We’ve all been in meetings where no one wants to talk.
Deadlines are tight. Stakes are high. Everyone waits for the “right” answer, or stays quiet to avoid getting blamed. According to leadership coach Coach Cherry Africa, this isn’t a confidence issue. It’s a culture issue.
Africa, founder of World Stage International Network Inc. and author of Empath to Success, works with CEOs and leadership teams across industries. Her focus? Helping leaders create workplaces where people feel safe enough to speak up, even under pressure.
Here are four leadership habits she says make the biggest difference:
Open-hearted listening
This doesn’t mean being overly emotional or permissive. It means listening without immediately defending yourself. When leaders respond instead of react, people are more likely to share ideas and concerns.
Bringing “liget” energy
Liget is a Filipino word that captures energized determination. Leaders who bring liget into conversations show momentum and resilience. It’s the difference between “We can’t” and “Let’s figure it out.”
Staying curious, not judgmental
Curious leaders ask questions before making assumptions. They listen to understand, not to win. This habit alone can transform tense meetings into productive ones.
Showing confidence, even while learning
You don’t need all the answers to lead well. Calm confidence signals safety. When leaders stay steady, teams feel more secure navigating uncertainty.
Africa emphasizes that emotions aren’t “soft” or irrelevant. “They influence how people think, decide, and collaborate,” she explains. Through her leadership programs, Africa teaches leaders to treat emotions as information, not something to ignore, but something to manage intentionally.
“Leadership isn’t about control,” she says. “It’s about creating a space where people can do their best work.” In a workplace world filled with pressure, the leaders who stand out may be the ones who understand that empathy isn’t weakness, it’s strategy.
Those interested in learning more can book a Best Team Ever team-building workshop, a Culture Mapping Program, or an Empath to Success Leadership Workshop inspired by Africa’s book by calling 0917 178 7577.
