Leadership ideas and considerations
It seems that there has been an alarming and growing trend to emphasize perception-driven approaches, emotional responses, and leadership models such as servant leadership, which typically prioritize empathy and emotion over strategic foresight and critical analysis. While these methods appear well-intentioned, focusing on emotional connectivity, their overuse can literally sabotage long-term goals, organizational efficiency, and […]
Information is both abundant and easily accessible. Hence, the concept of “thinking for yourself” has gained new importance. Yet, at the same time, this idea is often misunderstood. Many people equate thinking independently with rejecting or avoiding information that doesn’t align with their existing beliefs. However, I would argue that true independent thinking requires engaging […]
In my many years as a leadership strategist, I have found that two things can destroy a leader’s credibility faster than you can say “promotion denied.” These two cardinal sins are ghosting and a lack of follow-through. These leadership don’ts can significantly tarnish how others see you and are central to whether anyone can or […]
Officers in law enforcement and security often face complex and rapidly evolving situations requiring up-to-date knowledge and flexible thinking. However, like many professionals, law enforcement officers can fall prey to cognitive biases that make it difficult to update their knowledge and practices. This phenomenon, known as Epistemic Rigidity, can significantly impact their effectiveness, adherence to […]
I always say it: a leader’s vision must be compelling enough to galvanize action. Indeed, common wisdom suggests that a leader’s vision should resonate with the values and aspirations of the team, providing a sense of purpose and direction. In fact, it would be hard to find a leadership expert who might push back on […]
The word “problem” has a few definitions. What most people associate with “problem” is a situation, matter, or person that is hard to deal with or understand. However, if this is you, I would challenge you to see the “problem” as nothing more than a question to be considered, solved, or answered. This perspective reframes […]
You may have heard that decision-making is an art. In many ways, that is true, but it doesn’t have to be. I would argue that it can and likely should be strategic. Making informed decisions is crucial in both personal and professional realms. However, the decision itself is not all we must worry about. After […]
A big part of personal or organizational leadership is making pivotal decisions. Such decisions should be informed by strategic thinking, which (ideally) is informed by extensive knowledge and information (research). Strategic thinking and decision-making are crucial for any leader, and honing these abilities is paramount. Game theory can help! Game theory is a branch of […]
In his book Leading at a Higher Level, Dr. Ken Blanchard suggests that change is like “permanent whitewater (Blanchard, 2018, p. 209).” I agree. In other words, change is constant and sometimes hard to handle. Unfortunately, people tend to resist change because they are drawn toward consistency (Mounsher, 2017). Perhaps this is another clue as […]
Despite decades of research and countless books and articles written on the differences between management and leadership, confusion persists between these two critical roles in organizations. I’ll be blunt. Leaders are not managers. Or better said, Leadership is not management. This confusion is a critical issue, as it can lead to misunderstandings, misaligned expectations, and […]
