The hottest Leadership Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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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.

How Trump’s Tariff Threat Made Apple Jump

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 570 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Economics Corporate Trade Investment Leadership
  1. Apple plans to invest $500 billion in the U.S., which could set a trend for other companies. This is a big decision that shows they are responding to economic pressures.
  2. Trump's comments on tariffs indicate he believes they can influence business decisions, like Apple's move to invest domestically.
  3. The situation reflects how political actions can have real effects on large businesses and their investment strategies.

My Ancestors Fled Ukraine. It Was America That Allowed Me to Return.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 834 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy National Security International relations Government Leadership
  1. America's support for Ukraine is fading, as leaders are discussing withdrawing help and making unfair demands. This shift worries many who believe it sends a bad message to the world about U.S. commitments.
  2. The new U.S. administration has made sudden moves to negotiate peace in Ukraine without involving Ukrainian leaders, which seems like a betrayal. This has raised concerns about Ukraine's sovereignty and security.
  3. Some U.S. officials are suggesting that Ukraine may need to give up land and will not be allowed to join NATO, which plays into Russia's hands and goes against the interests of Ukraine.

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.

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.
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Things Worth Remembering: ‘A New World Order’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2851 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership History Diplomacy Government Foreign Policy
  1. George H.W. Bush's 'Chicken Kiev' speech was seen as controversial at the time but is now viewed as an exemplary model of diplomacy.
  2. The speech illustrated how America could support democracy in other countries without taking on the role of a global policeman.
  3. Reflecting on past leadership can help us understand and navigate current political issues more effectively.

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.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘A Game Most Like Life’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4136 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Football Coaching Culture Events Leadership
  1. Vince Lombardi believed that football, like life, teaches important lessons about hard work, sacrifice, and respect. These values are essential in achieving our goals.
  2. The Free Press is evolving and will bring in new voices for its column 'Things Worth Remembering' as Douglas Murray steps back. This change reflects the ongoing journey of the publication.
  3. Super Bowl Sunday is a reminder of Lombardi's legacy, emphasizing the lessons learned through sports. His famous quote on winning reminds us of the competitive drive we all have.

"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.

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.

February 24, 2025

Letters from an American • 20 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections Military Leadership International relations
  1. Ukraine has managed to resist Russia's invasion for three years, showing strong determination and military growth despite heavy losses.
  2. Russia's economy is struggling due to sanctions and military losses, while the U.S. has recently shifted its stance on supporting Ukraine.
  3. European leaders are stepping up to fill the gap left by the U.S. under Trump's leadership, as they seek to strengthen their position against Russia.

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.

What the Right Kind of Nationalism Sounds Like.

Breaking the News • 2206 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Nationalism Trade policy International relations
  1. Leadership requires addressing national interests clearly and passionately. Trudeau spoke strongly about the importance of Canada and the negative effects of trade wars.
  2. Effective communication is about explaining complex issues without being rude. Trudeau made sure his American audience understood the consequences of tariffs without sounding threatening.
  3. National pride can be expressed in a respectful way. Trudeau delivered a firm message about Canada’s values and partnerships while emphasizing that the country would stand up for itself.

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.

Woke Elvis Resigns

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 11425 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Government Policy Analysis Leadership Public Opinion
  1. Justin Trudeau resigned as Canadian Prime Minister after his approval ratings dropped significantly during his time in office. It marks a big change for someone who was once very popular.
  2. His story serves as a reminder for men about the importance of maintaining respect and connection with the people they lead.
  3. Trudeau's decline in popularity and embarrassing fall from grace will likely be talked about for generations as a cautionary tale.

Managing people you don't like

Leading Developers • 111 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Workplace culture Human Resources Team Dynamics
  1. It's important to recognize that your personal biases can affect how you view coworkers. Sometimes, just because you don't like someone personally doesn't mean they aren't valuable to the team.
  2. Diverse teams are often more productive and successful. Focusing only on people you personally get along with can lead to missing out on talented individuals who bring different skills and perspectives.
  3. To manage effectively, you should examine your biases, focus on each person's strengths, and adapt your communication style. This will help create a better work environment for everyone.

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.

Things Worth Remembering: ‘We Fell Morally Ill’

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3899 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Government Democracy History
  1. People need to speak the truth for a government to regain trust. Honest communication can help restore faith in leadership.
  2. A new leader can promise to fix past wrongs and bring back democracy. This promise often resonates with people who feel betrayed.
  3. History shows that change is possible after dark times. Just like in Czechoslovakia after communism, new beginnings can lead to hope and freedom.

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 6 New Rules of Communicating

The Honest Broker • 19582 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Communication Leadership Media Society Conversation
  1. People trust leaders more when they sit down and have casual conversations instead of standing up and giving speeches. It makes things feel more relaxed and real.
  2. Speaking with people instead of at them is important. Using everyday language and being informal makes communication more friendly and relatable.
  3. Storytelling and humor are better than just giving quick soundbites. People enjoy hearing real stories that connect with them on a personal level.

The Nvidia Way

The Chip Letter • 8736 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💼 Business Tech Companies Entrepreneurship Corporate culture Innovation Leadership
  1. Nvidia became a leader in AI chip technology by focusing on developing powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) that meet market needs. This success was not just luck; it stemmed from smart investments and a clear strategy over many years.
  2. The company's culture, driven by CEO Jensen Huang, emphasizes risk-taking and execution. Nvidia's approach combines hardware and software innovation, allowing them to stay ahead of competitors and adapt quickly to market changes.
  3. While Nvidia has built a strong market position, questions remain about its future leadership and strategy. The book suggests that the company's core strengths and Huang's influence will be crucial in maintaining its success.

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.

Trump's "Shock And Awe" Month

The Weekly Dish • 163 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Leadership Policies Public Opinion Media
  1. Trump's recent actions are creating a lot of confusion and unpredictability. It's hard to know what he's going to do next.
  2. Despite the chaos, there seems to be a pattern of mistakes and miscalculations. His approach might not be successful in the long run.
  3. The ongoing drama around him keeps people's attention, but it may not lead to meaningful change or improvement. It's important to look beyond the headlines.

The 4 Keys to Leading Today.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 44 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership Management Workplace culture Professional development Human Resources
  1. Leaders must focus on excellence by constantly improving their skills and staying relevant. This helps build strong teams and attract success.
  2. Accepting and facing reality is crucial for leaders. They need to address problems honestly to earn trust and guide their teams effectively.
  3. Empathy and vulnerability in leadership are important. Understanding people's feelings and being open about one’s own struggles can foster better connections and teamwork.

Bari Weiss: The Comprehensive Failure of Justin Trudeau

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4437 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Analysis Leadership Government International relations Liberalism
  1. Justin Trudeau was seen as a hero for liberalism but many of his actions were against liberal values and didn't resonate with people.
  2. His resignation came after a series of internal issues in his government, which he blamed, but the root problems were his poor ideas.
  3. The challenges he faced were not just personal but stemmed from unpopular policies and decisions that did not reflect public sentiment.

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.

Trump’s Back. What Now?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2295 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Election Analysis Policy Changes Leadership Government actions
  1. Trump's second inauguration was marked by dramatic actions, including pardoning people linked to the January 6 Capitol riot and bold proposals like taking back the Panama Canal.
  2. His inaugural speech focused on a national revival linked to his comeback, promising to address issues like immigration and inflation while rejecting political norms.
  3. There's an ongoing debate about TikTok's future and whether Trump will uphold the law in light of Congress's moves against the app, as he contrasts with the legal expectations set by his predecessor.

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.

When power is very personal (part 1)

Brain Pizza • 1125 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Narcissism Governance Political Behavior Psychology
  1. Narcissism can be both good and bad for leaders. It helps them be confident and make big decisions, but it can also lead to corruption and poor ethics.
  2. Grandiose narcissism makes leaders more persuasive and able to handle crises, but it can also create instability and ethical issues in government.
  3. There's a difference between grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Grandiose narcissists are more outgoing and confident, while vulnerable ones are more sensitive and insecure.

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.

What Happened to Joe Biden the Moderate?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2392 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policies Leadership Public Opinion Political strategy
  1. Joe Biden started his presidential campaign as a moderate, focusing on sensible policies and restoring America's soul. Most other Democratic candidates were leaning more towards progressive ideas.
  2. Instead of moving towards the center during the general election, Biden formed unity task forces with progressive leaders. These task forces created policies that leaned more left than what he promised during his campaign.
  3. In the end, Biden's desire for a transformational presidency led to low popularity, showing that his governing style didn't match his moderate campaign image.

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.