You are on a journey of ascension — becoming your version of the Sage on the Mountain. We began with the foundational choices that create abundance in your business and life. Now we arrive at the second-to-last and one of the most elevated choices.
Choice #5 is… Love!
What does “Love” have to do with Leadership, you might ask?
My more grounded clients don’t love that word, no pun intended. Some leaders prefer words like respect, professionalism, compassion, or empathy. Use whatever word resonates. At its core, this is about caring enough to truly understand others.
Stephen Covey called it “listening with the intent to comprehend.”
Chris Voss calls it “Tactical Empathy.”
Kim Scott calls it “Radical Candor.”
Love creates cohesion and unity. It gets teams rowing in the same direction. It builds cultures that last beyond the founder.
Why is this so hard?
Because judgment is easier.
Judgment is fast. It feeds the ego. It separates and divides. It feels protective and powerful in the moment — but it slows everything down.
Love requires a pause. It asks us to respond instead of react. To get curious instead of critical. To seek understanding instead of being right.
Love attracts and develops people. Judgment repels them.
When you remove judgment, you can say almost anything to anyone — because it’s delivered with care. In EOS® language, this shows up in LMA™:
When you lead with love, you serve. And when you serve, your influence grows.
If you want more influence, increase your service. Increase your love. Let go of what blocks it.
You’ll gain energy. Freedom. Clarity.
So ask yourself:
Who am I judging?
Who have I not forgiven?
Where can I get more curious?
Can I meet them eye to eye, without judgment?
The work you do here prepares you for the final and most elevated of the six choices.
We’ll reveal that next week.
Until then,
Venture on,
Philip
