Soul on my Sleeve

Dear Yogesh, I lead a content marketing team at a consulting and research firm. After a period of slow growth, our business has accelerated rapidly, and we’ve brought in a large group of talented recent graduates from top universities. For many of them, working with us is a stepping stone toward business school or advanced degrees. A key part of their role involves supporting consulting teams through research. These new

In uncertain times, organizations often look outward for solutions—new technologies, new structures, new strategies. But the 2026 Blanchard HR/L&D Trends Report reveals a truth many overlook: the strongest driver of performance, engagement, and resilience isn’t external—it’s leadership. Across industries, datasets, and real-world responses, one theme consistently stands out. Whether organizations are navigating AI disruption, talent shortages, cultural shifts, or retention challenges, the quality of leadership remains the single most defining

In today’s fast-changing and diverse workplace, creating an inclusive employee experience is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. Organizations that prioritize inclusion don’t just improve engagement; they unlock higher levels of innovation, collaboration, and performance. In a recent discussion, experts highlighted five key areas that shape an inclusive workplace: recruitment, onboarding, promotion, mentorship and sponsorship, and access to opportunities. Here’s how each of these can help you build a truly

Dear Yogesh, I recently completed the GTD® course and have begun doing a weekly review. During the training, I learned that a weekly review involves (1) Getting Clear, (2) Getting Current, and (3) Getting Creative. I’d love some tips on how to approach the “Getting Creative” part. I want to think about my to-do list more creatively, but I’m not sure how to do that. Any suggestions? Thanks,Chaman Mehra Dear

Frustration in workplace relationships can create unproductive patterns, particularly when personality differences are at play. Your willingness to reflect on your own behavior and seek solutions shows a commendable level of personal accountability. Below are some strategies to break the cycle of frustration and foster better communication with your coworker. Understand and Leverage SDI Insights The SDI (Strength Deployment Inventory) assessment is a valuable tool to understand motivational and conflict

Dealing with a talented employee whose behavior disrupts team dynamics can be challenging. Let’s break this into actionable steps you can take before, during, and after addressing the issue with her. Before diving in, reflect on whether the issue lies with her opinions about leadership or the way she expresses them. There’s a difference between discouraging sarcasm or toxic behavior and stifling dissenting views. For this advice, I’ll assume it’s

Engagement isn’t a program. It’s a feeling. It’s the moment someone believes: “I matter here.” The moment they feel that someone sees them, knows them, values them — and is invested in their success. Think about the experience of getting your name on the cup at Starbucks and receiving exactly what you ordered. It’s small, it’s personal, and it signals something powerful: you’re not invisible. You’re important. And that is

I can still hear my diving coach, Virendra, standing by the pool. He never yelled. Never shamed.Instead, he coached with calm precision and encouragement. Even on tough days—when I was sore, exhausted, and questioning my life choices—he made excellence feel possible. That approach helped me win a medal on the 10-meter platform. And his voice stayed with me—through 20+ years of competition, performances in different events, and even today as

What you’re experiencing is not madness—it’s a moment of transition. An unexpected opportunity has landed in your lap. And with every opportunity comes a challenge. It’s completely natural to feel unsettled when life moves faster than your plans. Had this come a few years later, you might have had a clearer vision of your career path. But right now, you’re being asked to decide before you feel ready—and that’s what

In what world would you have ever expected the police to sit at the feet of long-time criminals to learn about leadership and accountability? Well, welcome to that world. You wonder how this kind of culture is created? There are multiple elements to this, all of which take more space than we have here. So, for the curious, here is a good starting point.  It is possible to change the