The Leadership In Focus: Weekend High-Five - January 18, 2025
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Transitions
With the US presidential transition underway, the world is watching closely to see how this leadership change will impact relationships on a global scale. Leadership transitions are just as pivotal in the workplace. A poorly managed one can derail a team, but when handled well, it can propel performance to new heights.
As we reflect on the past week, I want to start by saying congratulations for making it through—this deserves a high-five! In this week’s edition of the Leadership In Focus Weekend High-Five, we explore how leaders can optimize their potential by focusing on their unique strengths, shifting mindset in the face of obstacles, overcoming fear, and handling performance reviews with confidence.
Let’s dive in.
Quote of the Week:
“Leadership is a survivall skill and it starts with you leading yourself.”
- Curtis Scaplen
Take Action This Week:
In your journal, reflect on this: Are you leading yourself well enough to thrive this week, or are you just hoping it all works out? What’s one thing you can take charge of today that will make a real difference in your life?
Interesting Read: “Leaders Shouldn’t Try to Do It All” A.G Lafley and Roger L Martin, Harvard Business Review
Leaders often face overwhelming to-do lists, but by applying the theory of comparative advantage, they can focus on tasks only they can do well. Instead of trying to do everything, leaders should delegate tasks where others have a comparative advantage, and invest time in areas where their unique skills can make the biggest impact on the organization's success.
Takeaway:
Leaders should prioritize tasks that align with their unique strengths and delegate or remove tasks where others can contribute more effectively. This allows leaders to focus on what truly drives success.
Action Item:
This week, review your to-do list and identify tasks that can be delegated or reassigned to others. Focus your energy on activities where you have a clear comparative advantage and can drive significant impact.
As we continue on this leadership growth journey together, here are the 5 big ideas we discussed this week at Leadership In Focus:
Monday, Jan 13: Rebranding Mondays—A New Vibe for the Week Ahead 💡
Mondays don’t have to be mundane! Whether it’s “Mom-day” for pampering or “Money-day” for that extra bit of motivation, embracing a new perspective on Mondays can set a positive tone for the week.
Tuesday, Jan 14: Own the 💩—Turning Challenges into Growth 💥
When life dumps manure on you, own it! Like Biff Tannen’s manure moment, tough situations are opportunities for growth if we shift our mindset. It’s all about owning the discomfort and learning from it.
Wednesday, Jan 15: Leadership Starts with You—Lead Yourself First 💪
True leadership begins with self-leadership. Take control of your own narrative and mindset to navigate life’s toughest challenges. Leadership is a survival skill you can cultivate by mastering your own story.
Thursday, Jan 16: Don’t Become What You Hate—Control Your Response 🌟
How you respond to chaos matters. Don’t let one bad moment change who you are. Whether it’s in traffic or in life, managing your emotional response with calmness and clarity preserves your integrity and sanity.
Friday, Jan 17: Leadership in Uncertainty—Navigating Risk with Confidence 🌊
Leadership is like driving through floodwaters—assess the situation, take calculated risks, and keep moving forward. Staying still in uncertainty is the real danger; progress means stepping into the unknown with confidence.
Closing Thought:
This week, we explored how to reshape our Mondays, embrace growth through challenges, lead ourselves first, and manage our emotional responses in leadership. How will you own your narrative and navigate the shifts that leadership demands in 2025?
Performance reviews: The Golden Globes for Managers (minus the glam)
NOTE: Last week I posted the wrong comic with the caption on LinkedIn.
Performance reviews are like the Golden Globes for managers—minus the glam. While Hollywood celebrates achievements, managers use reviews to evaluate, praise, or face uncomfortable truths. To make these reviews effective, be proactive with regular check-ins, deliver meaningful feedback, and focus on growth rather than blame.
Takeaway:
Performance reviews are an opportunity for growth. Be proactive, fair, and prepared to turn tough conversations into constructive paths forward.
Action Item:
This week, schedule regular check-ins with your team members to discuss progress, address concerns, and set clear action steps, ensuring you’re not waiting for performance review time to address key issues.
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.
