Beyond the Told

by Dr. David M Robertson

Category: Leadership

Leadership ideas and considerations

Empowerment vs. Safe Spaces

If you had to choose one, which would you rather be: Empowered or Safe? In recent years, the call for “safe spaces” has grown louder in workplaces, schools, and social environments alike. Sure, on the surface, a safe space sounds nice—a place where individuals can feel shielded from harm or distress, both physical and emotional. […]

The Puzzle of Personal Vision

If you want to find purpose and direction in life, it’s crucial to start with a deep understanding of yourself. This is a big part of ‘personal leadership.’ I liken this process to assembling a puzzle, where each piece represents a part of who you are and what you aim to achieve. Finding your purpose […]

Perception, Perspective, and Accuracy

Do we want to be ‘right,’ or do we want to be ‘accurate?’ We now live in a world where information flows relentlessly from countless sources, which also means that the way we process and evaluate this information is crucial. Unfortunately, most ‘feel’ the information they consume. Very few analyze that information through a critical […]

Leadership Lessons from the Middle East

In leadership, the ability to make informed decisions is crucial, as the repercussions of those decisions can ripple across generations. The ongoing challenges in the Middle East are a great example of what happens when leaders act without fully understanding the complexities of the situations they face. I would argue that the turmoil in this […]

When Empathy Inadvertantly Becomes Sabotage

It seems that there has been an alarming and growing trend to emphasize perception-driven approaches, emotional responses, and leadership models such as servant leadership, which typically prioritize empathy and emotion over strategic foresight and critical analysis. While these methods appear well-intentioned, focusing on emotional connectivity, their overuse can literally sabotage long-term goals, organizational efficiency, and […]

The Value of Contrasting Information

Information is both abundant and easily accessible. Hence, the concept of “thinking for yourself” has gained new importance. Yet, at the same time, this idea is often misunderstood. Many people equate thinking independently with rejecting or avoiding information that doesn’t align with their existing beliefs. However, I would argue that true independent thinking requires engaging […]

Ghosting, Follow-Through, and Leadership

In my many years as a leadership strategist, I have found that two things can destroy a leader’s credibility faster than you can say “promotion denied.” These two cardinal sins are ghosting and a lack of follow-through. These leadership don’ts can significantly tarnish how others see you and are central to whether anyone can or […]

Epistemic Rigidity in Law Enforcement

Officers in law enforcement and security often face complex and rapidly evolving situations requiring up-to-date knowledge and flexible thinking. However, like many professionals, law enforcement officers can fall prey to cognitive biases that make it difficult to update their knowledge and practices. This phenomenon, known as Epistemic Rigidity, can significantly impact their effectiveness, adherence to […]

Aligning Vision with Team Composition

I always say it: a leader’s vision must be compelling enough to galvanize action. Indeed, common wisdom suggests that a leader’s vision should resonate with the values and aspirations of the team, providing a sense of purpose and direction. In fact, it would be hard to find a leadership expert who might push back on […]

The Power of Problem Perception

The word “problem” has a few definitions. What most people associate with “problem” is a situation, matter, or person that is hard to deal with or understand. However, if this is you, I would challenge you to see the “problem” as nothing more than a question to be considered, solved, or answered. This perspective reframes […]