What to Do If You’re the Culture Problem

PolishedResumeLeadership

Let’s have an uncomfortable conversation — the kind most people avoid: What if the real culture issue at work… is you? Not the toxic boss.Not the broken system.Not “the team that just doesn’t get it.” What if the friction, the misalignment, the tension you keep feeling……isn’t coming from the culture — but through you? Sound harsh? Maybe. But stick with … Read More

You Don’t Have a Motivation Problem. You Have a System Problem

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We love big goals.We love setting them, announcing them, chasing them.“I want a promotion.”“I want to lead a team.”“I want more meaningful work.” But here’s the problem no one likes to admit:We think ambition will save us.It won’t. “You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”— James Clear (Atomic Habits) If … Read More

How to Handle a Toxic Employee Without Losing Your Team or Your Integrity

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Let’s be honest — dealing with toxic employees is one of the hardest parts of leadership. Not because we don’t know what to do on paper, but because in real life, things get blurry: They’re high performers but create chaos behind the scenes They’re charming upward but corrosive sideways They cross lines without “technically” breaking rules Or worst of all … Read More

The Emotional Intelligence Crisis Behind Today’s Biggest Leadership Meltdowns

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Emotional intelligence isn’t a bonus skill for “nice” people. It’s a core competency for leading humans — especially when the stakes are high. In today’s hyper-connected, transparency-demanding world, the way leaders show up in moments of pressure isn’t just seen internally — it’s broadcast, shared, dissected, and remembered. One poorly handled layoff, tone-deaf statement, or dismissive email can ignite a … Read More

You Don’t Have a Culture Problem. You Have a Leadership Problem.

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We’ve all heard the line:“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”And it’s true. But what’s rarely said—at least, honestly—is what it actually costs to change culture. Because it’s not about posters, perks, or inspirational all-hands meetings. Transforming culture means living your values out loud, even when it’s inconvenient. Especially when it’s inconvenient.It’s not about what you say.It’s about what people see you … Read More

Why Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Outperform Under Pressure

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leadership traits

We’ve all seen it happen. A company hires a new leader with strong credentials and high expectations. A year later, they’re gone—pushed out after a string of missteps, missed targets, and a culture that never quite clicked. Then, a second leader steps in. Same company. Same challenges. Yet within the same timeframe, this leader earns the team’s trust, improves performance, … Read More

Top 3 Ways to Improve Work Performance

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Improving work performance is often framed as a matter of working harder, longer, or faster. But the most effective professionals tend to take a different route: they think differently. They’re strategic, self-aware, and always evolving. Here are three non-obvious but powerful ways to seriously level up your performance at work—without burning out. 1. Figure Out the Black Swans Before They … Read More