Today’s leaders have unique challenges. And there are common misconceptions about what it takes to be an effective leader. It’s not enough to be an expert in your field. It’s not enough to have the respect of your peers. It’s not enough to show loyalty by putting in years of service and climbing the corporate ladder.

Leadership is about building relationships. Whether you are the founder of a company or handed the reins from a family dynasty, effective leadership involves a certain set of skills.

These involve a mastery of oneself (such as self-awareness, self-management, and restorative self-care), the ability to relate to different kinds of people, finding your executive voice, and being able to get others to buy into your vision.

No one can lead without followers and even those with a natural gift for leadership are not always effective.

Through Triple Axel Executive Coaching (TAEC), we can help you influence how the world of business is run. We coach people on how to make a lasting impression that gets them promoted within their organization or hired into leadership roles.

TAEC’s commitment is to support leaders from the time they are identified as “high potentials” to the time they retire and/or transition into grander ways of contributing to the global community.

Core Competencies for Leaders

Over the past three decades, I’ve learned valuable lessons from coaching athletes, training figure skating judges, mentoring other coaches, serving on committees, running boards, and spending two decades coaching global executives. Alongside this, I’ve consistently sought out coaches to hone my own skills. One thing remains clear: there are core competencies essential for leadership mastery, and they evolve over time. I call them the 4 C’s.

Every people leader who collaborates with others—whether in teams, groups, or larger communities—benefits from developing these proficiencies. In doing so, they positively influence everyone within their sphere. Among these competencies, one stands out as pivotal to leadership success: building a strong team culture.

Culture as a Shared Responsibility

Team culture is a collective effort requiring consistent and intentional actions, rooted in shared values and behaviors. Culture doesn’t simply happen; it’s cultivated over time. When every team member commits to creating a positive, values-driven environment, culture transforms into a foundation for long-term success.

The Power of Communication

Effective leaders excel in communication—spoken, written, and unspoken. They keep their community informed, aligned, and connected to the organization’s shared vision, purpose, and mission. Clear and consistent communication ensures that everyone understands their role and remains committed to achieving collective goals. Without it, miscommunication breeds confusion and chaos.

Connection Build Cohesion

Sustaining cohesion within a team or community requires the ability to build, nurture, and grow relationships. A leader who inspires trust and connection motivates others to follow their lead and fosters growth—both individually and collectively.

This relational leadership manifests in:

• Internal interactions: Meetings, presentations, and daily exchanges with direct reports, colleagues, and senior leaders.
• External engagements: Building relationships with vendors, clients, marketing teams, and the surrounding community.

By cultivating these relationships, leaders create a robust network of advocates, clients, and even future employees. A strong connection with the external community also ensures the organization is seen as a champion for the causes that matter most.

Commitment to the Foundation of Growth

At the heart of sustainable growth lies a leader’s ability to fulfill commitments to their people—keeping them inspired, involved, and motivated to take meaningful action. Commitment is just as much about influence as it is about participation. When people feel committed to the vision, they’re more likely to contribute to achieving it.

Leadership is a dynamic process of growth and adaptation. By focusing on culture, communication, and commitment, leaders lay the groundwork for success that resonates far beyond their immediate team.

It’s time to Create an Impact.