The Glimmers

We all tend to look for the negative; we're biologically programmed to do it.

At work, thinking about what will go wrong, is a baited trap we almost all fall into. In that trap sits the unwelcome silent thief of performance anxiety, diluting our ability to take risks, and, when we're in leadership positions, potentially snowballing that anxiety through our teams. Even if we never intend it.

The cultural monologue that can become hardened in our organizational arteries says, "What if I fail?". Even if the consequences of failure are unspoken and failure is celebrated on paper, it can be corrosive if the leader doesn't walk the talk; the team hears; eyes-down folks; don't rock this boat.

Having spent the last three years circumnavigating the giant Sea of Potential Failure with the founding of a tech start-up, the launch of a brand and licensing consultancy - as well as developing new IP (the most choppy of choppy seas!) - I was struck by a conversation with someone over the holiday break, where I was espousing all the things that might go wrong with my business in 24.

She said to me, "What if it works out?". What if, your skills, character, passion, and grit, all conspired to make it go exactly as planned?

I laughed. And then with a head-snap double-take, thought - wow.

How often do we think like that?

Scanning for risk as a leader is essential. It's a radar we all need. But when we become the canary in our coal mine, passing out in a flurry of feathers before the danger approaches, it doesn't help anyone. It hurts.

In 2024, I committed to point out, cherish, and give gratitude to what I call The Glimmers. These are the moments when things go just as planned.

A well-received email that diverted conflict, a great presentation that aligned a team on a strategy, a tough call that cleared politically polluted air. The things we chalk up to being unremarkable, because they weren't directly connected to a tangible result on a P&L.

Yet, collectively, they're the silent foundation upon which we build powerful cultures and value-led success.

The Glimmers are the spark of your leadership light through the forest of the noise. They're the true reflection of your vision as a team, unencumbered by the structure, rules, and storms of your business.

As we crawl back into January, my small contribution to the community is to hunt for The Glimmers. Collect them. Write them down. Point them out with unashamed celebration. Find the patterns and see what picture they paint.

As small as they may be, they fuel our cultural lights, inspire team raison d'être, and help us guide the way.

Simon.