This email confirmed what I’ve been noticing through my speaking career: the best speeches don’t just inspire – they fundamentally change behavior.
When this HR professional wrote, ‘my mind is still on the technical aspects of getting the job done,’ she perfectly illustrated what I call the Technical Hat trap. It’s a common challenge I see in leadership – getting stuck wearing only one of the Two Hats.
In this case, she was wearing her Technical Hat, focused solely on processes, tasks, and outcomes, while her Human Hat – the one that builds connections and strengthens relationships – was sitting unused on the shelf.
The point of that story?
True transformation in leadership requires knowing when to wear which hat, and more importantly, how to switch between them effectively.
Her acknowledgment that ‘in this position, the connection is just as important as getting the work done’ represents exactly the kind of mindset shift I aim for in my speeches.
She realized that success in HR isn’t just about mastering procedures and policies (Technical Hat) but also about building meaningful connections with employees (Human Hat).
My Two Hat Theory™ is fundamental to effective leadership. While the Technical Hat ensures tasks get completed efficiently, the Human Hat ensures people feel valued and engaged along the way.
The most successful leaders don’t just wear both hats – they know when and how to switch between them.
Think about her email again. She first acknowledged her Technical Hat tendency: ‘my mind is still on the technical aspects of getting the job done.’ But through our session, she recognized the need to balance this with her Human Hat: ‘trying to connect with our employees.’ This mental shift is the first step toward behavioral change.
When delivering Employee Engagement programs, I always ensure participants understand this crucial balance. Here’s my framework for mastering the Two Hat approach:
- Recognize Your Default Hat: Most leaders naturally favor one hat over the other
- Practice Intentional Switching: Set specific times to wear each hat
- Balance Your Time: Aim for an appropriate mix based on your role
- Read Your Environment: Learn which hat is needed in different situations
- Develop Both Skill Sets: Strengthen your abilities under both hats
Want to create more impact in your leadership role? Start by honestly assessing which hat you wear most often. Then, deliberately practice wearing the other hat in situations where it might serve you better.
The next time you’re tackling a leadership challenge, remember: great leaders don’t just wear both hats – they know exactly when to switch between them.
