The Leadership Lab

The Leadership Lab Substack explores innovative leadership, personal growth, and emotional intelligence, aiming to foster conscious and effective leadership among its readers. It delves into the complexities of leadership, the psychological underpinnings of team dynamics, personal development techniques, and the philosophical aspects of success and happiness.

Leadership Development Personal Growth Emotional Intelligence Team Dynamics Success Mindset Personal Responsibility Motivation and Goals Adaptability in Leadership Self-Awareness and Self-Criticism Purpose and Intention

The hottest Substack posts of The Leadership Lab

And their main takeaways

What is Emotional Intelligence and How do you Build it?

98 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Emotional Intelligence Self-awareness Mental health Well-being Personal Growth
  1. Emotional intelligence goes beyond empathy and involves being in conscious choice when dealing with emotions.
  2. Automatic responses to emotions like avoidance or attempting to 'fix' stimulus don't showcase emotional intelligence. It's about feeling and holding wisdom from emotions.
  3. To build emotional intelligence, one must feel emotions physically, match these feelings, and then choose how to respond after identifying the wisdom they offer.

The Golden Algorithm: The One Key to Unlock All of Life's Problems

137 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Emotional Wellbeing Mindfulness Self-Improvement Leadership Mental health
  1. Avoiding emotions or ways of being can lead to those exact things manifesting in a stronger way in our lives.
  2. Reactive patterns often stem from avoiding certain emotions we don't want to feel, leading to unconscious behavior.
  3. Freedom and personal growth come from allowing ourselves to feel and be vulnerable, even if it is uncomfortable.

When Inner Knowing directs us in Ways that Make No Sense

177 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Integrity Emotional Intelligence Decision-making
  1. Integrity involves energetic wholeness, energy flow, congruence, and alignment, allowing for the full flow of energy and aliveness.
  2. Denying impulses can lead to complexity and drama in life, it's important to honor and confront our deepest wants.
  3. In decision-making, focus on learning about yourself and staying present in the process, moving beyond the idea of right or wrong answers.

Understanding and Escaping Perfectionism

98 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-Improvement Wellness
  1. Perfectionism can negatively impact health, productivity, and relationships as we constantly seek an unattainable ideal.
  2. Perfectionism often stems from external pressures and validation, leading to a never-ending cycle of trying to achieve more.
  3. Leaders impacted by perfectionism may struggle with clear goal-setting and creating empowered teams due to underlying needs like validation and worthiness.

Leveling up the Leadership Lab in Year 4

98 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🚌 Education Leadership Coaching Subscriptions Podcast Community
  1. The Leadership Lab has evolved significantly over the years, starting from a simple idea to now offering additional features like paid subscriptions and 1-on-1 calls.
  2. The addition of paid subscriptions allows readers to directly support the content created, offering perks like exclusive sessions and contributing to the growth of the platform.
  3. The introduction of Subscriber Chat provides a new interactive space for subscribers to engage directly with the author and suggest topics for future editions.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Big Lie About Success

118 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellbeing Happiness Strengths Self-Improvement Motivation
  1. Success does not guarantee enduring happiness - beware of the Arrival Fallacy that assumes achieving a goal will bring lasting joy.
  2. Believing in the Arrival Fallacy can lead to a constant feeling of something missing, as true happiness requires a different mindset than just striving for success.
  3. Use the Arrival Fallacy as a short-term motivator, but focus on developing contentment and happiness for long-term well-being.

The Key Traits of High-Performing (Conscious) Entrepreneurs

78 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Leadership Self-Improvement Learning Responsibility
  1. High-performing entrepreneurs have a patient, long-term view alongside short-term impatience, balancing dedication over years with quick action now.
  2. Successful entrepreneurs are relentless learners, using every moment to gather information and grow, focusing on intentional learning to serve their broader purpose.
  3. Top entrepreneurs take 100% responsibility, avoiding blame and focusing on self-improvement by continuously coming back to the mindset of a creator.

Ending the War with your Inner Critic

59 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Growth
  1. Inner criticism can serve a short-term motivating purpose, but its long-term effects can harm mental and physical health, relationships, and happiness.
  2. Identifying, separating from, and understanding your inner critic is key to rewiring your relationship with self-criticism.
  3. Instead of fighting the inner critic, approach it with curiosity and love, treating it like a frustrated child and learning to set boundaries to move forward positively.

The Many Layers of Motivation

98 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Motivation Self-awareness Goal setting
  1. Motivation is a fleeting emotional state that cannot be relied on, so waiting for motivation to come may hinder progress.
  2. True motivation often comes from taking action, aligning with values and purpose, rather than waiting for motivation to strike.
  3. Understanding intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, adjusting goals realistically, and aligning tasks with desired outcomes can help drive motivation.

All Feedback is Projection

196 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🚌 Education Feedback Leadership Growth Learning Development
  1. Feedback is projection: Feedback you give others reflects aspects of yourself. What you judge in others can reveal your own traits.
  2. New paradigm of feedback: Move away from the old feedback model based on objective truth. Embrace the idea that feedback is a story and an opinion.
  3. Learning from feedback: By asking how feedback is true about yourself, you open up growth opportunities and deepen connections with others.

Founder DNA

196 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
💼 Business Leadership Organizational Behavior Team Dynamics Personal Growth Feedback
  1. Every aspect of your team's culture reflects your strengths, blind spots, and dysfunctional behaviors as a leader.
  2. Founder DNA influences how teams adopt a leader's habits and behavioral patterns, leading to organizational dysfunction.
  3. Team culture stems directly from a leader's psychological and relational patterns, affecting how employees interact and behave within the organization.

What the Law of Attraction has to offer Type A's

78 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Wellness Learning Psychology Self-Improvement Experimentation
  1. Belief in things happening without direct involvement can be beneficial for Type A personalities, promoting trust and allowing for more enjoyable journeys.
  2. High performers often have an unwavering belief in achieving their goals, which boosts resilience and positivity in difficult times.
  3. Balancing fundamental knowledge with experimentation is key for optimal learning, as relying solely on hacks or fundamentals can lead to stagnation.

Why and How to Identify your Purpose

59 implied HN points • 05 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Purpose Consciousness Emotional Intelligence
  1. Purpose is not a fixed lifelong quest, but can change based on where you are in life; it's about living with intention.
  2. Identifying your purpose provides a bigger anchor beyond daily success, keeping you focused on living it each moment.
  3. Purpose involves who you are, what you do, and how you impact the world; it's a holistic journey, not just a destination.

100% Responsibility, Emotional Intelligence, and Getting Messy on The School of Unlearning

118 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Emotional Intelligence Self-awareness Growth mindset
  1. Emotions are intelligent - all emotions have value and it's important to understand their intelligence rather than control them.
  2. Personal development is messy - the journey to consciousness and leadership involves unraveling old patterns, which can be challenging and tender.
  3. Take 100% responsibility - acknowledge that you are the creator of your experiences, even when you don't want to take ownership, and use that realization to drive change.

Excellence is a Pursuit, Not a Destination

118 implied HN points • 25 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Development Self-Improvement Mindfulness Well-being Growth
  1. Excellence is a pursuit, not a destination - it's about the ongoing journey, not a final goal to achieve or complete.
  2. Avoid the 'Arrival Fallacy' - thinking you'll reach a permanent state of excellence can hinder your progress; instead, focus on constant growth and alignment.
  3. Shift from chasing arrival to prioritizing devotion - ask yourself what you're devoted to in the moment, freeing yourself from the pressure of reaching a final destination.

The Life-Changing Power of Immersive Experiences

118 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-development Immersive experiences Awareness Leadership Transformation
  1. Immersive experiences offer a powerful way to accelerate personal growth and self-awareness
  2. Regular immersion in transformative activities like retreats can lead to exponential awareness growth
  3. In immersive group settings, participants act as mirrors for each other, accelerating awareness and facilitating breakthroughs

No Clear Answers

59 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🎙 Podcasts Self-help Creators Leaders Psychology Motivation
  1. After a failed coaching program launch, the team regrouped to create 'No Clear Answers' podcast.
  2. The podcast aims to provide fresh perspectives, challenge conventional thoughts, and have fun.
  3. Episodes explore topics like imposter syndrome, motivation, and manifestation with actionable ideas.

Conscious, Connected, Effective: How to Build Great Leadership Teams

98 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
💼 Business Leadership Team Building Effectiveness Communication
  1. Great leadership teams are conscious, being present and non-reactive, avoiding drama and blame.
  2. Connected teams communicate openly, collaborate effectively, and know each other deeply, preventing disorder and misunderstandings.
  3. Effective teams set clear goals aligned with company needs, achieve them, and work sustainably towards success.

On the Tumultuous Ride that is Becoming Fully Alive

78 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-discovery Personal Growth Mindfulness Emotional Wellbeing
  1. The journey to becoming fully alive is a roller coaster ride filled with fears and challenges.
  2. Facing our big fears, such as fear of harming others, making mistakes, or losing control, is crucial for personal growth.
  3. Being with our fears, without resisting or trying to solve them, allows us to learn valuable lessons and uncover our true self.

Mastering the Art of Adaptable Leadership | Guest Issue by Rebecca Jackson

78 implied HN points • 07 May 23
💼 Business Leadership Adaptability Challenges Innovation
  1. Adapting is crucial in today's fast-evolving business world, and being adaptable means more than just reacting quickly to changes.
  2. To cultivate adaptability, leaders can engage in self-coaching exercises like identifying principles guiding decisions and assessing habitual practices that may hinder adaptable thinking.
  3. Enhancing adaptability involves questioning norms, experimenting with leadership styles to get the best from the team, and being willing to take risks for innovation.

Why We Fail to Change

78 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
💼 Business Leadership Behavior Change Organizational development Psychology Self-Improvement
  1. Behavior change fails when we target outcomes that do not truly align with our desires. Adjust goals if they do not feel right.
  2. Change can be hindered when more immediate needs take precedence. Focus on addressing foundational needs first before pursuing higher aspirations.
  3. Uncertainty can impede behavior change, even when all other elements seem aligned. Find and believe in a reliable process to facilitate change.

Dissecting Imposter Syndrome

39 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Psychology Self-Improvement Self-doubt Growth Fear
  1. Imposter Syndrome is a common experience of uncertainty and self-doubt, often viewed negatively, but can actually indicate growth and being outside your comfort zone.
  2. Everyone, including experts, experiences uncertainty and struggles with knowing what they're doing in different domains. Embrace the discomfort of not knowing as part of the journey.
  3. Imposter Syndrome can stem from fear and comparison, but reframing it as a signal for growth and seeking support can help overcome it. Focus on purpose, face fears, and help others facing similar challenges.

Identifying and Expanding your Leadership Style

59 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🚌 Education Personal Development Professional Growth Self-awareness
  1. Identify your natural leadership style and the polar opposite adaptive style; aim to integrate and balance both for enhanced leadership capabilities
  2. Recognize the limitations of being overly attached to your natural leadership style; embracing the adaptive style can expand your leadership toolkit
  3. Practice self-awareness to notice when your default leadership style is ineffective, and experiment with leading from your adaptive style in specific settings to cultivate a more balanced approach

Saying No to Drama, Disorder, and Failure: Creating a Great Leadership Team

59 implied HN points • 29 Jan 23
💼 Business Leadership Teamwork Communication Effectiveness Coaching
  1. Improving consciousness, connection, and effectiveness are key for creating a great leadership team.
  2. Being conscious helps improve connection and effectiveness by focusing on truth and taking responsibility.
  3. Working on connection involves improving communication, getting to know team members deeply, and understanding motivations.

Drama, Disorder, and Disintegration: The Many Faces of Dysfunctional Leadership Teams

39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
💼 Business Leadership Team Dynamics Communication Organization Management
  1. Having a conscious, connected, and effective leadership team is crucial for success. It's like having a stable stool with three legs - missing one means imbalance and struggle.
  2. Identifying the state of your leadership team is key - from disintegration when all aspects are missing, to different scenarios like codependence and friction with one missing aspect, or specific challenges with two missing aspects.
  3. The ideal is a complete team with all three aspects in place - conscious, connected, and effective. This requires dedication and commitment from all team members to maintain the standard.

LL #39 | Thriving in Complexity

59 implied HN points • 02 Oct 22
💼 Business Leadership Complexity Decision-making Change Management Entrepreneurship
  1. Navigating complexity requires a multivariate approach, as simple stories and the need to be right can be traps. Success in complex situations demands attention to various key variables simultaneously.
  2. The Cynefin framework helps in understanding different environments and guides appropriate actions based on the level of predictability in each environment. It is crucial to align strategies with the complexity of the situation at hand.
  3. Effective leadership involves asking different questions, considering multiple perspectives, and seeing in systems. These habits aid in better addressing complexity and making informed decisions.

Peak Performance #25 | What would you do if you were world class?

78 implied HN points • 13 Mar 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Productivity Mindfulness Personal Growth
  1. Being stuck on a problem doesn't mean there are no solutions, it often means being wrapped up in uncertainty or tradeoffs. Try to focus on creative possibilities and action instead of getting caught up in stories about the paths.
  2. When feeling stuck, shift your mindset by asking 'What if?' or 'I wonder' questions. These questions can help you identify new possibilities and bring out your creativity.
  3. It's important to balance seriousness with playfulness. Challenge yourself with the question 'What would you do if you were world class at this?' to tap into your ambition and strive for excellence in a more positive and engaging way.

Leadership Lab #23 | Being in your Funk

78 implied HN points • 28 Feb 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Self-care Well-being Psychology Mindfulness
  1. Funks happen, and it's important to accept and be in them. Avoid having an avoidance mindset and shift towards an approach mindset.
  2. Navigate through a funk by focusing on balancing stress and rest cycles rather than overworking or completely avoiding work.
  3. Practice awareness, acceptance, and letting go to move through a funk. Embrace the journey of being in a funk instead of trying to escape it.

PP #35 | How to Instantly Be a Better Leader, and using Emotion, Cognition, and Movement to get Unstuck

39 implied HN points • 04 Sep 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Leadership Emotion Cognition Self-Improvement
  1. Using both emotion and cognition to approach problems can help you get unstuck. If you're stuck in your thoughts, focus on how you want to feel. If trapped by your feelings, think about the best path forward and take the first step.
  2. Physical movement can help you get unstuck creatively. When facing a difficult problem, go for a walk or engage in some form of physical activity without distractions. Let your body's movement guide your mind's flow.
  3. To improve as a leader, embrace your position and responsibilities. Owning your leadership means doing what needs to be done and holding yourself and others accountable. Leadership is about making hard choices but sticking to them.

LL #44 | Making Mountains out of Molehills

19 implied HN points • 11 Dec 22
🚌 Education Leadership Intuition Coaching
  1. As a leader, embracing your intuition can greatly enhance performance by uncovering hidden opportunities for improvement.
  2. Instead of suppressing your inner nitpicker, consider how it can actually liberate your team and lead to significant progress.
  3. Shift your focus from criticism to creativity by asking yourself about the 10x opportunity in a situation, bringing that energy to your team and projects.

The Prison of Doing Hard Things

1 HN point • 13 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Self-care Psychology Well-being Mindfulness Personal Growth
  1. Hard things are a story - not a fact. They are labels for things that make you feel a certain way, often emotions you resist.
  2. Forcing yourself to do hard things may lead to suboptimal solutions by ignoring emotions that hold valuable information for better outcomes.
  3. Listening to your inner lazy rebels can lead to ease, creativity, and joy. Embrace the possibility of things being easier by acknowledging all parts of yourself.