The hottest Leadership Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

Hitting the ground running

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Starting a project well means preparing for it and breaking down tasks ahead of time. It helps to think through every step and potential problem before jumping in.
  2. Having a manager who supports you can make a big difference in your work life. When you show that you care and take ownership, they are more likely to invest in your growth.
  3. Being valued for your work is important. Many people find purpose and motivation when they know their contributions matter to the team.

The fallacy of mission, vision and values

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Mission statements should provide clear direction but often don't help in day-to-day decisions. It's important to make them practical for true guidance.
  2. Vision is seen as a longer-term aspiration that provides motivation. But it needs to be clear so everyone knows what they are working towards.
  3. Values should guide behavior and decision-making within an organization. Instead of being vague, they should be specific and actionable to be effective.

From Command to Consensus

The Radar • 19 implied HN points • 10 Aug 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Flexing authority can lead to resentment and limited commitment in real-life scenarios.
  2. Inviting disagreement and consensus from team members can lead to stronger decisions and higher motivation.
  3. Disagree and Commit principle can help in calibrating the use of authority, creating more commitment and reducing resentment.

👻 Fight 💥

Venture Prose • 219 implied HN points • 29 Apr 20
💼 Business Leadership
  1. The importance of defending against disrespectful behavior and engaging in constructive conflicts to potentially change one's own perspective.
  2. Having a growth mindset involves welcoming different views and understanding others' feelings for fruitful discussions.
  3. Emphasizing positive honesty and the need for respectful engagement in discussions, negotiations, and conflicts.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

How to think ahead like a guide

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Leadership
  1. Leaders need to think about what’s coming next, like planning where to camp or get water while hiking. This helps keep the group moving and prepared for anything that might happen.
  2. Personal planning is important too. If you know what you want to do next, you can avoid unhealthy choices, like eating too much sugar when you're bored.
  3. Planning can be fun and creative, like a dance routine. The more details you have, the more smoothly things can go in day-to-day life.

Ambition

Venture Prose • 239 implied HN points • 10 Feb 20
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Ambition is within reach of all people and is mostly tied to the limits we set or think exist.
  2. Traveling abroad and interacting with successful entrepreneurs can inspire and broaden ambition.
  3. Successful entrepreneurship requires qualities like obsession, hard work, continuous learning, risk-taking, and the willingness to make radical decisions.

Driving Return on Time with your Hiring

Equal Ventures • 39 implied HN points • 22 Aug 22
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Early hiring in a startup is crucial - make or break moment, where CEOs often juggle too many tasks and become overwhelmed.
  2. CEOs need to focus on their key strengths - delegate low value tasks, invest time in high value activities to drive maximum impact.
  3. Hiring is about \

More Corporate Power Plays

Logos • 19 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. To stand out at work, create a Substack and position yourself as a thought leader. Focus on having a catchy title and linking to respected sources to build credibility.
  2. Share weekly updates with your team that show you care and know what you're doing. Include personal touches and insights that make you relatable and approachable.
  3. When hiring, make it personal by saying 'I am hiring' instead of 'the company is hiring.' This shows you're in charge and allows you to express your values and the kind of team you want to build.

February 24, 2025

Letters from an American • 20 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  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.

Trudeau Resigns? Then Pisses In Canada's Face, Proroguing Parliament.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. The Prime Minister seems to avoid difficult questions about the economy and international issues instead of addressing them directly. This gives the impression of dodging accountability.
  2. There are serious concerns regarding the state of the Canadian economy, including high storefront vacancies and the impact of US economic policies on Canada. Many small businesses are struggling, which affects consumer spending.
  3. The lack of viable leadership in Canadian parties is troubling, with calls for new leadership to unite the people and address ongoing issues. Many feel that current leaders are failing to instill public confidence.

Supreme Command: Its not a Celebrity Contest

Phillips’s Newsletter • 70 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Leadership
  1. General Zaluzhny was relieved of his military command in Ukraine, leading to speculation about the reasons behind it.
  2. There were tensions between President Zelensky and General Zaluzhny, with reports of Zaluzhny's imminent replacement circulating.
  3. The situation with General Zaluzhny reflects historical dynamics of leadership and command changes during times of crisis.

The Measurement Trap

Fish Food for Thought • 32 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Relying too much on numbers for management can blind you to important factors. It’s essential to recognize that not everything that matters can be measured.
  2. Nike's recent struggles show how chasing measurable goals can hurt a company's core values. Ignoring brand loyalty and innovation for data-driven decisions can lead to serious problems.
  3. Good leaders need to balance what they measure with understanding the unmeasurable parts of their organization, like team morale and creativity. The best insights often lie outside the numbers.

Why Did Trump Prevail Again?

Journal of Free Black Thought • 29 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Trump's appeal seems to come from his connection with everyday people. Many feel he cares about their struggles, especially during tough economic times.
  2. The Democrats might be missing the point by focusing too much on race and gender as reasons for their losses. Many voters are more concerned about economic issues.
  3. There's a need for the Democratic party to listen better to the experiences and concerns of working-class voters. If they don’t, they risk continuing to lose elections.

Sunday Letters - what, who, and why

Sunday Letters • 119 implied HN points • 03 Oct 21
💼 Business Leadership
  1. The Sunday Letters started as updates to a team but evolved into discussions on broader themes like leadership and innovation.
  2. They serve as reflections and pieces of advice that the writer wishes he had known earlier in his career.
  3. Writing these letters regularly helps the author stay attentive to patterns in leadership and fosters good conversations around ideas.

"The Network" in the Worlds of the Elites

Outspoken with Dr Naomi Wolf • 9 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Some people believe that President Trump's unusual actions may be linked to influential figures who might be involved in a sensitive situation regarding Jeffrey Epstein. This suggests that he might be trying to avoid angering powerful people connected to this issue.
  2. There is a fear that many well-known individuals, including scientists and tech leaders, could be on Epstein's lists, and innocent people might suffer due to their association with him. These people may be trying to protect their reputations and careers.
  3. The idea of 'the network' explains why people in elite circles often go along with questionable behavior instead of speaking out. They understand that crossing powerful connections can lead to negative consequences for themselves.

On Work.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 27 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Work is a big part of our lives. It gives us money, identity, and community, plus it helps us grow and find purpose.
  2. We're going to see big changes in how we work because of technology and shifting mindsets. Many people will start freelance jobs or want more flexibility in their work.
  3. It's important for both employees and companies to rethink what work means and how they can adapt. This includes updating skills, structures, and strategies to thrive in the future.

Coup, Putsch, or Insurrection?

Unpopular Front • 68 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Douthat's argument is that January 6 was not an insurrection based on Constitutional definitions
  2. Trump's actions on January 6 were aimed at overthrowing the democratic government
  3. Comparisons with fascist leaders like Mussolini and Hitler highlight the attempt to seize power through manipulation and thuggery

Building Codiga: Becoming CEO

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. A CEO's main jobs are to communicate a vision, hire and fire the right people, and ensure the company doesn't run out of money. This might sound easy, but many CEOs struggle with these tasks.
  2. It's essential for a CEO to repeatedly share the company's mission and vision. Keeping everyone aligned with the core purpose helps employees feel motivated to work towards common goals.
  3. Hiring well and letting go of employees who aren't a fit is crucial. Quickly addressing performance issues can help maintain a positive culture and keeps the team focused on success.

Manager or short order cook?

Sunday Letters • 59 implied HN points • 28 Aug 22
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Organizations often say they value things like quality, but they might not really mean it. It's important to see if they make real choices based on those values.
  2. If engineers are just completing tasks without context, it can hurt quality and user experience. This 'short order cook' approach can lead to many problems.
  3. When interviewing or leading, ask if engineers can delay releases for quality issues. It’s a good way to understand how much the organization cares about quality.

Sunsetting Downshift

David Spinks' Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. The team decided to pause the Downshift project to prioritize personal alignment and well-being. It's important to take time for ourselves and reflect on what truly matters.
  2. Collaboration and genuine connection among teammates were key to creating a positive work environment. Real fun and honesty helped them grow both personally and professionally.
  3. The focus moving forward is on helping community builders and leaders find balance and mindfulness in their work. Supporting others in navigating their challenges is a priority.

Transformation, Leadership & Talent: A conversation with David Kenny.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 25 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Transformation needs to have a clear direction. It's about knowing what you want to achieve, not just how fast you move.
  2. Leaders should build trust by being honest and clear. They need to be open about their decisions and willing to change when new information comes in.
  3. Diversity is key to business success. Having different perspectives helps in solving problems and finding the best talent from all backgrounds.

Not Just Investors, But Product Owners

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Equal Ventures focuses on verticalizing staff, with team members specializing in specific sectors like retail, climate, and insurance, allowing for deeper expertise in those areas.
  2. Transitioning planning efforts from a top-down approach to being led by Product Owners like Chelsea, Simran, and Adam enables more personalized strategies for dominating each vertical at the seed stage.
  3. Empowering employees to take the lead in shaping the firm's direction not only tailors approaches to specific markets but also fosters individual growth opportunities that benefit both the team and the firm.

Good Grounds

Venture Prose • 219 implied HN points • 02 Jan 20
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Discipline is crucial for control over tasks and high efficiency in work.
  2. Consistency is key for gradual improvement and mastering skills over time.
  3. Clear thinking leads to clear writing, which is essential for effective communication and achievement of goals.

How To Deal With Ambiguity As A TPM

Building Rome(s) • 20 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Starting with a clear goal helps the team stay focused and find the right path, even when things get confusing.
  2. Breaking down problems into smaller parts makes them easier to handle and allows the team to address challenges step by step.
  3. It's important to keep moving forward, even when the answers aren't clear. Trusting your gut and adapting quickly can lead to progress.

Organizational lessons from a Director of Analytics at LinkedIn [Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 07 Aug 22
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Define processes and delegate implementations as you progress in seniority, focusing on strategy and long-term goals, while trusting your team with day-to-day tasks.
  2. Communicate obsessively within your team to align on needs, goals, and challenges, fostering a culture of clear communication and mutual understanding.
  3. Clarity is crucial in business cases and evaluations, ensuring that all stakeholders can articulate the purpose and priorities of a project, promoting productivity and direction.

Relinquishing control

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 84 implied HN points • 10 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Leadership
  1. Relinquishing control can lead to blind compliance, which has historically resulted in significant atrocities.
  2. Human nature inclines people to seek charismatic leaders, but it's important to maintain personal identity and critical thinking.
  3. To resist manipulation, individuals should develop critical thinking skills, recognize psychological manipulation tactics, and build independence.

Abundance vs Scarcity Mindset

Perspectives • 8 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Leadership
  1. An abundance mindset looks for opportunities instead of focusing on what's lacking. It helps you see possibilities where others see limitations.
  2. Creating win-win situations benefits everyone involved. Sharing resources and support can lead to greater success for all, not just for one individual.
  3. Seeing potential in others and believing in their capabilities can transform relationships. By lifting each other up, we all can thrive together.

Decisions Before the Decision

DruGroup • 79 implied HN points • 23 Mar 22
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Before making a big decision, ask yourself five key questions: When do you need to decide, who should be involved, what are your options, where might your choices lead, and how will you respond to outcomes.
  2. Getting the right people in the room can help improve decision-making. Their different perspectives can highlight mistakes and open up better choices.
  3. Thinking through the potential results and responses to your decision can ensure you’re prepared for whatever happens next. It helps make the final choice clearer and gives you more confidence.

The Platinum Rule

Fish Food for Thought • 10 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. The Platinum Rule suggests treating people how they want to be treated, not just how you would want to be treated. This approach can help improve teamwork and morale in any organization.
  2. Understanding what motivates each team member is vital for their success. Everyone has different ways they like to receive feedback and support, so be sure to ask them what works best.
  3. Creating a culture that embraces individual differences leads to better performance and trust. When people feel understood and supported, they're more likely to do their best work.

Season 4 Finale: A Fond Farewell, What’s Next, & Would You Rather?

Dev Interrupted • 23 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎙 Podcasts Leadership
  1. The show is ending its fourth season but is excited to change things up next year. They will introduce new ideas, formats, and even have live events.
  2. Programmers need focus time to be productive, and it's important to set aside non-negotiable blocks in the calendar to minimize distractions.
  3. In 2025, leaders want to see real results from AI investments instead of just hype. It's all about proving that AI can make a positive impact on their work.

On the arrogance (and stupidity) of Pfizer's Super Bowl ad - PART TWO

Unreported Truths • 58 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Pfizer's Super Bowl ad highlighting its history and association with great scientists received mixed reviews, with many criticizing it as overreaching and lacking in substance.
  2. Pfizer, though a major pharmaceutical company, was not historically known for scientific leadership, until it partnered with BioNTech for the creation of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.
  3. Despite initial success and recognition, Pfizer's stock price and reputation have suffered due to waning effectiveness of mRNA vaccines and lack of scientific advancements compared to competitors.

How TPMs Lose Credibility and What to Avoid

Building Rome(s) • 20 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Credibility is crucial for TPMs because it's how they build trust with their teams and leaders. Consistently following through on promises and communicating effectively helps maintain that trust.
  2. Small mistakes can lead to big problems. Overlooking details, not following processes, and poorly communicating can damage a TPM's credibility quickly.
  3. Being proactive rather than reactive is important. TPMs should anticipate potential issues to show they're engaged and capable, which strengthens their credibility.

Nail Your 1:1 TPM Interviews

Building Rome(s) • 1 implied HN point • 26 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Leadership
  1. Interviews are short—use your 30–45 minutes ruthlessly and keep your introduction to 30–60 seconds so you have time for focused answers.
  2. Center every answer on your role, decisions, and measurable impact; keep background brief and use 'I' so the interviewer can assess what you personally did.
  3. Practice concise, well-paced answers to avoid rambling, and choose high-impact examples (including incidents, outages, or complex bugs) not just large formal programs.

Gather, decide, execute

The Engineering Manager • 19 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Having a personal system to manage information is really important for effective management. It helps you stay organized and recall important details.
  2. The gather-decide-execute method allows you to process information efficiently. You gather insights, make decisions based on them, and then take action to implement those decisions.
  3. Keeping your system simple and adaptable is key. If it's too complicated or doesn't fit your changing needs, you're less likely to stick with it.

How to lead teams through war [Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Communicate with your team as people, showing empathy and understanding during tough times can help them feel connected and supported.
  2. Include the entire team in important information and decisions to foster a sense of unity, responsibility, and transparency.
  3. Lead by being a guiding light during crises, providing clarity, direction, and ensuring the team stays focused on the common goal.

Hunting for a Flywheel | Refactoring’s Luca Rossi

Dev Interrupted • 18 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Leadership
  1. Developer success depends on feeling happy and respected. When developers are motivated, they can work faster and better.
  2. AI is becoming important for all industries, not just tech. Companies like Goldman Sachs are hiring AI experts to improve efficiency.
  3. Automating tasks like code reviews can help teams focus on important work. Tools that make this easy can boost a team's productivity.

Unintended Consequences

Fish Food for Thought • 21 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Making changes based on certain metrics can lead to unexpected problems. For example, Wells Fargo's sales goals pushed employees to open fake accounts.
  2. Good intentions behind laws and incentives can sometimes backfire. The Cobra Effect shows how trying to control a cobra population led to more snakes instead.
  3. It's important to regularly rethink our goals and how we measure success. Metrics can guide us, but we must also consider their potential downsides and the bigger picture.