Rob Dance

The best hiring advice I can give?
 
(You’re doing it all wrong)
 
Hire for potential - not just the past.
 
Too many play it safe, scanning CVs for what’s already been ticked off.
 
But what someone can do matters more than what they’ve done.
 
Look for people who:
 
1) Bring energy, not ego
↳ They lift the room, not drain it.
↳ They don’t waste time trying to prove they’re the smartest.
 
2) Have self-awareness
↳ They know their strengths, but own their blind spots.
↳ If they pretend to have it all figured out, they probably don’t.
 
3) Ask sharp questions
↳ Curiosity matters more than perfectly rehearsed answers.
↳ The best hires dig deep, challenge ideas, and want to understand the why.
 
4) Take initiative
↳ They act without needing to be told.
↳ They spot gaps and step up.
 
5) See the bigger picture
↳ Hire people who think beyond their job description.
↳ They’re already talking about impact, not just tasks.
 
Skills can be taught. 
Potential can’t be faked. 
 
Hire for where someone’s going - not just where they’ve been.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

I’m finally saying goodbye
 
You should get comfortable with saying the same.
 
Shoutout to my friend Will McTighe for this one!
 
A lot of people stay stuck in the wrong situation.
 
But here's the cold, hard truth: The longer you stay, the deeper you sink.
 
Here are 7 signs it might be time to walk away:
 
1. You’ve Stopped Growing. 
↳ It feels like you’ve hit the ceiling. No growth. No learning. Just stuck.
 
2. You’re Undervalued. 
↳ It’s not about constant praise. It’s about busting your gut and no one noticing.
 
3. You’re Always Waiting for the 'Right Time'. 
↳ You keep telling yourself, “Just a little longer.“ News flash: there is no “right time“.
 
4. You’ve Lost the Passion. 
↳ Monday dread ruins your Sundays. The excitement is gone.
 
5. You Don’t Get Along With Your Manager. 
↳ Work feels tense and negative. You’re on edge, worried about their reactions.
 
6. Your Goals Have Changed. 
↳ It’s natural to want new things as you grow. Time to realign your life.
 
7. You Constantly Think ‘What If’. 
↳ You talk about leaving but never act. Fear of uncertainty holds you back.
 
Be honest enough to admit when you’re in the wrong place. 
Be the best you can be when you're in the right place.
 
It’s that simple.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Share this post to help more people take the steps they need.
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Toxic managers don’t hire for talent
 
(And there’s a reason)
 
They hire for obedience.
 
Why?
 
They don’t want thinkers.
They want followers. 
 
Because controlling people is easier when no one questions them.
 
But businesses don’t grow on compliance. 
 
They grow on challenge, innovation, and tough conversations.
 
That’s why great leaders:

→ Encourage ideas, not just approval.
→ Ask for feedback, not just wait for it.
→ Want to be challenged, not just followed.
 
If only one voice matters, that’s not a team.
 
That’s a dictatorship.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

The real reason your team have the Sunday scaries 👇
 
(It’s not about the job)
 
It’s about the culture.
 
A toxic workplace makes Monday feel like a punishment.
A great one makes it feel like an opportunity.
 
If your team is battling Sunday night anxiety, the issue isn’t them.
 
It’s the environment they’re walking into.
 
Here’s how to fix it:
 
1) Listen then act
↳ Your employees know what’s wrong. Don’t ignore them.
↳ Make feedback a two-way street. Ask, absorb, and take real action.
 
2. Recognise and reward effort 
↳ A simple “thank you” or public recognition goes a long way.
↳ Don’t just celebrate results. Acknowledge hard work that leads to them.
 
3. Get rid of the fear factor
↳ If people are afraid to speak up, fail, or disagree, your culture is broken.
↳ Encourage learning, honesty, and psychological safety.
 
4. Replace rules with trust
↳ Stop measuring hours and micromanaging every move.
↳ Trust people to do their jobs, and they’ll show up for you.
 
5. Lead like a human, not a boss
↳ Drop the corporate mask. Be approachable and treat people as individuals.
↳ The best leaders don’t just manage - they connect.
 
Culture isn’t what’s written on the walls. 
 
It’s how people feel on Sunday night.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Share this to help leaders in your network build a better culture
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Words don’t reveal the truth
 
(No matter how convincing it sounds)
 
Actions does.
 
As leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in:
 
- Big plans
- Bold promises
- Inspiring speeches
 
But talk is cheap.
 
Our teams pay attention to what we do, not just what we say.
 
So here’s how to align your actions with your words:
 
1) Set Clear Expectations:
 ↳ Define your goals explicitly.
 ↳ Make them measurable so your team can hold you accountable.
 
2) Track Your Actions:
 ↳ Regularly review your commitments.
 ↳ If you’ve fallen short, acknowledge it and outline next steps.
 
3) Acknowledge Gaps:
 ↳ When actions don’t match words, own it.
 ↳ Transparency creates trust and reinforces integrity.
 
Leadership isn’t about making noise. 
 
It’s about showing up and delivering - every time.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Repost this to help the leaders in your network.
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this.

I used to think people left jobs for more money
 
(I was wrong)
 
They’re not chasing bigger paychecks.
They’re chasing peace of mind.
 
They leave when:
 
- Effort is never enough.
- Silence feels safer than honesty.
- Burnout is expected and vulnerability is a liability.
 
So here’s a reminder from Dan:  
Retention starts with culture.
 
If you want to retain your best people? 
 
Start with respect.
 
That means:
 
→ Managers who support, not shame
→ A culture where it’s safe to be honest
→ Teams that value rest as much as results
 
The paycheck is important, sure. 
 
But it’s not the reason they stay.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!

Follow Rob Dance for more posts like this.

Most employees settle in once they’ve got the job
 
And it’s enough to get by…

But it won’t take you further.
 
The ones who grow think differently.
 
→ They read after hours.
→ They build skills nobody asked for.
→ They stay curious, even when it’s easier to switch off.
 
These people aren’t just working a job.
They’re investing in their future.
 
And leaders should take note.
 
Because when someone’s learning without being told, it changes everything.
 
They:

- Don’t need micromanagement.
- Don’t wait for recognition.
- Lead themselves.
 
And those kinds of people?

They’re not just useful.
 
They’re the ones who move the team forward.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!

Follow Rob Dance for more posts like this.

Want to crush morale fast?
 
Simple: 
 
Let underperformers slide while your best people stay quiet.
 
As Dora Vanourek reminds us:
What you tolerate becomes your culture.
 
Strong leaders don’t wait for things to fix themselves.
They act.
 
And here’s what that looks like:
 
1) Set clear standards. 
↳ Everyone should know what “good” means.
 
2) Address issues early. 
↳ Before they grow into bigger problems.
 
3) Show up consistently. 
↳ Not just when things go wrong.
 
4) Follow through. 
↳ On promises and expectations.
 
5) Recognise wins with real feedback. 
↳ Not just a “well done,” but “here’s what you nailed.“
 
Leadership isn’t about hoping - it’s about showing up.
 
People are always watching.
Deciding whether they can trust you.
 
So lead like it matters.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!

Follow Rob Dance for more posts like this.

I’ve seen it too many times
 
(I’m sure you have too)
 
People who think they’re “past” the basics.
 
They want:
 
→ The title
→ The salary
→ The respect
 
But not the learning that comes with it.
 
The truth?
 
If you’re too proud to be a beginner, you’re choosing to stay where you are.
 
No one gets better without going back to square one now and then. 
 
Whether it’s:
 
- Changing careers
- Learning a new tool
- Managing a team for the first time
 
Humility is your best asset.
 
If you’re not willing to stumble, ask, and relearn - 
You’re capping your own potential.
 
Growth doesn't care about your ego. 
 
Either you keep learning, or you stay the same.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!

Follow Rob Dance for more posts like this.

Don’t overlook this

(Most people do)
 
The silence.
 
Companies love to talk about culture and growth.

But when it really matters?
They don’t invest in their people.
 
- No feedback.
- No development.
- No one asking, “What do you need?”
 
Just... silence.
 
And maybe that silence says it all.
 
Maybe they’ve already decided you’re replaceable.
Maybe they’ve stopped seeing your value.
 
It’s tough to accept, but real talk:
If they’re not investing in your growth, why are you still there?
 
The companies that care will show it.

They support, develop, and uplift.
 
So if none of that’s happening, it’s not burnout.
It’s clarity.
 
Start planning your next move.

You deserve more.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!
 
Follow Rob Dance for more posts like this.

Almost everyone wishes they started earlier
 
But here’s the truth:
 
Regret doesn’t move you forward. 
Action does.
 
Today is the youngest you’ll ever be.
 
That’s not just a reminder - it’s your opportunity.
 
You’re not too late.
You’re right on time, if you move now.
 
Here’s how:
 
1. Start small and stay consistent
↳ Choose one small thing you can do today.
↳ Ten minutes daily beats one big effort followed by silence.
 
2. Set a no-excuse deadline
↳ Not “soon” - a date. Write it down. Tell someone.
↳ Deadlines give you direction and urgency.
 
3. Cut the need for perfect
↳ You don’t need the best tools or a flawless plan.
↳ You can fix things as you go. Progress beats perfection every time.
 
4. Make it visible
↳ Put your goal where you’ll see it daily.
↳ That reminder keeps your intention alive, especially on tough days.
 
5. Find one person to keep you accountable
↳ Tell one person who’ll keep you honest.
↳ Accountability makes action more likely.
 
Whatever it is…
 
- Building that skill
- Changing direction
- Launching that idea
 
Waiting another year won’t make it easier.
 
Hesitation is the only thing in the way.
 
Start now.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Skills aren’t enough\n \n(This might annoy some people)\n \nBut it’s the truth.\n \nIf your attitude’s off, talent won’t get you far.\n \nThe best people to work with aren’t always the most skilled.\n \nThey’re the ones who:\n \n→ Stay calm\n→ Think clearly\n→ Keep the team moving forward\n \nEspecially when everything goes wrong.\n \nBecause when the pressure hits, your mindset matters more than your skillset.\n \nSo ask yourself:\n \nCan you stay focused when others panic?\nCan you keep looking for solutions instead of pointing fingers?\n \nThat’s where real value shows up.\n \nBecause a positive attitude beats talent when pressure’s on.\n\nEvery time.\n \nDo you agree?\n \n♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!\n \nAnd follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

You'll learn this when it's too late
 
(This happened to me)
 
Most things in life never end:
 
- Perfecting a skill, yet there's always more to learn.
- Advancing in a career, yet each step leads to another challenge.
- Pursuing happiness, yet it evolves with every stage of life.
 
In March 2019, my perspective completely shifted.
 
An unexpected event turned my life around.
 
Picture this: a typical Sunday, laughter echoing in the house.
 
By nightfall, everything had changed.
 
The silence was deafening, the reality unbearable.
 
My dad, young and seemingly invincible, was struck down by a stroke and passed away hours later.
 
Then, I learned something I wish I had known earlier.
 
In life, I always believed in second chances, that there's always a 'next time'.
 
But death doesn't work like that. It's final, like a full stop.
 
Every moment in life matters.
 
Once it's gone, you can't get it back.
 
I learned this the hard way: when death comes, it's the end.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Repost this post to pass this reminder on
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Free snacks and branded hoodies don’t define culture 
 
(Let’s stop pretending they do)
 
Thanks to my friend Dan for this one!
 
Culture is about how people feel day-to-day.
 
Are they heard? 
Are they valued?
Do they feel safe?
 
If not, all the perks are just noise.
A distraction from what really counts.
 
Because culture isn’t built in all-hands meetings.

It’s built in:
 
→ The quiet moments.
→ How people are treated when no one’s watching.
→ Whether rest, growth, and honesty are truly supported.
 
It isn’t about perfection.
It’s about intention.
 
Get the culture right.

Everything else follows.

Do you agree?
 
♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network.

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

A reality check for anyone who needs it:
 
(You deserve better)
 
Loyalty isn’t a one-way street.
 
Too many workplaces expect it without giving anything in return.
 
But a company that values you will show it. They’ll:
 
1) Recognise your contributions and effort.
2) Listen to your concerns and act on them.
3) Respect your boundaries and work-life balance.
4) Promote from within instead of overlooking internal talent.
5) Support your career growth with training and opportunities.
6) Make staying feel like the right choice, not your only choice.
7) Pay you what you’re worth, not what they can get away with.
 
If they:
 
- Don’t value you
- Don’t invest in your growth
- Don’t try to retain you when you consider leaving
 
Take the hint. 
 
Staying in a place that doesn’t value you will drain you.
 
Take your skills, time, and energy where they’re appreciated.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Anyone can say, “I care about my team.”
 
But leadership isn’t about what you say.

It’s about what you do.
 
→ The respect you show.
→ The trust you build.
→ The consistency in how you treat people.
 
Forget the grand gestures.

It’s the small, everyday actions that matter most:
 
→ Do you listen?
→ Do you recognise effort?
→ Do you make people feel valued?
 
A title doesn’t make you a leader.

Your actions do.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Share this to help the leaders in your network
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

The one leadership lesson you can’t afford to ignore
 
(Skip this, and you'll regret it)
 
A company is only as strong as its people.
 
The right team will:
 
→ Challenge ideas
→ Push boundaries
→ Drive real growth
 
The wrong team? 
 
They’ll slow you down - no matter how brilliant your vision is.
 
That’s why hiring isn’t just about filling seats.
 
It’s about finding people who fit the culture and fuel progress. 
 
Those who:
 
→ Take ownership
→ Care about the mission
→ Bring their best every day
 
Because a company isn’t its product, its brand, or its plan.
 
It’s the people behind it.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Share this to help the leaders in your network
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

He worried about tomorrow
 
But he never got to see it.
 
That wrecks me.
 
Because I’ve lived like that too.
 
Stuck in fears of “what might happen”
 
Imagining disasters that never came.
 
It's a killer.
 
It doesn’t protect you.
It doesn’t prepare you.
It just robs you of now.
 
I can’t keep living like that.
 
Not in 2025.
 
Because today is all we’ve got.
 
It’s all we’ve ever had—and it’s enough.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Share with someone who needs to see this today!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

If you’re doing this, you’re not really leading:
 
(Despite what you may think)
 
- Hovering over every move.
- Needing to approve the tiniest decisions.
- Pausing progress until you give the green light.
 
That’s not leadership.
That’s micromanagement.
 
And if your team stalls without you, they’re not growing.

Which means you’re not scaling.
 
Because leadership isn’t about control.

It’s about building momentum.
 
→ Let them try
→ Let them think
→ Let them learn
 
If everything collapses when you leave, you were never leading.
 
You were just managing presence.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Repost this to help the leaders in your network.
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this.

So many title-chasers end up as losers
 
They forget one simple rule...
 
It’s not about your ego—it’s about them!
 
Thanks to my friend Dan Murray-Serter for this one.
 
Here are 12 ways to make it all about them:
 
1. Listen more than you speak
↳ Practice active listening
↳ Seek to understand before being understood
 
2. Recognise efforts, not just results
↳ Celebrate small wins
↳ Acknowledge the process, not just outcomes
 
3. Lead by example
↳ Be the first to arrive, last to leave
↳ Never ask your team to do what you wouldn't do yourself
 
4. Foster psychological safety
↳ Encourage open dialogue
↳ Make it safe to fail and learn
 
5. Invest in your team's growth
↳ Provide learning opportunities
↳ Support career development goals
 
6. Communicate clearly and often
↳ Share the 'why' behind decisions
↳ Be transparent about challenges and successes
 
7. Show empathy
↳ Consider personal circumstances
↳ Offer support during tough times
 
8. Empower decision-making
↳ Delegate meaningful responsibilities
↳ Trust your team's judgment
 
9. Give constructive feedback
↳ Be specific and timely
↳ Focus on behaviour, not personality
 
10. Celebrate diversity
↳ Value different perspectives
↳ Create an inclusive environment
 
11. Be accountable
↳ Own your mistakes
↳ Share credit for successes
 
12. Express genuine appreciation
↳ Say 'thank you' sincerely and often
↳ Recognise contributions publicly
 
The best leaders are remembered for the way they uplifted others.
 
Anything else you'd add to this list? 
 
♻️ Repost this if you agree
 
And follow Rob Dance for more content like this!

The biggest leadership lesson I’ve learnt
 
(After 16 years as a CEO)
 
Nobody wants to follow a leader who doesn’t try.
 
When people realise they’re carrying more weight than you...
↳ They’ll stop carrying it at all.
 
And honestly, why should they?
 
You’ve given them a masterclass in how not to care!
 
Leadership is about showing, not telling.
 
This doesn’t mean micromanaging.
 
It means showing that you care enough to work just as hard.
 
If you’re not willing to do that, step aside.
 
But if you are, prove it.
 
Show them you’re in it with them.
 
If they see your dedication, they’ll match it.
 
Slack off, and don’t act surprised when they do the same.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Share with someone who needs to see this today!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

If your team is staying silent
 
You're not leading…
 
You're intimidating them.
 
Thanks to my friend George Stern for this one!
 
Strong teams don’t avoid tough conversations. 
 
They lean into them. 
 
But that only happens when they feel safe.
 
And that safety? 
It starts with you.
 
So here’s 9 ways to lead without fear:
 
1) Ask: “If this fails, why?”
2) Normalise pushback. Don’t punish it.
3) Start by challenging your own thinking.
4) Ask for concerns before making decisions.
5) Pull in the quiet voices, not just the loud ones.
6) Be willing to change your mind - and say it out loud.
7) Thank those who challenge you, especially in private.
8) Say “What am I missing?” instead of “Any questions?”
9) Praise respectful disagreement - frequently and publicly.
 
Lead with curiosity, not ego. 
 
That’s when teams speak and thrive.
 
Do you agree? 
 
♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network.
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Confidence isn’t about being the loudest

(Especially at work)

It’s quieter than that.
 
Thanks to my friend Colby Kultgen for this one!
 
It’s about:
 
- Staying consistent.
- Showing up, again and again.
- Knowing who you are - even when no one’s watching.
 
So if you want to build real confidence, start here:
 
1) Follow through on tasks
→ Meet your deadlines.
→ Keep your promises. That’s how trust is built.
 
2) Say yes to responsibilities that scare you
→ Put your hand up for the project that challenges you.
→ Growth lives outside your comfort zone.
 
3) Face the uncomfortable conversations
→ Don’t avoid tough feedback or difficult clients.
→ Confidence grows when you stop dodging the hard stuff.
 
4) Learn from mistakes 
→ Own them. Fix them. Move forward.
→ Perfection isn’t the goal - progress is.
 
5) Deliver value even when no one’s watching
→ Do great work whether or not you’re recognised.
→ Quiet impact still counts.
 
This is how it starts.
Not in grand gestures, but in tiny, repeated acts.
 
So if you’re not there yet, that’s okay.

Just keep showing up.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network.
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

I’ve seen this happen far too often\n \n(It’s a massive red flag)\n \nA hiring process that drags on endlessly.\n \nYou’ve prepared.\nYou’ve shown up.\n\nAnd then… silence.\n\nOr worse - another pointless round of interviews.\n \nThat’s not a test of your commitment.\nIt’s a sign to walk away.\n \nJob hunting is already tough.\n\nThe process shouldn’t make it harder.\n \nIf you’re chasing a company, it’s not a reflection of your worth.\n\nIt’s about their lack of respect for your time.\n \nYou’re more than a name on a CV.\nYou bring real skills. Real value.\n \nIf they can’t recognise that?\n \nLet them miss out. You move on.\n \nDo you agree?\n \n♻️ Found this helpful? Repost to help your LinkedIn network.\n \nAnd follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

I hate the house because of what it did to me
 
Goals are attractive…
 
Being goal-driven has been such a huge part of who I am.
 
But the more I chase achievements, the more I realise:
 
→ They don’t bring lasting peace.
 
It’s not about giving up on goals.
 
It’s about finding balance:
 
Setting them without tying your happiness to the outcome.
 
So before you set your 2025 goals:
 
Take a moment. Pause. Reflect on the “why.”
 
Remember, goals pull you forward.
 
But they won’t fix what’s broken.
 
Win or lose, the void stays.
 
So don’t bleed out chasing.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ Share with someone who needs to see this today!
 
And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Here's a single word that will SKY ROCKET your growth

(the secret weapon I use daily).

Do you say “yes” when you want to say “no”?
Do you agree to do something and then instantly regret it?

So many of you have told me that you struggle with this,

And saying yes to EVERYTHING is massively holding you back.

Here's a four-step guide on how to say 'NO':

STEP 1: Instead of just saying YES, say “Let me think about it.“

- It's that simple - buy yourself some time to consider things properly.
- Think about it and ask if it's something that is truly valuable.
- “Let me think about it“ is not a way of avoiding saying No; you're using it to set a boundary and pause.
- When you're ready, without feeling pressured or caught off-guard, be assertive and communicate your decision.

STEP 2: Say “I don't“ rather than “I can't“

- Research suggests you're 41% less likely to make the wrong decision when you say “I don't“ rather than “I can't“.
- The phrase “I don't“ is empowering — it represents a choice and reinforces your control and power over the situation.
- “I can't“ suggests limitation and lack of choice, which can undermine your confidence and sense of empowerment.

→ Question: “Do you want to come to the pub tonight?“
↳ Response if declining: Say “I don’t go out on weeknights“ rather than “I can’t join you tonight“.

→ Question: “Can you do this urgent project for me?“
↳ Response if declining: “I don’t take on new tasks without some notice“ rather than “I can’t manage that project today due to my workload“

STEP 3: Tell yourself why you said no

- Doing this will help eliminate any guilt and make it easier to make tough decisions in the future.

STEP 4: Move on

- It’s not a firm decision when you sit and question yourself a dozen times - Once you’ve made your decision, the decision is made.

Decide, and then let go.

So, have you ever said YES when you really wanted to say NO??

♻️ Repost this to your network to help others to take control of their lives

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

If a company uses this word…
 
RUN!
 
Thanks to my friend Howie Chan for this one!
 
Your company isn’t your family.

It’s a business.
 
And when things gets tough, it protects itself first.
 
You might be loyal.
You might perform.

But that doesn’t guarantee security.
 
So keep investing in yourself:

→ Learn new skills
→ Grow your network
→ Look after your mental health
 
Because you are your greatest asset.
 
Be proud of what you do.

But don’t let your job define who you are.
 
Do you agree?
 
♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network!

And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!