The question, “If everyone else was doing it, would you?” has long been used to challenge conformity. Yet, the reality is more sobering. In many situations—whether in organizations, schools, communities, or even entire nations—the answer is, in fact, probably. People often do what the group does, not because it is correct or rational, but because […]
In my opinion, leadership is one of the most discussed and misunderstood topics in modern discourse. Every day, social media platforms seem to be flooded with well-meaning but ultimately superficial slogans and oversimplified advice claiming to unlock the secrets of great leadership. “A leader serves first,” “Put others before all else – including yourself,” or […]
Charles Darwin once said, “Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge.” In other words, people who know little often appear more confident than those who are more informed. This observation connects with two important psychological phenomena: the Dunning-Kruger Effect and impostor syndrome. I find this particularly interesting because most would likely suggest that both […]
If you had to choose one, which would you rather be: Empowered or Safe? In recent years, the call for “safe spaces” has grown louder in workplaces, schools, and social environments alike. Sure, on the surface, a safe space sounds nice—a place where individuals can feel shielded from harm or distress, both physical and emotional. […]
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 […]
In many ways, academia is shooting itself in the foot. Neglecting new educators neglects the future. It’s that simple. Frankly, it is alarming how many highly educated professionals (with real-world experience) are denied an opportunity to teach in higher education due to a lack of classroom experience. However, it does not appear as though many […]
