Leadership Survival Skills
The stories dominating headlines remind us that when CEOs behave badly, organizations pay a heavy price. Strong leadership anchored in vision, integrity, empowerment, and a commitment to listening does the opposite: it builds trust, attracts talent, and sustains growth.
The question for all of us is not if we will be called to lead, but how we will rise when we are.
Here are five skills to help you step into leadership with confidence, whether you hold the title or simply need to demonstrate it in action.
Anchor change in vision
Organizations often say they want change but resist it in practice. That’s where vision matters. Even if your company has not articulated a vision, create and communicate a clear picture of the future for your team. Without it, people feel adrift; with it, they find motivation and focus even through uncertainty.
In one organization I supported, we launched a change management plan anchored in a newly defined vision. Midway through implementation, it became clear senior management was not fully committed to the vision and was actively resisting it. We made the unusual decision to pause, bring them further into the process, and co-created a revised vision that underscored the operational and financial necessity of change.
Listen before you plan
Effective leaders do not draft strategy in isolation. Listen deeply first, meet with colleagues, map the culture, learn the history of what has been tried before. Then build your plan, and repeat it often through multiple channels—in team meetings, one-on-one sessions, and written communications—to signal clarity and reduce fear by helping people understand not just the “what” but the “why.”
Find a champion at the table
Even the best ideas need allies. Identify someone with influence, ideally someone trusted by the CEO or senior leadership, who will advocate for your ideas. Leadership is political by nature; align yourself with champions who can shift dynamics in your favor while you actively build support among your peers. And once you reach the C-suite, the same approach applies with your board.
Empower relentlessly
No leader succeeds alone. The demands will stretch you across vision, strategy, and execution in rapid cycles. Empower others to act by delegating responsibility and providing guidance, then stepping back to let them learn. Growth does not happen without missteps, and your confidence in others builds loyalty and resilience.
Navigate politics with integrity
Politics are not optional as you rise; they are part of the job. The danger comes when leaders become consumed by power games and lose sight of purpose. Stay connected to the people your work serves, pay attention to the underlying dynamics, and always keep integrity at the center. Your reputation is your most valuable currency.
If this resonates and you are seeking leadership or change management advisory, let’s connect.