Handle the Pressure and Avoid These 3 Leadership Traps | Sabina Nawaz

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Mar 10, 2025

Joining the conversation is Sabina Nawaz, CEO of Nawaz Consulting and author of "You're the Boss." She reveals why promotions can be perilous, shedding light on the hidden pressures that can impact leadership effectiveness. Sabina emphasizes the importance of balancing positive and corrective feedback, introducing the powerful 5-to-1 rule. Listeners will learn quick communication tips, such as the impact of asking "Say more" to enhance dialogue. The discussion delves into overcoming common leadership pitfalls while fostering trust and collaboration.

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INSIGHT

Promotion Risks

Getting promoted is risky because the skills that got you there may not work in leadership.
Strengths like attention to detail can become weaknesses, perceived as micromanaging.

INSIGHT

Pressure Corrupts

Pressure, not power, corrupts leaders, causing negative impacts on their teams.
As leaders rise, pressure increases, narrowing focus and obscuring collateral damage.

ANECDOTE

Pressure's Impact

Sabina Nawaz shares a personal story of transitioning from "best boss ever" to causing employees distress due to high pressure.
This highlights how pressure changes behavior and the importance of feedback.

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In today’s episode, we explore the essential leadership skills that transform good managers into great ones with Sabina Nawaz. As the CEO of Nawaz Consulting, Sabina has advised Fortune 500 executives, government leaders, and nonprofit organizations on how to navigate the complexities of leadership, influence, and communication. Sabina is also the author of You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need.

Introduction

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Sabina Nawaz as she breaks down the biggest leadership challenges that most managers never see coming. Why is getting promoted one of the riskiest moments in your career? How does pressure—not power—corrupt even the best leaders? And what simple shifts can transform an overwhelmed boss into a high-impact leader?

What to Listen For

Introduction – 00:00:00

Why is getting promoted one of the most dangerous moments in your career?
Why do the skills that get you promoted stop working once you’re in a leadership role?
What are the three biggest mistakes new leaders make without realizing it?

How Communication Defines Great Leadership – 00:09:19

What is the biggest blind spot leaders have when giving feedback?
How does a simple two-word question ("Say more") instantly improve communication?

The 5-to-1 Rule: How Feedback Shapes Performance – 00:19:45

What is the ideal ratio of positive to corrective feedback—and why is it so high?
Why do managers fear giving too much praise, and how does this backfire?
How can positive feedback be structured so it actually drives high performance?

The Danger of Singular Thinking in Leadership – 00:27:08

How can a simple mental exercise help leaders see multiple perspectives?
How can managers prevent team members from playing one leader against another?

Mastering Self-Leadership – 00:39:05

How do childhood experiences shape leadership styles, and why does this matter?
What micro-habits can leaders use to stay composed and effective under pressure?

The Delegation Dial: Why Leaders Struggle to Let Go – 00:49:26

What is the Delegation Dial, and how can it help leaders empower their teams?
Why do most meetings waste time—and what should they focus on instead?

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Resources from this Episode

Sabina’s website

You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need)

Sabina Nawaz on LinkedIn

Sabina Nawaz on Instagram

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