Leading Thoughts for February 26, 2026

IDEAS shared have the power to expand perspectives, change thinking, and move lives. Here are two ideas for the curious mind to engage with:

Deborah Gruenfeld on showing respect:

“We often fail to realize that the ability to show respect and even submission can also be a source of power. Deference is treating another person in ways that acknowledge that their expertise and experiences are at least as important as your own. It does not mean you have less power than the person you are deferring to. It means you do not intend to use the power you have against your relationship partner. Deference is disarming, it signals an absence of threat, and it creates a foundation of trust that allows a relationship to form.”

Source: Acting with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe

Tony Dungy on putting others first:

“Instead of asking, how can I lead my company, my team, or my family to a higher level of success? we should be asking ourselves, how do others around me flourish as a result of my leadership? Do they flourish at all? How does my leadership, my involvement in their lives—in whatever setting we’re in—have a positive and lasting influence on them?”

Source: The Mentor Leader: Secrets to Building People and Teams That Win Consistently

Look for these ideas every Thursday on the Leading Blog. Find more ideas on the LeadingThoughts index.

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