There’s a leadership shift happening that at Live Learning – Rethinking the way we learn, we have noticed and it’s not in the right direction.
Too many leaders are reverting to command-and-control tactics, sidelining the quieter (but more effective) power of soft skills.
As a huge fan of neuroscience, I can tell you: this approach limits performance.
Empathy, emotional intelligence, and clear communication aren’t “nice-to-haves.” They’re performance drivers.
When teams feel psychologically safe, the brain releases dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin—fueling creativity, resilience, and collaboration.
The most effective leaders don’t rely on authority. They build trust, inspire action, and bring out the best in others.
What soft power strategies have made the biggest impact in your leadership style?

Howard O'Donnell
CEO Live Learning