Soft Skills for Leadership

As a VP at Amazon I faced tasks I had no idea how to do. I was once told I needed to open a new office in an offshore location with lower costs and move a lot of my work there. I had no idea how to even begin. What about real estate? Local laws? Hiring a leader I could trust halfway around the world? The way the task was framed, it left me to choose from most of the globe. My training is as an engineer. I had no idea how to make the “right” choice from dozens of potential cities and countries. Executives face relentless pressure for quick results and yet they are not “trained” for their jobs. Imposter syndrome and doubt comes easily when faced with complex, ambiguous situations where you are expected to know what to do. Top executive (CXO) roles are more than managing larger teams or bigger budgets; it’s about being able to do what the company needs for success. The mindset shift is crucial. Here are 4 skills to develop for top performance in CXO roles. Start practicing these skills now to be ready for big leadership roles. 1. Strategic Influence: Your ability to influence other strong leaders to get alignment on a plan is critical. Once I chose a location, my next task was to convince my manager that it was a good choice. But there is a process to influence that can be learned and is not manipulation. It is all about listening, framing, and dialogue. 2. Scaling Culture: The offshore team I started quickly grew to 300 people, few of whom I could get to know personally across the distance. In my case, I was able to mitigate this by transferring in some veteran leadership and traveling there myself frequently. 3. Developing Talent: Similar to scaling culture, I needed to develop the new and growing team. There is a systematic way to drive development down through your team, by coaching your leaders but also teaching them to coach their teams. 4. Executive Presence This skill trips up so many of the people I coach. They get the feedback that they lack executive presence but nothing specific to work on. This is because executive presence isn’t one skill but a whole collection of behaviors. It is possible to tease those apart and work on the pieces one by one. If you’re already in executive roles (e.g. Director, Sr. Director, VP) and want to optimize performance or move up further, join my course, Cracking the C-suite 'How to Get and Master Key Executive Roles' which I co-teach with Sue Bethanis (Executive Coach & CEO/Founder of Mariposa Leadership) who has coached 400+ tech executives and was my best coach when I was an Amazon VP. The next live cohort is October 5-6 and will be capped at 50 executives. This class was designed to combine Sue’s years of coaching expertise with my live experience as an executive to give you actionable models backed up by real-world insight. Enroll here: https://buff.ly/41ZX77b

🐝 The 9 Laws of Group Dynamics: Lessons from the Hive 🐝 Growing up, I watched bees in the orchard on my family’s farm, completely fascinated by their movement and complex interactions. Little did I know, this fascination would spark a lifelong journey into understanding human ecosystems — how we function in groups, how we influence each other, and how leaders can guide change by tapping into the underlying patterns of group dynamics. Here are the 9 laws of group dynamics that every leader should know: 1️⃣ Role: Roles shape behavior. Our roles in a group frame how we act and respond. Understanding this allows leaders to reframe role for faster change, with less noise. 2️⃣ Complexity: Simple rules or patterns drive complex group behavior. Just as bees instinctively follow certain patterns, so do people. Leaders can shape these patterns to guide change effectively. 3️⃣ Connectedness: Every action has a ripple effect. In any group, behaviors influence others in ways we might not always see — yet they’re powerful and far-reaching. 4️⃣ Multiple Perspectives: No one sees the world the same way. Embracing diverse viewpoints can strengthen a group’s performance, resilience and adaptability. 5️⃣ Context: Behavior depends on context. Just as bees produce honey that tastes differently in different regions, group behavior shifts with its environment. Leaders who grasp this can steer change more effectively. 6️⃣ Embeddedness: Deeply embedded patterns resist change. Some behaviors are so ingrained that they require carefully designed interventions to shift. 7️⃣ Pattern Blindness: Groups can ignore what’s right in front of them. Leaders who thrive in complexity help their teams recognise blind spots that may hinder progress. 8️⃣ Unintended Consequences: Change efforts can create unexpected results. Leaders need to anticipate, adapt, and respond to these “side effects.” 9️⃣ Tipping Point: Small changes can have big impacts. Sometimes, even a minor adjustment can lead to a transformative shift. Navigating the complexity of human ecosystems means embracing these laws. Leaders who understand the hidden rules of group dynamics can guide their teams toward lasting, impactful change. Lasting change begins with understanding how groups work beneath the surface. Which of these 9 laws resonates most with your experience with groups? 📚 Want to dive deeper into understanding Group Dynamics to help teams deliver, grow, and adapt? Check out my latest book, The Hive Mind at Work, now available on Amazon!

Tired of hearing the same old buzzwords about leadership skills like communication, collaboration, and so on? Ok- let's shift the conversation today to other equally vital, yet often overlooked, skills like lucid clarity and noise filtering. "Lucid clarity," is the ability to see situations and goals with sharp focus, free from the distractions and noise that often cloud our judgment. It's kind of like the opposite to mental fog. It's existence is crucial in leaders so that they pass it on to their teams for effective execution. Unfortunately, in many teams, this clarity is missing due to ineffective leader behaviours like 🔷 overload of information and tasks 🔷 overcomplicating processes and 🔷 inundating teams with an endless stream of priorities. When leaders develop lucid clarity, they put LESS PRESSURE on people and provide MORE SPACE for people to work on what's really important. And because everyone knows what the priorities are, it reduces the stress of trying to juggle too many tasks or unclear objectives, which also leads to less micromanagement and better relationships. I mentioned a second skill above- 'noise filtering'. This skill actually supports the development of lucid clarity. "Noise" can come from various sources—leaders can find themselves overwhelmed with information and requests from their manager(s), team(s), customer(s) as well as external pressures. If leaders don’t have the ability to filter out noise, they risk losing sight of what really matters. Leaders who lack this skill may feel overwhelmed and reactive, always changing direction to deal with the latest crisis or trend. This is damaging for organizations because it causes confusion and uncertainty among teams. On the other hand, leaders who CAN cut through the noise are decisive and viewed as reliable and confident. They are therefore more likely to be trusted. Found this interesting? Want to work on these skills? Here's a few tips. ✅ Seek out and consider diverse perspectives to prevent confirmation bias ✅ Use a Decision Making Framework ✅ Prioritize ruthlessly ✅ Say "no" to tasks and initiatives that don't align with priorities ✅ Consistently evaluate what's most important (with others) ✅ Identify and address sources (and potential sources) of noise #leadership #leadershipskills #clarity #noise #decisionmaking #prioritization

Curiosity is the job of leadership. To me, leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about staying curious. The way we work has changed, and so has leadership. Leaders who thrive today aren’t those with all the answers, but those who ask the right questions. Curiosity has become a critical leadership skill, enabling leaders to seek feedback, explore new perspectives, and adapt to rapidly changing environments. A recent Harvard Business Review piece suggests that, in today’s world, leaders must develop several essential skills: (1) Emotional Aperture: Understanding the emotional dynamics of your team, reading the room, and ensuring all voices are heard. Leaders who tune into these dynamics build stronger relationships and keep employees engaged. (2) Adaptive Communication: Great leaders adjust their style to fit the situation and audience. It’s about connecting with people, knowing when to motivate, and when to create space for creativity. (3) Flexible Thinking: In times of uncertainty, effective leaders embrace ambiguity and seek new perspectives. Asking the right questions helps open doors to innovative solutions and thoughtful decisions. (4) Perspective Seeking: As leaders rise, power can narrow focus. Great leaders actively seek out different viewpoints, essential for negotiation, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking. (5) Strategic Disruption: Leaders need to challenge the status quo, not just for the sake of change, but to continuously improve—especially in advancing inclusion and equity. (6) Resilient Self-Awareness: Leaders are human too. Recognizing limitations and building a strong support network is key to managing stress and leading by example. To me, curiosity ties all these skills together. Staying curious allows leaders to keep learning, adapting, and growing—both for themselves and their teams. Curiosity opens the door to fresh ideas, deeper connections, and a more dynamic, responsive leadership style. In a world of constant change, curiosity isn’t just a good-to-have—it’s a must-have for leading with empathy, awareness, and insight. #curiosity #skills #leadership #agility #innovation #collaboration #teams https://lnkd.in/eYy7VUhG

In my recent conversations with CXOs, I have noticed an increased need to focus on teams “as a whole.” It’s no longer just about being resilient or adaptive; now, it’s about how quickly teams can shift their thinking, embrace ambiguity, and reframe challenges as opportunities. As organizations face rapid change and uncertainty, cognitive flexibility is emerging as a key skill for success.  Cognitive Flexibility is the ability to switch between thinking about different concepts and adapt to new, unexpected situations. In other words, it’s mental agility, something crucial in today’s BANI world [Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, and Incomprehensible]. Why it matters now: ·      AI and Automation: As technology reshapes roles, those with cognitive flexibility can pivot their skills and adjust their thinking faster. ·      Complex Problem-Solving: Organizations are facing more multi-dimensional problems than ever, requiring teams that can navigate the non-linear, chaotic nature of BANI. ·      Leadership: Flexible leaders are better equipped to handle brittle systems, manage anxieties within their teams, and navigate unpredictable environments. How to nurture cognitive flexibility in your teams? ·      Encourage cross-functional collaboration to expose teams to new perspectives. ·      Embrace continuous learning, create environments where people can experiment and evolve. ·      Promote reflection, pause to reframe challenges and think about alternative approaches. In a world shaped by complexity and uncertainty, cognitive flexibility might just be the ultimate competitive advantage. How are you building this in your teams? #OrganizationalPsychology #CognitiveFlexibility #BANI #FutureOfWork #Leadership #ChangeManagement #Innovation #leadershipcoach

Authentic leadership isn't about perfection. It's about being real, owning your mistakes, and continuously growing. Your team doesn't need a flawless leader - they need a human one. There's a rampant myth floating around that leaders have to be these untouchable paragons of efficiency and wisdom. Spoiler alert: that's horse manure You might think that showing vulnerability could tarnish your image. Well, guess what? It's that vulnerability that builds bridges with your team, not walls. Because a true leader is someone who can say, "I messed that up," and then work tirelessly to make it right. They're the ones who aren't afraid to ask for help, to lean in when times are tough, and to lift others when they stumble. Real leadership means embracing the chaos, the uncertainty, and the imperfections. It means standing in front of your team, not as an icon of perfection, but as a testament to resilience and authenticity. So, next time you're tempted to don the mask of infallibility, remember this: your team doesn't need a superhero. They need someone who gets it, who gets them, and who gets the job done, flaws and all. Because leadership isn't just a title; it's a journey. And it's one hell of a ride.

Mastering Crisis Leadership: The 9 Key Competencies In today’s volatile world, leadership is truly tested during crises. The ability to navigate uncertainty, make tough decisions, and inspire confidence is what sets exceptional leaders apart. The Crisis Leadership Competency Model outlines nine critical skills that empower leaders to steer through challenges effectively: 🔹 Communication – Clarity in conveying messages amid chaos. 🔹 Connectivity – Building trust and fostering collaboration. 🔹 Courage and Perseverance – Standing strong in the face of adversity. 🔹 Credibility – Leading with integrity to gain stakeholder confidence. 🔹 Decisiveness – Making timely and informed decisions. 🔹 Emotional Effectiveness – Managing stress and emotions proactively. 🔹 Integrative Thinking – Synthesizing diverse perspectives for better solutions. 🔹 Situational Awareness – Anticipating risks and adapting strategies. 🔹 Team Leadership – Inspiring and mobilizing teams towards a common goal. In times of crisis, leaders must embody these competencies to create stability, instill confidence, and drive meaningful action. #HRwithDevi #Leadership #CrisisManagement #Resilience #DecisionMaking #Communication #TeamLeadership

The Leadership Question I Didn’t See Coming During a recent leadership training I was coaching, one of the participants, Remesh, raised his hand and asked: "Jyoti, what’s the most important skill for leaders today?" It’s a question that cuts to the heart of leadership in a world where employees are demanding flexibility, purpose, and work-life balance, while organizations face growing polarization. Instead of giving a simple answer, I turned the question back to the group: "What if leadership today isn’t about a single skill, but about mastering a toolkit?" Here are the 6 essential skills we explored: 😎 Emotional Aperture Understand your team’s emotions to build trust. Regularly check in and observe non-verbal cues. 😎 Adaptive Communication Tailor your communication style to fit each individual. Tools like DISC assessments can help. 😎 Flexible Thinking Embrace ambiguity. Focus on asking the right questions instead of having all the answers. 😎 Perspective Seeking Actively seek diverse viewpoints for better decision-making. Empathy is a game-changer. 😎 Strategic Disruption Challenge the status quo. Create space for brainstorming and continuous learning. 😎 Resilient Self-Awareness Acknowledge your own limits. Prioritize mental well-being and seek feedback regularly. Remesh’s reflection? “For me, mastering emotional aperture is key. Without connection, the rest falls apart.” What about you? Which skill resonates most with your leadership journey? Let’s discuss in the comments! #LeadershipSkills #EmotionalIntelligence #ResilientLeadership #AdaptiveCommunication #ContinuousImprovement

𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 but challenging role that requires a unique set of skills to guide and support individuals in their personal and professional development. Here are the key skills you need to be an effective mentor: Active Listening: The ability to truly hear and understand your mentee's concerns and questions, being present, asking clarifying questions, and demonstrating empathy. Empathy: Empathy allows you to connect with your mentee on an emotional level, helping them feel understood and supported. Communication: You should be able to convey your thoughts and advice in a way that is easy to understand, while also encouraging open and honest dialogue. Patience: Mentoring often involves gradual progress. Adaptability: Everyone you mentor will have unique needs and learning styles. Tailor each approach to best suit each individual. Problem Solving: You should be able to help your mentee analyze challenges, explore potential solutions, and make informed decisions. Feedback Skills: It involves offering criticism in a way that is constructive and motivating, while also highlighting strengths and achievements. Goal Setting: Assisting your mentee in setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals is essential for tracking progress and providing direction. Mentorship Knowledge: You should know what makes effective mentorship and be able to apply these concepts. Professional Expertise: Depending on your mentoring context, having expertise in your field or area of mentoring is often expected. Cultural Sensitivity: It ensures you can mentor individuals from various backgrounds effectively. Confidentiality: Maintaining confidentiality regarding their concerns and discussions is a fundamental aspect of that trust. Time Management: Balance mentoring with your schedule. Positive Attitude: Encouraging and uplifting your mentee can boost their confidence and enthusiasm. Self-Reflection: Mentoring isn't just about helping others; it's also an opportunity for personal growth. Networking: Having a network of your own can enhance your mentee's opportunities. Conflict Resolution: Disagreements may arise in the mentoring relationship. Knowing how to resolve conflicts in a respectful and constructive manner is essential. Resilience: Bounce back from setbacks. Leadership: Effective mentors often exhibit leadership qualities. Leading by example and inspiring your mentees can help them develop leadership skills themselves. Honesty: Build trust through transparency. Developing these skills will make you a more effective mentor and guide others toward success. #LeadWithSimmone #Communication #MentorshipKnowledge #ProblemSolving #Leadership

Many people believe that leadership is solely about making decisions... But that's not the case. It's about supporting and serving others. I’ve had the privilege of learning from some pretty great leaders over the past decade, and if they’re reading this - they know who they are 😊. Genuine service involves more than just the desire to help. It demands the cultivation of soft skills that truly make an impact. ✅ For you. ✅ For your team. ✅ For the organization. If you're ready to change the way you lead... Here are 10 essential soft skills to focus on: 1. Listening ↳ Stop formulating your response while others are speaking. ↳ Begin to understand what your team truly needs. 2. Empathy ↳ Prioritize comprehending your team's experiences over seeking to be understood. ↳ View challenges through their perspective first. 3. Adaptability ↳ Modify your approach to align with where your team currently is. ↳ Let your leadership style adjust to their strengths. 4. Dedication ↳ Be consistently present for your team. ↳ Your dependability forms their support system. 5. Ethics ↳ Make choices that safeguard your team's trust. ↳ Your integrity serves as their safety net. 6. Respect ↳ Treat everyone with equal dignity. ↳ Your way of honoring individuals shapes the team's culture. 7. Support ↳ Remove obstacles so others can thrive. ↳ Your role is to simplify their tasks. 8. Humility ↳ Acknowledge mistakes that affect your team. ↳ Demonstrate the vulnerability you wish to inspire. 9. Inclusion ↳ Ensure every voice is heard and valued. ↳ Diverse perspectives enhance team decision-making. 10. Patience ↳ Allow your team time to develop and learn. ↳ Encourage progress rather than striving for perfection. The most rewarding aspect of serving others? You don’t need a formal title to begin. Leadership can emerge from any position when you focus on how you present yourself.