The Leadership In Focus: Weekend High-Five - November 16, 2024
The final stretch of the year is officially here, and it’s hard not to feel the shift. The clocks have changed, the days are shorter, the temperatures are dropping, and with it all, the temptation to slow down or hibernate creeps in. As we settle into the cozy rhythm of late November, it’s easy to let the darker days pull us toward taking it easy.
But this is also the season of momentum—the chance to finish the year strong, with purpose and consistency. It’s the time to care for your energy and your health, so you can continue showing up as the leader your team needs, even as the world outside gets a little quieter.
Let’s shake off the sluggishness, stay focused on what matters, and dive into this week’s Leadership In Focus: Weekend High-Five!
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Quote of the Week:
"The key to being a good manager is keeping the people who hate me away from those who are still undecided." — Casey Stengel
Takeaway: Leadership doesn't always have to be serious. A little humor can lighten the load, build connections, and remind us not to take ourselves too seriously—especially when navigating the highs and lows of managing people with diverse personalities and opinions.
Action Item: This week, find one opportunity to inject humour into your leadership style. Share a funny (but appropriate) anecdote, send a lighthearted message to your team, or simply smile more during your interactions. Notice how it changes the tone of your day and strengthens your relationships.
Interesting Read: “How to be a leader people want to follow” - By Shane Kinkennon
True leadership is about inspiring and motivating others through empathy, integrity, and genuine connection. Leaders who focus on cultivating moral authority, fostering trust, and empowering their teams to achieve greatness unlock their team members' intrinsic motivation and drive extraordinary results.
Takeaway: Leadership isn't about wielding authority or issuing commands; it’s about aligning your values with your actions, building trust, and helping others see their potential. By shifting the focus from yourself to your team, you create a culture where people feel valued, empowered, and driven to excel.
Action Item: This week, schedule a one-on-one conversation with a team member. Ask them about their goals, dreams, and ideas for achieving success within the organization. Actively listen, offer encouragement, and take one actionable step to help them move closer to their aspirations.
As we continue on this leadership growth journey together, here are the 5 big ideas we discussed this week at Leadership In Focus:
Monday, Nov 11: Lest We Forget 🌺
We reflected on the sacrifices made by those who came before us, highlighting the importance of gratitude, hope, and learning from history. Leadership requires remembering the lessons of the past to guide our future.
Tuesday, Nov 12: When Life Throws You Curveballs… Swing with Confidence 🥎
Curveballs in life and leadership challenge us to stay focused, adapt, and trust our abilities. Timing, patience, and resilience are key to turning unexpected obstacles into opportunities.
Wednesday, Nov 13: The Secret Sauce of Leadership: Building Genuine Connections 👥
Leadership isn’t just about policies or performance metrics—it’s about creating authentic connections. By building trust and fostering engagement, leaders unlock their team’s true potential.
Thursday, Nov 14: How to Fail as a New Manager 👇
We explored the pitfalls of a "fear-first" leadership style and shared the "3 P’s" (People, Principles, and Performance) to help new managers build trust, set clear expectations, and create a supportive team environment.
Friday, Nov 15: Stop Scrolling and Start Doing ⏳
Sometimes, the simplest productivity advice is the most effective: Stop seeking the perfect system and start taking action. Progress happens when you move forward, not when you scroll for answers.
Closing Thought:
This week’s posts reminded us of the power of reflection, adaptability, connection, and action. As the year winds down, how are you leaning into these principles to grow as a leader?
From Sunday, November 10, 2024: Management Trainee – Must Have Years of Management Experience
In last Sunday’s comic, we talked about how job postings and leadership development programs often unintentionally set people up to fail by demanding unrealistic experience levels for entry-level roles or emerging talent programs. This not only deters potential candidates but also risks missing out on future leaders who, with the right opportunity, could thrive and grow into the role.
Takeaway:
Organizations should focus on creating inclusive job listings that attract emerging talent by emphasizing potential and growth, rather than intimidating requirements. For job seekers, it’s important to look beyond rigid qualifications and consider how their skills and drive align with the role.
Action Item:
If you’re hiring, review one of your job postings this week and identify ways to make it more inviting for emerging talent. If you’re job hunting, identify one role that excites you but feels slightly out of reach—apply anyway and showcase your willingness to learn and grow.
Tools & Resources of the Week: Leadership In Focus, Not So Funny, Funnies Greeting Cards
We’ve launched our Leadership In Focus, Not So Funny Funnies greeting cards! Celebrate new beginnings with a touch of humor. Each card from this collection playfully blends everyday workplace scenarios with a personalized message of encouragement. It’s the perfect way to mark significant life events with a mix of wit and heartfelt sentiment.
