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Leaders tell me all the time that “speaking up and voicing the truth that others hesitate to say” is the hardest thing to do. They’re not struggling with honesty. They’re struggling with risk management, emotion management, and power dynamics all at once. This is where gravitas is really tested. Not in a keynote, not in a town hall, but in that one quiet conversation where you tell someone above you that they are wrong, off, or becoming part of the problem.

The best leaders don’t say “I’m sorry” as often as you think. Learn when an apology strengthens trust, and when it quietly undermines your authority. This is the foundation of increasing conflict tolerance: staying steady when tension rises instead of rushing to smooth it over.

Expect Tough Conversations. Whether it’s addressing a mistake, delivering critical feedback, or handling unexpected issues.