Choosing Growth, Leadership, and a Brighter Path For the Future

Welcome to a new week—and a particularly meaningful one. Today’s newsletter is packed with insights on creating thriving workplaces, approaching positivity authentically, and how this week’s election has a direct impact on the values we stand for as leaders. I’ll share a brief endorsement a bit later, as it feels essential to acknowledge how the choices we make reflect the environments we want to build, both professionally and personally.

Time Change: Falling Back to a Better Rhythm

First up, let’s talk about the time change. I didn’t give anyone the heads-up to prepare, so if you felt caught off guard by “falling back,” you’re not alone. But, honestly, I’m glad to be back in standard time. Daylight Saving Time (DST) has its proponents, but all the research says that standard time is better for us, from a health and rhythm perspective. Here in Tulsa, the delay to 8 a.m. sunrise had been creeping up on us, and without the time change, we’d soon be facing 9 a.m. sunrises. That’s a significant misalignment with our natural circadian rhythms, which depend on morning light to regulate mood, energy, and overall health.

Research strongly favors standard time over DST for reasons that go beyond sleep. When we’re aligned with natural light cycles, our biological clocks function better. Standard time supports quality sleep, balanced metabolism, and mental clarity—whereas DST has been linked to everything from cardiovascular events and mood issues to increased accident rates. So, while shifting back throws us temporarily off balance, it’s a change that sets us up better in the long run.

Staying Calm in the Face of Sunday’s Storm

As if the time change weren’t enough, we also had a vivid reminder of unpredictability early Sunday morning with a tornado watch, sirens blaring, and severe winds that jolted us awake. It was one of those 4 a.m. wake-up calls you don’t expect, and our day started in that unsettling limbo of checking on family safety, bracing for flickering power, and waiting out the storm. While we’re all safe, I know there was damage in other areas, and I hope everyone affected is on the path to recovery. It’s times like these that reinforce the importance of staying prepared, calm, and resilient—even in the face of unexpected chaos. As leaders, we face “storms” of our own at times, and handling them with steadiness and care is what gets us and those we lead through safely.

New Series Starting This Week: Thriving Workplaces and Toxic Positivity

On that note, we’re diving into two new content series this week: Thriving Workplaces and Toxic Positivity. Thriving Workplaces, inspired by the 2025 Global Culture Report from O.C. Tanner, is a four-week exploration of what it takes to build environments where employees aren’t just surviving but thriving. This week’s focus is on “Generative Care”—a concept that goes beyond perks and benefits to address holistic well-being. We’re talking about mental health, financial stability, career growth, and building a workplace culture that genuinely supports people at every level.

Meanwhile, our three-week series on Toxic Positivity will explore the fine line between supportive encouragement and dismissive “good vibes only” culture. This week, we’ll unpack the misunderstandings around toxic positivity and the real benefits of positive psychology that respects the full range of human emotions. Both series are about creating environments where people can bring their authentic selves to the table and grow in meaningful ways, and I’m looking forward to the conversations that’ll unfold around these themes.

Tonight’s Tulsa Agile Practitioners Meetup: Lego Serious Play

And if you’re in Tulsa, join me tonight for our November Tulsa Agile Practitioners Meetup! We’ll be hosting a Lego Serious Play workshop—a hands-on approach to creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration that is as fun as it is impactful. Lego Serious Play has roots in research on “productive playfulness” and its benefits for strategic thinking and innovation. Engaging in play helps us unlock creativity, enhances cognitive flexibility, and deepens team communication in ways that standard brainstorming sessions simply can’t achieve. I’m excited to dive into this with the group and see what new ideas and connections emerge.

Now, with those updates in place, let’s talk about the upcoming election and what’s at stake for us as leaders.

My Endorsement for President: Kamala Harris

This week’s election is not just a political event; it’s a test of our values, our vision for the future, and our belief in what leadership should stand for. Normally, I’d encourage everyone to vote, regardless of political preference. But this year feels different, and I’m going to speak plainly about where I stand.

I’m endorsing Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. I believe that Harris and Walz represent the qualities we should expect in leadership: integrity, empathy, respect for democracy, and a dedication to protecting the freedoms and rights we hold dear. They are not perfect—no leader or administration is—but they demonstrate a commitment to our country’s foundational principles, to a vision that includes everyone, and to real, evidence-based policies for a sustainable future. Their leadership represents the strength and compassion we need in this deeply polarized time.

On the other hand, Donald Trump is, in my view, everything leadership shouldn’t be. His track record speaks for itself: divisive, dishonest, and self-serving. From inciting violence and encouraging hateful rhetoric to undermining trust in our institutions, he has repeatedly shown that his only priority is himself. I genuinely believe that another term for Trump would be catastrophic for our democratic values, for our economy, for our environment, and for the progress we’ve fought to make toward equality, respect, and freedom.

If you’re still undecided and find yourself leaning toward Trump, I’ll be blunt: perhaps this isn’t the election to cast a ballot. Democracy depends on informed and thoughtful participation, not reactionary voting. If you’re unsure about upholding the Constitution and supporting a country that protects the rights and dignity of all its people, then maybe it’s better to sit this one out.

This election, let’s make a choice that reflects who we want to be as a nation, the values we want to pass down, and the kind of leadership we want to champion. I’m voting for Harris and Walz because I believe in an America that prioritizes integrity, compassion, and wisdom over spectacle and self-interest. If you believe in these values too, I urge you to consider doing the same.

Start of Thriving Workplaces Series: Unpacking Insights from the 2025 Global Culture Report

This week, we begin Thriving Workplaces, a four-week series inspired by the 2025 Global Culture Report by O.C. Tanner. The report dives into the latest strategies for moving workplaces from survival mode to genuine thriving, and over the next month, we’ll be exploring core themes like mental health, recognition, and the future of workplace culture.

For leaders, this series is an opportunity to gain actionable insights on creating a supportive and sustainable environment where people can do their best work. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a developing leader, these insights equip you to build a culture where employees aren’t just “making it” but are actually engaged, growing, and satisfied in their roles.

Week 1: Generative Care and Total Rewards

Our focus this week is on “Generative Care”—an approach to employee well-being that’s more than just a set of benefits. Generative Care means creating a workplace that prioritizes the holistic needs of employees, from financial security and mental health to career growth. It’s about transforming the workplace into a place where people feel valued and supported in all aspects of their lives.

This week, we’ll explore how a well-rounded Total Rewards strategy can close the gap between employee needs and company offerings. With Generative Care, benefits go beyond transactional perks to foster real connection and well-being, setting the foundation for an engaged and loyal workforce.

Daily Topics Preview

Here’s a look at what we’ll cover each day this week:

• Monday: Introduction to Thriving Workplaces and Generative Care Generative Care is a holistic approach that goes beyond typical rewards, aiming to meet employees’ evolving needs across their experience. Today, we’ll discuss how it fosters engagement, loyalty, and a culture that feels sustainable.
• Tuesday: Understanding Total Rewards Total Rewards include all the benefits employees gain from working in a company—from pay and benefits to growth and recognition. We’ll look at how the traditional model often falls short and how Generative Care enriches this approach.
• Wednesday: Addressing the Gap Between Employee Expectations and Benefits Many employees aren’t fully aware of the benefits available to them, which leads to underutilization and dissatisfaction. We’ll share ways to bridge this gap through effective communication.
• Thursday: The Importance of Benefits Communication Only about 40% of employees truly understand their benefits. We’ll discuss strategies to improve this, including personalized messaging and accessible resources, to ensure employees see the value in their Total Rewards.
• Friday: How Generative Care Transcends Traditional HR Strategies Generative Care integrates well-being into daily work life, moving beyond one-time perks or rewards. We’ll explore how it lays the groundwork for a culture that values fulfillment and reduces turnover.
• Saturday: The Evolving Role of HR and Leadership HR’s role is shifting from administration to shaping meaningful employee experiences. We’ll look at how adopting a people-centered approach can elevate well-being and professional growth.
• Sunday: Week 1 Recap – Setting the Stage for Thriving A recap of how Generative Care and an updated Total Rewards strategy can lay the groundwork for lasting cultural change. We’ll use insights from the week to prepare for deeper discussions on helping employees transition from survival mode to thriving.

This series is about actionable change and sustainable growth—two things we all strive for as leaders. Stay tuned for each post as we unpack what it takes to create a culture where employees can perform at their best.

New Series - Authentic Positivity: Beyond the Toxic Trap

This week, we’re kicking off Authentic Positivity: Beyond the Toxic Trap, a three-week series on the concept of toxic positivity. This is a topic close to my heart, as I often see how toxic positivity can undermine the real benefits of positive psychology and Positive Intelligence. Toxic positivity dismisses the full spectrum of human emotions, reducing complex experiences to empty phrases like “good vibes only.” It’s easy to see why this can lead to misunderstandings—both from those who think all positivity is shallow or forced and from those who, with good intentions, end up promoting harmful positivity.

Positive psychology and Positive Intelligence (PQ) are different. They don’t deny or suppress difficult emotions; instead, they help us navigate challenges in a constructive way. As someone who subscribes to these authentic approaches, I want to help leaders recognize the difference. Positive psychology doesn’t ask us to ignore hardships but to learn from them, fostering resilience and growth. Over the next three weeks, we’ll unpack how to embrace positivity without crossing into toxic territory and look at the powerful impact of real, balanced positivity.

Week 1: Demystifying Toxic Positivity

Our focus this week is on understanding what toxic positivity really is—and why it’s often mistaken for positive psychology. Toxic positivity shows up in subtle ways: in well-meaning phrases that unintentionally dismiss real feelings, in the “good vibes only” culture, and in advice that pressures people to “just stay positive” without acknowledging their full experience. This week, we’ll help you identify when positivity becomes harmful, providing a clearer picture of how authentic positive approaches like Positive Intelligence go beyond surface-level optimism.

Daily Topics Preview

Here’s what we’ll be covering each day to help us demystify toxic positivity:

• Monday: What Is Toxic Positivity—and Why It’s Not Positive Psychology Toxic positivity is the blanket overuse of positivity in all situations, which ignores the natural range of human emotions. We’ll kick off the series by clarifying the differences between toxic positivity and the more balanced, inclusive approach of positive psychology.
• Tuesday: The Fine Line Between Encouragement and Dismissal Even well-intentioned positivity can turn toxic if it ends up invalidating others’ experiences. We’ll discuss real-life examples and explore the importance of validating emotions, a key aspect of genuine support.
• Wednesday: Toxic Positivity vs. Positive Intelligence: Key Differences Unlike toxic positivity, Positive Intelligence acknowledges challenges and focuses on resilience. We’ll dive into how PI manages negative emotions effectively rather than ignoring them, providing a healthy alternative.
• Thursday: The Trap of “Good Vibes Only” Culture “Good vibes only” can sound uplifting but often leads to suppression and inauthenticity. Today, we’ll explore the pitfalls of this mindset and contrast it with the balanced approach found in positive psychology.
• Friday: Recognizing Toxic Positivity in Self-Help and Coaching Unfortunately, some self-help materials and even coaching methods can unintentionally promote toxic positivity. We’ll discuss how to recognize this and explore how my coaching philosophy champions genuine, sustainable growth.

This series will help us look at positivity through a more nuanced lens, equipping us with the tools to support real resilience and well-being in ourselves and those we lead. Stay tuned each day as we dive deeper into what authentic positivity looks like and how to foster it effectively in our lives and work.

Looking Forward

As we step into this pivotal week, let’s keep in mind that authentic leadership is about more than strategy or execution; it’s about leading with values, standing for integrity, and fostering environments where everyone can grow and contribute meaningfully. This week’s election is a powerful reminder of those principles—our choices don’t just reflect our individual beliefs, but they shape the kind of country and workplaces we all want to be part of.

For those of you building and leading teams, think about how you might bring Generative Care into your organization—not only as a policy but as a commitment to nurturing resilience, well-being, and loyalty. If you’re reflecting on positivity in your own life, challenge yourself to embrace the full range of emotions, using them as pathways to growth rather than obstacles. And for everyone casting a ballot, remember that voting is an expression of those values. Voting for leaders who embody integrity, respect for democracy, and a vision that includes everyone is an investment in the future we want to create, both in our communities and in our workplaces.

Take this week as an opportunity to connect, reflect, and lead with purpose. I’m looking forward to diving deeper into these topics with each of you in the coming days, and I encourage you to engage, share your perspectives, and ask questions as we explore together.

Here’s to a meaningful week of growth, courage, and clarity. Stay engaged, stay resilient, and keep leading with purpose.

Together for a Brighter Future,

Edward Schaefer