18 Jan

The rules of an excellent leadership dialogue

Excellent leadership dialogue is not about open discussion without boundaries. It is a disciplined practice that creates shared understanding, surfaces real differences, and leads to genuine commitment. When leaders avoid constructive conflict or rush to agreement, alignment becomes fragile and execution suffers. The strongest leadership teams invest in dialogue first, so commitment follows naturally, without the need to manage appearances.
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05 Sep

When the lights went out: leading through chaos in a VUCA world

When TNT’s global network went dark during the NotPetya cyberattack, every system failed — but people didn’t. In this story, Jan Salomons shares how leadership, trust, and adaptability kept Europe’s largest logistics network running manually for days. It’s a story of crisis leadership in a VUCA world — where volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity tested every level of society, organization, and individual behavior. As old hierarchies crumbled, new leaders emerged, purpose became crystal clear, and collaboration turned chaos into...
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21 Jan

Overcoming the Leadership Communication Gap

Miscommunication is a leading cause of workplace inefficiency and conflict, often resulting in misunderstandings, reduced productivity, and increased tension. Studies highlight how poor communication impacts team dynamics, leading to incorrect assumptions and diminished morale. Addressing these challenges requires fostering clarity, active listening, and emotional intelligence to create stronger connections and avoid conflict. Effective communication not only resolves workplace issues but also enhances collaboration and trust, driving both individual and organizational success.
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29 Nov

Crying with Wolves: How Leaders Can Break Free from the Negativity Trap

wolves crying on mountain in front of trees
Negativity can quietly erode team morale, productivity, and even a leader’s confidence. In this post, I share the story of Nathalie, an operations manager trapped in a cycle of workplace stress and unproductive venting—both in her team meetings and personal life. Together, we explored the psychological roots of negativity, its contagious effects, and strategies to break free. From reframing challenges to fostering constructive team dynamics, this journey reveals how leaders can transform negativity into solutions and growth. If workplace...
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