Delegating a task is not just about assigning work—it is also about setting clear boundaries around decision-making and authority. Without this clarity, misunderstandings can arise, leading to frustration, delays, or outcomes that miss the mark. Our definition of Delegation is: Sharing Authority and Responsibility with another person. When this is communicated well, it’s a recipe for success. When this is left up to interpretation, it’s a recipe for disaster.
When leaders fail to define the level of authority, team members may either overstep and make choices they were not meant to make, or hesitate and delay progress because they are unsure what decisions are theirs to own. In both cases, the work suffers and trust can be strained.
(more…)Effective leadership is not about always being involved or always giving space. It is about knowing when each approach is needed. Some situations call for a hands-on style, where you give detailed guidance, offer close support, and monitor progress closely. Others benefit from a hands-off style, allowing the person to take ownership and work independently.
The right approach depends on both the nature of the task and the needs of the person doing it. A high-stakes, time-sensitive project with unclear steps might require you to be more involved. On the other hand, a skilled team member working on familiar ground might do their best work with minimal oversight.
(more…)Good listening is not just about understanding the words being said. It is also about allowing space for the other person to refine, clarify, or add more detail. Even if you believe you have captured their message perfectly, offering the opportunity for them to expand builds trust and deepens understanding.
Many conversations stop too soon because the listener assumes they have all the necessary information. While this may sometimes be true, it can also cut off valuable insights that come after a pause or follow-up question. When you make room for the other person to elaborate, you often uncover details that change the way you think about the situation.
(more…)It is easy to get caught up in the rush of daily tasks and deadlines. Goals get checked off, meetings get scheduled, and projects move forward. But without pausing to reflect, you may lose sight of why those goals matter in the first place. Reflection is what connects your day-to-day actions back to the bigger picture.
When you stop to consider how each goal supports your overall vision, you bring meaning back into the process. It shifts the work from being just another task to being a step toward something significant. This clarity not only keeps you motivated but also helps you prioritize what truly matters.
(more…)Leadership is not just about making the right calls, it is about owning them, even when the results are difficult or the reaction is not what you hoped for. Taking responsibility for your words and actions builds credibility, trust, and respect, even in challenging situations.
It is easy to claim ownership when the outcome is positive. The true test comes when the decision you made is met with resistance or the results are less than ideal. In those moments, some leaders may distance themselves from the choice or shift blame to others. Strong leaders do the opposite. They step forward and own their role.
(more…)When you think about the most innovative teams in the world – those that generate fresh ideas, solve complex problems, and pivot quickly in the face of challenges – there’s a common thread running through them: psychological safety. Harvard researcher Amy Edmondson defines psychological safety as the belief that you can speak up with questions, concerns, or mistakes without fear of punishment or humiliation. It’s not about being nice; it’s about creating the freedom to contribute without fear.
In workplaces where psychological safety is strong, employees are more likely to take risks, share bold ideas, and collaborate openly. In fact, Google’s landmark “Project Aristotle” study found that psychological safety was the number one predictor of team success. Without it, even the most talented individuals hold back, fearing judgment or negative consequences. The result? Innovation stalls, trust erodes, and organizations miss opportunities to thrive.
(more…)In a world where deadlines dominate and metrics measure our every move, it’s easy to overlook one of the most powerful tools a leader has – empathy. Not sympathy. Not kindness for kindness’ sake. But true, bone-deep understanding of what someone else is experiencing, feeling, or fearing. At its core, empathy is the currency of connection. And in leadership, that connection is gold.
Empathy, when practiced authentically, fuels trust. It creates the kind of psychological safety where people feel not just heard, but valued. This isn’t soft science – it’s strategy. Teams led by empathetic leaders outperform their peers because they are built on relationships, not just roles. In fact, understanding someone’s internal world opens doors to motivation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving that simply can’t be accessed through transactional leadership alone.
(more…)Addressing sensitive issues at work can be one of the most challenging parts of leadership. These moments require you to communicate with honesty so that the message is clear, but also with respect so that the relationship remains intact. Leaning too far in one direction can cause problems, too much honesty without care can feel harsh, and too much politeness without truth can lead to avoidance.
The key is to approach these conversations with the intent to solve a problem, not to win an argument. This means preparing both your message and your mindset. Clarity is important, but so is empathy. You want the other person to understand the issue and still feel valued and respected.
(more…)by Michelle Cummings
Setting goals is something most leaders do. But setting goals that actually move people? That requires more than a checklist. It takes vision. Not just any vision – but one that is clear, motivating, and tied to something meaningful. When leaders link daily action to a larger purpose, teams don’t just comply – they commit.
A clear vision of success is more than a broad aspiration. It’s specific, measurable, and aligned. It helps you define what progress looks like and gives your team direction beyond the next task. Vision is what makes effort feel worthwhile and helps everyone see how their part contributes to something that matters.
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At the heart of every high-performing organization is a strong leader – someone who drives the vision, creates the company culture and knows how to call the shots in a time of crisis. Wouldn’t it be great if every company had multiple leaders like that?
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