Principle #36 – What’s old is new again. Again. In leadership, it’s tempting to chase shiny new solutions. The latest framework, the buzzy tech tool, the trendy management fad—we love to believe the newest thing will finally fix everything. But here’s the reality I’ve seen over years of leading teams: the best ideas are often […]
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Principle #35 – Gratitude is contagious. Pass it on. In a high-tech startup, speed is everything. We push code at 2 a.m., pivot on product direction before breakfast, and celebrate funding rounds with coffee instead of champagne. It’s intense, chaotic, and easy to forget one thing: gratitude. But here’s what I’ve learned as a senior
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Principle #29: Leadership is defined by the presence of followers. Picture this: a long-distance runner flying down the trail, flawless stride, focused eyes, pushing hard. Impressive, right? But then you notice—no one’s behind them. Are they a leader… or just out for a really long solo run? Leadership isn’t about how fast, strong, or visionary
If No One’s Running With You, You’re Just Out for a Jog Read More »
Principle #28: Manager means accountability for team results. Picture a football coach bragging: “Our quarterback had a perfect game, our kicker nailed every field goal… sure, we lost 42–10, but look at those stats!” Ridiculous, right? That’s what happens when managers focus only on individual performance and forget that their accountability is for team results.
Coaching Means the Whole Team, Not Just Star Players Read More »
Principle #20 – Coauthor. More minds, more better. We love the romantic image of the lone genius: one brilliant person, one whiteboard, one lightning-bolt idea. But let’s be honest—most “solo brilliance” dies on the whiteboard. Breakthrough solutions don’t come from one perspective; they come from multiple minds colliding and refining ideas together. It’s messier, sure,
Your Lone Genius Act Is Overrated—Try Coauthoring Instead Read More »
Principle #18 – Communication is more than saying words. Ever leave a meeting thinking, “I heard every word, but I have no idea what they just said”? That’s because communication isn’t just words—it’s connection. We’ve all seen it: the sales rep powering through their pitch, oblivious to confused faces. Or the manager who sends a
Stop Talking. Start Communicating. Read More »
Principle #15 – Work hard to make hard things (more) simple. Ever seen a process map that looks like a plate of spaghetti? Or listened to an explanation so complex you left with more questions than answers? Complexity might make us feel smart, but it slows decisions, burns people out, and kills momentum. Leaders who
Cut the Complexity Before It Cuts You Read More »
Principle #14: Apply the Trust Algorithm. Accountability = Authority = Capability Ever notice how trust tanks when someone is “responsible” but has no power to decide… or someone has authority but no clue what they’re doing? Cue the eye rolls and Slack rants. Trust isn’t built on good vibes. It’s built on alignment: Accountability =
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Principle #10 – Be curious. Share the growth mindset. Somewhere along the line, someone decided curiosity killed the cat.Bad PR for curiosity—because curiosity is how we learn, innovate, and stop making the same mistakes on repeat. Why Curiosity Wins When leaders stay curious, they stop pretending they already have all the answers (spoiler: they don’t).
Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Cat (It Built Better Teams) Read More »
People Energy Principle #8 – Each human is uniquely wired for something. Notice this. Every person on your team comes wired with a unique mix of talents, quirks, and passions. Some have laser focus; others are idea factories. Some thrive in chaos; others need structure like oxygen. Yet too many leaders treat people like one-size-fits-all
Stop Treating People Like Interchangeable Office Furniture Read More »