Steve Keating

Developing the Next Generation of Leaders. If you appreciate my efforts on X you can buy my next Diet Coke at

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Authentic leaders give credit when and where it is due.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Sir Isaac Newton was only 23 years old when he discovered the law of universal gravitation.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

C3P0 is the first character to speak in Star Wars.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Water-based mammals like dolphins and whales swish their tails up and down. Only fish move them sideways.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Successful people know that for something to get done someone must do it.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Buckingham Palace has 602 rooms.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Gustave Eiffel, the builder of the Eiffel Tower, also built a dam in Russia, a church in the Philippines, and designed the right arm and full steel structure supporting the Statue of Liberty.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

An ear of corn always has an even number of rows because of the genetic formula which divides the cells.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. - Eleanor Roosevelt

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Thank you, I appreciate you sharing my post. @olowo_sam

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Powerful Habits of Successful Leaders

Successful leaders possess many characteristics and traits that contribute to their success. So many, in fact, that it is difficult to say exactly which characteristics a person must possess to be a successful leader.

I’d say integrity and judgment are absolutely essential, but it can become somewhat debatable after that. A characteristic that is very impactful for one leader may not play much of a role in the success of another. But, most leaders who have positively impacted their people share habits. These habits inspire trust, motivate teams, and drive results.

Here are some of the best habits of effective leaders.

1. Clear Vision and Purpose
Habit: Define a clear vision and communicate it effectively.
Why it matters: A clear sense of direction helps align the team and focus efforts on shared goals.

2. Active Listening
Habit: Actively listen to others’ concerns, feedback, and ideas. Don’t interrupt or assume.
Why it matters: It builds trust, fosters teamwork, and ensures that leaders understand the needs and challenges of their team.

3. Consistent Communication
Habit: Regularly share updates, expectations, and constructive feedback.
Why it matters: Open communication minimizes misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page.

4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Habit: Practice self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation.
Why it matters: Leaders with high EQ navigate interpersonal dynamics effectively, building strong relationships and maintaining a positive team culture.

5. Lead by Example
Habit: Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and hard work.
Why it matters: Teams are more likely to mirror the behavior of their leaders, creating a culture of excellence and accountability.

6. Decisiveness
Habit: Make informed decisions promptly and confidently.
Why it matters: Decisive leaders instill confidence in their teams and keep projects moving forward.

7. Adaptability
Habit: Embrace change and be flexible in the face of challenges.
Why it matters: Adaptable leaders can pivot effectively. This keeps their teams resilient in uncertain times.

8. Empowering Others
Habit: Delegate responsibilities and trust team members to deliver.
Why it matters: Empowering others fosters ownership and encourages professional growth within the team.

9. Continuous Learning
Habit: Seek feedback, stay curious, and pursue personal and professional development.
Why it matters: Leaders who learn and grow inspire their teams to do the same and remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.

10. Recognizing and Celebrating Success
Habit: Acknowledge achievements, big or small, and celebrate milestones.
Why it matters: Recognition boosts morale, motivates teams, and reinforces positive behavior.

11. Strategic Thinking
Habit: Look at the bigger picture and plan for the long term.
Why it matters: Strategic leaders anticipate challenges and opportunities, ensuring sustainable success.

12. Resilience
Habit: Stay composed and positive during tough times.
Why it matters: Resilient leaders inspire their teams to persevere and overcome obstacles.

We often tend to think of habits in a negative light, but these are all very positive habits. Leaders can inspire their teams and build trust by developing and practicing these habits. They will achieve lasting success. Which of these habits resonates most with you?

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

The largest stained-glass window in the world is at Kennedy International Airport in New York City. It can be found in the American Airlines terminal building and measures 300 feet long by 23 feet high.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

How to Read People

Reading people involves observing their behavior, body language, verbal cues, and emotions to understand their thoughts, feelings, and intentions. The greatest advantage to possessing the skill of reading people is that it immensely improves our ability to communicate with them.

Many people believe they possess this skill but many of those would be wrong. Most people typically overestimate their ability in this area. That causes miscommunication and oftentimes false assumptions.

Fortunately, reading people is a skill and that means we can become more effective with it through effort and practice. Here's a bit of a primer to help you develop the skill of reading people more effectively.

Observe body language. Pay attention to gestures, facial expressions, posture, and eye movements. For example, crossed arms might indicate defensiveness or discomfort, while leaning forward could signal interest or engagement.

Listen actively. Focus not only on what someone says but also on how they say it. Tone of voice, speed of speech, and emphasis can convey underlying emotions and attitudes.

Notice patterns. Look for consistent behaviors or reactions across different situations. These patterns can reveal someone's habitual responses and personality traits.

Consider context. Understand the context in which the person is communicating. Cultural norms, environment, and past experiences can influence behavior and communication style.

Pay attention to non-verbal cues. In addition to body language, consider other non-verbal cues such as breathing rate, sweating, and fidgeting. These signals can provide insights into someone's emotional state.

Empathize. Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes and imagine how they might be feeling or thinking. Empathy can help you better understand their perspective and motivations.

Ask open-ended questions. Encourage the person to share more about themselves and their experiences. Open-ended questions prompt deeper reflection and reveal more about their thoughts and feelings.

Trust your instincts. Intuition can be a powerful tool in reading people. If something feels off or inconsistent, don't ignore it. Trust your gut instincts but also verify your observations through further interaction and communication.

Be mindful of biases. Be aware of your own biases and preconceptions, which can influence how you interpret someone's behavior. Try to approach each interaction with an open mind and without judgment.

Seek clarification. If you're unsure about someone's intentions or emotions, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Direct communication can help resolve misunderstandings and deepen your understanding of the other person.

Reading people is not about making assumptions or jumping to conclusions. It is not a skill that’s used to manipulate people. It is about gathering information and understanding others more deeply. It's a skill that requires practice, empathy, and open-mindedness.

It’s a skill that YOU can develop!

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

There are approximately 10 million bricks in the Empire State Building.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Thanks Peter, I appreciate your repost. @hrhwe1032

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

It's only impossible until somebody does it and guess what, you're somebody.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

If you have the ability to make a positive difference in the life of others, you must.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Thank you for sharing my post. @CCIngridSzabo

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Successful people learn to know but the most successful people learn to grow.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Thinking about doing something doesn't get it done.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Thank you for sharing my post! @ajayisa

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Dealing With Manipulative People

People come in all shapes and sizes, and most of them are great folks with good hearts. They’re a joy to be around, make wonderful friends, and great colleagues.

But unfortunately, there are some folks who aren’t so pleasant to deal with. That group includes manipulative people. And let me tell you, dealing with manipulative people can be tough. But the worst part? Not realizing they’re trying to manipulate you.

Dealing with manipulative people is usually a challenge, but if you use some smart strategies, you can protect yourself and keep your boundaries healthy. Here’s how to handle even the most manipulative people like a pro.

1. Know What Manipulation Looks Like
Pay attention to common tactics like guilt-tripping, gaslighting, playing the victim, or using flattery to control you.
Trust your gut. If something feels off or fake, it probably is manipulation.

2. Stay Calm and Cool
Don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Manipulators love to stir up drama.
Take a moment to think before you respond, especially if you feel pressured.

3. Set and Stick to Boundaries
Be clear about what you are okay with and say it calmly but firmly.
If someone crosses a line, remind them of your boundaries and stick to them.

4. Don’t Play Games
Don’t try to outsmart or argue with a manipulative person. This usually gives them the upper hand.
If the conversation gets too heated or unproductive, politely excuse yourself.

5. Ask Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when something is unclear or vague.
This helps clear things up and can stop the manipulation.

6. Use Simple Language
Avoid using overly emotional or defensive language, which manipulators can use to their advantage.
Stick to the facts and keep your tone calm and professional.

7. Keep a Record
Keep a record of your interactions with manipulative people. This can help you remember what happened and how you handled it, especially if they happen in a professional setting or involve serious issues. This can be helpful if you need to report them or seek support later on.

Job one when dealing with manipulative people is to take care of yourself. That may well mean limiting your interactions with manipulative individuals in the first place. Protect your own well-being by surrounding yourself with supportive and respectful people. If someone consistently attempts to manipulate you and refuses to change, it’s okay to distance yourself or cut ties altogether for your own good.

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

I’m different from you, you’re different from me. Both those things are good news. https://t.co/HITZMWLzWL

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Thank you for sharing my post. @Itz_derachi

[Steve Keating @LeadToday]

Good luck finding tomorrow on a calendar, if you can do it today then do it today.