Ruminate. Explore. Explain. Question. Analyze. Compare. Inspire. Create. Connect the dots. Get perspective. Amuse. Geek out.
Al Ingram - Leadership Coach
AHI Leadership LLC
What if a lack of focus or creativity isn’t a flaw, but a signal? In this personal reflection, I explore what might really be going on when I feel stuck—and how I can meet it with honesty, compassion, and care.
Read MoreIt’s tempting to look for a quick fix. A new incentive. A clever shift in communication. A fresh meeting format.
But truly effective leadership doesn’t start with tactics. It starts when you take a step back and consider how to answer this question completely and responsively to your organization.
Read MoreMany tech leaders have come to believe that exceptional stress is simply part of the job, a necessary burden that comes with the responsibility of leadership. But what if that assumption is wrong? What if the key to being a high-performing leader isn’t about tolerating more stress, but about changing how you respond to it?
Read MoreYou’re exhausted. The demands keep piling up, appreciation is scarce, and it feels like there’s never enough time. Leadership was supposed to be rewarding, but right now, it’s just draining.
What if the missing piece isn’t more effort or efficiency, but something deeper?
Love isn’t just a personal or sentimental concept, it’s a leadership practice. Bringing more care, respect, and connection into your leadership isn’t just about creating a better workplace for others. It’s about making your job more sustainable. When people feel valued and supported, they work better, require less micromanagement, and step up in ways that lighten your load.
So instead of just pushing through another day, consider small shifts that can improve your leadership experience and everyone’s well-being. Here’s how:
True listening is an act of care. In meetings or one-on-ones, be fully present: put away distractions, ask thoughtful questions, and reflect back what you hear. When people feel heard, they feel respected and understood—and that means fewer misunderstandings and repeated conversations.
A simple “thank you” or recognition of a job well done can go a long way. Take time to acknowledge contributions, whether through a public shoutout, a personal note, or a quick verbal appreciation. When people feel valued, they’re more likely to stay engaged and take ownership, making your job easier.
Support the growth of those around you by offering mentorship, coaching, or sponsorship. Advocate for team members in meetings, provide constructive feedback, and help them see opportunities they might not recognize on their own. The more capable your team is, the less you have to carry alone.
Disagreements are natural at work, but how you handle them makes all the difference. Before reacting, pause to consider the other person's perspective. Assume positive intent, ask clarifying questions, look for common ground, and focus on solutions rather than blame. A little empathy can prevent long-term friction that drains your energy.
Honor people's time and boundaries, including your own. Encourage a healthy work-life balance by being mindful of after-hours communication, supporting flexible work arrangements, and respecting personal commitments. When you and your team have space to recharge, everyone performs better.
Everyone, including you, makes mistakes. Creating an environment where people feel safe to learn and grow, rather than fear judgment or punishment, fosters innovation and psychological safety. Responding with grace, rather than criticism, reduces stress and keeps your team moving forward instead of stuck in fear.
Love of self means accepting that you are imperfect, can get emotionally hijacked, can have bad days, can be cared for and supported by others. You’re human. Try all the practices above on yourself. Leaders who practice self-compassion are better equipped to extend the same grace and understanding to others. And if you’re burned out, showing yourself kindness isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity.
Bringing more love into professional spaces isn’t about being overly sentimental. It’s about making leadership more sustainable and fulfilling. When leaders prioritize care, respect, and trust, teams become more engaged, collaborative, and resilient. And they won’t have to carry everything alone.
So today, consider: How can you bring more love into your leadership? What’s one small action you can take to show yourself and your team more support? A little love, especially for yourself, goes a long way.
And if you’re ready to explore how the leadership practice of love can transform your leadership, let’s connect. Together, we can uncover new ways to bring clarity, resilience, and fulfillment into your daily life.
Al Ingram - AHI Leadership LLC
My approach to leadership coaching is focused on leadership attitude, mindset and energy. I coach Positive Intelligence® and Energy Leadership™ and practices contributing to being happier, especially for experienced and senior high tech leaders.
“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” – Robert A. Heinlein
For many tech leaders, happiness might seem like an elusive or irrelevant concept—too trite, too “Disneyland,” or simply not serious enough to warrant attention. But what if happiness didn’t mean constant joy, exhilaration, or glee? What if it could be something more practical, attainable, and impactful in your daily life?
Read More© 2016-2025 All rights reserved Al Ingram | AHI Leadership LLC
Terms Of Use | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Communication Preferences
