Managing up in tense situations isn't always easy, but mastering it strengthens work relationships and leads to better outcomes.

“Managing up is making it easier for your manager to support you in doing great work.“ - Kellan Elliot-McCrea

As I collaborate with @seokhian on a cross-border project (excited!), I had the privilege to be coached by her on managing up. After our session, I realized that many of my past difficulties with former bosses were more about my approach than theirs. While relationships often started well, they eventually deteriorated, and I saw I was part of the problem.

Are you laying the groundwork now to hit the new year running?

A mentor once told me that the secret to a breakthrough year is to lay the foundation early. Now is the time to set yourself up for a remarkable 2025 by creating momentum before the new year even arrives

In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable VUCA world, problem-solving is a vital leadership skill. Many leaders fail to realize they don't need all the answers.

In today’s uncertain world, a values-driven leader is like a lighthouse in a storm.

Values provide clarity and direction amidst turbulence, preventing leaders from reacting impulsively or slipping into autopilot mode. This is the essence of value-based leadership, and it's more important now than ever in our VUCA environment.

In my previous post, I introduced The Four Quadrants of Emotional Intelligence (EQ). EQ can be developed just like any other skill. Here’s how to enhance your EQ as a leader.

We all know someone who seems to lack emotional intelligence (EQ), but what exactly are the signs?

As leaders, understanding and managing our mental state is crucial for effective decision-making and guiding our teams to success.

Is it possible to redefine rejection and leverage it to our advantage? Here’s what I’ve learned so far.

‘Rejection’ is a strong word that ignites feelings of inadequacy in the hearts of many. But when you learn how to perceive and respond to rejection, it turns into a superpower.

Recently, I hailed a Grab car for my commute. What began as an ordinary ride unexpectedly changed my outlook on the business of earning.

Be it political discourse, workplace clashes, family dinner debates or relationship dilemmas, engaging in conversations with individuals who hold opposing viewpoints can be frustrating. How can we prepare ourselves better before we enter such conversations?

The departure of star employees can leave employers scratching their heads in bewilderment. As employers, what are we not seeing?

Leaders are humans too, and need immediate acknowledgement to know that we’re on the right path.

The problem is that it’s not as simple to measure success in leadership. Unlike games with clear rules and defined endpoints, the pursuit of impactful leadership is an infinite game.

Overthinking is part of the human experience, but when left unchecked, it can take a toll on our mental well-being. As a person recovering from it, here's the one thing I’ve learned that has centred me.

Getting 80% done is better than 100%? This idea might seem counterintuitive to progress but there is some wisdom behind this mantra.🦉

You see, the pursuit for 100% often leads to delays, burnout, and even missed opportunities. In contrast, focusing on reaching the 80% mark acknowledges the diminishing returns associated with achieving absolute perfection.

When it comes to building strong relationships, rapport matters. Here’s a simple framework to build instant rapport.

What is rapport? Rapport is simply defined as having a good understanding of someone and the ability to communicate well with them. It usually involves mutual respect, trust, and empathy.

Here’s how a simple idea has improved my self-confidence overtime: Keeping promises made to ourselves. 💪

How it looks like on a day-to-day:
In my case, if I tell myself that I’ll go for a jog today, even if it’s only for 10 minutes I’ll do it no matter what. If I promise to wake up an hour earlier, I’ll do my best not to hit the snooze button (OK, maybe I’ll hit it once).

Stage plays vs films: What’s the difference?

🎭 Given their limited proximity, stage plays often emphasise heightened expressions to ensure visibility and impact for the audience. Plots in stage plays are generally simpler as immediate and continuous engagement is required. Also, it needs to regard practical considerations such as limited sets and swift scene changes.

🛠️ When developing aspiring leaders in your organisation, consider the 4Es of leadership development (Environment, Equipping, Exposure, and Execution); a framework that offers a holistic approach to nurturing leadership skills.