What’s it like to be on the other side of you?

Lead with Awareness

Have you ever paused to ask: What’s it like to be on the receiving end of me?

It’s a powerful and sometimes uncomfortable question. But it’s one every thoughtful leader must consider.

We all have intentions behind our actions—but it’s the impact that matters most. You may think your tone is focused and clear, but it might be landing as harsh or dismissive. You might believe you’re holding someone accountable, while they feel micromanaged or unsupported.

This isn’t about softening standards or avoiding hard conversations. It’s about expanding awareness. The Golden Rule says treat others the way you want to be treated. The Platinum Rule goes a step further: treat others the way they want to be treated.

As leaders, our goal isn’t to mold everyone into our image—it’s to bring people along in a way that feels meaningful and motivating to them. That doesn’t mean coddling or avoiding accountability. It means leading with empathy, understanding the lens through which others experience you, and adjusting where needed to better connect and communicate.

Take time this week to observe how people respond to your presence, your feedback, your leadership. Ask for feedback. Reflect on it honestly. You may find that a small shift in approach creates a big shift in energy—moving your team from compliance to commitment, from resistance to enthusiasm.

Lead with awareness. It makes all the difference.

Are you investing the time and resources to grow personally and professionally?