Archive - Wes Kao's Newsletter

November 2024

Wes Kao's Newsletter Holiday Gift Guide 2024

Gift ideas for the operators, leaders, and builders in your life (including yourself)

Nov 27 •

How to give a senior leader feedback (without getting fired)

There’s a right and wrong way to proceed. Here’s how to increase the chances your leader listens and takes action--while reducing the chance they feel…

Nov 20 •

Part II: The art of workplace finesse

Knowing when to ask for forgiveness vs permission, what you can get away with, and more

Nov 13 •

Part I: What finesse looks like when reading people and situations

7 examples of finesse, including understanding power dynamics, when to call someone out, and more

Nov 6 •

October 2024

When you’re pigeonholed as “great at project management”

Being good at project management is important. But ONLY being known for project management can limit your career.

Oct 30 •

Frustrated by rejection? How to plan before you ask

“It doesn’t hurt to ask” is a lie. If you’re going to make an ask, do a bit of strategic thinking upfront.

Oct 23 •

“What will I tell my boss?”: Why founders should understand the worldview of bureaucrats

A bureaucrat doesn’t care about good results, investing in a long-term solution, or the ROI of your product. They care about keeping their job and not…

Oct 16 •

How to regain control of a meeting

Three scripts to steer meetings back on track

Oct 9 •

How to market a product you don’t use

Use the “Of Course exercise” to empathize with people who have different worldviews--so you can quickly relate to and appeal to them.

Oct 2 •

September 2024

How to deliver bad news when it's not your fault

People tend to shoot the messenger. Here's how to avoid the negative halo of bad news.

Sep 25 •

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