The Leadership In Focus Weekend High-Five Newsletter - February 8, 2025
This week was an emotional roller coaster for my family. We braced ourselves for some tough news on Thursday, only to receive nearly the best news we could have hoped for. It felt like the weight of the world lifted off our shoulders, definitely a high-five moment! And now that January (which honestly felt like the longest month ever) is finally behind us, I think we all deserve a collective high-five for making it through this week.
We hope you enjoy this week’s Leadership In Focus Weekend High-Five Newsletter and take away something impactful to carry with you into the week ahead!
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This Week's Big Idea: Action Over Words: Leading by Doing
If there was a theme to this week, it would be this: Leadership is about what you do, not what you say.
We dug into the power of small actions, like observing the little things for inspiration, stepping into awkward moments to build meaningful connections, and shifting perceptions of your leadership potential before you even get the title.
At its core, it’s about taking proactive steps to lead from where you are and making a real difference through your actions.
Let’s break it down.
🖐 This Week’s Big 5 Ideas:
✔️ Monday: Find inspiration in the everyday, get creative with what’s in front of you!
✔️ Tuesday: Friendships don’t just happen, they take intentional effort.
✔️ Wednesday: Lead from where you are, take ownership of your leadership journey.
✔️ Thursday: Top performers are made by the way they act, not by the results they get.
✔️ Friday: Set boundaries now, be strategic with your time and energy.
🛠 Weekend Action Planner: Lead by Doing
🚀 Now that you’ve had a moment to reflect, it’s time to take action. Leadership isn’t about what you say, it’s about what you do. Here’s how you can start leading by your actions this week:
✅ Observe an everyday object or situation for creative inspiration. What lessons can you draw from it?
✅ Initiate one real conversation with someone you’ve been meaning to connect with. Take the first step to build that bridge.
✅ Pick one action to show leadership, even if you don’t have the title. What can you do now to demonstrate leadership, whether it's helping someone else, anticipating a need, or solving a problem proactively?
📌 Bonus: Reply to this email with one action you're planning to take to step into leadership this week. We might feature it in next week's High-Five.
We talked about the overwhelming pressure of saying “yes” to everything, especially when you feel like stepping back could mean missing out on opportunities. It’s easy to think that saying “no” will make you fall behind, but the truth is, bad boundaries are a fast track to burnout.
Key Takeaways:
You can’t outwork bad boundaries: saying “yes” to everything drains you, no matter how hard you hustle.
Resentment grows when you don’t set boundaries: what used to feel fulfilling now feels like a burden.
Setting boundaries leads to better performance: you’ll be more focused, energized, and respected when you protect your time.
💡 Your move:
Start saying “no” to the things that aren’t aligned with your growth. Protect your time and energy so you can show up at your best.
Quote of the Week
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe
📌 Action. Resourcefulness. Progress. What’s one small step you can take today with what you already have to move closer to your goal?
📖 Interesting Read: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift by Kevin Evers, HBR Magazine
Taylor Swift's sustained success is a master class in strategic innovation. By targeting untapped markets, creating deep engagement with her fans, and adapting to radical shifts in the music industry, she has not only stayed relevant but thrived in an era of constant change. Her ability to reinvent herself while maintaining a strong connection with her audience offers valuable lessons in how to navigate disruption and seize new opportunities.
💡 Practical insights: Adapt to change, embrace new platforms, and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
🧠 Fun Fact: Boundaries in History
Did you know that one of the first professional “boundary setters” in history was Leonardo da Vinci? He was a master of time management—often scheduling his work day in minute detail. Da Vinci knew that his creative genius relied on setting clear time limits and avoiding burnout. Something to consider when building your own leadership habits!
Final Thought: Leadership is in the Doing, Not Just the Saying
Here’s the takeaway from this week: Leadership isn’t just about what you say, it’s about what you do.
📌 Before you jump into the next task or email, ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do right now that will move me closer to where I want to lead?
🔥 The most effective leaders are the ones who take action, even when the title hasn’t come yet.
That’s your Leadership In Focus Weekend High-Five. Go lead boldly. 🚀
