The hottest Leadership Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

TBM 362: How (And Why) We Help

The Beautiful Mess • 370 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
💼 Business Consulting Change Management Leadership Organizational Behavior Workplace culture
  1. Consulting can either follow a set plan or focus on helping people discover their own solutions. It's important to understand the difference and choose the right approach.
  2. It's normal to feel torn between sticking to the usual ways of doing things and wanting to create real change. Recognizing this struggle is the first step to addressing it.
  3. Being aware of how we show up in our work is crucial. It helps us connect better with others and can lead to more meaningful change.

The Dilemma of the Pacifist Lion

Breaking Smart • 21 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership War Military Public Opinion Political theory
  1. Leaders often struggle to balance their desire for peace with the need to show strength. This can lead to awkward situations where they want to appear strong while promoting non-violence.
  2. Actions speak louder than words, especially in tough situations. Doing something significant, like military action, may seem necessary for leaders to prove their strength.
  3. The unpredictable outcomes of bold decisions create doubt, and even those in power may act against their perceived nature to manage expectations and counter narratives about their reliability.

Walk Away

Points And Figures • 1279 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Negotiation Leadership Communication Political strategy Conflict resolution
  1. In negotiations, it's important to be willing to walk away if the terms aren't right for you. This shows that you have confidence and won't settle for less than you need.
  2. Understanding the other side's perspective and reading the situation correctly can help you negotiate better. It's crucial to know who the decision-makers are during the process.
  3. Sometimes, negotiations can drag on too long, and if you sense it's not going well, it might be smart to walk. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to bail if the deal feels wrong.

July 14: the Startup Luncheon, with Lawrence Krubner and The Fourth Effect

Respectful Leadership • 54 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
💼 Business Startups Networking Leadership Investment Events
  1. The Startup Luncheon brings together top minds in New York City's startup scene. It's a great chance to learn from experienced professionals in the industry.
  2. Attendees can enjoy a meal while listening to insightful talks from various speakers. This makes networking both appealing and informative.
  3. Tickets are available at a discount for early birds, and loyal subscribers can attend for free. This creates good opportunities for continued learning and connection.

Divided America is Vulnerable in War

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 5251 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Leadership National Security Political strategy
  1. Divided opinions in America make the country weaker when it comes to dealing with war. It’s hard to focus on fighting when people can't agree.
  2. Trump's recent military action in Iran has raised concerns about his decision-making and whether it fits with his past promises of avoiding new conflicts.
  3. America's ability to go to war now faces more challenges than before, as internal disagreements may prevent a united front in global matters.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Dear Pastors

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3816 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Church Politics Community Leadership
  1. Pastors should focus on their local congregations and their real needs rather than seeking attention on social media. The people in their communities need spiritual guidance more than viral posts.
  2. It's important for pastors to lead people toward Jesus instead of political idols. Encouraging love and prayer for neighbors and leaders can help foster unity rather than division in challenging times.
  3. While voting is a civic duty, true hope and redemption come from faith in Jesus, not political outcomes. The Kingdom of God is everlasting, and that's what should matter most to Christians.

Gavin Newsom as the Adult in the Room.

Breaking the News • 2231 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Public Speaking Political Communication Crisis Management Rhetoric
  1. High-stakes public speeches can show how leaders should communicate in times of uncertainty. They need to connect emotionally and intellectually with the audience.
  2. A successful speech often feels conversational, as if the speaker is talking directly to the audience rather than delivering a formal address. This can help make important points feel more relatable and urgent.
  3. Effective speeches are concise and free of unnecessary details. They focus on clear, simple language to convey the message directly.

Calling a fascist a fascist is how you treat a fascist

The Signorile Report • 2278 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Rhetoric Elections Democracy Leadership Public Opinion
  1. Vice President Harris openly called Trump a fascist, following the same sentiment from his former military officials. This bold statement aims to emphasize the serious risks of his leadership.
  2. Former military leaders have warned that Trump poses a threat to democracy, and using terms like 'fascist' helps keep this concern in the public eye as the election approaches.
  3. Harris's approach is to use these serious allegations to motivate voters, reminding them of the dangers of Trump's potential return to power.

Part 3: Our Collective Order-Keeping Fictions

Holly’s Newsletter • 972 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💼 Business Corporate culture Workplace Diversity Leadership Employee Experience Human Resources
  1. DEI programs aim to attract and keep diverse workers, which can be helpful in the workplace. It’s important to think about hiring people from different backgrounds when it makes sense for the job.
  2. Diverse teams can bring new ideas and better problem-solving. Different perspectives help clarify issues and lead to smart solutions.
  3. While DEI programs have good intentions, they can sometimes lead to silly situations and waste time. It's important to focus on what truly helps in the workplace.

Regency or Ruin: The 25th Amendment, Trump the Chaos-Monkey, & Zero Adult Supervision of the Use of American Power

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 338 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Constitution Political parties Foreign Policy
  1. The current leadership struggles with issues of competence and decision-making at the highest levels of government. This creates a chaotic environment where important decisions may not get the thoughtful consideration they need.
  2. There's a concern that the political system is not functioning well, particularly in managing presidential incapacity. Mechanisms like the 25th Amendment and impeachment seem ignored, even when they might be necessary.
  3. The lack of experienced, serious leaders in the political landscape is troubling. Without capable individuals to step in, the risks of poor governance increase, potentially leading to significant consequences for the country.

Things Worth Remembering: How Warriors Prepare

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2216 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military History Leadership Education Biography
  1. Good leaders often prepare by learning from history. They read about past battles and military strategies to equip themselves for future challenges.
  2. George Washington was unsure of his abilities but accepted leadership, showing that self-study can help build confidence and skills.
  3. The U.S. Army values learning from past experiences, emphasizing that preparation can save lives in real situations.

"You don’t have the cards right now" – "I'm not playing cards Mr President" – "Oh you're playing cards, you're gambling with the lives of millions of people"

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 316 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Political Analysis International Affairs Leadership Conflict
  1. Zelensky has been traveling to talk to world leaders about UKraine, but some people find his approach irritating. He believes in unity and democracy, but others think he’s become too much of a celebrity.
  2. A recent press conference between Zelensky and Trump turned sour, showing a breakdown in US-Ukraine relations. It highlighted disagreements over the war in Ukraine and differing views on responsibility for the conflict.
  3. The press conference was meant to be private negotiations but turned into a public disagreement. Many believe Zelensky didn’t handle the meeting well, and it may have lasting effects on their relationship.

Downstream Problems

The Breaking Point • 199 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💼 Business Sales Marketing Leadership Decision-making Growth
  1. Focus on solving the root problem, not just the surface issues. Fixing the wrong thing will only lead to more problems.
  2. Quality leads are crucial for a successful sales process. Even a flawed process can succeed if the leads are strong and motivated.
  3. Looking upstream for solutions can help fix multiple problems at once. If you improve one area, other issues may also resolve.

Engineer to CEO in 3 years: These key lessons got me there

High Growth Engineer • 717 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership Career growth Startups Entrepreneurship Management
  1. Simplify your communication by sharing only the important details. It's better to answer the main question first and add more info later if needed.
  2. Look for gaps in your team or company where you can help. Taking initiative and proposing solutions can help you grow in your career.
  3. Listen to your team and find out what problems they face. Removing obstacles makes it easier for everyone to work better together.

Belonging While Building

Anima Mundi • 103 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Community Creativity Relationships Leadership Well-being
  1. Creating something meaningful is best done with others. We don't have to build alone and should look for support from those around us.
  2. True belonging comes from being seen for who we are, not just what we do. It's about finding people who understand and appreciate our efforts.
  3. Building relationships based on trust and care helps us grow together. It’s important to find spaces where we feel safe and accepted while we create.

Andrew Roberts: Trump’s Churchillian Choice at Fordow

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2531 implied HN points • 16 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Decision-making History International relations Military Strategy
  1. Dictators often make real threats, so it's important to take them seriously. History shows that when people ignore these threats, it can lead to severe consequences.
  2. Winston Churchill faced a tough decision during World War II about the French fleet. He chose to sink it to prevent it from being used by the enemy, showing that sometimes tough choices are necessary for safety.
  3. Leadership can require hard and ruthless choices during critical moments. These actions can redirect the course of events to ensure a safer future.

Why Are Some Of Our Most Successful Leaders Mentally Ill?

The Ruffian • 510 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Psychology Economics Political theory Mental health
  1. Some successful leaders, like Javier Milei and Elon Musk, show traits that could be seen as mentally ill or eccentric. This often helps them think outside the box and act decisively, even in the face of criticism.
  2. Having a lack of empathy can sometimes be a strength in leadership. When leaders don't try to please everyone, they can take bold actions that others may avoid.
  3. While unconventional behavior can lead to positive change, not all 'crazy' actions are beneficial. Sometimes it's just madness without any deeper logic.

Mercenaries versus Missionaries in the startup world

Respectful Leadership • 163 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
💼 Business Leadership Startup Innovation Team Building Hiring
  1. In the startup world, it’s important to hire people who are passionate about the mission, known as 'missionaries.' They care deeply about making a difference.
  2. Hiring based on resumes alone isn't enough. It's better to focus on why candidates are motivated and their true potential.
  3. Embracing ambiguity can actually lead to innovative solutions. Startups should encourage working freely without strict guidelines.

America: 2076

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government History Culture Celebrations Leadership
  1. The excitement for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is building, with plans for a national celebration involving various historical figures. It's a chance for all Americans to reflect on the country's achievements.
  2. Thoughts about the future are growing, especially regarding the 300th anniversary in 2076, and how the past influenced people's expectations of the future.
  3. There's a hope that the national mood will allow everyone, regardless of political views, to come together and celebrate America's past while looking forward to the future.

TRUMP DOWNGRADES THE US MILITARY

Seymour Hersh • 25 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Leadership Policy Military Government
  1. Firing General Charles Brown from the Joint Chiefs of Staff is seen as a misguided decision. Many believe that he had valuable experience and connections that were beneficial to US military leadership.
  2. The appointment of a less qualified replacement raises concerns about the future of military leadership in the US. It could lead to less effective decision-making at high levels.
  3. There are worries about Trump's approach to military leadership and how it affects international relations, especially with countries like Israel and Iran. The changes might harm efforts to stabilize those relationships.

The Jeff Bezos Playbook

The Generalist • 1080 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
💼 Business E-commerce Management Strategy Entrepreneurship Leadership
  1. Be customer-obsessed, going above and beyond to meet their needs can lead to long-term benefits, even if it means sacrificing short-term profits.
  2. Always be willing to innovate and don't fear failure; it’s a crucial part of success in business.
  3. Sometimes, it's smart to work with your competitors for mutual benefit, as this can set you up for future advantages against them.

4 Strategies To Elevate Your Communication Style From Engineer To Leader

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 412 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
💼 Business Leadership Communication Data Strategy Consulting
  1. When communicating with non-technical stakeholders, focus on the impact of your work rather than the technical details. Using clear language helps everyone understand why your projects matter.
  2. Highlight the risks of inaction to motivate decision-makers. Making them aware of potential costs or missed opportunities can encourage them to prioritize your recommendations.
  3. Use analogies relevant to your audience to make complex ideas easier to grasp. Relating technical concepts to familiar ideas can help build understanding and trust.

Dinosaur leaders seen off by being out of step

Make Work Better • 65 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💼 Business Leadership Corporate culture Workplace Trends Employee Relations Management Practices
  1. Leaders need to connect with their employees to gain respect. If they make decisions that feel out of touch, they risk losing their team's support.
  2. A big gap between CEO pay and employee wages can create distrust. When employees see leaders earning much more, they may feel disconnected and undervalued.
  3. In a world where technology is plentiful, company culture becomes crucial. The way people feel about their work environment and colleagues can be the key to success.

The Saturday Read: Blasted skylines

The Saturday Read • 459 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Middle East Conflict Leadership International relations Human Rights
  1. Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, was killed by Israeli forces, highlighting ongoing violence in Gaza. His death might temporarily limit the threat from Hamas, but deep issues remain unresolved for both sides.
  2. A kibbutz resident expressed that after recent violence, his focus has shifted solely to protecting his own family rather than helping those in Gaza. This shows the intense personal strife and survival mindset amidst conflict.
  3. The region faces a complex situation where even after Sinwar's death, the future remains uncertain. It raises concerns about possible retaliation and the rebuilding of Gaza, which has suffered immense destruction.

9 Things Product Owners Should Stop Doing

Ageling on Agile • 99 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💼 Business Management Agile Productivity Development Leadership
  1. Product Owners shouldn’t act like team managers. They should focus on the product goals and let Developers decide how to achieve them.
  2. It's important for Product Owners to be part of the team. They should engage with the Developers regularly and not just during official meetings.
  3. Product Owners need to avoid over-managing the details of tasks. They should trust Developers to find the best ways to reach the goals set for the product.

OpenAI #10: Reflections

Don't Worry About the Vase • 4032 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI safety Governance Leadership Innovation Ethics
  1. Sam Altman had a surprising experience of being fired by his board, which he describes as a failure of governance. He learned that having a diverse and trustworthy board is important for good decision-making.
  2. Altman acknowledges the high turnover at OpenAI due to rapid growth and mentions that some colleagues have left to start competing companies. He understands that as they scale, people's interests naturally change.
  3. He believes that the best way to make AI safe is to gradually release it into the world while learning from experience. However, he admits that there are serious risks involved, especially with the future of superintelligent AI.

If You Can’t Be a Bridge, Be a Lighthouse

The Engineering Leader • 79 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Communication Team Building Organizational Change
  1. Being a lighthouse means providing guidance and clarity when things are uncertain. Just like a lighthouse helps ships find their way, leaders should offer support to their teams during tough times.
  2. Leaders should empower their teams by encouraging autonomy and trust. This builds confidence and helps team members feel respected and capable in their roles.
  3. Consistency and integrity are key traits of a good leader. Like a lighthouse that shines every night, leaders should align their words and actions to build trust with their teams.

TBM 358: The Genius of SVPG

The Beautiful Mess • 1190 implied HN points • 16 May 25
💼 Business Change Management Leadership Organizational development Product Management Corporate strategy
  1. The SVPG approach to change is effective because it gives leaders a way to improve their product practices without losing face. It helps them take action while feeling confident in their leadership.
  2. For change agents within a company, who you are and how you say things really matters. Sometimes, your message might not be heard because of who you are, so timing and framing are important.
  3. Making big changes in an organization is tough and messy. Real change often requires removing hidden barriers and understanding that success doesn't just come from having a good plan; it's about navigating complex situations.

TBM 360: "Wait! I Thought the Team Was Overloaded?!"

The Beautiful Mess • 383 implied HN points • 30 May 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Work Culture Team Dynamics Productivity
  1. Teams often feel overwhelmed with too much work, but managers might deny there's a problem. It's important to listen to the team on the front lines.
  2. Sometimes, leaders want to cut down on projects, but managers are afraid to suggest it due to fear of losing resources. Clear and honest conversations can help break this cycle.
  3. If there are too many options with no clear priority, it's necessary to focus on one important goal at a time. This helps to reduce confusion and improves team effectiveness.

TBM 359: Process Person

The Beautiful Mess • 727 implied HN points • 23 May 25
💼 Business Product Management Team Dynamics Organizational Behavior Leadership
  1. Bad processes often come from a lack of experience or understanding. It's important to be flexible and learn from feedback to improve them.
  2. Not every process works for everyone. What's easy for one team can be too much for another, so finding a balance is key.
  3. Leadership sometimes asks for complicated processes without thinking about what's really needed. It's better to focus on making things simpler and more effective.

The US Has Taken Sides--Against Democracy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 317 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Leadership International relations Public Opinion
  1. Trump has shifted U.S. policy to blame Ukraine for the ongoing war with Russia. This shows a clear stance against democracy and freedom.
  2. His comments indicate that America is moving away from being a global defender of democratic values. This change has serious implications for countries that depend on U.S. support.
  3. Recognizing that this is the official U.S. government position is crucial. It reflects a broader issue within American politics, and not just Trump's individual beliefs.

Perspective

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Government Public Policy Political Opinions
  1. Different people can have varying perspectives on the same situation. For example, traders in different markets may see things differently based on their positions.
  2. Recent political events have exposed a lot of government corruption and misinformation. Many people are starting to see the truth behind past political narratives.
  3. Social media is becoming a more reliable source for finding the truth in the current landscape. It's interesting how platforms can shift the narrative and reveal important information.

No more coding vibes in the efficiency era

Dev Interrupted • 210 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Productivity Artificial Intelligence Metrics Leadership
  1. The focus on just hiring more engineers is outdated. Now, it's important to measure productivity based on real outcomes and impact rather than just feelings.
  2. AI can help with tasks, but it doesn't understand your specific business context. It's important to use AI wisely and not rely on it for critical thinking or decision-making.
  3. To improve productivity, teams need clear context and communication about goals. Understanding the 'why' behind their work is essential for success.

One Man

Steady • 45343 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Elections Partisanship Leadership
  1. One man has fundamentally changed the political landscape and societal norms.
  2. He has impacted various aspects of life, from personal interactions to policies and climate change efforts.
  3. His influence has provoked divisions and challenges that require collective effort to address.

Trudeau was a poor steward of Canada's economy

Noahpinion • 22118 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economy Government Leadership Immigration Public Policy
  1. Trudeau's government struggled to improve Canada's economy, especially with inflation and low business investments. Many Canadians felt disappointed as they saw little change during his leadership.
  2. There was a notable shift in public opinion about immigration in Canada under Trudeau, with concerns over housing and integration rising. As a result, many Canadians became less supportive of high immigration rates.
  3. Canada's economic growth didn't keep up with other countries, notably the U.S., since Trudeau took office. Many believe this issue stems from long-term problems with productivity and investment that were not effectively addressed by his administration.

Should managers still code?

The Engineering Manager • 13 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Management Software Development Engineering Leadership
  1. Managers should definitely be involved in the code, meaning they need to understand how their team's code works and participate in reviews. This helps them stay connected to the team's work.
  2. It's not always necessary for managers to write code themselves. They can focus on strategic tasks that only they can do while still being engaged with the technical side.
  3. When managers do want to write code, it should be in a structured way, like setting aside specific time for it or pairing with team members. This keeps the balance between management duties and coding.

The Self-Defeating Machismo of a "Transactional" Foreign Policy

Phillips’s Newsletter • 140 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security Diplomacy Political Analysis Leadership
  1. Some people think Trump's foreign policy is effective and tough, often calling it 'transactional'.
  2. Critics point out that this approach may not lead to positive outcomes, especially regarding allies and global stability.
  3. Overall, there are doubts about whether treating foreign relations as deals can actually work in the long run.

You are just your bosses’ little bitch

antoniomelonio • 215 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💼 Business Workplace culture Leadership Employee Rights Work-life balance
  1. Most workplaces operate like dictatorships, where employees must follow bosses without question. This creates a daily stress of having to please someone else just to keep their job.
  2. The idea of changing jobs or starting your own business is not a true escape, as it often just leads to serving another boss or dealing with new pressures. Many people feel trapped in this cycle.
  3. Our modern work culture often makes us lose our individuality and autonomy. It can feel like we are trading our personal freedom for a paycheck, with many people just going through the motions.

Trump and Putin: Aligning over Ukrainian Elections

Phillips’s Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Foreign Policy International relations Political Analysis Leadership
  1. Trump and Putin seem to be aligning on Ukraine, especially concerning the idea of holding elections there. This cooperation marks a notable change from their prior stances.
  2. Before the election, Trump and his associates didn't prioritize Ukrainian elections in their plans, but now they insist that Ukraine must hold elections soon.
  3. Many believe that Trump's push for elections aims to weaken Ukraine and support Putin's interests, leading Ukrainians to rely more on European assistance than American help.