Last Week's Leadership Lessons - February 24, 2025
John M. Jaramillo, MBA, MSOP
Leadership Performance Coach & Consultant | Leadership Design & Branding | Podcast Host??| Executive Advisor | Freelance Writer ?? | Speaker
Lessons From The Week of February 17th
?? Last Week's Leadership Lessons (LWLL) - Like, Share, Subscribe! ??
This Week: 1. Communication In Emails / 2. Happy, Healthy Micro-Habits / 3. Broadening Emotional Vocabulary
Reader's Heads-Up! If you've been here before, you know the drill. Please feel free to jump right on ahead to the numbered list of stories. If not, read from here on to understand what I'm trying to capture in the Last Week's Leadership Lessons (LWLL) series.
Talking about leadership can be repetitive and boring as hell!
We're always seeing and hearing the same old definitions, constructs, and formal tips related to and regurgitated about the leadership field, every so often punctuated by a perpetually rotating door of the latest industry buzzwords.
Even with all its great energy and intention, the themes and hopes of the leadership discipline, admittedly, can become a little monotonous -- without great stories and living examples to wake them up.
(Granted, I post about them as well. Guilty. So I guess maybe I mean "overkill." The?overkill?of your run-of-the-mill leadership ideas is what I'm trying to supplement -- and maybe unlock -- here through more unique takes and lenses.)
Hence why I launched this series.
The way the world is going, I think it's essential to think about and take in more lessons on humanity in general than leadership specifically.
In this series, I want to capture themes and ideas for leadership -- while being particularly cautious that they not be necessarily conveyed as leadership lessons in the articles or sources I cite. I want to find examples that demonstrate more lessons about HUMANITY than the usual script of clichéd leadership building blocks.
The way the world is going, I think it's essential to think about and take in more lessons on humanity in general than leadership specifically. And it's not like I'm forsaking one for the other; the former should inform and be the foundation for the latter. (That's just me. That's just my take.)
And to be clear, these valuable lessons, as I express them, aren't carved in stone. My translations aren't absolute. They can't be. It's not that simple. I think that's what gets us in trouble when it comes to learning (or not) about society and each other: Most issues are typically seen as black and white, left and right, up and down, one side or the other. But again, it's not that simple. Not everything can be. We force it to be that way.
In most instances -- not all, but in most -- there is room for interpretation and different ideas and views to be exchanged somewhere on the middle ground. More nuance exists than we typically see -- or will admit.
And in that nuance there's beauty. Because in that nuance we can learn from each other. And because of that nuance, each of my interpretations is just one option for consideration in that middle ground of learning.
All that being said, below are three articles I came across last week that have valuable lessons for leadership, purpose, and expression. In reading these pieces, you may find the lessons for leadership do not immediately stand out or reveal themselves -- and that's because lessons can range from the loud, obvious, and obnoxious to the subtle, unassuming, and hidden. In my breakdowns below I'll first cover the idea In General and then it's applicability In Leadership.
...it never hurts to continue learning from your fellow human beings, whether you know them or not.
And although the source materials are not all leadership-related per se, they can all apply to leadership -- in terms of how you present yourself, navigate through life and work, and move, impact, inspire, and appreciate others.
Even if you feel you've already crafted your leadership to where you want it to be and the results clearly show it -- where others can get behind them and vouch for you -- it never hurts to continue learning from your fellow human beings, whether you know them or not.
Gestures, speeches, action, inaction, decisions, announcements, etc. They all tie in.
So bear with me. Some of them might seem like a stretch. But have some faith that I may be crazy -- but not?too?crazy.
This practice is merely effort to learn about ourselves, where we can improve, and how we can evolve.
Lessons are everywhere
1. Communication In Emails
In General
We've all responded to almost every kind of email there might be, ranging from the appreciative "Thank you!" email to someone losing their shit because they didn't get what they believed they were owed. Emotional responses are the most obvious examples that words matter in emails.
Email is just an extension of the self. The customer service mentality you maintain with others when working with them in person should translate to the written word as well (email). Each person will have their own style of communication and understanding. It's important to meet them where they are -- without compromising your own needs, style, or quality.
"...by "shit writing," I don't mean their grammar, punctuation, or sentence structure was off; I mean they were sending disrespectful attitudes, nasty commentary, or childish bullying..."
In Leadership
I've seen some shit writing by leaders. And by "shit writing," I don't mean their grammar, punctuation, or sentence structure was off; I mean they were sending messages with disrespectful attitudes, nasty commentary, or childish bullying -- all committed to writing!
It's incredible what people will enter into "the record" of email, which can be so easily retained, catalogued, forwarded, or responded to with an added recipient (or recipients) in the CC line. Aside from the toxic communications, though, proper leadership can also come through in one's emails -- in its style, tone, generosity, curiosity and questions. This article is a reminder to be just as intentional and considerate at the keys with a message as you are in person.
What steps do you take to convey your leadership when crafting your emails?
Check Out The Article HERE!
Applicable Past LWLL Editions: Below are three applicable editions that tie into the article and topic above through the bolded/italicized topic in each. If you're not sure how the topic below ties into the concept above, reach out to me and let me know.
2. Happy, Healthy Micro-Habits
In General
Little things set big things into motion. It's the little things -- little actions, steps, decisions, behavior changes -- that make all the difference in life. We get so used to our own stale habits and behaviors, we choose not to step outside our norm of safety. We're also so used to staring off into the distance at our goals in some distant horizon, we miss the little changes we can make in front of us to get there -- or somewhere else that's better-suited for us -- sooner.
We go through life, getting through and remaining reactive, but subtle proactive tweaks can make all the difference in the world and cost nothing. They're behaviors changes, so there's nothing to buy and no resources needed. They cost us in time, effort, and pauses. Each of the habits listed in this article require less than 2 or 3 minutes and are well worth the investment.
"We underestimate the little changes. We tend to think anything of quality, substance, and long-lasting changes has to be triggered by huge changes..."
In Leadership
Leaders shouldn't go through the typical 9-to-5 (or beyond) without a break, a step-away, or a pause to refresh. We can't lie to ourselves and say we'll get to it at the end of the day, at which point we're already burnt out and shut down.
Whether it's a walk at lunch, a trip to the car to sit in silence, or any of the tips listed in this article, little changes can lead to a big shift in energy. We underestimate the little changes. We tend to think the result of quality, substance, or long-lasting impact has to be triggered by seismic adjustments in how we behave, and that small tweaks and adjustments aren't effective enough to help move the needle. Try them, though. See what works for you.
Which small habits do you experiment with to improve your health (of every kind -- mental, leadership, physical, etc.)?
Check Out The Article HERE!
Applicable Past LWLL Editions
3. Broadening Emotional Vocabulary
In General
Despite including the first article above on Communications In Emails, I also wanted to include this one covering texting and compare it to the longer-form email. We should all practice and fine-tune our communication styles and approaches when it comes to different formats and situations, no matter how long or how short the message.
Email gives you more space and flexibility than a text message, so we have to be ready to provide effective communication no matter how much room we're limited to when expressing ourselves. It's an everyday habit we should build -- customizing a powerful message with the word count we're allotted. There's a way to be effective, even with those kinds of limitations. Every word counts.
"Leaders can change someone's day with their words, no matter where they're typed, written, or spoken."
In Leadership
Leadership is intention on one end and perception on the other. Intention covers the example we set for others, with perception being what they pick up from what we convey. Leaders can change someone's day with their words, no matter where they're typed, written, or spoken. Emotion can come through our messages, whether the message is short or long, and the words used subtle or strong.
Leaders need to train themselves to pick the right words to share with others. They can't underestimate the impact of their words. They can't assume someone is only catching the overall message and not perceiving the use of certain words. Consider your audience, and pay particular attention to the words you use with and hear from others. You'll notice how the word choices impact everyone involved.
How do you push yourself to craft your messages as efficiently (and as powerfully) as possible?
Check Out The Article HERE!
Applicable Past LWLL Editions
Honorable Mention - Asking Better Questions
In Leadership
Leadership, theoretically, could be handled by solely asking questions about others and their preferences, skills, observations, and environment. Even if you had a specific idea in mind, you could lead someone to find that trail of thinking by asking questions to guide their thoughts.
Questions are powerful across the spectrum of intention, from good on one side to bad on the other. The same way they work when the questions leaders ask are impactful, they can also work for manipulation and control. Questions can sound harsh, condescending, patronizing, confusing, etc. We need to consider what we're asking, how we're asking it, and why. Never underestimate how much more powerful a question can be than a statement.
What questions do you ask, and how are you asking them of those around you? Are you sure?
Check Out The Article HERE!
Applicable Past LWLL Editions
Honorable Mention - Ambiversion Success
In Leadership
Everyone has their own superpower, no matter what it may be, what it looks like, or if others understand it. Their personality type, vibe, and energy level can all be harnessed for great work -- if they are open to understanding themselves. Instead of just fighting to survive, we should step back, study ourselves, understand what we need, how we work best, and what we can bring to the table in value.
People have a stereotypical vision of what a leader is supposed to look like: always on, always energetic, always social, always wanting to be at the center of attention. But leadership looks different from one person to the next; it's not cookie-cutter. It comes down to each person's understanding of their own energy, comfort, and confidence. They themselves are the strongest limitations on their abilities.
How does your ambiversion come through as a strength in your work, life, and leadership? (And if you're not an ambivert, what can you appreciate about those who are?)
Check Out The Article HERE!
Applicable Past LWLL Editions
That's it! Those are the main articles for this week.
What other examples of leadership lessons – maybe even those that aren’t so apparent and obvious – do you come across in your everyday life and work?
What have you read lately that offers some insight on being human and navigating life -- and yes, by default, leadership.
Reach out to me and let me know what you think of these. Please share your own if you've found articles or stories with great lessons or insights that can contribute to how we carry ourselves through our lives and work.
Okay...A Leadership Article (Or Two)
Okay, yes. I had to include an article or two I came across last week that are focused on leadership. From this section down, anything is game.
Are You Destroying Morale?
Some leaders may think it's the big moments, huge decisions, and major mile-markers that set the tone for the work environment of those they lead. But it's more than that -- much more.
It isn't just the successes that impact morale; it's the everyday experience in the workplace, set by its leaders, that drives morale or breaks it. Leaders and managers need to pay attention to their ongoing behaviors, quirks, decisions, and attitudes, for those are what drive everyday morale, not the ultimate win. Most leaders, because they believe it's the wins and goals that matter most, don't take into account what it really is that demoralizes the people around them: the overall energy in the everyday environment. To complicate things even more, each person might have a different threshold for demoralization.
How are you destroying or building morale?
Check Out The Article HERE!
"Quote!"
Here I'll share a quote (or set of quotes) from an article I found that helps frame some thought, curiosity, and questions.
200+ Motivational Quotes
In Leadership
Success, motivation, and failure have been spoken about ad nauseum. But so many of what we consider cliches today about life's journey and its challenges and obstacles have been spoken about in earnest by the greatest minds in history. Most of the quotes on this list in this article are variations on the same theme.
Here are just a few of my favorites.
“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” —Maya Angelou
“Stay away from those people who try to disparage your ambitions. Small minds will always do that, but great minds will give you a feeling that you can become great too.”—Mark Twain
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”—Winston Churchill
So many of these greats share similar sentiments from across centuries and millennia. If these great minds are all sharing it, there's truth in their words speaking to life, its journey, and what they've experienced.
There is more for leaders to seek out than just results, more of what they want that could be accomplished. They hold themselves back.
How many of these quotes resonate with you, motivating and inspiring you to push harder in, and keeping at, what it is you want?
Check Out The Post HERE!
ReSearch Your World
It's always good to keep in mind what research, science, and studies are showing us. Yes, things change from time to time, with new studies and research leading to new discoveries and conclusions -- and rethinking! But knowing what's being looked at and studied can help us consider what we're experiencing and seeing in our own lives and work. It keeps us curious about ourselves.
First Impressions
A Pew Research survey found that over 70 percent of Americans consider themselves to be lifelong learners: adding new skills, gaining new knowledge in an area of personal interest, discovering new viewpoints and perspectives….
In Leadership
Impulsively, each of us may want to lead with what we know or have experienced. We can lose sight of the relationship aspect of communication, when others have an opportunity to share who they are with others or relate in some way. They see part of what they are and can bring it to the table in the conversation they're a part of.
As it applies to leadership, great leadership is knowing how to open up the table for those in the moment. It's not going to always happen, as there just isn't time in every moment of interaction for everyone to be included. But when time allows, the best leaders do make space for everyone to relate to what's being discussed. Familiarity provides so much for people, helping them feel like they have a place.
How do you balance what it is you want or need to share with what others might be familiar with -- even if you're sharing about what needs to get done, but in such a way that makes it more relatable?
Check Out The Article HERE!
Last 10 LWLL Editions...
February 17, 2025 - 1. What's Holding You Back? / 2. Phrases Of The Mentally Strong / 3. Be Kinder To Yourself
February 10, 2025 - 1. Confirmation Bias / 2. Unproblematic Competition / 3. Control Over Emotion
February 3, 2025 - 1. Relaxing After Work / 2. Wasting A Good Mistake / 3. What Do You Do?
January 27, 2025 - 1. Consume Less To Create More / 2. Doing Things Alone / 3. Rejection Sensitivity
January 20, 2025 - 1. Boosting Your Writing Skills / 2. Boundaries For Mental Health / 3. Stay Busy, Stay Useful
January 13, 2025 - 1. Neutralizing Negativity / 2. Brightsiding-Weary / 3. MURA The Clunky
January 6, 2025 - 1. Choosing Wonder Over Achievement / 2. Mental Health In The New Year / 3. Following Your Passion vs. ???
December 16, 2024 - 1. The Importance of Followership / 2. Traits of Success / 3. Disagreement Without Disrespect
December 9, 2024 - 1. Learning From Others' Mistakes / 2. Questioning Your Communication Skills / 3. At Risk of "Boreout"
November 25, 2024 - 1. Storytelling Techniques / 2. Reacting To Negative Feedback / 3. Building Self-Discipline
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on these topics? Again, like everything else in this newsletter, the ideas here may not come to mind immediately when you think of leadership, but there's a place for them. These stories and questions ask us to consider how we see, interact with, and influence people -- and leadership is all about people. Sometimes, all it takes is a great prompt or a simple question to have us think about (or rethink) areas of our lives.
Sounding Smarter In Communications
Check Out The Article HERE!
Keeping Perspective
Check Out The Article HERE!
Workplace Frustration
Check Out The Article HERE!
Worst Type Of Boss
Check Out The Article HERE!
Graphic Finds
Here are some graphics I came across this week that painted a great picture of a topic, breaking down information and bringing to life great considerations clearly for our understanding. A visual helps make an idea pop, allowing us to see multiple moving parts at once. As always, it may not be perfect -- including everything we'd like to see or possibly including some things we'd rather not consider. But, at the very least, it gets us thinking and talking about the topic.
Emotional Intelligence: Behaviors At Work
I found this graphic on Build Emotional Intelligence LinkedIn group feed, credited to Mido Atef .
The examples below in the graphic and the 19 signs listed in the LinkedIn post offer great insight on what Emotional Intelligence (EI) looks like, not just on paper and in theory, but in practice.
Becoming familiar with this information can inform leaders on the everyday little actions, behaviors, habits, and awareness they demonstrate of how in tune they are with their EI, and how it can impact others. Again, it's those little moments, gestures, and moves that build a solid foundation for leadership and trust.
What does your EI look like in action?
The Stress Bucket
I found this graphic on the Master Stress LinkedIn page feed, credited to Alec Rickard .
Many leaders may feel the stress within them creeping up and coming at them while they're in their various environments of responsibility -- of work, leadership, home, and friends. They may feel impact in the moment of each but not consider the power of them all together. A collective. A bucket.
Some may be easier to begin tackling than others. The important part -- and it's always the important part -- is getting started, chipping away at what you can control. If a leader doesn't make a plan to tackle the stress, their bucket will overflow on them later.
How are you taking into account how your various stresses are accumulating?
Follow-Up On Past Editions
Here are some follow-up articles that build on, supplement, or intersect with topics covered in previous editions.
There's always a different take or angle to help us refine and build upon a discussion we've had in the past. We can bring either some reinforcement, clarity, or questions to past understandings. Because I just give you the articles and how they connect to previous editions, I leave you to figure out, much how I break down the lessons above, how to extract the lessons for your own leadership.
The Book Leads Podcast - Season 3, Episode 108: Jackson Calame
Jackson, Founder & CEO of First Class Business, knows the power of teams. The lessons he learned in the "school of life," galvanized in the tough environment of his father's house, and the faith he was inspired to live in his mother's home both enhanced his understanding of people, fueling his desire to help them in whatever way he could, empowering them to demonstrate the best of themselves.
School was not his thing, but people were. After his college experience, Jackson went to Uruguay on a religious mission and later proved himself in the tech world, making an impact and demonstrating just how important humanity is to work and business.
The lessons in 5 Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable were so impactful, it's become required reading for both his team and his business partners before any work is done or collaborations formed. Understanding the power of teams (and their dysfunctions if neglected) can help avoid possible pitfalls and empower undeniable performance.
Some Conversation Highlights
The MAIN QUESTION underlying my conversation with Jackson is, What lessons are you taking from your past trials and tribulations to create value and empowerment for yourself and others moving forward?
Find Jackson
Next Up!
Episode 109: Ernest Ellender, PhD & (a) His Book, This Is How We Heal from Painful Childhoods: A Practical Guide for Healing Past Intergenerational Stress and Trauma & (b) Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington.
This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.
Learn more about The Book Leads Podcast.
The Ultimate Guide To Leaving Your Legacy
The Ultimate Guide To Leaving Your Legacy: 22 Powerful Lessons On Leading As A Soul Professional
This is the 3rd book in the series, and my chapter (Chapter 13) entitled A Legacy Before Death: How Stories and Everyday Moments Can Inspire Us to Live Our Best Life Today, builds on what I shared in my chapter in the 2nd book.
My Legacy chapter taps into the deep conversations and powerful storytelling that have come out of my podcast, The Book Leads: Impactful Books For Life & Leadership.
Every time I finished one of my episode conversations, I'm more motivated by seeing such humanity at work all around us.
It inspires me to galvanize my legacy every day, even in the little moments and interactions.
Some might not see legacy the way I do. (I still love you, Mike!)
Thank you to Camille L. Miller, MBA, Ph.D. ABD for the invitation to join the amazing roster of authors, to Laura Di Franco and her staff on the publishing side, and to all the great authors sharing their great insights in this book.
Here's my podcast conversation with Camille covering my chapter.
About The Book Leads Podcast
On The Book Leads podcast, I speak to specialists and experts across various industries and from varied backgrounds to learn about the book that made an impact and left an impression on their work, life, and leadership. In the course of my conversation I also learn about my guest's background, experience, and work they're carrying out today.
This series has become my Masterclass In Humanity. I'd love for you to join me and see what you take away from these conversations.
Learn more about The Book Leads and listen to past episodes:
About Me
I'm a Leadership Performance Coach and Consultant at coachitout.com.?In addition to coaching, and as you can see above, I enjoy writing, podcasting, and speaking about leadership. Specifically, I work with clients to realize what they're all about when it comes to (1) new positions they've been hired or promoted into; and (2) rediscovering what they want out of their leadership, development, and career.
My signature talks include Design Your Leadership! Nine Ways to Sharpen Your Leadership Brand In The Everyday, and Platinum Networking: Designing A Unique Experience For Others In A World Of Disconnection.
Please subscribe to my newsletter Last Week's Leadership Lessons, if you haven't already!
For a FREE leadership coaching consultation call, reach out to me at [email protected].
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Leadership Performance Coach & Consultant | Leadership Design & Branding | Podcast Host??| Executive Advisor | Freelance Writer ?? | Speaker
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