Let’s be real, most leadership advice out there sounds like it was written for medieval knights or corporate robots. “Lead by example,” “Be decisive,” “Communicate effectively”, yeah, yeah, we’ve heard it all before. But what if I told you that one of the most strategic leaders of our time, Lee Hsien Loong, has been quietly dropping power moves that you can steal to level up your own leadership game?
Whether you’re trying to lead a group project without losing your sanity, start a side hustle that actually makes money, or just convince your friends to pick the restaurant you want, these five leadership lessons from Singapore’s longest-serving Prime Minister will help you crush it. Ready? Let’s go.
Stay Cool, Even When the World is Burning
One of Lee Hsien Loong’s superpowers is his ability to remain calm under pressure. Whether it’s a global financial crisis, a pandemic, or political drama, the man doesn’t break a sweat. And guess what? That calmness = POWER.
The Problem: Life is messy, and people lose their minds when things don’t go their way. If you panic, they panic. If you stay cool, they’ll trust you.
The Solution: Master emotional intelligence. Start by recognizing your triggers and learning how to manage stress like a pro. One hack? Meditation and mindfulness. If it’s good enough for top CEOs and world leaders, it’s good enough for you.
Amazon Must-Have: The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness. This book will train your brain to stay zen even when everything around you is falling apart. Grab it here and thank me later.
Play the Long Game Like a Chess Master
Lee Hsien Loong didn’t just wake up one day and decide to lead Singapore like a boss. He strategized for years. His leadership is about long-term vision, not short-term wins.
The Problem: Most people think only about right now. They chase instant gratification and then wonder why they’re stuck.
The Solution: Start thinking 10 steps ahead. Whether it’s your career, finances, or personal growth, set long-term goals and reverse-engineer your success.
Pro Tip: Use a goal planner to map out where you want to be in 1, 5, or 10 years. You don’t need to be a Prime Minister to think like one.
Communicate Like a Boss (Even If You Hate Public Speaking)
Ever noticed how Lee Hsien Loong’s speeches are clear, structured, and to the point? That’s not an accident. Communication is a weapon, and he wields it like a pro.
The Problem: People ramble, mumble, or get nervous when they speak. No one listens to a leader who sounds unsure.
The Solution: Learn the art of persuasion. Structure your thoughts before you speak, use simple language, and pause for impact.
Amazon Must-Have: Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds. It’ll make you a master of influence. Get it here.
Be Adaptable, Or Get Left Behind
Singapore didn’t become a global powerhouse by sticking to outdated methods. Lee Hsien Loong constantly reinvents strategies to keep the country ahead.
The Problem: People resist change. But in a world moving at lightning speed, staying stuck = falling behind.
The Solution: Be open-minded. Learn new skills, pivot when necessary, and always stay ahead of the curve.
Pro Tip: Want to future-proof your career? Start learning AI, coding, or digital marketing NOW.
Lead with Integrity (Because Fake Leaders Get Exposed)
Lee Hsien Loong has built a reputation based on trust and integrity. That’s why people follow him. The moment you lose credibility, game over.
The Problem: In the age of social media, fake leaders are everywhere. But people can smell inauthenticity a mile away.
The Solution: Keep your word. Be honest, even when it’s hard. Do the right thing, and people will respect you.
Amazon Must-Have: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, because real leaders aren’t afraid to be vulnerable. Get it here.
Your Turn: Which Lesson Hit You the Hardest?
Now that you’ve got these five leadership hacks, which one are you going to start using today? Drop a comment below and let’s talk! Also, if you found this helpful, share it with a friend who needs a leadership glow-up.