Mastering Leadership Skills

“To lead people, walk behind them.” - Lao Tzu That’s the essence of Servant Leadership. ❌ Outdated Playbook → Top-down orders → Control masked as clarity → Success that drains the spirit ✅ Modern Leadership Reset → Listen with intent → Serve with strength → Build beyond ego And this isn’t just philosophy. It’s research-backed: ➡️ Gallup found that teams led by Servant Leaders show up with 6x more commitment. ➡️ Stanford research shows traditional leaders last 4.2 years on average - Servant Leaders? 11.5 years. Because power over people is fleeting. But power with people is legacy work. Here’s your Servant Leadership Framework: 🌱 Listen with intelligence 10-minute daily syncs - hear tone, not just tasks End meetings with: “What do you need most right now?” Use silence as a leadership tool 🌱 Grow people before metrics Assign stretch projects with reflection rituals Build personalized growth maps, not just KPIs Create space for failure without fear 🌱 Lead from the back, not the front Share credit, absorb heat Spotlight small wins weekly Keep a “Team Wins” wall (physical or virtual) 🌱 Clear roadblocks, not just give direction Audit your calendar - what can you remove for them? Replace hierarchy with access Create “autonomy lanes” for faster decisions 🌱 Model transparency, not perfection Open up strategic decisions to feedback Share behind-the-scenes thinking Invite reverse mentoring Leadership isn’t a title. It’s a daily conscious choice - to listen, to serve, to multiply others. And the return? → Resilient teams → Resilient cultures → Results that endure 👇 What’s one way you’ve seen servant leadership role-modeled? 📚 Explore more in my book The Conscious Choice ♻️ Repost to rehumanize leadership 🔔 Follow Bhavna Toor for more insights on Conscious Leadership

Whoever coined the word “networking” needs to go to jail. Ask 10 people how to do it, you’ll get ten different answers. And that’s the problem. Because networking isn’t one skill. It’s FIVE. Unless you know which one you’re practicing, you’ll always leave events feeling like you “didn’t network enough.” Here’s the breakdown: 1. The Skill of Initiating The courage to walk up, introduce yourself, and open a conversation that isn’t empty small talk. Start with something real enough to spark interest, but light enough not to overwhelm. Most people fail here because they wait for the “perfect moment.” 2. The Skill of Listening Sounds cliché, but it isn’t. Great connectors aren’t the smoothest talkers, they’re the sharpest listeners. The right questions make people open up. A direct pitch kills networking. Listening makes it come alive. 3. The Skill of Positioning The least discussed skill. Positioning isn’t bragging. It’s telling your story so it sticks. A one-liner people can carry with them and repeat when you’re not in the room. Confuse them, and you’ve lost them. 4. The Skill of Following Up The most underrated. A conversation without follow-up is just noise. Real networking begins the next day—when you show you remembered, cared, and chose to continue. 5. The Skill of Compounding Networking isn’t built in a single night. It’s the compounding of tiny touchpoints over years. That stranger in the coffee line becomes an ally when you’ve shown up enough times with small acts of value. Now here’s the thing: You can’t master all five at once. And you shouldn’t even try. At your next event, pick one. Maybe it’s just practicing your opener. Maybe it’s testing your one-liner. Maybe it's religiously sticking to your follow-up. Get one right. Build momentum. Then move on to the next Because networking isn’t a gift. It’s not “some people have it, others don’t.” It’s a learned skill. And like every other skill, it’s mastered piece by piece—not in one grand performance. So stop treating networking like a mystical ability. Start training it like the craft it actually is. Which of the five are you good at? Which one do you struggle with? #networking #communication #collaboration #mindset #work #skills #event

Jobseekers, let’s be real - Landing leadership roles isn’t about luck. It’s about strategy. Most focus on resumes and interviews. But at your level? The real game-changer is intentional relationship-building. FACT: 85% of executive positions are filled through networking. And yet, so many hesitate to reach out, assuming: “I don’t want to bother them.” “I have nothing to offer.” “They won’t respond.” The truth? The right approach turns networking from awkward to impactful. Here’s how: Don’t Just Ask for a Job 🔴 Translation: “I need something from you.” 👉 Instead: “I admire your leadership journey and would love to exchange insights.” ✅ Build relationships, not transactions. Be Clear & Specific 🔴 Translation: “I don’t know what I want.” 👉 Instead: “I’m transitioning into [industry/role] and curious about your insights on [specific topic].” ✅ Make it easy for them to help you. Give Before You Ask 🔴 Translation: “This is all about me.” 👉 Instead: Engage with their content, share resources, or introduce them to someone valuable. ✅ Relationships thrive on reciprocity. Follow Up With Value 🔴 Translation: “I reached out once and disappeared.” 👉 Instead: “I appreciated our chat! Here’s an article based on what we discussed.” ✅ Stay top of mind without being pushy. Embrace Authenticity 🔴 Translation: “I’m trying too hard to impress.” 👉 Instead: “I’d love to connect and exchange leadership insights.” ✅ Genuine connections last longer than forced ones. Final thought: Careers aren’t built in isolation. Strategic networking fuels leadership growth. What has been your biggest challenge when building higher-level connections? #GalynaDaniel #Leaderhip #Networking #BetterJob2025

Ever walked into a room and felt like you didn't belong? Now imagine feeling that way at work. Every. Single. Day. This is why diversity and inclusion in recruitment isn't just a buzzword – it's a business imperative. As someone who's spent years in executive research and recruitment, I've seen firsthand the power of diverse teams. But here's the truth: attracting diverse talent is just the beginning. I remember when a client came to me, frustrated. "We're trying to hire diversely," they said, "but it's not working." Their mistake? They were fishing in the same old ponds. So, how do we shake things up? Here's what I've learned: 1. Cast a wider net: Look beyond your usual talent pools. Partner with diverse professional organizations. 2. Check your job descriptions: Are they truly inclusive? Words matter more than you think. 3. Diverse interview panels: Candidates should see themselves reflected in your team. 4. Blind resume reviews: Remove bias-triggering information like names and schools. 5. Showcase your commitment: Make your diversity initiatives visible on your website and social media. And hiring diverse talent means nothing if you can't retain them. Inclusion is where the real work begins. I once worked with a company that hired a diverse workforce but couldn't figure out why turnover was so high. The problem? They expected new hires to "fit in" rather than creating a culture where everyone could belong. To foster true inclusion: -> Mentor programs: Pair diverse employees with senior leaders. -> Employee resource groups: Give people a place to connect and be heard. -> Inclusive leadership training: Help managers understand and mitigate unconscious bias. -> Regular feedback: Create safe spaces for honest conversations about inclusion. -> Celebrate differences: Don't just tolerate diversity – embrace it! You should focus on creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, contribute, and feel valued. As leaders, it's on us to make this happen. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. What's your experience with diversity and inclusion initiatives? #DiversityAndInclusion #RecruitmentBestPractices #InclusiveLeadership #WorkplaceCulture

Most people think networking is how you get ahead - NO. Strategic Project Leaders create value and leaders seek them out; hence, their network grows— that is why they rise. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬, 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬. Executives and decision-makers are not impressed by flattery or forced small talk. They are moved by : ✔️clarity, ✔️ relevance, ✔️your ability to help them think differently or move faster toward a goal. This is where most professionals get it wrong: They network to be seen, instead of networking to be of service. When you shift your mindset from “How can this help me?” to “How can I create strategic value for this person or organisation?”—everything changes. 🪀Doors open. 🪀Conversations go deeper. 🪀Opportunities multiply. Strategic networking is not about volume—it is about intention. It is not only about visibility—it is about value to others. That is how I built relationships with leaders I once thought were out of reach. That is how you position yourself as someone worth aligning with. 👉Not just a professional. 👉Not just a contact. 👉A catalyst. Want to learn how to create value that builds networks like a Strategic Project Leader? Let’s talk. I will show you how I do it—and how you can too. #FolaElevates #StrategicLeadership #Networking #ProjectLeadership #StrategicElites #CareerAcceleration #ProjectIntelligence ----------------------- Adam Grant, a renowned organizational psychologist, also notes that successful networking is not about climbing the social ladder but creating meaningful, reciprocal relationships. This aligns with research from the Journal of Management Studies, which found that leaders with diverse networks are better positioned to identify and leverage new opportunities.

In today’s interconnected world, 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 has become an invaluable skill for professionals at all levels. Building and maintaining meaningful relationships can open doors to new opportunities, foster collaboration, and drive personal and professional growth. Here are some key strategies for effective networking: ① 𝗕𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲: Authenticity is key in building trust and rapport. Approach networking with a genuine interest in others, and focus on creating meaningful connections rather than just expanding your contact list. ② 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲: Think about how you can contribute to others before seeking what you can gain. Offering help, sharing knowledge, or connecting people can make you a valuable contact and strengthen your network. ③ 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Don’t wait for networking opportunities to come to you. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage in online communities to expand your reach. ④ 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮: Platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools for networking. Regularly update your profile, share insightful content, and engage with others’ posts to stay visible and relevant. ⑤ 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗨𝗽: After meeting someone new, follow up with a personalized message to reinforce the connection. Staying in touch and showing appreciation can turn a casual acquaintance into a lasting professional relationship. ⑥ 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀: Look for ways to create win-win situations. Networking should be mutually beneficial, where both parties gain value from the relationship. ⑦ 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁: Building a strong network takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent, and remember that quality is more important than quantity. Strategic networking is more than just collecting business cards; it’s about creating a supportive community where knowledge, opportunities, and growth are shared. By investing in your network, you invest in your future success. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮? 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬! Ruta Pathak Santosh v #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #BusinessConnections #StrategicNetworking

FIVE key lessons I’ve learned from networking with leaders around the world: 1. The Right Room Matters More Than the Loudest Voice Surrounding yourself with the right people is more valuable than simply trying to be heard. High-level leaders focus on quality over quantity in their connections, prioritizing strategic relationships that align with their vision. 2. Opportunities Come to Those Who Add Value First The most successful people don’t just ask, “What can I get?”—they ask, “How can I help?” Offering insights, introductions, or solutions without expecting immediate returns builds long-term trust and credibility. 3. Time Is the Most Valuable Currency Elite leaders protect their time fiercely. If they give you even a few minutes, make it count. Being prepared, concise, and intentional in conversations sets you apart and increases the likelihood of future interactions. 4. Your Reputation Travels Faster Than You Do People talk, and your reputation often precedes you. Consistency in delivering results, following through on commitments, and maintaining integrity are non-negotiables in global networks. 5. Every Connection Can Lead to Something Bigger Some of the most impactful opportunities come from unexpected introductions. Treat every interaction with respect because you never know who will open the next door. #global #networking #addvalue #reputation

Do you lead for yourself or others? Research from Investors in People states that 42% of employees cite having a 'bad boss' was their primary reason for leaving their job! It's a difficult balance, and I'm sure we can all think of examples of managers who always work to benefit themselves. It's frustrating and can you make you feel massively undervalued. A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better. According to Larry C. Spears, former president of the Robert K. Greenleaf Centre for Servant Leadership, these are the 10 most important characteristics of servant leaders: ✔ Listening - Do you give people your full attention, take notice of their body language, avoid interrupting them before they've finished speaking, and give feedback on what they say? ✔ Empathy - Do you put aside your viewpoint temporarily, value others' perspectives, and approach situations with an open mind? ✔ Healing - Do you think about the emotional health and "wholeness" of people, and supporting them both physically and mentally? ✔ Awareness - Do you look at yourself, think deeply about your emotions and behaviour, and consider how they affect the people around you? ✔ Persuasion - Do you use persuasion, rather than their authority, to encourage people to take action? Do you make change without damaging relationships or taking advantage of others? ✔ Conceptualisation - Do you look beyond day-to-day realities to the bigger picture? Do you stay motivated to achieve your more distant goals, without getting distracted? ✔ Foresight - Do you reflect on past experiences, identify what's happening now, and understanding the consequences of your decisions, especially on those who work directly for you? ✔ Stewardship - Do you take responsibility for the actions and performance of your team? Do you demonstrate the values and behaviours that you want to see in others? ✔ Commitment to the growth of people - Do you know what your teams personal goals are? Are you committed to the personal and professional development of everyone on your team? Or you do prioritise your own development over theirs? ✔ Building community - Do you provide opportunities for people to interact with one another across the organisation? Do your remind them how what they do contributes to the success and overall objectives of the organisation? Do you thank them publicly? Perhaps there would be less of an exodus from teaching if some leaders reflected more often on these questions and their priorities.

3 ways to network strategically as a leader Let’s be honest — networking isn’t just about collecting contacts anymore. As leaders, it’s about building meaningful, strategic relationships. Here are 3 ways to network smarter, not harder: 1️⃣ Be Intentional Every conversation should have a purpose. Before events or meetings, ask yourself: who aligns with your vision, your values, or your next project? Quality over quantity. 2️⃣Offer Value First Strong leaders don’t just ask — they give. Share insights, make introductions, or highlight opportunities for others. 3️⃣ Diversify Your Circle Look beyond your immediate industry. Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking, not just reinforce it. Strategic networking is about planting seeds for long-term partnerships, not quick wins. Book time with me for 1:1 insights relevant to you and your career: intro.co/morinoluwole 🎥 Boadu Henry Kouassi

Recruiting IS Leadership. And the Best Kind? Servant Leadership. When I recruit, I’m not just trying to fill a seat. I’m inviting someone into a mission. Too often, leaders get this backwards. They look at people as tools to grow the business, instead of realizing this simple truth: 👉 Great leaders grow people. 👉 And when people grow, so does the business. This week on the podcast and in my newsletter, I’ve been diving into what servant leadership really looks like in recruiting: ✅ It’s listening more than you speak ✅ It’s seeing who someone can become, not just what they’ve done ✅ It’s building a culture where people feel seen, heard, and supported When you lead like this, you don’t just attract talent, you also attract loyalty, excellence, and legacy builders. So here’s my challenge to YOU: 🔥 IF YOU’RE A LEADER ask yourself: ✅ Am I building something worth joining? ✅Do I serve my people with clarity, consistency, and care? 🔥 IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO JOIN A TEAM: don’t just chase a title or a comp plan. ✅Look for leaders who will invest in YOU. ✅Look for a culture that aligns with your purpose and values. Let’s stop just hiring and start building. Let’s stop just applying and start aligning. It’s time for a leadership movement that puts people first and growth on purpose!! #Leadership #ServantLeadership #RecruitingTips #BrianCovey #TeamCulture #GrowthMindset #FindYourPeople #LeadershipThatLasts