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Discover the Power of Reverse Pet Peeves for Joy
A friend sent me an article about happiness called, “Happiness doesn’t have to be a heavy lift.” Something that resonated was a portion on reverse pet peeves, which are those small things that bring disproportionate joy.Ironically, right after I finished reading it, I was sent a copy of a photo from a work event a…
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Creating Space for Greatness: A Reflection on Leadership
I have been a Simon Sinek fan for a long time. The other day I saw this quote by him which has me thinking: “The role of a leader is not to come up with all the great ideas. The role of a leader is to create an environment in which great ideas can happen.”…
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Turn Up the Music, Even on the Rainy Days
A joyful Hulu ad reminds us: we can’t control the weather outside, but we can protect our inner climate. Choose joy—dance anyway.
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Leadership Wisdom from a Re-Read of The Tao of Pooh
I picked up The Tao of Pooh again recently, expecting a cozy, familiar read. I’ve read it before, but this time I noticed something I missed the first time around. Beneath the charm of the Hundred Acre Wood is a quiet, powerful introduction to Taoist philosophy—one that feels especially relevant to how we lead. Taoism…
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What My Team Taught Me About My Own Leadership
What happens when you stop assuming you know how your team experiences your leadership—and you actually ask them? I did just that, and the answers surprised me in the best way. Here’s what I learned about self-awareness, humility, and the power of real feedback.
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Revisit, Revise, and Recommit: A Path to Productivity and Job Satisfaction
As we navigate the complexities of the workplace, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of the bigger picture. Our goals, once so clear and inspiring, can become obscured by the relentless stream of tasks and responsibilities. That’s why it’s crucial to periodically take a step back, revisit our…
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Finding Humanity in the “Enemy”: Empathy’s Crucial Role in Kahane’s “Collaborating with the Enemy”
Just finished Adam Kahane’s Collaborating with the Enemy, and it’s truly shifted my perspective on conflict and collaboration. What struck me most powerfully was the central role of empathy, not as a soft skill, but as a vital tool for transformation.Kahane’s gems, like “Adversaries aren’t the enemy—they’re key to transformation,” and “Listening is an act…
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Embracing My INFP Journey
Recently, I took the 16 Personalities test and discovered that I’m an INFP, often referred to as the Mediator. While I wasn’t surprised by my results, having words and explanations for my feelings and actions is reaffirming. Understanding how my personality influences my interactions with others helps me be a better leader. As an INFP,…
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Reflections on Resilience and Authenticity
I recently came across this thought-provoking quote on Facebook (no attribution) that resonated deeply with me: These words capture a truth many of us know all too well. While receiving acknowledgment for our efforts can be uplifting, it often oversimplifies the journey behind those moments of grace under pressure. People often say I’m a natural…
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Leading with the Light of Empathy
I stumbled upon this graffiti while off-roading that read, “Love is dead to those who see without light.” This resonated with me and has me reflecting on the importance of perspective in my leadership journey. As a leader, I often face challenges that can cloud my judgment and make it easy to overlook the human…
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The Unexpected Gift of Shifting Perspectives
Life has a funny way of surprising us, doesn’t it? Recently, I found myself in a situation I’d always envisioned: an opportunity presented itself that, in my past, I would have jumped at without hesitation. It was a role I’ve always aspired to, and a chance to work with former colleagues that I love.But something…
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When the First Attempt Fails
Sometimes leadership means tackling challenges head-on, even when the initial attempt falls flat. On a recent off-roading trip, a simple recovery turned into a leadership lesson. Wrong equipment, tricky incline, soft sand – we failed the first time. Most would’ve quit. But we regrouped, adjusted our approach, and got it done. Great leaders find solutions,…
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Laura K Spencer, Ed.D. 