Trust is the antidote to the need for control. In leadership, the illusion of control bias can lead us astray, convincing us we have more power over events and people than we truly do. Studies show micromanagement severely impacts creativity and satisfaction—70% of workers consider quitting because of it, and 30% actually do. Ironically, the more we try to control, the more we lose the very essence of leadership: trust. Without trust, there is no foundation for high performan

Many think leadership intelligence is simply a matter of cognitive strength. But it’s more than intellectual “smarts”—it’s how an executive uses their cognitive smarts alongside other “intelligences” to achieve objectives. Here’s what I mean. Having the ability to process information and situations with clear thinking is at the core of great leadership. Yet, having the ability to mobilize good decisions by knowing how to translate good thinking into effective execution, and t

To lead progressive change effectively, leaders need a growth mindset and cognitive flexibility. Driving change requires the mental ability to not simply toggle thinking between different concepts, but to think about multiple concepts simultaneously. Cognitive flexibility is a cornerstone of proactive problem-solving. It allows leaders to approach challenges from various perspectives to arrive at the most innovative and optimal solutions. In leadership and in life, having the

Past performance has long been touted as a reliable predictor of future performance, but is it truly a trustworthy measure?    In this article, we challenge this notion and explore why relying on past performance when choosing leaders could be a risky move.   Join us as we delve into the limitations of the "rearview mirror" approach to leadership selection and discover why a forward-looking perspective is essential for driving leadership effectiveness in today's dynamic busin

Leadership decisions have ripple effects that extend far beyond the initial choice. Just as a pebble creates ripples in a pond, each leadership decision sets off a chain reaction of consequences throughout the organization.   Good leadership choices lead to downstream rushes of positive results, including increased engagement, elevated morale, and heightened productivity. Conversely, poor choices can quickly reverse momentum, undoing all progress made and hindering organizati

Choosing the right leader is complex. It's not just about qualifications and experience—it's about finding someone who is uniquely positioned to succeed within the context of your organization, your situation, and your mission.    Leadership is contextual.    In this article, we discuss the importance of 'unique positioning' in leadership selection. By defining your organization's critical coordinates—context, situation, position, and mission—you can better identify leaders w