Raising the Bar for Leaders Ready to Grow

“Observe People In Meetings; Ask If You Don’t Know: Attend meetings and observe. Look around the room and try to put yourself in others’ shoes. Ask yourself: Could this person feel isolated? Could this person have an idea that they are trying to share? Does this person look like they are struggling today? How was our last interaction? Do they need my help? Have I offered it? Allow it to bring you closer. Ask if you don’t know.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Be Kind To Yourself To Inspire Others To Do The Same: People will never cease to surprise you, and at times, it will make you feel really alone. Other times, it will remind you why you choose to lead with integrity and push forward. Be kind to yourself so that others will want to follow.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“The Value Of Experience: Intergenerational conflicts are as old as time. It’s common for older generations to think their experience holds more merit, while younger ones are more risk-averse. Like all conflicts, this should be handled by getting on the same side of common goals. Learn to use skills gaps to everyone’s advantage. When people are kind, they often nurture genuine connections.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Make Your Bed: This sounds trivial, but it’s tried and true—make your bed! You set an example, tone and mindset for your day. It’s simple, clean, proactive and habit-forming.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“The reason taking credit gives us bad vibes is because we don’t normalize it. The perception is we celebrate in circles and reward the elite. Build a culture by being a role model. Willingly share credit. Give it freely. Find co-conspirators. The more comfortable everyone gets, you can own it when it’s just yours for the taking, too.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“We can’t forget that AI is a tool. It can’t build culture—only humans can. Ask yourself, what is the intention of the humans driving it? Is it to measure performance, behaviors, activities or loyalty? It is to show ownership by leadership? Is it to generate suggestions? If so, for what purpose? For now, AI seems at best an engagement survey, data collection or metrics tool. Be careful!” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Nothing starts you off on the wrong foot more than disingenuous behavior. If the leaders aren’t thrilled, don’t force anyone to fake it! The performative prance will bite you all in the end. Be honest that you’re in it together and bond on how to get through it. Understand the parameters and negotiables, and be kind.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Design thinking and communication strategies for dealing with people, projects or processes are key. ‘Put it in a grid!’ to facilitate matrix-style thinking whenever a conversation gets complex. Pay attention to how people interact. When there is a lot of discussion and a topic has multiple attributes, use facilitation skills to communicate quickly and effectively across stakeholders. Alignment is key!” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“When morale is low, it’s time for the whole leadership team to reflect! Overall morale is exactly that—it impacts everyone. It’s possible that a leader from another team is abusive and that’s what causes the anxiety. It’s time for this manager to roll up their sleeves and become an ally. It is their responsibility to be a mentor and supporter. Do the work; it’s part of the job!” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Honestly, just humanize your executive or upper-level leadership teams. Make it feel like they aren’t so out of touch, after all. Hopefully, they have a good relationship with their middle managers and there are no surprises, but allow the space for both casual conversation and genuine curiosity on how things are going to create an open and inclusive environment. Be an example of showing alignment.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“The bubbles are bursting, and we are going to see shifts in privilege and power dynamics. CEOs will be under pressure to respond in ways they’ve likely never been tested by before. Knowledge workers ‘on strike,’ who hold more power than anyone gave them credit for, will be taking a stand and demanding much more. The best advice is to care for those who truly build the brand and make the company what it is!” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“South by Southwest has a little bit of everything, and it has expanded globally! From educational opportunities and inspiring speakers to tech, authors, arts, film and comedy, it is the talk of the town here in Austin. All aspects of business and people are covered for interactive experiences. We have the opportunity to vote on who presents, so everyone feels a part of it from the start. Hope to see new and old friends this March!” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“The only way to create a balanced life is to balance work through self-management and self-organization. Leaders who know how to support teams to become self-sufficient, honor their commitments and thrive on their own create high-functioning human systems. They choose to hold themselves and each other accountable. That is their standard, for themselves and in life. Make it so, and it shall be.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“A renowned résumé writer once told me that the reason their services are more necessary than ever is that many professionals have no social proof—or worse, they have damaged their reputations. An updated résumé serves as a solid piece of paper that backs your historical accomplishments. Most systems still require it, making it necessary even for job application programs that offer auto-upload profile capabilities.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Connect With A Successful Leader: If you are hesitant about your career choice but not yet ready to give up, find someone who has succeeded and seems happy. We have access to so many diverse leaders and ways of approaching roles. It is possible that someone could offer a fresh perspective or applications you hadn’t thought of. Shifting your energy toward people who are excited may influence you—and if not, give yourself grace.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Ask How They Identify High-Potential Employees: I would ask a lot of questions. How do the leaders identify high-potential employees? What are the criteria? Who decides? Is there a process? How do employees within their organization express their career goals? What programs do they have in place today? I would explain to them that any professional should carefully weigh these things before making a recommendation, and they should also likely involve assessments and HR.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Derive Annual Goals From Financial Discussions: You’re planning a year out. What growth stage is your business in? What markets are you trying to target, and where are you trying to spend your time and money? All of these should be financial discussions that are turned into strategic and operational goals. This all depends on your current state and where you get your financing from. How well have you done in the past? First, do an assessment.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Know What You’re Getting Into: Just as with any endeavor: Do your due diligence to understand what you’re getting yourself into. What are the terms and conditions of the job you’re being asked to do? Are you very clear on what is covered under different circumstances? Do you understand the laws in that country? Will you feel safe? How does it align with your financial, personal and other lifestyle goals? Evaluate your risk tolerance.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Express Your Capability And Excitement: Age discrimination is when you feel that someone is making a judgment about you; they imply something negative about you based on your age. If someone’s bias and predetermined assumptions surface during an interview, you can respond by addressing how you would be capable and excited to fill the expectations of the role. This type of discrimination happens to both older and younger generations.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Ask yourself key questions: To assess the gap between a leader's perception of their influence on culture and the climate that is being created, there are many ways to begin addressing that. Ask yourself the following questions: What will close any gap in their propensity to be aligned, and are they set up to succeed? How interested in achieving a common mission and vision are they? How clear are their strategies and goals, and are they feasible? Are they truly empowered and what accessibility do they have to resources?” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Prepare For The Discomfort Of Public Accountability: What Bezos did is a “mic drop” moment! I’ve been the one cleaning up behind those. Recognize that public accountability makes people uncomfortable. So, be ready! Prepare to handle the uncomfortableness with the following: 1. a non-threatening delivery, 2. someone else to hold everyone accountable, and 3. a plan for how you’ll support them through the necessary business changes.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“EOY Planning - Be Guided By Your Shared, Agreed-Upon Values: Corporate leaders: It’s never too late - or too early- to set an example! Stick within the bounds of your shared, agreed-upon values. Don’t pressure donations. Workforce-appropriate gratitude, inspiration and giving are about how we show up for each other in day-to-day operations. Start announcing changes based on feedback. Follow through! Be passionate about championing change that’s needed.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Minimize Day-To-Day Risks: Create systems that limit and isolate any potential for catastrophic events. Deal with current crises through root cause team efforts and developing management plans together. Minimizing day-to-day risks is essential for any downstaff scenario. Train everyone through essential scenarios and rotating drills. With end-of-year planning, expect less and assume teammates will be gone as they take time off.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Notice Who Needs Help And Provide It: Great mentors look out for you. I am all about being proactive—100%! Everyone should find a mentor if they can. I also believe the right thing to do when someone has not had the same privileges in life as others is for leaders to take a step back with compassion. A good mentor will feel compelled to act. They will find you. They notice who is not asking for help, but needs it, and they give it kindly.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Speak From The Heart: Speak from the heart, because you have a unique perspective—people will notice you. What’s your spin on things that shows a new point of view? Is it sharing your story? An insight that you like to dig into? Whatever it is that causes you to want to use your voice—let it be known to the world. Your audience’s lives will be changed after your speech! Passion changes minds and inspires action.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Following Bias Instead Of A Forward-Thinking Strategy: It is human nature for people to be drawn to the ones they’ve mentored, advised and groomed for specific roles. Unfortunately, while that leadership style, expertise and skill set may have been appropriate for one business strategy, it must be updated for the next growth stage. A bias toward an individual or a leader’s own legacy—rather than a forward-thinking strategy to meet the needs of the organization—can cause conflict.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Have A Crisis Management Plan: For most incident types, a disaster recovery or crisis management process, including communication plans, should be in place. I’ve run many drills and practice scenarios to ensure that stakeholders were informed, decision-makers and those accountable were prepared, and teams didn’t experience undue stress. With leaders’ support, we were in lockstep in the rollout and handled the crisis appropriately.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Be Passionate And Love What You Do: Ensure alignment around your values, philosophies and nonnegotiables. Be open, clear, kind and available. Simplify, document and single-source information as needed. Offer resources, genuine open dialog, feedback loops and reporting transparency at regular cadences. Be involved in a curious way; lead with trust and guidance. Brainstorm together.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Disarm The Bully: The leader needs to be prepared to get rid of the “brilliant jerk,” so the first thing to do is disarm them. Is this jerk a single point of failure? Start providing feedback on the importance of their knowledge and teamwork. Give them opportunities to not be a jerk while they teach others what they know. Support them. Be around to help the team if you need to so no one gets bullied.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Stay Heart-Centered: Understanding basic human needs, motivators, group psychology, patterns and behaviors, particularly under stressors or bad circumstances, can help us see things from a systems perspective. Use it as a guide and remain unbiased. Adapt approaches to day-to-day decision-making that align, and create clarity while staying focused on strategic goals and all stakeholders. Stay heart-centered and open.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC

“Boosts Awareness: When we learn about people’s preferences, we become more empathetic to the way they would respond to things. Situational awareness is key to communication and collaboration in all settings. Rather than isolating someone, we can make them feel included.” – Kinga Vajda, Execute Your Intentions, LLC