Every day is a chance to start anew. Each sunrise brings the promise of fresh opportunities and untapped potential.Don’t be afraid to leave the past behind and embrace the possibility of new beginnings.
Whether it’s a new project, a different path, or a change in perspective, take the leap and trust in the journey ahead.Your future is a blank canvas waiting for your brushstrokes.
Step into the unknown with hope and excitement, and paint your own masterpiece.
Leadership is one of those things that sounds intimidating, like it’s reserved for CEOs, presidents, or larger-than-life figures who somehow have it all figured out. But in reality, leadership isn’t about having a fancy title or being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about influence, decision-making, and making things better for the people around you.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had moments where you’ve thought, Am I really leadership material? Maybe you’re not naturally assertive, or maybe the idea of leading a team feels overwhelming. I get it, I used to feel the same way. But here’s the good news: leadership is a skill, not a trait. That means it can be learned, improved, and mastered over time.In this post, we’ll break down what makes a great leader, how to develop leadership skills (even if you’re starting from scratch), and some practical steps you can take to become a better leader in your work and personal life.
Table of Contents
1. What Leadership Really Is (And What It Isn’t)
2. The Mindset Shift: Leading Without Authority
3. The 3 Core Skills Every Leader Needs
4. How to Develop Leadership Skills (Even If You’re Not in Charge)
5. Real-World Examples of Great Leadership
6. Final Thoughts + Next Steps
1. What Leadership Really Is (And What It Isn’t)
A great leader:
✅ Inspires and supports others
✅ Leads by example
✅ Makes tough decisions with integrity
✅ Creates an environment where others can thrive
A bad leader:
❌ Uses authority to control people
❌ Avoids responsibility when things go wrong
❌ Micromanages and doesn’t trust their team
❌ Focuses on their own success rather than the team’s
You don’t need to be the CEO of a company to be a leader. Leadership happens in small moments helping a colleague, stepping up in a difficult situation, or even setting a good example for your friends and family.
2. The Mindset Shift: Leading Without Authority
A common misconception is that you need a leadership position to lead. The reality? Some of the best leaders don’t have formal authority. They lead through action, influence, and example.
Take Dr. Jane Goodall, for instance. She wasn’t the head of a major research institute when she started her work. But through her passion, expertise, and advocacy, she became a global leader in wildlife conservation.
So, how do you lead without authority?Be proactive. Solve problems before someone asks you to.Take responsibility. Own your work, your decisions, and your impact.Build trust. People follow those they trust and respect.
3. The 3 Core Skills Every Leader Needs
Regardless of industry or experience level, all great leaders have three key skills:
a) CommunicationGreat leaders articulate their vision clearly and listen actively. If you can express ideas concisely and understand others’ perspectives, you’re already ahead.
🔹 Action step: Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms. Clarity is key
.b) Decision-MakingLeaders make tough calls—sometimes without all the information. The trick is to gather enough data, weigh the pros and cons, and make a decision confidently.
🔹 Action step: Next time you’re faced with a decision, analyze your options quickly and commit.
c) Emotional IntelligenceUnderstanding people is a superpower. The best leaders know how to manage their emotions and read the emotions of others.
🔹 Action step: Pay attention to body language and tone during conversations. It reveals more than words do.
4. How to Develop Leadership Skills (Even If You’re Not in Charge)
You don’t need a formal leadership position to start developing leadership skills. Here’s how:
1. Start SmallLead within your circle—mentor a junior colleague, organize a small project, or help solve a team issue. Small acts of leadership compound over time.
2. Learn from Great LeadersRead books, watch interviews, and study how great leaders operate.
Some great books to start with:
📚 Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
📚 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
📚 Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
3. Seek Feedback and Improve
Ask, “How can I be a better leader?”
Feedback is gold—it helps you refine your leadership style.
5. Real-World Examples of Great Leadership
Nelson Mandela – Leading with ResilienceMandela spent 27 years in prison but emerged as a unifying leader, proving that patience, forgiveness, and vision can change the world.
Elon Musk – Visionary LeadershipMusk’s leadership at Tesla and SpaceX shows how relentless pursuit of a vision can inspire teams to achieve the impossible.
Oprah Winfrey – Leadership Through InfluenceOprah built an empire by understanding people, inspiring millions, and empowering others through storytelling.-
6. Final Thoughts + Next Steps
The best leaders aren’t born—they’re made. Leadership is about daily actions, learning from failures, and consistently showing up.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about influence
✅ Communication, decision-making, and emotional intelligence are crucial skills
✅ You can lead from any position—start small and take initiative
Want to develop your leadership skills?
Start by taking one action today—whether it’s leading a small project, reading a leadership book, or seeking feedback.If you found this useful,
subscribe to The Hub for more insights on leadership, business, and personal growth. Let’s grow together! 🚀
Negotiation is a crucial skill that extends far beyond the boardroom. Whether you’re closing a business deal, discussing a salary raise, or resolving a conflict with a friend, the art of negotiation can significantly impact your success and satisfaction. Learning how to negotiate effectively can empower you to create win-win situations in both personal and professional settings.
Negotiation is a process in which two or more parties with different needs and goals discuss an issue to find a mutually acceptable solution. It involves communication, persuasion, and strategic decision-making. Negotiation can occur in various scenarios, including business transactions, legal disputes, salary discussions, and even day-to-day interactions.
Negotiation is more than just getting what you want—it’s about building relationships, finding creative solutions, and enhancing outcomes for all parties involved. Key benefits include:
Before entering a negotiation, research and understand your objectives, as well as those of the other party. Know your BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement)—what you will do if the negotiation fails.
Listen to understand, not just to respond. Active listening helps you grasp the other party’s needs and develop a strategy that aligns with their interests.
Negotiation can be an emotional process. Keeping your emotions in check while understanding and empathizing with others is crucial for finding common ground.
Articulate your points clearly and avoid ambiguity. Miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings and hinder the negotiation process.
While preparation is key, negotiations often require on-the-spot thinking and adaptability. Being open to new ideas can lead to better outcomes.
Negotiation is about compromise. Be prepared to give up something of lesser value to gain what is more important to you.
Anchoring involves setting the initial offer as a reference point. Studies show that the first number put on the table has a powerful influence on the negotiation process.
Establishing a connection with the other party can lead to a more collaborative negotiation atmosphere. Simple gestures like showing empathy or finding common interests can make a big difference.
Instead of yes-or-no questions, ask open-ended questions to gain insights into the other party’s motivations and needs.
Negotiation is rarely about rushing to a conclusion. Taking your time to evaluate offers and responses can prevent hasty decisions that might not be beneficial in the long term.
A prominent labor negotiator in the U.S., Horvitz played crucial roles in resolving significant labor disputes. His negotiation style emphasized mutual respect and collaboration.
As the chief U.S. negotiator in the Iran nuclear talks, Sherman showcased how cultural sensitivity and patience could lead to significant diplomatic breakthroughs.
A former FBI hostage negotiator, Voss wrote Never Split the Difference, where he shares strategies used in high-stakes negotiations. His approach emphasizes the power of tactical empathy and active listening.
Known for his unconventional deal-making style, Trump often used leverage and assertiveness in negotiations. His approach highlights how different negotiation styles can be effective depending on the situation.
Mastering the art of negotiation requires practice, patience, and a willingness to learn from each experience. By understanding the principles of negotiation and implementing effective strategies, you can enhance your ability to influence outcomes and create lasting agreements.
Start practicing negotiation in everyday situations. Whether it’s negotiating a price at a market or discussing project timelines at work, each opportunity is a chance to refine your skills.
For more insights on personal development, growth, and business strategies, subscribe to The Hub and stay ahead in your journey toward success!
What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.
We’ve all been there. You’re sitting at a gathering, chatting with friends, or maybe just minding your business, and then that question comes up—the one that makes your skin crawl. You know the one I’m talking about. We all have it. It’s the question that sparks a mix of irritation and discomfort, and you find yourself wondering why people keep asking it.
For me, that question is: “What’s next?”
It sounds innocent enough, right? But here’s the thing “What’s next?” has a way of stirring up anxiety. It’s not just a question; it feels like an expectation. Whether I’ve just completed a project, reached a milestone, or made a small achievement, there it is, lurking in the shadows. “What’s next?” asks not only about my plans but also implies that what I just did might not be enough.
Why Is This Question So Frustrating?
1. It Disregards the Present
We live in a fast-paced world where we’re constantly pushed to chase the next goal. But what about now? What about celebrating the moment? Sometimes, I want to bask in my recent accomplishments without feeling the pressure to leap into the next challenge.
2. It Assumes Clarity
The truth is, I don’t always know what’s next and that’s okay! Life isn’t a straight line, and sometimes the path forward is a bit foggy. Not having the perfect answer doesn’t mean I’m lost; it means I’m taking my time.
3. It Can Undermine Achievement
Imagine running a marathon and crossing the finish line, only to have someone immediately ask, “So, when’s the next one?” It steals the joy of the victory lap.
A Better Approach: Let’s Talk About Now
Instead of asking, “What’s next?” how about:
“What are you most proud of right now?”
“What did you learn from your recent experience?”
“How do you feel about where you are?”
These questions allow space to reflect, celebrate, and appreciate the journey. They invite meaningful conversations and encourage living in the moment.
My Response to “What’s Next?”
These days, I’ve learned to handle this question with a smile and a bit of humor. I might say something like, “I’m thinking of becoming a professional napper—heard there’s a real market for that!” But deep down, I know that my real answer is this: “I’m taking it one step at a time, and right now, I’m exactly where I need to be.”
The Takeaway
If you find yourself on the receiving end of a question that makes you uncomfortable, it’s okay to set boundaries or gently redirect the conversation. And if you’re the one asking, try to lead with curiosity and kindness. The best questions are the ones that leave room for joy and growth—right where we are.
What’s the one question you hate being asked? Let’s talk about it in the comments!
Imagine waking up every day feeling truly confident, knowing that you have the power to handle whatever comes your way. For a long time, I didn’t feel that way. Confidence seemed like something reserved for “naturally” outgoing or successful people. But everything changed when I made one simple mindset shift.
The Shift: From “I Can’t” to “How Can I?”
Instead of telling myself, “I can’t do this” or “I’m not ready,” I started asking, “How can I make this work?” This small change rewired my thinking from a place of doubt to a place of possibility. Suddenly, challenges became puzzles to solve rather than roadblocks.
Why This Works:
When you shift your mindset to a solution-oriented approach, your brain naturally starts looking for answers. It’s called the Reticular Activating System (RAS) at work—your mind filters information to support your beliefs. If you believe something is possible, you’ll notice opportunities and resources you might have otherwise overlooked.
How I Put This Into Practice:
1. Daily Affirmations: Every morning, I’d say to myself, “I am capable of finding solutions to any problem.”
2. Reframing Problems: Instead of saying, “I’m not good at this,” I’d rephrase it to, “I’m learning how to get better at this.”
3. Taking Small Steps: I’d break down big challenges into manageable tasks, focusing on progress, not perfection.
The Results:
This mindset shift led to real, tangible changes. I found myself more open to taking risks, more resilient when facing setbacks, and more confident in my everyday interactions. I even noticed how this approach improved my relationships and overall happiness.
Try It for Yourself:
Next time you face a challenge, pause and reframe it. Instead of thinking, “I can’t do this,” ask yourself, “How can I move forward?” You’ll be amazed at how powerful this shift can be.
I’d love to hear your experiences. Have you tried a similar mindset shift? What worked for you? Hit reply and let me know!
Until next time, stay inspired!
David Okanlawon
The Hub
The Hub 