Psychologist and author Susan Campbell outlines ten “truth skills” that help us relate with honesty, self-awareness, and emotional maturity. These ideas resonate deeply with my own philosophy, that real leadership begins with how we show up in conversation, in conflict, and in connection. For leaders, these skills are more than communication tools; they’re daily practices that build trust, authenticity, and psychological safety, the foundation of any thriving culture.
Ten “Truth Skills” Every Conscious Leader Can Practice
1. Experiencing What Is
Stay grounded in the present moment rather than reacting from old patterns or assumptions.
Leadership move: Pause before responding. Ask, “What’s really happening here, right now?”
2. Being Transparent
Share your real thoughts and feelings instead of managing impressions.
Leadership move: Be open about uncertainty, mistakes, or lessons learned, it invites trust.
3. Noticing Your Intent
Check your motives before speaking or acting. Are you trying to connect, control, or defend?
Leadership move: Begin key conversations by clarifying your purpose out loud.
4. Welcoming Feedback
See feedback as a gift that reveals how your leadership impacts others.
Leadership move: Ask for feedback regularly and listen without defending.
5. Asserting What You Want (and Don’t Want)
Clear requests reduce confusion and resentment.
Leadership move: State your needs and boundaries directly and respectfully.
6. Taking Back Projections
Notice when you’re attributing your own fears or stories to others.
Leadership move: When triggered, pause and ask, “What might this reaction say about me?”
7. Revising an Earlier Statement
Own when your perspective changes. It models growth and integrity.
Leadership move: Normalize revision by saying, “I’ve had new insight, I see that differently now.”
8. Holding Differences
Real leadership means staying connected through disagreement.
Leadership move: Replace “Who’s right?” with “What can we learn from our different views?”
9. Sharing Mixed Emotions
Complex feelings are human, acknowledging them deepens authenticity.
Leadership move: Express both sides: “Part of me feels excited, and part of me feels cautious.”
10. Embracing the Silence
Silence can reveal truth better than words.
Leadership move: Don’t rush to fill quiet moments; give space for reflection and depth.
In Practice:
Start by choosing one truth skill to focus on each week. Reflect on where it shows up in your leadership conversations with your team, clients, or yourself. Over time, these practices cultivate leaders who lead from presence, integrity, and real connection.
These truths are simple to understand and harder to live. Awareness is only the first step; real change happens when we look together at where your leadership isn’t landing the way you intend.
Leadership Coaching
How you show up, listen, speak, and relate determines the depth of trust and impact. Attending to relational agility and the way of being that drives behaviour allows you to navigate complexity, work with growth tension, and support deeper, ethical transformation.
- Personal clarity and confidence
- Communication and conflict resolution
- Relationship and intimacy development
- Emotional resilience and self-trust
- Navigating transitions and change
Strengthen your culture and impact by booking a session today.
