Transform the way you lead—one letter at a time.

Time to Read: 2 minutes

Leadership isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most. One of the simplest ways I help leaders focus on what truly matters is with my “ABCs of Leadership.” Several years ago, after seeing the results and success his leaders achieved through my coaching, I shared this simple framework with David Lipsky, Head Coach at Samsung. He asked me what I did differently, and I told him I like to provide simple, actionable solutions to complex problems.

That’s when I introduced him to the ABCs of Leadership. He liked it so much that he suggested I write my next book around this approach. While my coaching practice has kept me busy and in demand, I’m now working on turning that idea into reality. In the meantime, here’s a quick guide using the first three letters of the ABCs to strengthen your leadership impact.

A – Assess, Address, Adjust
Great leaders start by understanding the situation before taking action.

• Assess: Take stock of what’s happening around you. Look at your team, resources, and challenges.
• Address: Take decisive action. Communicate clearly, resolve issues, and set expectations.
• Adjust: Adapt your approach when conditions change. Stay flexible without losing sight of your goals.

Takeaway: Spend 10 minutes at the start of each week assessing priorities. Address small fires immediately, and adjust plans as new information comes in.

B – Be Brilliant, Be Brief, Be Gone
Leadership impact often comes from how you communicate, not how long you talk.

• Be Brilliant: Share insights that matter. Prepare and focus on value.
• Be Brief: Lead with your main point and avoid unnecessary details.
• Be Gone: Step back once your point is made. Let your team take ownership and act.

Takeaway: Next time you present an idea, summarize it in 90 seconds. Then leave space for questions or action.

C – Courageous, Creative, Collaborative
The most compelling leaders inspire others through action and mindset.

• Courageous: Take calculated risks and make tough decisions.
• Creative: Encourage new solutions and rethink old processes.
• Collaborative: Build partnerships, foster dialogue, and value diverse perspectives.

Takeaway: Ask your team for one new idea each week. Celebrate creativity and collaboration openly.

Your Leadership Challenge This Week
Now it’s your turn: Pick one trait from each letter and consciously apply it:

• A: Adjust one plan based on new insights.
• B: Be brief in one conversation or meeting.
• C: Collaborate on one project in a new way.

Notice how these small, intentional actions change the energy, productivity, and engagement of your team.

Closing Thought
Leadership doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on:

• Assess, Address, Adjust
• Be Brilliant, Be Brief, Be Gone
• Courageous, Creative, Collaborative

…you can lead with clarity, confidence, and strengthen your leadership impact, every day. Over the years, I’ve seen countless leaders put these principles into practice, and the results speak for themselves. When applied consistently, these leadership tools drive tangible improvements in team performance and engagement. Want to take it further? Learn more on my leadership coaching page for practical guidance.

Ready to Apply These Principles?
Reply to this email or schedule a quick call to explore solutions for your leadership challenges. I’ll share practical guidance and discuss how I can support you or your team.

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