Leadership In Focus: Weekend High-Five – December 14, 2024
Mid-December has arrived, and with it, the flurry of last-minute holiday preparations. Amid the hustle and bustle, many businesses are starting to wind down operations for the year, while teams are deep into setting their sights on 2025 goals. Did you know that individuals who write down their goals are 20% more likely to achieve them? As you shift your focus to the year ahead, take a moment to make your goals stickier—grab a pen, jot them down, and give yourself a head start on crafting goals you’re excited about. Use the downtime in the coming weeks to refine your vision for 2025 and set the stage for success.
This week’s Weekend High-Five is all about keeping the momentum as the year winds down—balancing action with reflection, so you can end 2024 on a high note and start 2025 with clarity and purpose!
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Quote of the Week:
“Alright, but apart from the sanitation, the medicine, education, wine, public order, irrigation, roads, the fresh-water system, and public health, what have the Romans ever done for us?” - Monty Python, The Life of Brian
Takeaway:
It’s easy to focus on the negatives and overlook the countless positives that enrich our lives. Don’t let one or two bad things overshadow the good.
Action Item:
Pause and reflect on the blessings in your life. Make a list of the positives—big or small—and remind yourself of how much you have to be grateful for. It’s a perspective shift that can make all the difference.
Interesting Read: “Going for goal—a dependable approach to setting 2024 objectives” by Emily Field, Sasha Goluskin, and Bryan Hancock
Summary:
As we approach the year-end and start planning for 2025, this early 2024 article remains timely. It highlights how effective goal setting can drive motivation and value but cautions against common pitfalls, such as disconnected goals, siloed planning, and short-term focus. By involving employees in goal alignment, fostering collaboration, maintaining relevance through check-ins, and balancing performance and learning goals, organizations can create objectives that inspire and deliver meaningful impact.
Key Takeaway
Incorporating purpose, collaboration, and adaptability into your goal-setting process ensures goals remain relevant and drive both individual and organizational success.
Action Item for This Week
Review your current goals and ensure they:
Align with the larger organizational strategy.
Consider interdependencies with colleagues or teams.
Include regular check-ins to adapt as priorities shift.
Balance performance goals with opportunities for long-term learning and innovation.
As we continue on this leadership growth journey together, here are the 5 big ideas we discussed this week at Leadership In Focus:
Monday, Dec 9: Your Brand IS Your Culture. Are They Aligned?
Your brand and culture are two sides of the same coin. If they’re misaligned, customers will notice the cracks. Authenticity and alignment in your promises, interactions, and delivery build trust and make your story resonate.
Tuesday, Dec 10: Resilience Lessons from Monty Python's Black Knight
Setbacks are inevitable, but resilience is your superpower. Just like the Black Knight in The Holy Grail, the key is to persevere—even when the odds seem stacked against you. Every “flesh wound” is an opportunity to rise stronger.
Wednesday, Dec 11: Stop Inflating Titles—Start Building Real Relationships!
Leadership is about people, not positions. Overcome “status intimidation” by seeing colleagues as individuals, flaws and all. Trust and collaboration grow when we humanize relationships, regardless of titles.
Thursday, Dec 12: I Like Big Buts (And I Cannot Lie)
Excuses erode trust. Show up for what you promise because trust is built on actions, not intentions. Let’s drop the “buts” and commit to being dependable leaders others can count on.
Friday, Dec 13: The Dark Side of Negativity
A negative mindset creates a self-fulfilling prophecy of problems. Shift your focus from obstacles to opportunities. You control your progress—don’t let a cloudy attitude block your vision for success.
Closing Thought:
This week, we explored the themes of authenticity, resilience, relationships, accountability, and mindset. As you reflect, where can you align your actions with your promises, build deeper connections, or shift your outlook to create opportunities? Let’s finish the year strong and set the foundation for an incredible 2025!
From Sunday, December 8, 2024: Are You a Selfish Manager?
This past Sunday’s comic confronted a harsh but common leadership truth: holding on too tightly to top performers can harm both your team and your legacy. It showcased the moment when a leader resists letting a star employee move on to bigger opportunities, only to risk losing them altogether. The big idea: true leadership isn’t about hoarding talent—it’s about supporting growth, even when it’s inconvenient.
Takeaway:
Your greatest pride as a leader should be watching your team members grow and thrive—even if it means they move beyond your team. Their growth reflects your leadership legacy.
Action Item:
This week, identify a high performer on your team and have a meaningful conversation about their growth goals. Commit to supporting their development, even if it means letting them go. Remember, their success is a testament to your leadership.
Celebrate Leadership with a Laugh!
Looking for the perfect way to mark life's milestones? Our Leadership In Focus, Not So Funny, Funnies greeting cards bring humor and heart to every occasion. From workplace wins to new beginnings, these cards blend relatable scenarios with messages that inspire and delight.
👉 Add a touch of wit to your well-wishes. SHOP THE COLLECTION NOW!
