We all believe we’re self-aware. Most of us are wrong. Research shows that while 95% of people think they’re self-aware, only 10–15% actually are. That gap? It’s where trust erodes, communication breaks down, and emotional blind spots collide with reality. The moments that test our EQ are never scheduled. They show up in conflict, pressure,...
The modern leader is under pressure to keep up with AI, automation, analytics. But what if your biggest leadership gap isn’t technical? What if it’s emotional? Neuroscience confirms: the brain’s #1 priority is safety. And when leaders lack emotional intelligence, empathy, regulation, curiosity, and performance nosedives. Cortisol spikes. Creativity...
Confusion is costly. The brain hates ambiguity—and fills in the gaps with threat. Want better performance? Reduce uncertainty. Clarity is kindness. Leader Tip: Try this 3-part check-in before big communication: What do I want them to know? What do I want them to feel? What do I want them to do? 📅...
The brain is wired for novelty. It boosts dopamine, drives engagement, and makes learning stick. Same old meetings, same old results. Want a breakthrough? Change the inputs. Leader Tip: Add a dose of surprise: Change the question Move the meeting location Introduce a new voice to the room 📅 Register for the...
The brain craves feedback—but only when it feels safe. If feedback feels like a threat, it shuts the brain down. If it feels like opportunity, it builds resilience. Leader Tip: Give feedback the brain can use: Be specific, not general Be timely, not delayed Be collaborative, not corrective 📅 Register for the...
In leadership—and life—what you ignore expands. The brain is a master of efficiency. It loves to delay discomfort, defer decisions, and avoid tough conversations. But what you push aside today doesn’t disappear—it compounds. What feels “too small to deal with right now” often becomes “too big to...
Exclusion activates the same brain circuits as physical pain. Inclusion, on the other hand, unlocks trust, innovation, and resilience. Leader Tip: Build cultures of belonging: Normalize feedback Invite differences Reward speaking up—not just showing up 📅 Register for the next LEADing Lab 📖 Preorder the book ...
Still trying to lead with logic alone? You’re losing the room. Every brain filters through emotion first. Logic doesn’t stand a chance unless the emotional center is on board. You’re not just moving projects—you’re moving people. Leader Tip: Before you lead the work, lead the feel: Name emotions in...
Gratitude isn’t a moment—it’s a mindset. And it’s measurable. Practicing gratitude shifts the brain from scarcity to creativity, from stress to possibility. Leaders who lead with appreciation lead longer and stronger. Leader Tip: Start meetings with recognition, not reminders. End the week with a reflection: Who helped me grow this...
You don’t need to know everything. You need to ask better questions. When leaders lead with certainty, they shut down input. When they lead with curiosity, they activate collaboration, innovation, and ownership. Leader Tip: Replace statements with strategic questions. The brain loves a challenge it’s invited to solve. Next...
