Signs Signs . . .Everywhere there's signs. Tesla.

The stag in the picture crossed my path while walking the dog. The dog, by the way, was not impressed. She is only interested in her -- so far unsuccessful -- pursuit of squirrels.

Is this a sign? One of those signs that according to Tesla is everywhere?

According to my research, a stag crossing your path could mean . . . (Answers 1 -6 directly quoted from Chat GPT and Answer 7 from me):

• Renewal and Regeneration: The stag is often associated with the cycle of life, growth, and renewal. Seeing a stag might symbolize a period of transformation or the opportunity for a fresh start in your life.
• Spirituality and Connection: In some spiritual traditions, the stag is seen as a symbol of spiritual connection and intuition. Encountering a stag may be interpreted as a sign that you are on the right spiritual path or that you should pay attention to your inner wisdom.
• Strength and Virility: Stags are known for their majestic antlers, and in many cultures, they symbolize strength, power, and virility. Seeing a stag might be a reminder of your own inner strength or an encouragement to tap into your personal power.
• Guidance: In certain belief systems, the stag is considered a guide or messenger from the spiritual realm. It may be a sign that you are being guided and protected, and you should trust the path you are on.
• Cycles of Nature: Stags are often associated with the cycles of nature, particularly the changing seasons. Seeing a stag might be a reminder to stay attuned to the natural rhythms of life and to be mindful of the changing phases in your own life.
• Symbol of the Divine: In some mythologies, the stag is associated with deities or divine beings. Seeing a stag could be interpreted as a connection to the divine or a reminder of the sacred in everyday life.
• Hunting Season in Minnesota. Deer hunting season started on November 4 in Minnesota. Seeing a stag in a residential neighborhood during this time period could mean that said stag was seeking a safe respite from the hunt.

What do spiritual (and not so spiritual) musings on an antlered animal have to do with leadership? Alot.

The people who cross our paths, including those we lead, provide verbal and non-verbal signs to us. Sometimes those signs are obvious, sometimes more subtle. All signs point to engagement. As leaders, we need to be able to determine the engagement level our teams -- the obvious and the subtle indicators. How do we do this? By building relationships with our teammates. We listen. We are authentic. We do what we say we are going to do (ie lead with integrity).

Here are some thoughts on how to effectively build relationships --

• Have regular 1:1s with your entire team. Establish the cadence based upon the work that needs to get down as well as the reporting relationships. Do not skip the skip levels. You need to develop relationships with all members of your teams, not just your direct reports. Your 1:1s are the most important meetings you have on your calendar.
• Let your teammates set the agenda for the 1:1s. You can add to the agenda when you are meeting, but make sure that the teammate knows that the meeting is for him/her -- not for you. At the end of each meeting, ask the teammate what you can do to help him/her. Leave it open-ended. Let the teammate determine what he/she wants to share with you. Listen and then act on the request for help.
• When you have a group meeting, start the meeting out by asking the group to provide two words that describe how he/she feels at that moment. (Got this one from Brene Brown.) My team did this -- and the amazing thing was that each person had two words that were diametrically opposed to one another (ie happy and scared). It provided space for understanding that we were all in this (whatever "this" is) together.
• Acknowledge life events of teammates. Birthdays, anniversaries, births, deaths. Be there for the birthday celebrations as well as for the more difficult things. While sending a card is a great first step, do more. Show up. Ask what you can do to help. Then, help.
• Last but not least. Be ok with your imperfections. Own them. Talk about them. Show your team that you are a human being too. AUTHENTICITY. Authenticity will help your teammates open up and truly trust you.

Listen. Be Authentic. Do what you say you are going to do. Keys to relationship building.

"Can't you read the sign?" Tesla, again. Tesla, always. ??????