Beyond Insight: Practice Makes Human

Hi Leaders,

We’ve all had that aha moment. A brilliant coaching question that stops us in our tracks. But here’s the truth most leadership programs gloss over:

✨ Insight alone isn’t transformation. ✨

You don’t become a better listener by hearing someone talk about listening. You become a better listener by practicing — messy, honest, real-time practice. That’s where true growth happens.

Simplifying Perspectives 🔍

Leadership isn’t a solo act.

Many development journeys still assume leadership is all about cognition: read, reflect, journal, repeat. But human connection skills aren’t intellectual achievements. They’re embodied and relational. You don’t master empathy or psychological safety in your head. You rehearse them in your body, in connection with others.

That’s why the most impactful coaches don’t just ask smart questions. They become your practice partners, holding space for the unpolished and uncomfortable process of showing up more fully as yourself.

📌 When was the last time you practiced a leadership behavior, not just thought about it?

Getting Started 🚀

Ready to shift from knowing to doing? Start here:

1️⃣ Practice with Feedback — Choose a skill like active listening and ask someone you trust to observe and reflect with you

2️⃣ Slow Down and Tune In — Before your next difficult conversation, pause. Notice what’s happening between you and the other person

3️⃣ Rehearse with Your Coach — If you're already working with a coach, invite them to move beyond insight. Use your sessions to practice new ways of being

🎧 Want more? Dive into this idea on the Live & Unlearn Podcast, where we explore practical ways to embody your leadership.

A Coaching Opportunity 🤝

Human connection skills are muscles, not medals. They grow through use, not just through thought.

📱The Leader In Demand app gives you on-the-go access to reflection tools like a self-assessment, a micro-course on unlearning, and curated podcast insights to guide your leadership growth.

Here’s your call to courage:

Are you willing to be less polished in service of being more human?

That’s the work. Let’s practice together.

Until next time,

Katy Caroan