. That’s pretty dismal. So I devote my services to helping […]