Steven Claes

I messed up big time.

My heart sank as I watched Sarah, my star employee, walk out the door for the last time, some 10 years ago.

I thought I was a good boss. I was wrong.

Did you know 69% of people aren't excited about their job? 
(That's like 7 out of 10 of your friends hating Mondays!)

Why? Because bosses like me did not listen.

We controlled too much.

We didn't let people grow.

But I learned.

And now I'm sharing what works:

→ Give people big jobs to do. Trust them.
→ Share the glory when things go well.
→ Let everyone speak up. Listen hard.
→ Cheer for wins - even small ones!
→ Let them be the boss sometimes.
→ Help them learn new stuff.
→ Don't just nod and forget.
→ Use their ideas.

It's not just for work.

Everyone, this is for you too!

Let your kids try new things (safely). 
Let them grow.

I wish I knew this earlier. 
Sarah might still be here.

But it's not too late for you. 💚

What will you do today to make someone feel valued?
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♻️ Repost to avoid messing up with people
🔔 Follow Steven Claes for daily posts on Leadership - HR and Culture

You're more qualified than you think!

Ever see a job posting and think, “I can't do that“?

Think again!

Most job descriptions are wish lists, not must-haves.

Don't let them scare you off!

I've seen so many amazing people miss out on great jobs.

Why?

They thought they needed to be perfect.

And here's the kicker: If you're excited to learn and grow, you're already winning.

Don't worry about ticking every box.

Focus on what makes you special:

✅ DO:

• Show your unique skills
• Highlight your passion to learn
• Apply even if you're not 100% qualified

❌ DON'T:

• Wait for the “perfect“ job
• Assume you can't do it
• Let fear hold you back

My advice: Your growth mindset is your superpower in 2025! 💚

PS. What's the coolest thing you've learned on your own?

_________________________
♻️ Repost to help your friends
🔔 Follow Steven Claes for daily posts on Leadership - HR and Culture
Post ranking: #6 of 2024

🔥 Leadership Bombshell 🔥

Most leaders are doing this completely wrong.
(and I learned this the hard way)

Imagine losing your Best Talent in 60 seconds.

That's exactly what happens when you judge Faster than you Listen.

One wrong move. One quick judgment.

Your entire team's trust? Gone.

Leadership isn't about being Right.

It's about being Human.

The Top 1% of leaders know something revolutionary:

↳ Listening is your secret weapon.
↳ Judgment is your kryptonite.

Want to know how the world's most successful leaders create unstoppable teams?

↳ They Shut Up and Tune In.

Hard truth: Your ego kills more careers than any recession.

This isn't motivation.
This is leadership surgery.

Lead with your ears, not your mouth. 
Your team deserves to be heard. 💚

Who's brave enough to change?

Credit picture: Rob Dance

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♻️ Repost to lead with ears, not with your speech
🔔 Follow Steven Claes for daily posts on Leadership - HR and Culture

I used to feel alone in my career. Like nobody had my back.

Then I learned a secret.

It changed everything.

Surround yourself with people who fight for you when you're not there.

These are your true allies.

Your champions.

They defend your reputation.
They speak up for you in meetings.
They recommend you for opportunities.

It feels amazing to have people in your corner.

Like having superpowers!

✅ How to build your team of champions:
→ Keep your promises
→ Celebrate others' wins loudly
→ Be genuinely kind to everyone
→ Offer help without expecting anything back
→ Stand up for what's right, even when it's hard

❌ Don't:
→ Ignore people when you don't need them
→ Gossip or speak badly of others
→ Take credit for team efforts

I've seen this work wonders.

For me and countless others.

You don't have to be a boss to do this.

Anyone can.

Start today.

Be someone's champion.

Watch how it comes back to you.💚

PS. Who's got your back? Tag them below!

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♻️ Repost for all those champions out there.
🔔 Follow Steven Claes for daily posts on Leadership - HR and Culture

A culture of “Know It All“ or “Show It All“?

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom means not tossing it into a fruit salad.

Here's a simple truth:

Knowing a lot doesn't require you to share it all. Just like some fruits don't belong in every dish, not every thought deserves airtime.

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What can you do to have a culture of great communication?

1️⃣ 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:

Listen first to understand, not to respond.

Share not just because you can, but because it matters.

Speak with intention.

2️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀:

Avoid being the person who always stirs the pot by gossiping or spreading unverified information.

Instead, be the calming presence that others respect.

3️⃣ 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗰𝗵:

When you do talk, make sure it’s helpful, corrective when necessary, and always timely.

Words are powerful — use them wisely.
________________

Let’s create ripples of wisdom, not waves of noise.

P.S.1. A magnificent video on the power of words in the comment section

P.S.2. Reflection time: When was the last moment you chose silence over speech and discovered it was the more powerful choice?

Video credit: Dewayne - #DryCreekWranglerSchool (check out his youtube channel)

Are you tired of feeling drained?

Toxic people zap your energy like bad WiFi.

It's time to cut the connection!

When you do, something amazing happens.

Your signal gets stronger. ⚡️

You feel lighter, happier, and more powerful.

I've been there. We all have.

Those people who always bring you down.

The ones who make you doubt yourself.

But here's the truth:

You deserve better. 💖

Leaders, this goes for you too!

A toxic team member can hurt everyone.

So, what can you do?

✅ Here are some quick tips:

↳ Set clear boundaries
↳ Focus on your own growth
↳ Spend time with positive people
↳ Speak up when someone crosses the line

❌ And what NOT to do:

↳ Don't feel guilty for putting yourself first
↳ Don't engage in their drama
↳ Don't try to change them

Believe me, you're the hero of your story.

Be brave. Make the change.

Watch your life transform.

You've got this! 💚

Happy weekend my LI friends.

PS. What's your experience with toxic people?

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♻️ Repost to cut the toxic connection.
🔔 Follow Steven Claes for daily posts on Leadership - HR and Culture

What if I told you the secret to an unstoppable team is something you can’t buy?

It's not what you think.

Hint: It's free, but most leaders never use it. 👇

Here's how to unlock your team's potential:

↳ Care about your people. Really care.
↳ Lead by example, not by orders.
↳ Listen more than you speak.

Your team isn't just a bunch of workers.
They're humans with dreams and fears.

Treat them like gold, and they'll move mountains for you.

And here's the kicker: it's not about free snacks or ping pong tables.

It's about building a culture of trust, respect, and growth.

Want to level up your leadership game? Try this:

✅ DO:
• Celebrate small wins loudly
• Give honest feedback with kindness
• Ask your team what they need to succeed

❌ DON'T:
• Micromanage (it kills creativity)
• Play favourites (it breeds resentment)
• Ignore mental health (it's as important as physical health)

Great leaders work FOR their team, not the other way around.

Your success is their success.
Their growth is your growth.

So, are you ready to build a culture where everyone wins?

Let's make work awesome together! 💚
_______________________
♻️ Repost to inspire others and build the right legacy
🔔 Follow Steven Claes for daily posts on Leadership - HR and Culture