Let’s face it: sometimes leadership feels like juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle—blindfolded. But here’s the good news: leadership isn’t about being perfect every single day; it’s about getting back up, dusting yourself off, and jumping right back in when you’ve fallen off the “strong-leadership wagon.” Missed a day? A week? A month? Years? Hey, no judgment! Just pause, laugh at how heroic your comeback is about to be, and prep yourself to get back in the game. It’s all about one person, one conversation, one day at a time—like eating an elephant, just one bite at a time (though I’d recommend something tastier).
The secret sauce to overcoming nearly every management conundrum is simply this: practice the fundamentals like a pro—even on days when coffee feels like your only lifeline. That means setting up regular, meaningful one-on-ones and/or on-the-fly spot coaching with team members. Consistency isn’t glamorous, but it works wonders: you’ll see your team’s performance soar, morale lift, retention of top talent rise (and low performers gracefully exit stage left), and yes, those pesky fires that used to eat up your calendar will begin to fizzle out. Eventually, you’ll spend less time playing “whack-a-mole” and more time actually leading—imagine that!
Now, here’s the honest truth: practicing fundamentals with gusto isn’t easy. Three big hurdles stand in your way, kind of like getting out of bed on a chilly Monday morning. First, you have to make the leap—find that hidden stash of energy and determination (maybe behind your leftover holiday cookies). Changing your habits, communicating your plan, and rolling it out to your team takes guts. Second, it’s time-consuming at first. You’ll be fighting old fires and investing in new systems simultaneously. Think of it like the gym: those first few weeks are rough, but soon you’ll be flexing your leadership muscles with pride. Third, staying ahead of the “vicious cycle” requires discipline (and maybe a good playlist). You need to put in the work upfront, before anything starts to go sideways.
If you commit to this journey—embracing high-structure, high-substance, ongoing one-on-one dialogues—things will get better faster than you expect. In just a few weeks, you’ll notice smoother days, happier teams, and—best of all—your precious time coming back to you. Maybe you’ll even reclaim enough hours to pick up a hobby, like competitive origami or extreme napping!
But let’s be real: the hardest part is sticking to your fundamentals when the heat is on. When everything feels like it’s on fire, don’t panic and run for the nearest exit. If you slip up—have a bad day, week, or year—just bounce back. Recommit, laugh at your missteps, and get back to leading with energy and consistency, one step at a time.
Consider your top performers. They’re like pro golfers—focused, skilled, but still in need of a coach who can spot what they can’t see (like an unfortunate slice into the water hazard or a tendency to lose their cool during budget meetings). A coach provides feedback, accountability, and the occasional metaphorical pat on the back. This kind of support builds champions. So ask yourself: when was the last time you got some outside perspective? Maybe it’s time to engage a coach and raise your leadership game—plus, it’s a great excuse to say, “My coach says I’m a rockstar!”
In today’s fast-paced world—where change is the only constant and your team’s group chat is always buzzing—the best leaders are those who keep leveling up. Give your best to your team, and then find ways to make your best even better. Otherwise, you might find yourself stuck in the land of average, where coffee is cold and meetings never end.
Ready to renew your commitment? Here are some creative examples:
· Set a leadership “date night”—schedule monthly check-ins with yourself to reflect, laugh about missteps, and set new goals.
· Start a “fail forward” scoreboard for your team; celebrate little stumbles as learning moments. Bonus points for funniest mistake stories!
· Ask your team for feedback with a twist—like a suggestion box labeled “Ideas, Complaints, and Dad Jokes.”
· Commit to a weekly “leadership workout”—read a new article, watch a TED Talk, or role-play challenging conversations with a buddy or coach.
· Host an “Office Olympics”—teambuilding games to boost morale and remind everyone that work can (and should) be fun.
Don’t forget these resources to keep your motivation soaring:
R Pro Tip: You Can Treat Any Day Like New Year's Day to Realize Your Best Self
R Unlock Your Potential: The Transformative Power of Leadership Coaching
As we leave one year behind and leap—with a grin—into the next, make the commitment to become a stronger, more playful people leader. With a renewed sense of purpose, you’ll make a bigger impact on your team and your organization. Remember: greatness is built one day at a time, and a little humor goes a long way. Let’s lead, laugh, and lift each other up in the new year!
The new year is here and it's the time for hope and renewal. In this spirit of new possibilities, why not commit to becoming a stronger people-leader by starting some or all of your management and peer relationships anew?
Peter Mclees, Leadership Coach, Trainer and Performance Consultant
SMART DEVELOPMENT
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