In every organization, on every leadership journey, there exists a vase.
A metaphor—a symbol of the traditions, expectations, and unspoken rules we are told to protect. It represents "the way things have always been done." It holds the weight of outdated leadership models, rigid workplace structures, and inherited mindsets that no longer serve us.
I know this vase well because for much of my life, I was told to protect it. In my culture, the vase represented tradition, obedience, and limitations placed upon me from birth. I was taught that my worth was tied to keeping it intact, to following the path laid before me without question.
Shattering the vase meant defying expectations, stepping into the unknown, and embracing the terrifying yet liberating process of transformation. And in leadership, the same truth applies. The leaders who make the greatest impact—the ones who create real change, inspire innovation, and foster engagement—are those who dare to shatter their own vases.They challenge convention, break through limitations, and rebuild something stronger. Because true leadership is about knowing when to transform.
Shattering Vases to Create More Effective Leaders
Shattering vases in leadership means breaking away from rigid, outdated models of authority that rely on control rather than empowerment. Leaders who cling to the belief that they must have all the answers, maintain hierarchy, and never show vulnerability are holding onto a vase that no longer serves them—or their teams. Breaking that vase allows leaders to lead with authenticity, foster trust, and create an environment where collaboration thrives. A leader who dares to shatter limiting beliefs and outdated leadership structures creates space for new ideas, innovation, and more effective problem-solving.
Shattering Vases for More Employee Engagement
Many workplaces operate within vases built on bureaucracy, micromanagement, and fear-based leadership. These vases stifle creativity, disengage employees, and create an environment where people feel undervalued and unheard. Shattering them means breaking the rigid systems that prevent employees from taking ownership of their work and contributing meaningfully. When employees feel trusted, supported, and empowered to challenge ideas and take risks,engagement flourishes. Leaders who break these vases create workplaces where people bring their full creativity, passion, and drive to what they do.
Shattering Vases for a Thriving Work Culture
Workplace culture is often shaped by unspoken rules—vases that reinforce conformity, discourage innovation, and suppress open dialogue. These cultural vases convince employees to stay silent rather than speak up, to maintain outdated practices rather than experiment with new approaches. Breaking these vases creates cultures where diversity of thought is celebrated, communication is open, and psychological safety is prioritized. A thriving organization is not one that clings to tradition for tradition’s sake, but one that continually breaks what no longer works to build something better.
Daring to Break the Vase
Shattering vases is about transformation, courage, and creating something stronger. Just as I had to break the vase that confined my life to a predetermined path, leaders must be willing to question the systems, traditions, and mindsets that keep their organizations from evolving.
The best leaders recognize when it’s time to break old patterns, challenge limiting beliefs, and rebuild something stronger.
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.
