Leadership
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Why Cultural Diversity Matters to Achieve Our Global Ambitions
- 01 September 2024
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- by Stephen Le
IQ vs EQ vs CQ In today’s interconnected world, understanding cultural diversity isn’t just an option—it’s essential. But how prepared are you to navigate this complexity? Beyond IQ (intelligence quotient) and EQ (emotional quotient), there’s CQ—cultural intelligence. CQ measures your ability to be effective in culturally diverse settings, which is increasingly critical in a globalized space. Consider any aspect of your life, and it is likely influenced by your culture – the food you eat, the...
Managers, let your employees fail
- 03 May 2024
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- by Stephen Le
I understand the tension – do I step in or do I take a step back? Exert more control or allow for more autonomy? Good management is somewhere between the two, and our job as managers is to find the delicate balance. Different folks, different strokes. I am aware, of course, that this is easier said than done. Failing is almost taboo in many Asian cultures. There is a perfectionistic, face-saving mentality, weaved into the very...
Right and Wrong according to the Samurai
- 28 March 2024
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- by Stephen Le
Ethical leaders are the modern warriors of today Touted as an indispensable read for executives, the “Code of the Samurai” is my latest read and it is fascinating! The timeless lessons offer a roadmap for ethical leadership so needed in our modern corporate world today. A deep dive into Japanese culture and philosophy You may know this – the “Code of the Samurai” is a four-hundred-year-old explication of the rules embodied in Bushido, the Japanese Way...
Why Knowing Your ‘Why’ Changes Everything
- 15 March 2024
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- by Stephen Le
“What do you do as a lawyer?” “I argue for a living.” “Why do you do that?” Pause. “To save the world.” There is a running joke about how lawyers are the only people who meet crying people and make them cry even harder after giving them a solution… and the bill. Jokes aside, I’ve asked many friends and colleagues this age-old “why did you become a lawyer?” question, and in essence, most of the answers,...
The Art of Being the ‘Bad Guy’ for Your Team’s Good
- 15 March 2024
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- by Stephen Le
Nobody likes to be the ‘bad guy’, but when the time calls for it, someone has to play that role. Let’s be clear, though: being the ‘bad guy’ doesn’t involve being rude, abusive, or unreasonable. These behaviors are unquestionably unacceptable in any context. I’m talking about making tough calls even when they are unpopular, having difficult conversations when it’s uncomfortable, and putting in sacrifices that are unseen yet necessary for the good of the company. If...
The Art of Delegation: Why We Struggle and How to Overcome It
- 15 March 2024
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- by Stephen Le
It seems so obvious right? You have way too much to do, too many fires to put out and too little time to do “high-value strategic work”. But there is: delegation. Yes, yes, you know it’s important to do and you know it will save you time and help others develop new skills. So why aren’t you doing it? “I know I should ask for help, but I don’t want to be pushy.” “My team already...
The Pursuit of Excellence and Why It Matters
- 15 March 2024
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- by Stephen Le
Is grit no longer celebrated in our world? In a time where affirming voices are dramatically amplified, the pursuit of excellence can feel like a lonely path. When we take self-care too far I can imagine how this article can tank at a time where “self-love” and “self-care” is all the rage in popular culture. I believe in self-love and self-care – just not when it skirts on the line of excessive indulgence. Pit-stops are good...
Reflections On 2022 And What’s Next?
- 15 March 2024
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- by Stephen Le
Before the fireworks go off…and before we hit the reset button, it’s so important to reflect. Taking stock of the year is a discipline I hold onto every year no matter how chaotic it gets. Where do we begin? 2021 was tough, but I decided early on that we’re going to make 2022 our best year yet…and it did not disappoint. Investing in the best IT infrastructure available I am really proud to say that we...
You Need Your Independent Directors – More Than You Think
- 15 March 2024
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- by Stephen Le
No one likes a party pooper After fighting tooth and nail to get a deal momentum going, it’s natural for management to want these hard-fought deals to float through the board with little to no questions. No need for celebration or appreciation, just a big bright green light. After all, “the team” has thought this through and “we” have all the bases covered. The last thing anyone would want at this point is an unexpected detour...
Obsessed With Building Systems. Are You?
- 15 March 2024
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- by Stephen Le
Every business is the sum of its systems. Indeed, systems are to businesses what foundations are to homes. When you break down that massive system (which is your business), do you find the cogs of the many smaller systems running in sweet harmony? No matter how big or small your business is, systems and processes can help you get bigger, faster. As a business owner, I am obsessed with designing new systems and maintaining old ones...
Stop Quiet Firing, the Real Culprit Behind Quiet Quitting
- 15 March 2024
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- by Stephen Le
We’ve all seen it happen, haven’t we? A sudden role change..a move to a newly created role to look after “special projects”. A role with little opportunities and little impact… a dead end. Basically a sly move to communicate what needs to be said out loud without actually saying it. That’s dirty and that’s quiet firing. Read between the lines For many years, quiet firing had been quietly embraced as an acceptable corporate practice; a way...
Name Your Core Strengths. If You Can’t, You’re Distracted.
- 15 March 2024
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- by Stephen Le
Losing to a goldfish Fun fact: Did you know that the average attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds, while the attention span of an average person in 2022 is 8 seconds? That’s what data scientists and media analysts believe is now the average consumer attention span. Yes…it’s that bad. Distraction presents itself in many forms We are exposed to more distractions today than ever before. There are auditory distractions, like the drilling going on...
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