The Leadership In Focus: Weekend High Five - Sept 28, 2024
We survived September—high-five! ✋ The fall reset was a whirlwind, but here we are, standing on the cusp of October. As we move forward into the busy fall season, now’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on where we’re heading. 🍂
Like the changing leaves, leadership is all about transformation. So, let’s shake off what’s not working, refresh our goals, and embrace the opportunities that the rest of the year has to offer. It’s about finding that balance between charging ahead and giving yourself a moment to regroup.
So, as you head into this weekend, take a breath, enjoy the small wins, and get ready to lead with renewed energy. Welcome to this week’s Leadership In Focus: Weekend High Five!
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Quote of the Week:
“God gave you a FINGERPRINT that no one else has, so you can leave an IMPRINT no one else can.”
- Adeyemi Ladejobi
Takeaway: Your uniqueness is your superpower. You were designed to make an impact that no one else can. When you embrace your individuality, you bring something to the world that only you can offer.
Action Item: Identify one way you can leave your unique "imprint" this week. Is there an idea, skill, or perspective you’ve been holding back? Put it out there, even if it feels a bit bold or untested. Remember, the world needs your fingerprint, so don’t be afraid to leave a mark that’s truly yours.
Interesting read: “Six leadership lessons from the flight deck,” by Chris Smith
In this week's edition, a former pilot shares six leadership lessons drawn from 40 years in aviation. He emphasizes the lasting power of influence over authority, the importance of leading from the trenches, and the need for genuine teams rather than those labeled by name only. His insights challenge us to build strong, cohesive teams by valuing expertise, respecting diverse perspectives, and staying open to continuous dialogue, even when faced with difficult personalities. These lessons, though learned in the cockpit, are ones every leader can apply to navigate their own challenges.
As we continue on this leadership growth journey together, here are the 5 big ideas we discussed this week at Leadership In Focus:
Monday: 😎 What If We Made It Cool to Care? – We explored the power of leading with heart. It's not about being the 'cool' leader, but about showing real concern for your team. From being authentic to valuing each team member's uniqueness, we shared ways to build a team that thrives on care and connection.
Tuesday: 🔄 If They Keep Changing the Algorithm, Why Aren’t We? – Just like LinkedIn’s ever-changing algorithm, we need to adapt our personal growth strategies. We talked about staying informed, being adaptable, and the power of continuous learning to keep evolving in our careers.
Wednesday: 💬 Crickets and 'Somepathy': Why Leaders Need to Acknowledge – We dove into the importance of acknowledgment, or what we call ‘somepathy.’ We discussed how simple feedback can transform team dynamics and why a quick "Hey, I see you" can make a world of difference for team members looking for validation.
Thursday: 🪨 Feedback is a Gift—Just Don’t Give a Lump of Coal – We tackled the dos and don’ts of effective feedback. No fluff, no sugar-coating—just practical advice on how to deliver feedback that actually helps people grow. Plus, we threw in some bonus hacks for getting it right (and yes, it can be fun!).
Friday: 🏎️ Junk Values Are Making Us Sick—It’s Time for a Reset – This was a call to action for leaders to ditch superficial pursuits and embrace values that genuinely make us stronger. We discussed the importance of community, vulnerability, and leading by example to reclaim what really matters in life and leadership.
Closing Thought: This week, we focused on leading with heart, staying adaptable, acknowledging others, mastering the art of feedback, and revisiting the values that truly matter. As we wrap up September and look ahead to the busy fall season, take a moment to reflect: How will you evolve as a leader in the coming months?
From Sunday, September 22, 2024: 🚪 Is Your Office the Graveyard of Innovation? 🚪
In last Sunday’s Leadership In Focus, Not So Funny, Funnies, we explored how constantly seeking approval can stifle your team’s motivation and creativity. When managers cling to decision-making, they hold back not just their team, but also themselves and the business. To break this cycle, we discussed handing off smaller decisions, setting clear boundaries, and celebrating growth through learning—whether it’s a win or a lesson. Empowering your team isn’t about losing control; it’s about multiplying your impact and driving innovation.
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.
