Silvia Scarfagna’s Post

I love Joe Folkman's parallelism of leadership to tango—it beautifully illustrates the delicate balance of drive and empathy. Leadership isn’t about choosing one over the other; it’s about integrating both with consistency. Mastering this balance doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of intentional practice, self-awareness, and a commitment to growth. Each day is an opportunity to refine your “steps,” connect more deeply, and lead with purpose. Over time, you’ll create a rhythm that inspires trust, drives results, and builds thriving teams. Leadership is a dance—keep practicing, and you’ll find your flow. #leadershiptango #empathyinaction #growththroughconsistency

Think of leadership as a dance, like the tango. It takes technical precision (drive) and emotional connection (empathy) to lead effectively. Yet, our research on over 4,000 leaders reveals a surprising truth: only 15% excel in both. Why does it matter? 👉 Leaders with high empathy foster engaged, connected teams, even if their drive isn’t top-tier. 👉Conversely, high drive without empathy often alienates teams, resulting in disengagement. Those who master both? They rank in the 91st percentile for leadership effectiveness, driving innovation, performance, and trust. If you want to grow your empathy and become a more balanced leader, here are five practical ways: 1️⃣ Eliminate Double Standards: Hold yourself to the same rules as your team. Consistency builds trust. 2️⃣ Prioritize Development Daily: Use everyday moments to mentor and coach—growth isn’t reserved for quarterly reviews. 3️⃣ Inspire, Don’t Push: Share a compelling vision that motivates your team to climb the mountain, not just hit targets. 4️⃣ Leverage Differences: Create environments where diverse perspectives thrive and lead to better collaboration. 5️⃣ Seek Feedback, Act on It: Ask for ways to improve—and show your team you’re listening by making changes. Empathy isn’t a “nice-to-have”; it’s a business imperative. By pairing it with drive, you’ll not only transform your leadership but also create teams that thrive—no matter the challenges ahead. What’s one way you’ve recently practiced empathy as a leader? Share in comments👇 #Leadership #Empathy #Drive #TeamEngagement #WorkplaceInnovation

𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐦𝐞—𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 I love this quote. It reminds me of the dangers of becoming intoxicated by the status and attention that come with senior leadership. Many traditional leadership development programs unintentionally fuel this by focusing on building up confidence and emphasising how exceptional leaders are, potentially resulting in heads filled with hubris. This approach, while it may boost confidence, can create a dangerous distance between leaders and their teams. When leaders are 'developed' without being equipped to build a strong psychological connection with their team, they risk becoming out of touch. In the current landscape of remote and hybrid teams, this connection is not just important; it's necessary for effective leadership. So, how can leaders bridge this gap? Consider the following: 💪 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐯𝐬. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Confidence is valuable, but you risk being perceived as aloof and disconnected. 🌐 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Leading a team you don't see daily requires trust, empathy, and great communication—essential for keeping your team engaged and motivated. 🤝 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐩: Leadership isn't just about taking charge and telling people. It's about understanding your team, developing a unifying team identity, and making your team feel like they matter. Leaders must not lose sight of the on the ground reality and stay focused on creating a robust and connected team culture—even from a distance. This is a crucial aspect of effective leadership. #Leadership #RemoteLeadership #HybridTeams #LeadershipDevelopment

Leadership Styles: Which One Drives the Best Results? 💼🎯 Whether you're leading a team in a professional setting (operations, sales, customer relations, etc.), a communal role (coaching, outreach, etc.), or an educational environment (teaching, academic services, etc.), how do you define a successful leadership period (quarter, season, semester)? Having studied in three countries, worked in two, and volunteered in three, I've seen a wide range of leadership approaches. Here are three distinct examples: 1️⃣ The Expert Leader   This leader relies on their past successes and deep expertise, often expecting the team to simply "keep up." The mindset is, "If you don’t understand what I’m saying, it’s your fault for not getting it." 2️⃣ The Adaptive Leader This leader identifies the gaps between where the team is and where they need to be, adjusting their communication to bridge that gap. The mindset is, "If you’re not understanding, let me explain it differently to help you succeed." 3️⃣ The Hands-off Leader  This leader assumes that providing knowledge is enough, believing it will naturally lead to results without much interaction. The mindset is, "If you don’t get it, there’s a document somewhere that explains it better." These approaches can vary based on context, but I’m curious: ✨ Which type of leader do you think is the most effective in driving team success? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Let's start a conversation about what leadership "really" looks like. #Leadership #Teamwork #ProfessionalDevelopment #Management #GrowthMindset

🚀 **Top 10 Leadership Lessons from "Leaders Don't Command" by Jorge Cuervo** 🚀 In today's fast-paced world, leadership isn't about authority—it's about **influence** and **empowerment**. Here are the key takeaways that can transform your leadership style: 1. **Leadership is Influence, Not Authority**: Build trust and respect—commanding doesn't create lasting impact. 2. **Lead by Example**: Actions speak louder than words. Be the change you want to see in your team. 3. **Empower Others**: Give your team the autonomy to innovate and grow. 4. **Listen Actively**: Understand your team’s needs by listening with intent. 5. **Foster Collaboration**: Teamwork breeds creativity and better decision-making. 6. **Emotional Intelligence**: Master your emotions and connect deeply with your team. 7. **Adaptability**: Be agile—pivot and adjust to the ever-changing landscape. 8. **Build a Positive Culture**: A strong, positive culture drives engagement and performance. 9. **Develop Future Leaders**: Invest in your team’s growth—they’re the leaders of tomorrow. 10. **Servant Leadership**: Lead with humility—your job is to serve and uplift your team. Transform your leadership by focusing on these principles. Let's lead with **purpose**, **empathy**, and a **growth mindset**. 💪 #Leadership #Influence #Empowerment #TeamCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #ServantLeadership #Adaptability #GrowthMindset #Collaboration #FutureLeaders

🚀 Unlock Your Leadership Potential: Embrace the 360-Degree Leader Within! 💫 "Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another." - John C. Maxwell 🌟 💼 The Biggest Mistake About Leadership: Many believe that only those at the top of the hierarchy are the true leaders. But leadership is not confined to a title or a position. It is a mindset and a way of being. A leader is not just a "boss". A true leader inspires, empowers, and serves! 💡💪 📚 According to John C. Maxwell, effective leadership happens at all levels of an organisation, not just at the top. This is the essence of being a “360-Degree Leader”. 💫 🔄 Lead in Every Direction: 🔷 Lead Up 📈: Influence your superiors through integrity, hard work, and innovative ideas. 🔷 Lead Across 🤝: Collaborate and motivate your peers, fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect. 🔷 Lead Down 📉: Empower and guide those who report to you, nurturing their growth and potential. 🔷 Lead Yourself 💡: Develop self-discipline, continuous learning, and self-awareness. Your personal leadership is the foundation for all other directions. 🔥 How & Why You Should Embrace 360-Degree Leadership: 🔷 Empowerment: When everyone leads, everyone is empowered. This cultivates a more dynamic and resilient organisation. 🔷 Innovation: Diverse leadership perspectives bring fresh ideas and solutions, driving innovation. 🔷 Engagement: Employees feel valued and engaged when they are encouraged to lead, increasing job satisfaction and retention. 🌟 Get Involved! 🌟 👉 Follow for more insights on leadership development and personal growth. 👉 Comment below with your own leadership stories and how you lead in different directions. 👉 Share this post to inspire others to embrace their inner leader! Remember, no matter your position, YOU have the power to lead and make a difference! 🌠 #Leadership #360DegreeLeader #Inspiration #JohnCMaxwell #SimonSinek #Empowerment #Growth #Teamwork #Innovation #EmployeeEngagement #LeadByExample #LeadershipDevelopment #FollowForMore #CommentBelow #ShareYourStory Thanks to Victoria Repa for the Infograph 🙏

Every leader brings a unique approach to the table, influenced by their personal traits and the demands of their environment. Understanding these differences can help us appreciate why certain leadership styles work better in specific situations. 1️⃣ Autocratic Leadership: Best for scenarios requiring quick decision-making or when dealing with highly regulated tasks. It’s about clear directions and quick results but requires a careful balance to avoid stifling creativity. 2️⃣ Democratic Leadership: Ideal for fostering teamwork and collaborative decision-making. This style empowers teams by involving them in the planning process, enhancing satisfaction and innovation. 3️⃣ Bureaucratic Leadership: Works well in highly regulated industries or departments where precision and adherence to strict rules are paramount. It ensures compliance and uniformity but may inhibit flexibility. 4️⃣ Charismatic Leadership: Drives change and inspires devotion, making it perfect for startups or companies needing a new direction. The risk lies in the dependency on the leader’s presence for motivation and direction. Each style has its place and effectiveness depending on the organizational needs and goals. The key to successful leadership lies in adapting and potentially combining these styles to fit the unique challenges and opportunities of your environment. Which leadership style resonates most with you? Or have you seen effective combinations in your workplace? Share your thoughts and experiences! #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessStrategy #TeamManagement

"𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠—𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤." 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠—𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤." If you want your team to trust you, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤. Ever had a leader who preached company culture but didn’t live by it? Or promised work-life balance, then sent emails at midnight? 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐬. Teams lose trust, productivity falls, and suddenly, no one feels motivated. But what if you flipped the script? Here’s the real secret: 👉 Leaders don’t just talk—they set the example I’ve seen it firsthand: the most effective leaders show up, stay accountable, and inspire action without saying a word. In my own experience, when I started living this philosophy, everything changed: ✅ Morale shot up. ✅ Collaboration became effortless. ✅ We didn’t just hit goals—we crushed them. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲: ▪ Take responsibility before assigning blame. ▪ Show your team how to navigate difficult situations, instead of telling them. ▪ Align your actions with the values you promote. Ready to make a real impact? Drop a comment on how you lead by example, or DM me if you’re serious about becoming the leader you want to be. Visit https://ajaychaudhari.com #Leadership #LeadByExample #TrustBuilding #TeamCulture #LeadershipTips

Good intentions don't always lead to good leadership! Discover 5 toxic behaviors even the best leaders can unintentionally fall into: 1) Avoiding Conflict: Embracing agreement over progress can stifle innovation and motivation. Encourage diverse views and constructive debate. 2) Overprotecting: Shielding your team from reality may seem noble, but it hinders growth. Offer transparent feedback and opportunities for development. 3) Prioritizing Results Over Learning: Constant action is good, but neglecting reflection leads to mistakes. Balance fast results with meaningful insights. 4) Micromanagement vs. Absence: Too much involvement or too little—both extremes hurt. Strive for balanced engagement, giving autonomy yet staying accessible. 5) Being Everyone’s Friend: Friendly leadership can blur professional lines. Maintain clear boundaries and focus on professional growth. 3) and 5) have been big challenges for me in the earlier* stages of my journey as a leader but I do believe I am doing better now. Always remember, leadership is not about making everyone comfortable — it’s about making them better. P.S. Leaders, which unintended behavior do you think is the hardest to avoid? #Leadership #Management #ProfessionalDevelopment #Teamwork #BusinessLeaders Source: “5 Well-Intentioned Behaviors That Can Hurt Your Team”by Nihar Chhaya, Harvard Business Review, April 08, 2024 *Throwback to a decade ago during an award ceremony I attended with the Financial PR team whom I started my career with!

Embracing the Power of Leadership 🌟 Leadership is not just about holding a title; it's about inspiring others, fostering growth, and creating a vision that propels teams forward. As we navigate through challenges and opportunities in our professional journeys, I am continually reminded of the profound impact that effective leadership can have. Here are a few key principles that resonate with me: 1. Empowerment Over Authority True leaders empower their teams to take ownership of their work. By providing support and resources, we can unlock the potential in others and cultivate an environment where innovation thrives. 2. Active Listening Leadership is as much about listening as it is about directing. By genuinely hearing the perspectives and ideas of our team members, we foster a culture of collaboration and trust. 3. Adaptability In today’s fast-paced world, adaptability is crucial. Great leaders embrace change and encourage their teams to be flexible, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. 4. Leading by Example Actions speak louder than words. By embodying the values we wish to see in our teams, we set a standard that inspires others to follow suit. 5. Celebrating Successes Recognizing and celebrating achievements, big or small, boosts morale and motivates teams to strive for excellence. Let’s take the time to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of those around us! As we continue to grow as leaders, let’s commit to lifting each other up and creating a positive impact in our workplaces and communities. Together, we can lead with purpose and passion! 💪✨ #Leadership #Empowerment #Teamwork #GrowthMindset #Inspiration