Transforming criticism into creation wasn’t easy.
For over 20 years in agile organizations, I found myself defaulting to criticism, quick to point out what wasn’t working, slow to take responsibility for building something better. Surrounded by fellow critics, I felt clever, validated, even admired for “seeing through the nonsense.” But somewhere along the way, I realized something uncomfortable:
I wasn’t helping.
Not really.
Then I came across a quote by Linda Rappoport that stopped me in my tracks:
“It’s always easier to criticize than to create.”
That single line pierced my armor. I knew it was true. It’s easy to point fingers, to scoff at failed attempts, to sit in the corner shaking your head. But what takes courage (what truly moves us forward) is stepping into the messy, vulnerable act of creation.
That’s when I began to reflect deeply, not just on my own behavior, but on the roots of the agile movement. When agile was born in 2001, it wasn’t about SAFe or Scrum boards or velocity charts. It was about people. It was about connection. It was a rebellion against rigidity, a call to prioritize individuals and interactions over processes and tools.
And it resonated with something I’d been feeling all along.
People-Minded Leadership (PML)
So I began to shift my energy from judging what others built to building something of my own. That something became People-Minded Leadership (PML), a practical and deeply human approach to leadership rooted in three simple principles:
- Engage first: show up with curiosity, presence, and humanity.
- Enable then: support others in developing their own voice and confidence.
- Empower always: create space for people to rise, contribute, and grow.
This isn’t a top-down model. It’s not a handbook. It’s a mindset shift.
And here’s the kicker: it’s not just for managers or leaders with titles. It’s for anyone who wants to take ownership and make a difference, starting exactly where they are.
That’s why I’ve chosen not to write a book.
Books can be powerful, but they often feel like one-way communication. I want PML to be a never-ending story, co-written by those of us walking the path, messy, curious, and committed to doing better. So instead, I share my thoughts post by post, inviting your voice into the conversation.
Because leadership today isn’t about control, it’s about contribution.
And contribution starts with connection.
A Question for You
What’s one way you can engage, enable, or empower your boss today?
Yes, your boss. Leadership isn’t a ladder, it’s a ripple. When we lift others, especially those we assume are “above us,” we shift the dynamic from expectation to co-creation.
So I invite you: reflect on how you might start creating rather than criticizing today.