George Stern

Hire based on character, not just skill.


Skills can be taught, but character is who they are.

You'll regret hiring the person whose resume is overflowing with skills,

But who:
↳Lacks integrity
↳Can't take feedback
↳Doesn't collaborate
↳Thinks they know it all

Instead, take a chance on the person who:
↳Has a great attitude
↳Is reliable
↳Works hard
↳Is resilient

You'll be glad you did.

They'll pick up the skills quickly,

They'll thrive long-term,

And they'll make the lives of everyone on their team better.

Including yours.

When you hire someone, you don't get their resume -

You get them.

So choose people with strong character,
And train them on the rest.

Agree?

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Quote credit: Gary Travis

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12 actions that separate bad managers from good.

The latter can transform your career:

1. Feedback
↳Bad managers: Wait until annual reviews to unload a year's worth of criticism
↳Good managers: Give immediate, specific feedback

2. Recognition
↳Bad managers: Never acknowledge effort, making employees feel invisible
↳Good managers: Publicly recognize contributions

3. Trust
↳Bad managers: Rewrite employees' work instead of giving feedback, making them feel useless
↳Good managers: Assign stretch projects and trust employees to execute without constant oversight

4. Accountability
↳Bad managers: Throw employees under the bus in front of leadership
↳Good managers: Say, “That's my mistake - here's how we'll fix it“

5. Emotional Intelligence
↳Bad managers: Say, “Leave your personal problems at the door“
↳Good managers: Notice when an employee seems off and ask privately, “Hey, is everything okay?“

6. Coaching
↳Bad managers: Only care about short-term output and don't invest in growth
↳Good managers: Create individual development plans tailored toward employees' goals

7. Delegation
↳Bad managers: Overload top performers while letting others coast
↳Good managers: Match tasks to strengths and say, “I trust you to lead this“

8. Balance
↳Bad managers: Send 11 p.m. emails and expect an immediate response
↳Good managers: Say, “This can wait until Monday - sign off and enjoy your weekend“

9. Model
↳Bad managers: Demand long hours but leave early themselves
↳Good managers: Follow the same rules and expectations they set for others

10. Adaptability
↳Bad managers: Say, “This is how we've always done it“
↳Good managers: Listen when employees suggest better ways to do things

11. Emotional Stability
↳Bad managers: Yell, panic, or take out their stress on employees
↳Good managers: Stay calm and solution-focused during crises

12. Problem-Solving
↳Bad managers: Dwell on blame instead of fixing the issue
↳Good managers: Say, “This isn't working, let's find a better approach“


Any other differences you'd add to this list?

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A toxic culture is more likely to change you than you are to change it.

Before you take a job, ask yourself these questions:

1) Have they articulated a culture, and does it align with my values?

2) Have they emphasized balance and reasonable expectations?

3) Do I admire the leaders I've met here?

4) Does this role align with my career goals and are there opportunities for growth?

5) Have the people I've met been respectful and kind?

6) Has the organization been transparent about any challenges?

7) Do I want to become more like the people here?


It can be tempting to:
↳Take the first offer you get
↳Make excuses for a culture you aren't yet a part of
↳Ignore red flags because you're excited about a role

But it's critical to think long-term and to pay attention to culture.

The role you take is a place where you'll spend considerable time.

It'll impact:
↳Your physical and mental health
↳Your daily happiness
↳Your future career growth

Don't make a hurried decision,

Or make the mistake of thinking you can change a bad culture.

You can't.

And if you answer no to any of these questions,

Your best bet is to keep looking.

Agree?

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Image credit: Adam Grant

If you want to be a great leader,

Avoid these mistakes:

❌ Don't expect blind loyalty
✅ Do create independent thinkers

❌ Don't become the bottleneck
✅ Do delegate authority, not just tasks

❌ Don't always play the hero
✅ Do lift others into the spotlight

❌ Don't reward obedience
✅ Do reward initiative and growth

❌ Don't keep feedback top-down only
✅ Do invite feedback in all directions

❌ Don't keep people stuck in one role
✅ Do invest in their long-term development

❌ Don't create a culture of fear
✅ Do create a culture of trust and safety

❌ Don't build a team that needs you
✅ Do build a team that leads without you


The best leaders don't look for followers,

They look to empower more leaders.

Agree?

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If your team can't act without your approval,

You're not a leader, you're a liability.

10 ways to empower instead:

1) Set clear expectations upfront, then step back
2) Delegate outcomes, not just tasks
3) Let others make decisions, even if they're different from yours
4) Stop solving problems they didn't ask you to solve
5) Ask for progress updates when needed, not constantly
6) Say “You've got this“ and mean it
7) Define what success looks like, not how to get there
8) Allow space for mistakes - and learning
9) Avoid hovering in meetings or message threads
10) Ask “What do you think?“ more than you give answers

If you've hired capable people, let them be capable.

Step back so they can step up.

Trust is a force multiplier.

Micromanagement is a bottleneck.

Don't be your team's liability,
When you should be its leader.

Agree?

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People don't quit jobs.

They quit:

1) Bad leaders
2) Toxic workplace culture
3) Poor compensation
4) Inconsistent treatment
5) Bad communication
6) No recognition
7) Absence of autonomy
8) Bureaucracy
9) Lack of work-life balance
10) Inadequate resources
11) Limited job security
12) Few growth opportunities
13) No obvious mission
14) Unclear job description
15) Unreasonable workload

But the good news:

These are all fixable.

Use this sheet to tackle these common reasons for quitting,

So you can keep your best employees,

And thrive as an organization.

---

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8 visuals that will transform your perspective,

And boost your success.

All by the awesome GoLimitless (worth a follow on Instagram)

1) Work is part of life - it's not the reverse
↳Don't let work dominate everything or define who you are
↳Life is the full picture - and work is just a part of it

2) Confidence speaks in whispers, ego in shouts
↳We all know the person who tries to let everyone know how great they are
↳The truly confident - and competent - people are subtler

3) Progress beats perfection
↳Discipline isn't about putting out a perfect effort every day
↳It's about continuing to show up even when you're feeling far from perfect

4) Keep looking forward
↳The past can be a great teacher, and shouldn't be ignored
↳But make it just a small part of where you focus - devote most of your attention to moving forward

5) Stay focused on your own progress
↳It's true that comparison is the thief of joy
↳And it's also true that it's the thief of success - those who stay focused on their own path go farther

6) Think and talk about who you want to BE
↳If you want to make changes, don't focus on what you want to DO
↳Focus instead on who you want to BE - and align your actions accordingly

7) Train your focus like any other muscle
↳Being more connected than ever before means having more distractions than ever before
↳Work to strengthen your focus muscle deliberately each day - it'll become your superpower

8) Zoom out
↳Bad days have a way of making us feel like everything is going wrong
↳Take a step back and recognize they're just blips in a much bigger picture


I'd love to read in the comments:

Which of these resonated most today?

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8 visuals that will boost your career,

By transforming your mindset:

All by Janis Ozolins (worth a follow).

1) What you do is what matters...
↳Thinking, talking, and believing are easy
↳Action is hard - but it's what ultimately moves the needle

2) ...And it never needs to be perfect 
↳Action is effective even if it's imperfect
↳And it's one of the best killers of doubt and anxiety

3) A growth mindset will make you unstoppable
↳A fixed mindset limits your opportunities and variety of experiences
↳A growth mindset removes your limits and lets you thrive

4) In planning, less really is more...
↳We often significantly underestimate how long things will take
↳Prioritize just your “must-dos“ and focus on them deeply

5) ...Because we can never fully predict what will happen
↳The reason things take longer than expected is because they never go exactly as planned
↳Unexpected surprises are inevitable, but your adaptability can make them opportunities, rather than obstacles

6) The smartest people know that there's plenty they don't know
↳Asking questions is a sign of wisdom, not ignorance
↳Only those with egos or insecurities think they have all the answers

7) Success takes time
↳Every “overnight success“ is backed by tons of unseen toil
↳Your ability to keep going through the hard parts will set you apart

8) You have full control over whether you fail long-term
↳Every failure is temporary if you learn from it and keep going
↳It's only permanent if you choose to make it so


I would love to know in the comments:

Which image resonates most?

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EQ beats IQ in hiring and promotions.

But can you learn it?

A CareerBuilder study found that 71% of employers “value emotional intelligence in an employee more than IQ.“

And 75% say they're more likely to promote a high EQ employee.

That's great if you've got it.

But if you don't?

Or you want to get better to stand out?

Thankfully, research shows you CAN increase your EQ with intentional practice and training.

So what are you waiting for?!

Here are 16 do's and don'ts to strengthen your emotional intelligence:

Active Listening
Do: Be able to restate someone's point so they say “Yes, exactly!“
Don't: Be so caught up in your response that you forget to listen

Empathy
Do: Seek to understand how a person is really feeling
Don't: Make assumptions or try to make it about you

Self-Awareness
Do: Understand how your actions are perceived by others
Don't: Be arrogant, selfish, or think you're above critique

Emotional Awareness
Do: Pay attention to others' reactions, body language, and mood
Don't: Fail to adjust based on explicit or implicit feedback

Feedback
Do: Give direct, honest feedback
Don't: Think you're being nice by keeping people in the dark

Input
Do: Ask often how you can do and be better
Don't: Neglect acting on it transparently

Motivation
Do: Show initiative, finding strength within yourself
Don't: Need constant hand holding or external validation

Collaboration
Do: Work well with others, sharing info, ideas, and credit
Don't: Fail to see their needs, inputs, and desires

Diplomacy
Do: Find common ground and lead with mutual respect
Don't: Use harsh or insensitive language

Mindfulness
Do: Take actions to improve, like breathing or meditation
Don't: Think the mind is fixed

Appreciation
Do: Recognize great work and say thank you often
Don't: Withhold credit or try to take it for yourself

Adaptability
Do: Change your approach when circumstances change
Don't: Stubbornly stick to your ways, ignoring others

Conflict Resolution
Do: Lean into conflict, looking for a peaceful path forward
Don't: Shy away from difficult situations

Influence
Do: Understand others' motivations and desires first
Don't: Try to dictate or coerce

Emotional Control
Do: Maintain composure and take a step back in charged situations
Don't: Get defensive and make hot-headed outbursts

Socialability
Do: Take an interest in others and ask them questions
Don't: Blame others for awkwardness - engage with them


Master these, and you'll become invaluable in the workplace.

Any I'm missing?

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You can't avoid difficult people,

But you CAN learn to handle them:

Some people test your patience.

Others test your professionalism.

These 16 do's and don'ts will let you stay calm, clear, and in control -

Without losing yourself in the process:

1. When they're being aggressive
↳Do: Hold firm and say, “I'm willing to talk when this is respectful“
↳Don't: Escalate or tolerate abuse

2. When someone interrupts you
↳Do: Say, “Let me finish my thought - then I want to hear your take“
↳Don't: Talk over them or shut down

3. When it gets personal
↳Do: Say, “Let's stay focused on the problem, not personal stuff“
↳Don't: Take the bait or retaliate

4. When criticism feels harsh
↳Do: Look for the useful piece or the best possible interpretation
↳Don't: Get defensive or shut down

5. When they won't listen
↳Do: Ask questions and seek understanding
↳Don't: Lecture or steamroll

6. When they push a bad idea
↳Do: Ask, “What's the best next step we can agree on?“
↳Don't: Keep arguing just to win

7. When it's going in circles
↳Do: Say, “Let's pause and revisit when we're ready“
↳Don't: Keep pushing through unproductive tension

8. When they disagree strongly
↳Do: Acknowledge their view and find common ground
↳Don't: Try to force instant agreement

9. When you need to set a boundary
↳Do: Be clear, direct, and respectful
↳Don't: Hint, avoid, or explode

10. When they're thinking illogically
↳Do: Ask, “What evidence supports that?“
↳Don't: Let emotion override reason

11. When you're triggered
↳Do: Take a breath and pause before you speak
↳Don't: Let it leak into your tone or words

12. When someone avoids the issue
↳Do: Raise it directly but gently
↳Don't: Hope it just goes away

13. When there's tension but no talk
↳Do: Invite a calm, open conversation
↳Don't: Ignore the elephant in the room

14. When feedback is needed
↳Do: Be honest and specific, not personal
↳Don't: Sugarcoat or criticize vaguely

15. When your values are crossed
↳Do: Stand firm with grace
↳Don't: Compromise your integrity to avoid conflict

16. When there's resistance
↳Do: Ask, “What concerns are holding us back?“
↳Don't: Bulldoze or dismiss hesitation

You don't have to match their energy.

You just have to manage your own.

Any other tips you'd add?

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Success starts with self-awareness.

You can't grow without it.

Here are 7 ways to strengthen yours:

1. Reflect daily
↳Each day, take 5 minutes to reflect on your behavior, decisions, and interactions.
↳This helps you recognize patterns and areas where you may want to improve.

2. Seek feedback
↳Ask trusted friends or colleagues for feedback on how they perceive your behavior and habits.
↳Others often see things that you might not notice yourself.

3. Observe emotional triggers
↳Take note of situations that cause strong emotional reactions in you.
↳Understanding your triggers gives valuable insight.

4. Practice mindfulness
↳Engage in daily mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing.
↳This'll help you better tune in to your thoughts and feelings.

5. Note your strengths and weaknesses
↳Pay attention to your core strengths and areas for improvement.
↳Acknowledge where you excel and where you struggle.

6. Understand your values and beliefs
↳Spend time clarifying your core values and beliefs.
↳Knowing what truly matters to you can help guide your actions and decisions.

7. Take personality assessments
↳Formal personality or strengths assessments provide insights into your personality traits.
↳Having those will help you better understand how you approach things.


No amount of learning, reading, or training will help you succeed if you can't first understand yourself.

Start with self-awareness, and self-development will follow.

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11 traits that set top performers apart,

And how you can master them too:

1) Act First
↳Most people: Wait for instructions or permission
↳Top performers: Anticipate needs and move first
↳How: “I went ahead and drafted a version we can review“

2) Work Smart
↳Most people: Stay busy, doing things the long or wrong way
↳Top performers: Focus on doing things the best way, not just the first way
↳How: “Is this the best way to do this? Or can we rethink it?“

3) Own Results
↳Most people: Point fingers when things go wrong
↳Top performers: Take responsibility and focus on solutions
↳How: “That didn't land like I hoped - here's how I'll fix it“

4) Say No
↳Most people: Say yes to everything, fearing conflict
↳Top performers: Protect priorities by saying no when needed
↳How: “I'm at capacity right now - can we revisit this later?“

5) Early Feedback
↳Most people: Avoid feedback until it's too late
↳Top performers: Ask for it early and apply it quickly
↳How: “Anything I can improve on this before I continue?“

6) Lift Others
↳Most people: Focus only on personal wins
↳Top performers: Share knowledge, build trust, and elevate the team
↳How: “Here's a shortcut I learned - thought it might help you too“

7) Limit Responses
↳Most people: Reply instantly and mistake activity for productivity
↳Top performers: Protect focus and respond intentionally
↳How: “I'll review this and get back to you by 3 p.m.“

8) Avoid Drama
↳Most people: Get pulled into gossip and emotional noise
↳Top performers: Stay above it, focusing on outcomes
↳How: “I'm not sure I have enough context - I'll stay out of this“

9) Take Risks
↳Most people: Stay safe to avoid judgment or failure
↳Top performers: Push into discomfort and learn quickly
↳How: “I've never done this before, but I'm open to trying“

10) Stay Balanced
↳Most people: Push until depleted, equating effort with results
↳Top performers: Prioritize recovery for long-term performance
↳How: “I'm going to sign off early tonight to stay sharp tomorrow“

11) Reflect Often
↳Most people: Move task to task without learning
↳Top performers: Pause to extract lessons from wins and failures
↳How: “What worked? What would I do differently next time?“

Top performers work differently.

Not by magic.

Not by putting in 100-hour weeks.

But by making smarter moves every day.

Which of these are you currently working on?

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