Every organization has vases—unspoken rules, rigid traditions, and outdated leadership practices that were once useful but now hold us back. These vases shape how we lead, how our employees show up, and how our organizations function. We protect them because they feel familiar, because breaking them feels risky. But the greatest leaders—the ones who drive real transformation—are those who recognize when a vase no longer serves them and have the courage to shatter it.
Breaking vases in leadership is about challenging the limits we’ve accepted for too long.It’s about looking at our leadership practices, our workplace culture, and our teams with fresh eyes and asking: What is holding us back? What fears, habits, or traditions are we clinging to at the expense of growth?
The following questions are designed to help leaders step into this mindset—to break free from outdated leadership models, empower their teams, and create organizations where innovation, engagement, and bold leadership can thrive.
Are you ready to shatter the vases in business and build something stronger? Let’s begin.
What long-standing leadership practices or company traditions are we holding onto simply because “that’s how it’s always been done”?
Where in our organization do employees feel the most restricted—whether in decision-making, innovation, or personal growth?
What fears are preventing us as leaders from embracing change? Are we afraid of losing control, failing, or stepping outside of our comfort zones?
Are we unintentionally reinforcing workplace conformity by rewarding compliance over creativity and innovation?
What outdated policies, hierarchical structures, or leadership mindsets are limiting our ability to adapt, grow, and stay competitive?
How do we respond to failure in our organization? Do we treat mistakes as learning opportunities, or do we punish and discourage risk-taking?
Are we empowering employees with autonomy and trust, or are we micromanaging and creating unnecessary barriers to their success?
What personal “vases” are we holding onto as leaders—beliefs, habits, or fears that are limiting our own leadership growth?
If we could rebuild our organization’s culture from scratch, what would we do differently? And what is stopping us from making those changes today?
Breaking vases in leadership requires deep reflection, bold action, and a willingness to embrace transformation. Are we ready to break what no longer serves us and build an impactful work culture?
Building Leaders. Breaking Limitations.
Dima Ghawi is a catalyst for leadership transformation, guiding professionals and organizations to shatter limitations, embrace growth, and lead boldly. Through keynote speeches, training programs and executive coaching, Dima has empowered thousands of professionals across the globe to expand their leadership potential.
Ready to break the vases holding you back? Connect with Dima at DimaGhawi.com and BreakingVases.com.
