The Leader’s Guide, April 2024

It’s been a year since my last newsletter, and I’ve missed you. The first quarter of 2024 has passed so rapidly. I’ve been so excited to engage with some fabulous partners and I’m eager to keep you posted as those adventures bear fruit!

I'm thrilled to have you reading and staying connected with me in this way and I plan to be more than once annual! The plan is to return to monthly contact. I’ll share ideas that have been bouncing inside my head, places I’ll be, my favorite reading or conversations, and identify events and opportunities to engage with me.

Subscribe to see each one, if you haven’t already. Thank you for joining the journey!

?

What’s On My Mind

It's Only Obvious Once You Know

In conversations with friends, colleagues, and clients, I often hear (even myself sometimes) say, “Well, it’s obvious!” But is it? What seems glaringly obvious to one person might be a complete mystery to another. This truth underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions. Often, we fall into the trap of assuming that if something is clear to us, it should be equally evident to everyone else. Yet, this assumption ignores the diversity of experiences and perspectives that shape our understanding of the world.

Sometimes, a colleague or team member struggles with a task that you find straightforward. Instead of dismissing their difficulty as incompetence or unwillingness, consider the spectrum of factors influencing their understanding. By recognizing that personal experiences contribute to individual perspectives, we can cultivate patience and empathy. Those traits then foster an environment where asking questions and seeking clarification are celebrated rather than stigmatized.

The phrase "it's only obvious once you know" serves as a humble reminder of our own journey to understanding. Just as we once grappled with concepts that now seem basic, others are navigating their own learning curves. Embracing this mentality promotes collaboration and mutual growth, allowing us to leverage our diverse strengths and insights.

Adopting a non-judgmental approach fosters inclusivity and psychological safety within teams and communities. It encourages open dialogue, where individuals feel comfortable admitting their uncertainties and seeking guidance without fear of ridicule or condemnation.

In a world where knowledge is vast and ever-expanding, we can let go of the expectation that everyone should inherently know what we do. Instead, we can embrace the beauty of learning, understanding, and sharing knowledge. Then, we cultivate a culture of empathy, respect, and collective advancement. After all, it's only obvious once you know!

?

What Is Happening?

Are you familiar with the Lab Manager Leadership Summit located in Denver, CO from 29 Apr – 1 May 2024? I invite you to check it out and consider attending as there’s so much to learn from all the speakers – technical and leadership topics. In addition to learning from so many others, I’ll be talking about Building Strong Connections Through Effective Communication. Be sure to register if this is in your lane and let me know you plan to attend. It would be great to see you and discuss the different sessions!

And, I’ve been reading…

A fellow coach was talking about a book he had been reading that really piqued my interest. As many of you may know, I am a big reader. What you may not know is that it’s not so often I pick up something on a business topic. Still, the description was such that my ears perked right up.

The book is The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga. I initially borrowed it from the library – and quickly realized that 21 days was not enough time for me to absorb it. You see, it’s written as a young man comes to challenge a philosopher to a debate until he is satisfied – at which time he wants the philosopher to retract his theory. The discussion reveals elements of Adler’s psychological theories. Now, I find myself bringing some of these questions to my clients in coaching conversations.

I’m not an Adler follower (first I’d heard of him was here) but the book definitely opens the mind to considering things differently. That’s what I loved about this book. Agree or don’t – just explore ideas. Maybe it appeals since it’s the same philosophy I bring to my coaching practice. It’s a place to explore ideas, the choose what you want to take from it.

?

Let’s Connect!

Please contact me if you wish for me to speak to your organization, group, or association about coaching, key concepts from my book, and/or an Ask Me Anything format in a virtual or in-person environment.

Also, I’m always eager to hear what is happening with you. Drop a line, give a call, or schedule some time to chat. I love hearing your updates and celebrating your achievements. Do not hesitate to catch me up on all the fabulous things you have been doing!

C.O.A.C.H. Y.O.U. The Introverted Skeptic’s Guide to Leadership

Are you an introverted skeptic – or do you work with someone who may be? This book offers perspectives and insights about the superpowers and the challenges many face as leaders. Pick up your copy of my book and discover strategies to integrate who you are with how you lead. It’s now available in Kindle Unlimited if you are a subscriber!

?