Justin Bateh, PhD, PMP

Tactical Memo Newsletter

A weekly newsletter with field-tested tactics on managing people, projects, performance, & AI-powered leadership.

Editor in Chief

LinkedIn

As a LinkedIn Learning Instructor, I create practical, high-impact video courses that empower professionals to develop new skills and advance in their careers through practical and accessible online learning.

LinkedIn Learning Instructor

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville is a four-year public institution. As a faculty member in the School of Business, I teach operations and supply chain management, project management, applied business statistics, and strategic management. I’ve been honored with 8 distinguished awards for excellence in teaching and instruction, authored 2 books, and published over 17 peer-reviewed journal articles cited more than 700 times by other scholars. I’ve represented the college and participated in 30+ expert media interviews, sharing insights on leadership, management, and business strategy.

Full Professor

Paramount Strategy Firm

Oversaw a team that delivered training and workforce development programs in project management, operations, supply chain management, data analytics, and Six Sigma methodologies to over 14,000 leaders through online and in-person group training sessions, corporate workshops, university and college courses, and private cohorts.

Executive Director

InforMed CME

I started as a research analyst and advanced through multiple promotions over 12 years, ultimately leading the company’s project management, operations, and supply chain strategies. I delivered critical healthcare and continuing medical education programs to over 800,000 physicians and healthcare workers nationwide, including large institutions such as Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic. I worked directly with the CEO to align strategic goals and oversee a team of direct reports and contractors, ensuring operational excellence across the organization. I led the operational consolidation with an industry competitor and the post-sale integration after a private equity acquisition, before earning my doctorate degree and transitioning into academia and consulting.

COO/Head of Operations

I write about project management, leadership, and AI | Follow to develop skills for faster, smarter, and more efficient project management and to build winning teams | Boost your career with my actionable insights

Most leaders are measured on one thing: outcomes. Titles and strategy decks do not move the needle. What does? The ability to lead people, execute projects, and harness AI to deliver results that matter.

For over 20 years, I have advanced from project manager to COO. I have delivered more than 80 projects and guided teams through high-stakes execution. Along the way, I created the Project Execution Framework™, a 7-step system that helps leaders align stakeholders, cut through chaos, and deliver projects under pressure.

I have taught this framework to more than 25,000 professionals at companies like Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Procter & Gamble, Chevron, and Bank of America. 

The lesson is always the same:

--Leadership without execution is just talk.
--Execution without leadership burns people out.
--Ignoring AI makes both slower and less effective.

That is why I built the AI-Powered Project Management Course, a hands-on program where leaders learn to: a) Lead with clarity and trust by building buy-in and eliminating misalignment, b) Deliver projects that matter by keeping outcomes at the center and cutting wasted effort, and c) Leverage AI workflows to automate busywork, surface insights faster, and accelerate decision-making.

These are not abstract lessons. They are survival skills in a world where projects fail daily and AI reshapes work overnight.

CONNECT WITH ME

📩 For inquiries: justin@projectsright.com
➕ Follow me here for daily execution insights
📰 Join my free newsletter for weekly deep dives

HOW I CAN HELP YOU

🎯 Corporate Training
Equip leaders and teams with proven frameworks to improve project execution, strengthen leadership, and integrate AI into daily workflows.

🤝 Team Workshops
Hands-on, interactive sessions that align stakeholders, build trust, and solve real project challenges in real time.

🚀 Cohort-Based Courses
Structured, high-impact learning experiences like the AI-Powered Project Management Course, designed to help professionals lead with confidence, deliver projects that matter, and leverage AI for faster results.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

🏢 COO-Level Leadership Experience
📊 80+ Projects Delivered Over 15 Years
🎓 PhD and PMP Certified
📺 LinkedIn Learning Instructor
🛠️ Creator of the Project Execution Framework™
🏆 8x Award-Winning Educator

*Disclaimer: Views expressed on social media, courses, newsletters, or emails are my own and do not represent those of my employer or any affiliated organizations.

Founder

I teach Project & Operations professionals the skills to drive sustainable growth, change, and profitability using data-driven decision making, lean tools, six sigma methodologies, agile projects, and data analytics. I have worked with executives and managers from numerous organizations, including Walmart, Verizon, Amazon, Pearson, UPS, Wiley, Cengage, Medtronic, US Department of Health, CSX, USPS, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Crowley Maritime, US Air Force, US Navy, Novartis, FedEx, McKesson, and many others.

Don't assume loud is strong and quiet is weak.

15 quiet power moves:

(thanks to the brilliant Dr. Carolyn Frost for this)

Loud leaders get attention.

But quiet ones earn respect long after the room clears.

15 Quiet Power Moves That Command a Room:

1/ Lower your voice
→ Calm beats chaos.
→ Volume doesn’t equal authority.
→ Stillness draws people in.

2/ Let silence sit
→ Don’t rush your message.
→ Pause gives weight to your words.
→ Let them process what matters.

3/ Lead with the headline
→ Start strong.
→ Make the point clear.
→ No one likes a buried lead.

4/ Slow your pace
→ Speed kills clarity.
→ Intentional delivery builds trust.
→ Rushed = forgettable.

5/ Pre-handle objections
→ Stay one step ahead.
→ Disarm resistance early.
→ Confidence comes from preparation.

6/ Use intentional pauses
→ Control the tempo.
→ Reset the room.
→ Silence is a leadership tool.

7/ Lock in eye contact
→ One person at a time.
→ Builds connection.
→ Signals control.

8/ Turn data into stories
→ Stories stick.
→ Data fades.
→ Lead with meaning, not numbers.

9/ Use exact language
→ Precision persuades.
→ Clarity beats clever.
→ Every word should earn its spot.

10/ Cut weak words
→ “Just” and “maybe” kill impact.
→ Speak with conviction.
→ Power is in what you remove.

11/ Name the hard things
→ Say what others won’t.
→ Courage is contagious.
→ Truth clears the room.

12/ Observe before speaking
→ Notice first.
→ Speak last.
→ Presence isn’t volume.

13/ Explain the why
→ Logic earns buy-in.
→ People need purpose.
→ Connect action to meaning.

14/ Simplify complexity
→ Break it down.
→ Make it actionable.
→ Clarity is a superpower.

15/ State the next step
→ Every meeting needs momentum.
→ Action builds alignment.
→ Say what’s next—then lead it.

Quiet confidence > loud noise.

Lead with presence, not volume.

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more

Justin Bateh, PhD

Work-Life Intelligence Expert | Behavioral science + EQ to help you grow your career without losing yourself | Mom of 4 🌿

Expert in AI-Driven Project Management, Strategy, & Operations | Ex-COO Turned Award-Winning Professor, Founder & LinkedIn Instructor | Follow for posts on Project Execution, AI Fluency, Leadership, and Career Growth.

Most people think the most qualified person gets the job.

They’re wrong.

(thanks Justin Wright for this visual)

It’s the most prepared person who does.

Here’s how top 1% candidates prep for 6-figure interviews 👇

1. Research like you already work there
→ Learn their challenges, wins, and competitors.
→ Read their press releases.
→ Follow their execs on LinkedIn.

2. Practice answers out loud
→ What sounds great in your head often falls flat aloud.
→ Record yourself. Adjust your tone and pacing.

3. Build 3 strong stories
→ Show adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving.
→ Stories beat bullet points every time.

4. Decode the job description
→ Circle the top 3 skills they want.
→ Build examples that prove you have them.

5. Run mock interviews
→ Choose someone who’ll give real feedback.
→ Don’t practice to sound perfect. Practice to be authentic.

Now, flip the script.

Most people freeze when asked, 

“Do you have any questions?”

These 7 make you stand out:

1️⃣ What does success look like in the first 90 days?
2️⃣ What challenges is the team facing right now?
3️⃣ How would you describe the manager’s leadership?
4️⃣ What separates top performers here from the rest?
5️⃣ How do you support growth and development?
6️⃣ What made you join, and what keeps you here?
7️⃣ What surprises new hires once they start?

The best candidates don’t just answer questions.

They lead conversations.

An interview isn’t a test.

It’s a negotiation for your future.

You’ll spend 90,000 hours at work.

Pick a company, and manager, that grow with you.

How do you prep for interviews?
⬇️ Share your best tip below.

Your success, my mission | 3x founder & CEO | Former CIO $4B company | DEIB ally | Sharing 24 years of hard-earned leadership & self-mastery wisdom

7 Rules of Leadership No One Teaches You

You don’t learn these in books.

You learn them in the moments that test you.

1/ Silence is a strategy, not avoidance.
→ You’ll feel pressure to fill every pause.
→ Then you’ll realize silence gives you power.
→ When you speak less, your words start to matter more.

2/ You can’t lead what you don’t understand.
→ You’ll try to manage a process you’ve never lived.
→ People will see right through you.
→ Respect begins when you take time to learn their reality.

3/ Calm wins every conflict.
→ The loudest person rarely has control.
→ When emotions run high, your tone is credibility.
→ Composure earns more influence than volume.

4/ Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
→ You’ll rush decisions to look decisive.
→ Then you’ll waste weeks fixing what haste broke.
→ The best leaders slow down to go far.

5/ You don’t fix people, you guide them.
→ You’ll try to change someone’s mindset by force.
→ It will fail every time.
→ Clarity and patience do what pressure never can.

6/ Your attitude sets the ceiling.
→ If you panic, they fall apart.
→ If you believe, they find their footing.
→ Teams mirror your emotional temperature, not your title.

7/ You’re always being studied.
→ Even your smallest reactions become lessons.
→ They’ll copy your tone, your habits, your standards.
→ Every moment teaches you how to or how not to lead.

Leadership isn’t about presence.

It’s about the peace you bring when everything shakes.

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

7 Rules of Leadership No One Teaches You (1)

7 Signs You’re Not the Leader You Think You Are

Titles don’t make leaders. Your habits do.

1/ Your “feedback” feels like fear
→ People filter themselves around you.
→ They hide the real truth to stay safe.
→ That’s intimidation, not leadership.

2/ You’re fair only when it’s easy
→ Anyone can be fair on good days.
→ The test is when it costs you.
→ Your team notices every inconsistency.

3/ You hire great people… then micromanage them
→ Control feels safe but kills trust.
→ It slows everything down.
→ Talented people won’t stay boxed in.

4/ You talk more than you listen
→ When you dominate the room, you lose it.
→ People stop contributing.
→ Silence becomes the culture.

5/ You’re always “too busy”
→ No time for people means no leadership.
→ Busy becomes your excuse.
→ Tasks replace relationships.

6/ You chase results, not relationships
→ People don’t follow KPIs.
→ They follow leaders they trust.
→ Connection drives performance.

7/ You think leadership is about being right
→ It’s about getting it right.
→ That requires humility.
→ Ego kills progress fast.

Your title impresses LinkedIn. 

Your behavior tells your team the truth.

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

7 Signs You’re Not the Leader You Think You Are

You really don't understand project management,

Until you've experienced it yourself.

It’s chaos, politics, and juggling flaming swords.

And the pressure never lets up.

Executives want updates yesterday.
Team leads want more time and budget.
Stakeholders want perfection without scope creep.

They mean well.

But they don’t see:

❌ The 12th version of the same plan nobody reads.
❌ The diplomatic emails you write to chase approvals.
❌ The moments you mute yourself on calls just to sigh.

They don’t realize one late deliverable can derail three months of work.

People outside PM think it’s simple:

Make a plan → Assign tasks → Hit deadlines → Celebrate

They don’t see the invisible load:

🤔 Translating cryptic exec requests into real actions
🤔 Solving conflicts between departments that won't talk
🤔 Shielding your team from endless last-minute changes
🤔 Explaining why “just a quick addition” adds 2 weeks
🤔 Smiling while budgets evaporate and timelines shrink

It feels like an endless obstacle course.

You deliver bad news gently, push back when needed, motivate tired teams, and hold everything together with duct tape and caffeine.

(No wonder so many PMs joke that coffee is part of the job description.)

Or the moment that drains every project manager’s soul:

“Can you just quickly update the plan to include this new idea?”

😵‍💫 😵‍💫 😵‍💫 😵‍💫 😵‍💫 😵‍💫 😵‍💫 😵‍💫 😵‍💫 😵‍💫 😵‍💫

But you keep going:

Because delivery is non-negotiable.

Because someone has to keep the chaos in line.

Because when it works, it feels like magic.

The mental load is real.

Be kind to your PMs.

What’s the hardest part of project management for you?

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

These 15 ideas rewired how I make decisions.

They’ll do the same for you.

1. First Principles Thinking
-Break problems down to their atomic truths.
-Rebuild from logic, not legacy.
-Truth > Tradition.

2. Inversion
-Ask “How could I fail?” instead of “How do I succeed?”
-Then avoid every trap you just listed.
-Prevention is strategy.

3. Second-Order Thinking
-Don’t stop at “what happens next.”
-Think about what happens after what happens next.
-Winners think two moves ahead.

4. Opportunity Cost
-Every “yes” costs you the best “no” you ignored.
-Protect your time like it’s capital.
-Time is your only real equity.

5. Compounding
-Small smart moves, repeated, beat genius one-offs.
-Progress stacks quietly.
-Consistency wins.

6. The 80/20 Rule
-80% of results come from twenty percent of inputs.
-Find your twenty percent, then double down.
-Eliminate the rest.

7. Asymmetric Bets
-Small downside. Massive upside.
-That’s how leverage works.
-Risk less. Gain more.

8. The OODA Loop
-Observe → Orient → Decide → Act.
-The faster your loop, the faster your learning.
-Speed beats size.

9. Systems Thinking
-Stop fixing symptoms.
-Fix the system that creates them.
-Structure drives behavior.

10. Second Brain Thinking
-Don’t rely on memory; rely on systems.
-Capture, connect, and create ideas faster.
-Externalize your mind.

11. Network Effects
-The more people use it, the more valuable it gets.
-Your reputation works the same way.
-Connection scales value.

12. Mental Models
-Smart thinkers don’t think harder; they use better lenses.
-Upgrade your lenses.
-See what others can’t.

13. Contrarian Thinking
-If everyone agrees, there’s no edge left.
-The best ideas start unpopular.
-Consensus kills creativity.

14. Strategic Patience
-Play long games with long-term people.
-Short-term wins fade fast.
-Compounding never does.

15. The Real Lesson
-Strategy isn’t about predicting the future.
-It’s about creating options.
-Sharpen your thinking. Expand your moves.

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

15 Concepts That will Instantly Upgrade Your Strategic Thi

How To Be Candid At Work

(and do it without sounding like a jerk)

1/ Start with intent, not impact
→ Ask: am I saying this to help or to win?
→ Candor isn’t an excuse to be careless.
→ Motive shapes tone more than words.

2/ Lead with curiosity
→ “Can I share an observation?” opens doors.
→ “You’re wrong” slams them shut.
→ Curiosity keeps people receptive.

3/ Be specific, not vague
→ Vague feedback creates confusion.
→ Specifics create clarity fast.
→ Precision turns conflict into progress.

4/ Name the emotion, not the person
→ “You seem frustrated” is neutral.
→ “You’re defensive” feels like an attack.
→ Describe what you notice, not who they are.

5/ Use the iceberg rule
→ Behavior is just the tip.
→ Pressure and fear sit underneath.
→ Respond to what’s driving the moment.

6/ Normalize feedback loops
→ Candid cultures talk daily.
→ Small check-ins beat big “feedback events.”
→ Frequency builds safety.

7/ Praise publicly, coach privately
→ Public praise builds confidence.
→ Private candor builds trust.
→ Care first, then be direct.

Candor isn’t cold.

It’s clear, caring, and consistent.

Save this for your next tough conversation.

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

How To Be Candid At Work

Everyone remembers a few bosses.

Not because of their titles,

But because of how they made us feel.

Here's the 8 types of bosses you'll always remember:

1/ The Visionary
→ Made impossible goals feel realistic.
→ You still chase that level of ambition.

2/ The Shield
→ Took the hit when things went wrong.
→ You never forgot how safe that felt.

3/ The Builder
→ Built people, not just systems.
→ Half the team is thriving elsewhere because of them.

4/ The Challenger
→ Never let you coast.
→ Every 1:1 felt like a review and a pep talk combined.

5/ The Listener
→ Asked, “How are you really doing?”, and meant it.
→ That one question changed everything.

6/ The Mentor
→ Spotted your potential before you did.
→ You’re still proving them right.

7/ The One Who Taught You What Not To Be
→ Every late-night panic and silent treatment 
→ Became your leadership manual.

8/ The Legacy
→ You don’t remember all their words
→ But you remember how they made you feel.

Who’s the boss you’ll never forget?

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

8 Bosses  We’ll Always  Remember

The strongest cultures don’t avoid conflict.

They create safety to have it.

7 management shifts that will unlock radical honesty.

(because psychological safety drives performance)

1/ The Truth Tax
→ "Everything's fine" costs you $2M in hidden problems
→ "I'm not sure" gets punished, problems multiply
→ Fear of judgment creates expensive blind spots
→ Silent disagreement becomes failed projects

2/ The Innovation Block
→ "That's not how we do things" kills million-dollar ideas
→ Creative solutions die in political crossfire
→ Your next breakthrough is trapped in someone's silence
→ Progress stops where fear begins

3/ The Meeting Reality
→ Real discussions happen after the meeting ends
→ Your "aligned team" is just nodding politely
→ The best insights never reach the decision makers
→ Costly mistakes could've been prevented in 5 minutes

4/ The Culture Signal
→ "Open door policies" mean nothing without trust
→ Teams that fear failure stop taking smart risks
→ Psychological safety outperforms talent every time
→ Trust builds faster than skill, breaks faster than glass

5/ The Leadership Test
→ How you handle bad news shapes future transparency
→ Your reaction to mistakes sets the fear threshold
→ Teams mirror their leader's tolerance for honesty
→ True authority comes from being real, not right

6/ The Speed Factor
→ Safe teams solve problems 5x faster
→ Honest feedback prevents 80% of major crises
→ Quick corrections beat perfect silence
→ Recovery speed depends on truth-telling culture

7/ The Talent Reality
→ Top performers choose safety over salary
→ Innovation requires courage to look stupid
→ Your best people need space to be wrong
→ Real growth happens outside comfort zones

What signals are you sending? 💭

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

8 ways leaders will destroy team morale fast

(and how to bounce back)

Thanks to Tobi Oluwole for these lessons.

1. Micromanaging top performers
↳ Trust them and focus on results, not every step.
↳ Set expectations upfront, then give them space.

2. Criticizing in public
↳ Give feedback privately to keep respect intact.
↳ Praise publicly to build a positive culture.

3. Playing favorites
↳ Be fair with recognition and opportunities.
↳ Keep decisions transparent to avoid resentment.

4. Dodging tough conversations
↳ Address conflicts early before they escalate.
↳ Focus on solutions, not assigning blame.

5. Skipping the ‘why’ behind decisions
↳ Share the bigger picture to add meaning.
↳ Connect their work to company goals.

6. Expecting 24/7 availability
↳ Respect off-hours unless it’s urgent.
↳ Set boundaries and lead by example.

7. Not celebrating wins
↳ Recognize wins, big and small, to boost morale.
↳ Celebrate as a team and share success stories.

8. Overpromising and underdelivering
↳ Set realistic expectations and communicate openly.
↳ Acknowledge setbacks and focus on next steps.

♻️Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

Founder & CEO, Magnate Ventures, Founder’s Blueprint, Magnate Studios | Growth Advisor, Speaker & Investor

8 Ways Leaders Destroy Team Morale

Don’t get married to the company. 

Just date it. How to keep your options open👇

1/ Loyalty shouldn’t cost you growth
→ Stay while you’re learning and advancing.
→ Leave when you’re overlooked or undervalued.
→ Your career > their bottom line.

2/ Companies change, so should your strategy
→ New leadership, new culture.
→ Mergers shift priorities fast.
→ Be ready before you're forced to be.

3/ You are your best backup plan
→ Keep your resume sharp.
→ Build a strong network outside the walls.
→ Stay visible in the market.

4/ Career security isn’t job security
→ One role shouldn’t define you.
→ Your skills and brand are portable.
→ Always be ready for the next move.

5/ Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready
→ Keep learning.
→ Keep growing.
→ Keep doors open.

Your employer isn’t your identity.
Protect your options.

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

5 Career Rules for Staying Loyal to Yourself — Not the Com

Leadership Isn’t a Title. 

It’s a Behavior.

(thanks to Justin Wright for this)

It doesn’t matter where you sit on the org chart.

Leadership is earned by what you do daily.

Here’s what it really is:

1/ Your actions
2/ Your attitude
3/ Your behavior
4/ Your drive
5/ Your empathy
6/ Your example
7/ Your integrity
8/ Your team’s respect

Leadership isn’t handed to you.

It’s built through consistency, not authority.

5 Ways to Start Leading Today

1/ Be proactive
→ Don’t wait for instructions.
→ Spot what needs improvement.
→ Take the first step to fix it.

2/ Influence others
→ Lead by example.
→ Listen before you advise.
→ Rally people around shared goals.

3/ Make decisions
→ Don’t fear small calls.
→ Progress beats perfection.
→ Action builds credibility.

4/ Be accountable
→ Own your choices.
→ Celebrate wins and learn from misses.
→ Responsibility earns respect.

5/ Communicate clearly
→ Keep others informed.
→ Share your vision often.
→ Clarity drives alignment.

Leadership starts the moment you decide to act like one.

Not when someone gives you the title.

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

7 brutal truths you're not told as a new manager

So I will tell you them here:

The promotion is just the beginning.

1/ Your old job won't save you
→ Technical skills got you here
→ People skills keep you here
→ Stop hiding in familiar tasks

2/ Your friends aren't friends anymore
→ Authority changes relationships
→ Distance is necessary
→ Learn to be respected, not liked

3/ Your decisions affect lives
→ Every choice impacts families
→ Team stress becomes home stress
→ Your priorities shape others' reality

4/ Your silence is loud
→ Avoiding issues creates chaos
→ Teams see through fake positivity
→ Clear is always better than nice

5/ Your calendar isn't yours
→ Time management dies first
→ Emergencies become normal
→ Learn to protect your energy

6/ Your team sees everything
→ Actions eclipse words
→ Inconsistency kills trust
→ You're always "on stage"

7/ Your growth is lonely
→ Few understand your challenges
→ Mentors become essential
→ Build your support system early

The best managers accept these truths.
The worst ones learn them too late.

Which truth hit hardest when you started managing?

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

7 Brutal Truths You Are Not Told As a New Manager

10 Mistakes New Managers Make Without Realizing It

Every manager makes these once. 

The best never repeat them.

1/ Trying to be everyone’s friend.
→ You’ll think kindness means approval.
→ Then someone will test your limits.
→ Leadership starts when you say no with grace.

2/ Avoiding hard conversations.
→ You’ll hope tension fades if you ignore it.
→ It won’t. It grows.
→ Delaying discomfort multiplies the damage.

3/ Confusing busyness with progress.
→ You’ll fill your week with meetings.
→ Then realize nothing truly moved.
→ Productivity isn’t motion. It’s movement that matters.

4/ Overpromising to please.
→ You’ll want to prove yourself fast.
→ Then spend weeks cleaning up misses.
→ Trust is built through honesty, not hype.

5/ Ignoring your high performers.
→ You’ll think they don’t need support.
→ Then they’ll leave for someone who notices.
→ The best deserve the most attention.

6/ Giving feedback too late.
→ You’ll wait for review season.
→ By then, the behavior is habit.
→ Feedback has an expiration date.

7/ Overlooking small wins.
→ You’ll chase big goals only.
→ Silence feels like indifference.
→ Recognition isn’t extra. It’s fuel.

8/ Taking credit instead of giving it.
→ You’ll want to prove your worth.
→ Then learn your job is to lift others.
→ Great managers share the spotlight.

9/ Forgetting to listen first.
→ You’ll rush to direct, not understand.
→ Listening builds trust faster than orders.
→ Influence beats authority every time.

10/ Managing tasks, not people.
→ You’ll master the spreadsheet.
→ But miss the human behind it.
→ Efficiency without empathy feels empty.

Mistakes don’t prove failure.

They prove you’re learning to lead.

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

10 Mistakes New Managers Make Without Realizing It

Want to think like a top 1% performer?

Start here.

The 6 levels of thinking every high-performer masters:

1/ Foundational Knowledge
→ Start by storing key facts and concepts.
→ Recall them fast when you need them.
→ Every great thinker begins with strong fundamentals.

👉A pilot memorizes every safety step before takeoff.

2/ Turn Facts into Meaning
→ Don’t just memorize, make sense of it.
→ Explain ideas in your own words.
→ Understanding turns information into wisdom.

👉A manager translates data into a story the team gets.

3/ Put Knowledge to Work
→ Apply what you know in real life.
→ Turn theory into practical action.
→ Knowledge matters only when it’s used.

👉A marketer applies strategy frameworks to a launch.

4/ See Beneath the Surface
→ Look beyond the obvious.
→ Find hidden patterns and causes.
→ Analysis turns confusion into clarity.

👉An analyst studies customer trends to uncover insights.

5/ Make Sound Judgments
→ Judge ideas with logic and fairness.
→ Weigh options before choosing.
→ True leadership starts with clear reasoning.

👉A leader weighs multiple opinions before making a call.

6/ Innovate and Invent
→ Combine ideas in new, unexpected ways.
→ Build what doesn’t exist yet.
→ Creation is the ultimate proof of mastery.

👉An engineer designs a faster system from old concepts.

Remember:

✅Knowledge starts with remembering.
✅Wisdom ends with creating.

Climb the ladder, and elevate how you think 🧗‍♂️

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD, for more.

6 Levels of Thinking

Every “dream role” has a hidden tax.

Here’s how smart leaders spot it early.

That promotion might cost more than you think.

5 questions smart leaders ask first:

1/ Am I Gaining Influence or Just Workload?
→ New roles can mean more stress, not more say
→ Responsibility without authority erodes motivation
→ Growth should increase impact, not hours

2/ Does This Align With My Strengths?
→ Promotions that mismatch skills become prisons
→ Playing outside your zone costs credibility
→ Alignment fuels momentum

3/ Will I Still Have Time to Grow?
→ Some roles demand execution only
→ Development stalls when learning stops
→ The best promotions accelerate, not freeze

4/ Does This Team Want Me Leading?
→ Authority without respect is fragile
→ A title can’t replace real buy-in
→ Influence must precede the role

5/ What Will This Cost Outside of Work?
→ Promotions reshape personal balance
→ Hidden sacrifices become expensive long-term
→ True progress adds, it doesn’t subtract

Not every step up is forward.
Sometimes it is sideways in disguise.

Which question would you ask first? 💭

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

Your promotion might be a trap.

Everyone is replaceable at work.

But not everyone is missed when they’re gone.

Here’s the truth: 

They will post a replacement before your chair gets cold.

But the impact you leave? 

That’s what lasts.

Here’s how to make sure your absence leaves a gap...

Especially one that can’t be filled easily:

1/ Own outcomes, not tasks.
→ Task-doers are replaced.
→ Outcome-drivers are remembered.
→ Be the person who moves the needle

2/ Document everything, but think beyond the document.
→ Knowledge is shareable, but judgment isn’t.
→ Systems can replace actions, not intuition.
→ Build a legacy of good decisions, not just clean files.

3/ Anticipate needs before you’re asked.
→ The ones who see around corners become irreplaceable.
→ Proactive thinking is rare.
→ Show that you see what others miss.

4/ Make others better.
→ Teach your systems.
→ Coach without ego.
→ The best make others know you are hard to replace.

5/ Connect people, not just processes.
→ Relationships outlast roles.
→ Be the bridge others depend on.
→ When you go, they’ll feel it in the gaps between people.

Leaving a gap doesn’t come from being busy.

It comes from creating value only you can deliver.

How do you make yourself irreplaceable where you work?

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

Many leaders undermine themselves without realizing it.

But it happens in every email they send.

I've coached dozens of leaders who wonder why their emails get ignored. 

But the pattern is obvious:

They write like they're asking for permission instead of leading.

Your words decide how people see you.

Here's how to write like a leader, not an intern:

1/ From Hesitant → Confident
❌ “When you get a chance”
✅ “I’d appreciate your input by Friday.”
👉 Shows urgency without sounding demanding.

2/ From Passive → Proactive
❌ “Just following up”
✅ “Following up to ensure this is on your radar.”
👉 Turns a reminder into a strategic nudge.

3/ From Uncertain → Direct
❌ “I hope this is okay”
✅ “Here’s what I’m proposing.”
👉 Moves from seeking permission to leading the decision.

4/ From Polite → Professional
❌ “Sorry to bother you”
✅ “I wanted to bring this to your attention.”
👉 Removes apology and adds authority.

5/ From Casual → Clear
❌ “Whenever you have a moment”
✅ “Please review at your earliest convenience.”
👉 Keeps courtesy but reinforces accountability.

6/ From Generic → Intentional
❌ “Thanks so much in advance”
✅ “Thank you, I look forward to your feedback.”
👉 Ends with confidence, not hope.

7/ Lead With Purpose
❌ “Just a quick note to ask”
✅ “Reaching out to request your input on…”
👉 Opens the conversation with clarity and intent.

8/ Speak With Confidence
❌ “I’m not sure if this makes sense”
✅ “Here’s my initial thought, open to your perspective.”
👉 Balances authority with openness.

9/ Make Meetings Matter
❌ “Do you have time to discuss this?”
✅ “Would you be available for a 15-minute sync?”
👉 Protects time and drives purposeful collaboration.

10/ Move Ideas Forward
❌ “I think we might want to”
✅ “I recommend we proceed by…”
👉 Turns uncertainty into decisive leadership.

11/ Keep Momentum High
❌ “Hope you’re well, just wanted to touch base”
✅ “Checking in on progress on our last discussion.”
👉 Reinforces consistency and forward movement.

You don't have to write longer emails. 
You need to write clearer ones. 

You don't need to use more words. 
You just need to use better ones.

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

Stop Writing Weak Emails

Your greatest skill isn't on your resume.

It's these 7 habits that actually matter:

(thanks Eric Partaker for this image)

1/ The Enabler Effect
→ You make complex decisions feel simple
→ Your calm presence defuses team tension
→ Problems find solutions faster around you
→ Chaos turns to clarity in your meetings

2/ The Trust Builder
→ You follow through without reminders
→ Your word has become a guarantee
→ People share half-formed ideas with you
→ Teams volunteer for your projects first

3/ The Energy Shifter
→ Your optimism survives reality checks
→ Complaints turn to solutions near you
→ Hard conversations feel safer with you
→ Team morale rises when you walk in

4/ The Progress Unlock
→ You remove barriers others don't see
→ Your questions solve hidden problems
→ Bottlenecks disappear in your presence
→ Projects flow faster through your hands

5/ The Bridge Builder
→ You translate between departments
→ Your relationships prevent conflicts
→ People seek your interpretation first
→ Collaboration follows your example

6/ The Time Multiplier
→ Your process cuts work in half
→ Meetings end early with clear next steps
→ Decisions happen faster around you
→ Teams work smarter, not harder

7/ The Culture Carrier
→ Your standards raise everyone's game
→ Excellence becomes contagious
→ Right things happen without pressure
→ Teams level up just by watching you

How do you show up? 💭

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

A career lesson that's rarely talked about.

Most judge titles. The smart ones judge character.

Here's what 22 years of leadership taught me:

1/ Titles Hide Truth
→ The intern might be a genius
→ The CEO might be clueless
→ Position ≠ Wisdom

2/ Real Value Lives in Shadows
→ Cleaners know company secrets
→ Assistants run the show
→ Junior staff spot what leaders miss

3/ Expertise Has No Rank
→ Knowledge comes from experience
→ Innovation starts anywhere
→ Best ideas ignore hierarchy

4/ Respect Creates Results
→ People work for people
→ Not for fancy titles
→ Or corner offices

5/ Network Gold Lives Everywhere
→ Your next mentor might be entry-level
→ Your best hire might be unproven
→ Your biggest deal might come from unexpected places

Here's the truth:

Every person you meet knows something you don't.

Start treating everyone like a CEO.

Watch how quickly doors open.

♻️ Repost and follow Justin Bateh, PhD for more.

taplio

Justin Bateh, PhD's Linkedin Analytics

Justin Bateh, PhD

Performance ScoreJustin Bateh, PhD's LinkedIn Performance

What is Justin talking about?

Who is engaging with Justin

Justin Bateh, PhD's Best Posts (last 30 days)

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

.css-6ytdur{background-image:linear-gradient(284deg, rgba(39, 43, 72, 1) 0%, rgba(33, 47, 183, 1) 100%);color:transparent;-webkit-background-clip:text;background-clip:text;}Justin Bateh, PhD's Linkedin Analytics

Justin Bateh, PhD

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Justin Bateh, PhD's LinkedIn Performance

What is Justin talking about?

Who is engaging with Justin

Justin Bateh, PhD's Best Posts .css-1emoo84{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:400;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);}(last 30 days)

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Justin Bateh, PhD's Linkedin Analytics

Performance ScoreJustin Bateh, PhD's LinkedIn Performance

Justin Bateh, PhD's Best Posts (last 30 days)