In 2015, Satya Nadella, just months into his role as Microsoftâs new CEO, sent an email to all employees.
It wasnât a strategy memo. It wasnât about sales.
It was a story about his son, born with cerebral palsy. A heartwarming glimpse into how that experience taught him the true meaning of empathy.
That email marked the beginning of a major cultural shift at Microsoft.
It showed that real leadership isnât about sounding smart. Itâs about connection. Clarity. And leading with intention.
Now hereâs the question I often ask my clientsâŠ
What do your emails say about your leadership?
Are your emails helping or hurting you as a leader?đ€
The Mindful Emails of a Leader
If youâre seeking a promotion, leading a team, or trying to improve how others perceive you, your emails are not just random messages.
They are moments of leadership. You see, leadership doesnât always show up in big boardroom decisions or impressive results.
It shows up in the tiny momentsâlike how you handle email under pressure.
- Do you send emails in the heat of the moment?
- Do you send long, unclear texts that leave the team wondering, âWhatâs the next step?â
- Or are you CCâing half the company when only a few people needs to know?
Hereâs a simple test you can use when sending an email:
If you were the recipient of your email⊠would you know whatâs expected of you? If the answer is no, itâs time to reevaluate.
Or even better â pick up the phone, or hop in a Zoom call.
A 5-minute call can save your team from five days or a looong email thread of confusion.
Finally, if youâre trying to lead with more impact, how you communicate should reflect who you are.
Thatâs where strengths-based leadership comes in.
When youâre clear on your top strengths, whether itâs Strategic, Empathy, or Command, your message becomes a lot more focused.
You write differently. You speak differently.
Even the cloud in your mind disappears.
And you know what?
People notice. đ
If youâre still on your way to discovering your strengths, the Professional Success Power Cards may just be what you need right now. (Check the link here to avail our Easter promo.)
I personally made it with this topic in mind thus the inclusion of 10 Values and Strengths cards and 10 Teamwork and Communication cards, among other categories including: Self-confidence, Accomplishments and Recognition, Goals and Purpose, and Areas of Improvement.
Itâs the kind of tool I wish every manager, team lead, and job seeker had access to.
Because when you lead from who you really are, you donât just write better emails.
You build better relationships, too. đ

@Advanced Talent GmbH
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Wishing you more career and leadership success,
Adelina Stefan
Founder of Advanced Talent LLC
PCC-ICF Coach & Mentor,MBA, MA
Senior Intercultural Career & Transformational Master Coach