Our daily Field Notes email is just the kind of jumpstart you need. A fast read. Maybe less than a minute. Because sometimes it just takes one insight to change the trajectory of the day.
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The Case for Seeking Early Commitment
There’s wisdom in getting alignment on the destination before diving into the details. When people agree to the goal up front, they are more likely to push through the messy middle when friction ensues, rather than complain or delay. Early commitment also creates psychological ownership. People who agree to a direction early tend to invest
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Leaders Who Ask for Your Opinion But Really Don’t Want It
Some leaders feign that they are interested in what others think about an issue when, in fact, they have little interest or have already made the decision. This masquerade rarely starts as manipulation. More often than not, the leader simply believes they know best, has strong convictions, or views consensus as compromise. Over time, the
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How to Disappoint People Without Demotivating Them
For leaders, disappointing people is unavoidable. Not every idea can move forward. Capacity, resources, and priorities all impose limits. Not everyone is ready or has the experience to tackle a coveted assignment. The real skill isn’t avoiding the disappointment; it’s delivering it in a way that preserves trust and motivation. Good leaders don’t soften the blow
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The Illusion of Deep Professional Relationships
We hate to break it to you, but your workplace relationships aren’t nearly as strong as you think they are. Research confirms that people commonly overestimate the depth of their professional relationships. Outside of close family and a few real friends, most of our relationships are much thinner than we might believe. Knowing bits of
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The Libero Leader
In volleyball, the Libero is the player spectators almost never notice — until they have a deeper understanding of the game. The Libero doesn’t spike, doesn’t block, and can’t rotate to the front row. The role exists entirely in the service of others. The Libero reads the play before it develops, absorbs pressure in the
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Do You Weaken Your Endorsements Without Knowing It?
Commitment is relative. Sometimes leaders offer their full endorsement, while at other times they weaken their conviction through the expressions they use. For instance, there is a subtle but important difference in saying “I agree” versus saying “I don’t disagree.” The former represents stronger endorsement and conviction, while the latter softens that commitment. Because a
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How Smart Leaders Use Language to Create Clarity
How Smart Leaders Use Language to Create Clarity
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Team Members Who Hide the Ball
While some team members protect and hide information because they fear negative repercussions, more ambitious colleagues often do so to manage their image and reputation. They hide the ball to project the positive image they want to burnish in their leader’s mind. Anything that makes them look bad is buried, brushed over, or hidden, which means the
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True Leaders Seek Honorable Closure
Most endings deserve a dignified conclusion. And the best leaders make sure of it by pursuing one goal: Honorable Closure. Honorable Closure is the idea that ending a relationship, conflict, or chapter of life should preserve the dignity, respect, and integrity of the parties involved. This requires the leader to take the high road, aligning
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Investing in Why People Stay Instead of Worrying About Why They Might Leave
Investing in Why People Stay Instead of Worrying About Why They Might Leave. Talent retention is an ongoing concern for many organizations and teams.