People skills++

When you recommend a change, don’t begin with the biggest version of your idea.

Start with a small step that still moves things forward.

Committing to everything upfront can feel like a big decision. A larger commitment can feel risky.

So instead of asking people to commit upfront, ask them to take the first step. They’ll often find it easier to agree to this. 

And once they’ve seen it work, they’re much more willing to take the next step.

So make your ideas easy to accept.

That’s how real change begins.

But that doesn’t mean it works for everyone else.

What feels clear, efficient and respectful to you can land very differently with others.

Some people want detail. Some want the headlines. Some like time to think before responding. Others work things out by talking.

So before your next interaction, ask yourself what this person needs from you.

Then… 

Adapt how you communicate.

You might need to be more direct, more patient or more structured. Or less of all three.

Leadership isn’t about treating everyone the same. It’s about getting the best from different people.

And to do this, you should stop defaulting to your usual way.