The hottest Leadership Substack posts right now

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Top World Politics Topics

Gaius Marius

Classical Wisdom • 1945 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💾 History Ancient Rome Civil War Military Leadership
  1. Gaius Marius was a significant figure in ancient Roman history who rose to power through unconventional strategies and populist support.
  2. Marius's actions led to the downfall of the Roman Republic as his rise to power and seizure of dictatorial powers shook the traditional Roman political structure.
  3. The rivalry between Gaius Marius and Sulla, and the subsequent civil wars, disrupted the balance of power in the Roman Republic and ultimately contributed to its demise.

Will Reform Kill the Tory Party?

Comment is Freed • 109 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Elections Political Analysis Leadership Public Opinion
  1. The current political landscape shows a lack of confidence in the Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, with people even betting on Nigel Farage as a potential Prime Minister candidate. This reflects a growing dissatisfaction within the party.
  2. Reform Party has gained attention with some wins in local elections and defections from former Tory MPs, suggesting they may become a more serious competitor against the Tories.
  3. The Tory Party is facing increased pressure and vulnerability, especially among younger voters, making it possible for another party to challenge their position as the main party on the right.

Matt Hancock's broken half-formed brain

Striking 13 • 2415 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🌍 World Politics Government Leadership Crisis Management Public Service
  1. Matt Hancock exhibited a series of failures during public testimonies, highlighting his inadequacy for his role as the health secretary.
  2. Hancock's attempts to defend himself against criticism were often weak and contradicted by his own actions, showcasing his lack of credibility.
  3. The issues with Matt Hancock go beyond his individual shortcomings, reflecting larger structural flaws within the British government and the declining quality of ministers.
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Welcome to the EM Diary!

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 159 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Engineering Career development Advice
  1. This blog shares real-life experiences of an Engineering Manager to help others grow into leadership roles. It's based on practical stories rather than high-level advice.
  2. It's aimed at senior engineers, team leads, and new engineering managers, providing actionable advice without any confusing jargon.
  3. Readers can expect weekly posts that are easy to understand and filled with insights about the daily life of an Engineering Manager in tech.

Be the elite you wish to see

Jeff Giesea • 1317 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Populism Leadership Political theory Society
  1. Populism often focuses on complaining about elites rather than solving problems. It can lead to a mindset that values grievances over constructive actions.
  2. Elitism can be redefined as a positive force for leadership and excellence. Society needs leaders who can guide people and address real challenges instead of just gaining power.
  3. If you see problems in the world, you should step up and take action. You have the ability to be a leader in your own way and make a difference where you are.

What I Gave Up To Become An Engineering Manager

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 62 HN points • 29 Aug 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Career development Work Culture Team Dynamics
  1. Moving from individual contributor to engineering manager means letting go of past habits. You need to make room for new responsibilities and ways of working.
  2. As a manager, you won't build things directly. Instead, you'll help your team create and support multiple projects, shifting focus from personal achievements to team successes.
  3. Managers face longer feedback loops and must learn to communicate tough issues early on. This shift encourages patience and improves team dynamics.

TRUMP'S FIRST COVID MISTAKE

Seymour Hersh • 43 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership Pandemic response Intelligence Health Policy Government Accountability
  1. There was early intelligence about the COVID virus from Wuhan that indicated urgent action was needed. However, the response from leadership was slow and ineffective.
  2. The U.S. intelligence community had credible sources warning about a laboratory accident in Wuhan, but this information was not acted upon promptly.
  3. Many critical studies and warnings from health experts were reportedly erased from records to protect the president, suggesting a significant mismanagement of the crisis.

The unfathomable bottomless stupidity of Suella Braverman

Striking 13 • 2535 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Government Policy Leadership International relations Current Events
  1. The focus should be on the real problems that are evident rather than getting lost in technical details or strategic calculations.
  2. Stupidity seems to be a requirement for success in modern British politics, with individuals gaining attention and promotions through controversial remarks and actions.
  3. The rise of individuals lacking competence in key roles can have significant consequences, leading to failures in policy-making and governance.

TBM 325: Skeptoptimism – Thinking Slow, Acting Fast

The Beautiful Mess • 952 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Team Dynamics Planning Execution Leadership Risk management
  1. Thinking slowly helps in planning well and reducing risks. It's not sitting idle; it's about being active and experimenting with ideas.
  2. Being a skeptoptimist means balancing a belief in teams with a realistic view of challenges. It's important to express confidence in the team's ability to succeed while addressing risks.
  3. It's key to involve others in 'slow thinking' to ensure they understand and support the process. Sharing your thoughts can help bridge the gap between deep exploration and action.

Buffett's Blueprint

Neckar’s Notes • 15 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Investing Finance Economics Entrepreneurship Leadership
  1. Warren Buffett combined reading with building strong relationships to grow his wealth. Both his knowledge and connections helped him succeed.
  2. Buffett pursued wealth in a way that was meaningful and enjoyable to him, focusing on personal growth and independence.
  3. The next Buffett will be proactive in seeking knowledge and crafting their own path, rather than just copying what others did.

Claudine Gay's Dishonorable Discharge

Glenn Loury • 1884 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education DEI Plagiarism Race Leadership
  1. The charges of plagiarism against Claudine Gay were serious enough to merit her removal, despite other motivations behind the campaign against her.
  2. The appointment of high-ranking officials, especially in historical positions like Harvard President, should prioritize qualifications over symbolic representation.
  3. Habitual plagiarism can undermine a leader's credibility and position, regardless of race, and institutions should uphold standards of integrity and merit.

You are too aggressive. You should smile more.

Elena's Growth Scoop • 1336 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Gender Equality Workplace Challenges Leadership
  1. Words like 'You're too aggressive, smile more' reflect biases that are diminishing and unfair to women.
  2. Societal norms pressure women to conform to outdated ideas of femininity, hindering their career advancement.
  3. The distinction between assertiveness and aggression in women is a perpetual challenge, but breaking through can lead to assertiveness being celebrated as a positive trait in leadership roles.

Restore Factory Settings at The Pentagon

CDR Salamander • 1650 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Military Leadership Security Policy
  1. The Secretary of Defense's lack of transparency about his serious medical complications caused controversy and confusion among Pentagon officials and congressional leaders.
  2. Important government officials were not notified promptly about the Secretary of Defense's hospitalization, raising concerns about the management of critical information and decision-making during his absence.
  3. There are calls for the Secretary of Defense to resign due to the breach of trust and lack of transparency surrounding his medical condition, highlighting the importance of trust and accountability in leadership positions.

Rethinking Meetings.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 46 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership Meetings Productivity Work Culture Mindset
  1. Meetings should focus on giving rather than just taking. When we approach meetings with a giving mindset, everyone benefits more.
  2. Generosity, empathy, and energy are key to better meetings. By being generous with our knowledge and understanding others' perspectives, we create a positive atmosphere.
  3. End meetings with clarity and a plan. It's important that everyone knows the next steps and feels motivated to take them.

Resisting the Enshittification of Work

Make Work Better • 157 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Work Culture Productivity Leadership Trends Employee Wellbeing
  1. Enshittification is when a service becomes worse over time due to profit-focused changes, just like users notice on platforms like Google and Amazon.
  2. Many workers are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed by constant notifications and meetings, leading to a lack of satisfaction at work.
  3. Leaders need to actively improve workplace culture to combat this decline and make work a source of meaning instead of stress.

Our New Pandemic: Moral Cowardice

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 359 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Leadership Political Ethics Public Discourse Authoritarianism
  1. Moral cowardice is widespread today, causing people to lie and betray their own beliefs. This issue affects many public figures who prioritize loyalty over truth.
  2. Alexei Navalny is presented as a true example of courage and moral strength. He stood up against corruption in Russia, even knowing it could lead to his death.
  3. The piece encourages individuals to reject lies and strive to do what is right, emphasizing that life is too short to remain silent and complacent.

A march on Washington, a death in Venezuela, and a watch on the German border

The Pillar • 1395 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Activism Leadership Corruption Religion Legal issues
  1. Today, Jan. 19, is the March for Life in Washington, DC, which remains significant despite shifts in activism focus.
  2. The death of Kenyan priest Fr. Josiah K’Okal in Venezuela raises suspicions of foul play due to his advocacy for indigenous rights.
  3. Pope Francis issued new financial regulations for the Vatican, showing a response to past scandals and a shift in authority.

The civil service is about to take over the government

Striking 13 • 2455 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Leadership Policy Civil Service Governance
  1. The government is shifting towards being run by civil servants under Keir Starmer's leadership.
  2. Organizational competence is a critical factor for governmental success and the current UK government has been lacking in this aspect.
  3. The success of a civil-service-led government is crucial in restoring public trust in politics and combating conservative populism.

By-election results: The Tories are finished

Striking 13 • 2355 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Political parties Leadership Voting Government
  1. The by-election results show massive swings favoring Labour, hinting at a potential huge Labour majority in the next election.
  2. The significant swings in Mid Beds and Tamworth by-elections, overthrowing large Tory majorities, are quite unusual and challenging for the Conservatives.
  3. The efficiency of the anti-Tory vote, tactical voting by people to hurt the government, and the squeeze on other parties like Greens and Lib Dems indicate a tough road ahead for the Tories.

January 19, 2025

Letters from an American • 40 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Civil Rights History Social justice Leadership Activism
  1. Heroism isn't about being perfect or doing grand things; it's about regular people choosing to help others, even when it's hard.
  2. Great figures in history, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Anne Frank, acted bravely in dangerous situations without seeking fame.
  3. We still have heroes today who quietly do the right thing in their everyday lives, even if we don't always see them.

The Profile Dossier: Nick Saban, America's Most Successful Coach

The Profile • 1665 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Coaching Success Leadership Psychology Techniques
  1. Nick Saban focuses on constant improvement and attention to detail in all aspects of preparation and leadership
  2. Saban believes in investing time in habits that align with your goals and identity
  3. To be successful, one should focus on persistence, a champion's attitude in all endeavors, and taking personal responsibility for outcomes

Meditations on Founder Mode

The Engineering Leader • 79 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Entrepreneurship Organizational Behavior Strategy
  1. Founder Mode allows leaders to be more hands-on and in touch with their company. This helps them make quick decisions that align with their original vision.
  2. While Founder Mode can be effective in early stages, it doesn't scale well in larger companies because one person can't manage everything.
  3. Great leaders know when to switch between being hands-on and delegating tasks. This flexibility is key to adapting to a company's growth and changing needs.

When, why, and how to stop coding as your day job

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 11 HN points • 22 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Management Career growth Leadership Technical Skills
  1. Stepping away from coding allows you to focus on being a more effective manager. When you stop coding, you can better support and lead your team.
  2. Many technical leaders struggle to balance coding and management, often feeling they must still code to stay relevant. However, shifting your focus to team leadership is essential for growth.
  3. To remain connected to technology, take an interest in your team's work and continue learning. You can still engage with technology without it being the main part of your job.

Coleman Hughes on the New Racism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2517 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Race Leadership International relations
  1. Coleman Hughes advocates for a return to color-blind ideals in addressing race issues, which contrasts with current prominent black intellectuals.
  2. President Biden is facing concerns about his age and capability to run for a second term, with a high percentage perceiving him as too old for the role.
  3. There are proposals for encouraging newer and better Palestinian leadership, especially in Gaza, by ensuring reconstruction aid is channeled effectively and used to empower a new elite.

Of Snakes, Deep Swamps, and Kevin McCarthy’s Bid to Govern From the Middle

Peter Navarro's Taking Back Trump's America • 2338 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Political Dynamics Leadership Partisanship Elections
  1. Kevin McCarthy's deal with President Joe Biden may trigger a potential vote to oust him as Speaker.
  2. The deal lacks guarantees for deficit reductions and neglects relief for America's fossil fuel producers.
  3. McCarthy's political sin was agreeing to kick the debt limit can past the 2024 elections, prioritizing his own fortunes over his Party.

How To Deal With Ambiguity As A TPM

Building Rome(s) • 20 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Strategy Operations Product Development
  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.

CROSSPOST: Josh Marshall: State of Play on Capitol Hill

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 99 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Congress Elections Leadership Political parties Current Events
  1. Elon Musk has become a major player in government discussions, shaking things up in ways even Donald Trump can't control. It's like Musk is the new chaos agent, and everyone has to deal with the mess he creates.
  2. Trump is trying to lead the charge but is struggling because Musk's influence is unpredictable and strong. This situation shows that Trump doesn't have the same grip on power as he used to.
  3. The recent events in Congress highlight the rising tension within the Republican Party. Many Republicans are defying Trump's wishes, which is unusual and suggests a shift in loyalty and power dynamics.

The 3 top mistakes of managers under 30

Leading Developers • 103 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Career development Workplace culture Professional Growth
  1. Young managers often worry about their age and try too hard to prove themselves. It's better to ignore age and focus on maturity and confidence.
  2. Trying too hard to be liked can backfire. It's important to give honest feedback and set clear expectations without being overly apologetic.
  3. Making quick decisions can be risky. It's wise to consult team members, especially those with more experience, before deciding on important matters.

New Orleans is America

The J. Burden Show • 1218 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Leadership Foreign Policy Corruption Justice
  1. New Orleans is described as a city with a mix of beauty, dysfunction, and high crime rates, showcasing both its allure and challenges.
  2. The post discusses the city's leadership issues, particularly critiquing the mayor and suggesting the need for a strong leader who can tackle crime and corruption.
  3. There is a call for a transformative leader, likened to a Caesar figure, who can address law enforcement, foreign policy, and societal issues with a tough but just approach.

Scaling engineering teams: Building career ladders

Brick by Brick • 18 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development Human Resources Organizational Culture Leadership Employee retention
  1. Creating a clear career ladder is crucial for growing engineering teams. It helps everyone understand how to advance and what is expected from them.
  2. Collaboration is key when building this ladder. Getting input from the team can help define roles and ensure everyone feels involved and valued.
  3. Regularly reviewing and updating the career ladder keeps it fair and relevant. It’s important to adjust it as the team and company grow to continue supporting everyone’s development.