Q1 of 2024 is gone and here are 3 lessons I will carry with me into the next quarter.

Dare to Lead – The Power of Not Taking Shortcuts with People

At the beginning of the year, I delved into Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead,” which has been an insightful journey. Among its many valuable insights, one particularly resonated with me—the importance of truly understanding and listening to people. Genuine connection often competes for time in my calendar. Yet, authentic leadership demands the investment of time and effort to comprehend and empathize with others, steering away from shortcuts like fear and blame tactics. The latter approach may yield some results, at least temporarily, yet true leadership, the one which inspires teams or organizations toward a shared vision and purpose, yields substantial and enduring outcomes.

The Soft Data – The Power of Not Taking Shortcuts with Customers

Reflecting on this notion of shortcuts, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the realm of marketing. While tempting, tactics such as price promotions or limited-time offers provide only temporary spikes in metrics, leaving behind the crucial task of understanding “why” customers choose you and “who” you want to be to forge meaningful connections with the right customer. Shortcuts prove counterproductive and ultimately costly, tethering one’s success to market whims. Martin Lindstrom, author of “Buyology” among others, promotes the idea of ‘soft data’, one which is only captured through a deep understanding of the customer.

Bold Moves – The Power of Not Taking Shortcuts by Playing It Safe

Embracing a mindset devoid of shortcuts doesn’t equate to paralysis by analysis or hesitancy in taking action. Bob Iger’s “The Ride of a Lifetime” exemplifies this beautifully through his journey to the helm of Disney. Despite enduring setbacks, he persisted with patience and resilience, ultimately seizing the CEO position and charting a transformative course for the company. His tenure defied conventional wisdom, marked by bold decisions and enduring success—a testament to the power of steadfast leadership.

One more…

Additionally, Jonah Berger’s “Contagious” captivated me with its exploration of the science behind viral ideas. Understanding what drives word-of-mouth dissemination—both online and offline—offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating today’s interconnected landscape.