The Leadership In Focus: Weekend High Five - October 26th, 2024
The Leadership In Focus: Weekend High Five - October 26th, 2024
It’s that time of year again—Halloween is just around the corner, a time when imagination runs wild, and creativity takes center stage. Whether you’re dressing up your kids or finding that perfect costume for yourself, this season invites us to embrace new identities, step into something playful, and maybe even feel empowered by taking on a whole new look.
Think about it: going door to door, putting yourself out there, and getting rewarded for the effort. Sure, it’s about candy, but maybe there’s something bigger we can learn from this tradition. Just like with Halloween, when we take creative risks at work or in life, we open the door to new opportunities and rewards. There’s something exciting about showing up, in any form, and feeling the thrill of not being rejected but being welcomed for the effort we make.
This week let’s look for ways to find the magic in those creative challenges, stepping into new roles with confidence, and recognizing that sometimes, a fresh approach or even a new "costume" can lead to great things.
So, whether you're gearing up for Halloween fun or tackling the workweek ahead, here’s to unlocking creativity, embracing the unknown, and finding the rewards in both big and small challenges.
Welcome to this week’s Leadership In Focus: Weekend High-Five!
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Quote of the Week: “Next time you’re afraid to share ideas, remember someone once said in a meeting ‘let’s make a film with a tornado full of sharks’”- Posted by David Neal on LinkedIn
Takeaway: We are our own worst critics when it comes to sharing ideas. Our brain likes to tell us, “This is silly. It won’t work.” But here’s the thing: that "silly" idea might be the missing piece someone else needs to complete their puzzle. You never know which idea will connect the dots, so speak up—what’s the worst that could happen?
Action Item: This week, catch yourself when you start filtering your ideas. Flip the script. Open up your inbox, draft that email, and hit send—no overthinking, no editing. The worst that can happen? No response. But the best? Your idea could be the one that pushes a big initiative over the finish line.
Interesting read: “When You’re Told You’re Not Strategic Enough” - by Luis Velasquez
When leaders are told they’re "not strategic enough," it’s often not about their lack of strategic thinking, but rather the visibility of their strategic actions. In this article, Velasquez notes that strategy can be difficult to quantify and communicate, and if it’s not seen or understood, it may as well not exist. The key to overcoming this feedback is to make strategic thinking tangible through storytelling, visual models, and fostering better communication with stakeholders. By aligning your team with a shared framework and keeping strategy front and center, you can ensure that your strategic contributions are recognized and valued.
Key takeaway: Visibility and communication are the backbone of strategic leadership. Even the best strategies fail if they aren't seen, understood, and connected to daily actions. Leaders must proactively demonstrate their strategic thinking to ensure alignment and trust with stakeholders.
Action item: This week, make your strategic impact visible by using storytelling or visual aids to explain how your team’s day-to-day actions contribute to long-term goals. Hold a meeting to align everyone around the bigger picture and use examples to clarify how individual contributions drive the collective strategy forward.
As we continue on this leadership growth journey together, here are the 5 big ideas we discussed this week at Leadership In Focus:
Monday, October 21st: 🏓 The Manager Ping Pong Tournament
Leadership isn't about playing the blame game, yet too often that's what happens in teams. Instead of pointing fingers at sales, marketing, or operations, how about we catch the blame ball and change the rules?
Takeaway: Own your role. Real conversations lead to real solutions.
❓ P.S. What blame ball have you caught (or dodged) recently?
Tuesday, October 22nd:"My Watch Tells Me to Stand Up… Literally"
Apple Watch users, you know the nudge: "time to stand." But what if that reminder wasn't just about standing up physically, but standing up for yourself—against the office bully who’s been running the show?
Takeaway: Confront bullies calmly, gather your facts, and build a network.
❓ P.S. What’s one thing you’ve been letting slide that it’s time to stand up against?
Wednesday, October 23rd: Promotion Denied? Maybe It’s a Blessing in Disguise
Missing out on a promotion feels like a gut punch, but sometimes the "no" is guiding you toward something even better. I shared my own experience with disappointment and how it led to bigger wins down the road.
Takeaway: Sometimes not getting what you want opens the door for what you need.
❓ P.S. What’s your story of a "no" turning into your best "yes"?
Thursday, October 24th: Stop Calling Yourself Stupid. You’re Not.
We’ve all had those moments where we call ourselves names when things don’t go as planned. But here’s the truth: you're not a failure, you’re just dealing with unexpected outcomes.
Takeaway: Be kind to yourself. Use the setbacks to learn and adjust.
❓ P.S. What’s one unexpected outcome that taught you a valuable lesson?
Friday, October 25th: Feel Like You’re Underwater? Let Go of What’s Weighing You Down
If you feel like you're drowning in tasks, responsibilities, or stress, maybe it's because you're gripping onto too much. It's time to delegate, trust, and let go of what isn’t yours to carry.
Takeaway: Stop micromanaging. Loosen your grip, and rise to the surface.
❓ P.S. What's one thing you need to let go of today to breathe easier?
Closing Thought:
This week, we confronted blame, stood up for ourselves, and reflected on the power of "no." The question remains: Are you holding onto the right responsibilities, or is it time to let go and reset your leadership approach?
From Sunday, October 20, 2024: The 9 to 5 Pain Numbing
In last Sunday’s Leadership In Focus, Not So Funny, Funnies, we explored we looked at a kidney stone as an analogy to highlight the daily pain some people experience in their 9 to 5 jobs. Comparing the pain of passing a kidney stone with the dull, numbing grind of work that no longer excites or aligns with one’s skills.
Just as dealing with a kidney stone requires a plan for relief, so does navigating a painful work life. We encourage you to reflect on whether you’ve settled for an unfulfilling job, are stuck in a toxic workplace culture, or have a difficult relationship with your manager.
The message is clear: staying in that "numbing" job for the long haul isn't a healthy strategy. You have 3 choices to make:
Quit the job.
Commit to making changes.
Change the way they show up at work.
Closing question: Which of these options are you ready to take? Or are you still opting for the "painkiller" approach?
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.
