The Leadership In Focus: Weekend High Five - August 31, 2024
We made it to the weekend—high-five to that! ✋ With the long weekend here and September starting tomorrow, it’s time to prepare for the shift back to routine. For many, this week marks the final stretch of summer mode before we dive into the back-to-school rhythm. So, as we savor these last few days of summer vibes, let’s take a moment to dive into our Weekend High Five.
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Quote of the Week:
“Nothing changes if nothing changes” - Steven Bartlett
Takeaway: Clinging to unrealistic expectations often leads to disappointment. By letting go and accepting what others can genuinely offer, you gain the freedom to focus on what you can control—your own actions and happiness.
Action Item: Reflect on one expectation you’ve been holding onto that’s caused frustration. Consciously release it, and instead, focus on what you can do to create your own sense of fulfillment and well-being.
Interesting read: Here are six strategies for enhancing inclusive leadership by Prakash Mana
In this article Mana shares how inclusive leadership isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a must-have for organizations that want to stay competitive. By actively embracing diverse perspectives and fostering a culture of collaboration, leaders can transform decision-making processes, driving innovation and engagement across the board.
Want to drive your team's performance and creativity? It starts with embracing inclusive leadership. Check out Mana’s recommended strategies to make it happen.
As we continue on this leadership growth journey together, here are the 5 big ideas we discussed this week at Leadership In Focus:
Monday: 🌊 Welcome to Leadership – Every Day An Adventure 🚤
Leadership is like piloting a high-performance machine through unpredictable waters. To steer your team with confidence, keep your eyes on the horizon, check in with your crew, and embrace the bumps along the way. Leadership is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.
Tuesday: At Least I’m Trying 🚀
In challenging times, persistence and innovation make all the difference. Encouraging a growth mindset and celebrating effort, even in the face of failure, can lead to unexpected success. It’s not about getting it right every time—it’s about continuously trying.
Wednesday: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗽: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆
Empathy is vital, but when it goes too far, it can undermine accountability. This week, we explored how to balance compassion with maintaining high standards, ensuring that leadership doesn’t become a trap of misplaced sympathy.
Thursday: 🏰 Division and Silos – Beware the Dividor Problem Monster 🏰
Silos within organizations can be as destructive as any external threat. The Dividor Problem Monster thrives in environments where departments act like separate kingdoms. We discussed how to break down these barriers through collaboration, empathy, and a shared vision.
Friday: Ever pause and think—what was I doing a decade ago?
Reflecting on the past can reveal valuable lessons that still apply today. Reconnecting with old memories and skills can offer insights that are unexpectedly relevant to current challenges. Never underestimate the power of those past experiences—they shape your present and future leadership.
As we wrap up another week, remember that leadership is an adventure, persistence pays off, balance empathy with accountability, collaboration is key, and the past holds valuable lessons for today. Wishing you a restful and reflective weekend ahead!
Check out our LinkedIn and Instagram pages tomorrow for our new “Leadership In Focus, Not So Funny, Funnies”
From Sunday, August 25th: 🎯 Are you Speaking in Code?
Effective leadership hinges on clear communication. When leaders use jargon, buzzwords, or overly complex messaging, they risk leaving their teams confused and disconnected. The key is to communicate with purpose, simplicity, and openness, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and no one is left guessing. In leadership, it's not about how much you say, but how clearly you say it.
Exciting news coming soon! We’re about to launch a new way for you to share these funnies with your friends—stay tuned for the announcement!
Tools & Resources of the Week: FREE DOWNLOAD - The Whole Health Navigator for Leaders
The Whole Health Guide for Leaders helps you assess and prioritize your biggest areas of growth - be it mental health, financial health, fitness, or social health. You can set up a 30-day action plan for free to help you get on track and find the balance you want to achieve in your life.
