The Leadership In Focus: Weekend High Five - October 5th, 2024

We made it through September—high-five! ? As we kick off October, it's time to embrace the whirlwind that comes with the season. For us Canadians, Thanksgiving is just around the corner—a reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey so far. ????

For everyone, this month marks the start of the sprint to year-end, filled with celebrations, gatherings, and maybe a little too much food. ????? As the leaves change and the pace quickens, it's the perfect opportunity to rethink our goals, shake off what’s not working, and approach the final stretch with fresh energy.

So this weekend, take a moment to breathe, savor the small wins, and prepare to lead with a renewed focus. Welcome to this week’s Leadership In Focus: Weekend High Five!

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Quote of the Week:

“Don’t be the easy button.” - Echelon Front

Takeaway: Being the "easy button" for your team stifles their growth. When you solve every problem and make every decision, your people lose the opportunity to step up, learn, and take ownership. A team that relies on its leader for every answer never develops the skills or confidence to act independently.

Action Item: This week, identify one decision or problem that you usually handle and pass it on to your team. Give them the space to try, fail, and learn. Instead of stepping in, offer guidance and let them own the outcome.

Interesting read: “What Does It Mean To Be Successful? Defining True Success In Life” By: Yaren Fadiloglulari

In this week's edition, Yaren Fadiloglulari explains how true success is deeply personal and goes beyond external markers like wealth, fame, or societal expectations. It’s about achieving what brings you personal fulfillment and aligns with your values. Defining success requires self-reflection, avoiding common pitfalls like comparing yourself to others or seeking external validation. The key is to find what truly resonates with you and to set specific goals that reflect your own vision of success.

As we continue on this leadership growth journey together, here are the 5 big ideas we discussed this week at Leadership In Focus:

Monday: ?? If You're Waiting for the 'Feel-Good' Vibes Every Monday, You're in for a Rude Awakening – We debunked the myth that work should always feel amazing. Instead of chasing "warm-and-fuzzy" vibes, we broke down the real questions you should be asking yourself about your job, your growth, and your impact. Remember, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side—it’s green where you water it.

Tuesday: ?? Not Feeling People Today? Same. – We got honest about those days when social interactions feel like too much. It’s okay to admit you’re having an off day. We shared practical tips for setting boundaries, focusing on solo tasks, and taking breaks to recharge. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for maintaining your well-being.

Wednesday: ?? Overwhelmed by Life’s External Pressures? Look Inward Instead. – The key to thriving isn’t about changing the external chaos; it’s about focusing on what you can control. This week, Curtis Scaplen walked us through five powerful strategies to regain control, emphasizing that success begins long before game day—whether it’s in sports, work, or life.

Thursday: ??♂? I Went to Prison Last Week... – Not literally, but a visit to the Kingston Penitentiary offered a powerful metaphor for workplace cultures. We discussed how “office penitentiary systems” silence voices, destroy leadership development, and punish innovation. We also shared three ways managers can break this cycle, creating a culture that values every voice.

Friday: ??? Is Solitary Confinement Supposed to Be Punishment? – We explored the comfort some of us find in solitude and questioned why we’re so afraid of silence. Instead of viewing alone time as punishment, we suggested making “solitude time” part of the workday—an hour to disconnect, reflect, and embrace the quiet for clearer thinking.

Closing Thought: This week, we tackled the hard truths about work, embraced solitude, looked inward to take control, and rethought what leadership and team dynamics truly mean. As we roll into October, let’s ask ourselves: How will you carve out space for growth, both for yourself and your team?

Check out our LinkedIn and Instagram pages tomorrow for our new “Leadership In Focus, Not So Funny, Funnies”

From Sunday, September 29, 2024: Reality Check: Is Your Team Truly Aligned or Just Playing the Blame Game??

In last Sunday’s Leadership In Focus, Not So Funny, Funnies, we explored how effective teamwork starts at the top, where leadership fosters alignment and collaboration. However, when blame and territorial behaviors set in, progress takes a back seat. True leadership isn't about titles; it's about ownership, taking initiative, and building a culture of unity. Key steps include knowing your role, challenging assumptions, extending a hand, building relationships, and stopping gossip. Ultimately, the goal is to make collaboration the standard, not just a buzzword.

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.

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