The Friday Five - Leadership Edition

The Friday Five - Issue 41
Challenging leaders to maximize their potential
Terry Wetzel ~ Summit Leadership Development
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Recently, I had a new leader ask me how to “consistently make smarter decisions.” I offered that one of the biggest factors in doing this is simply slowing down and looking at the facts before acting. Clarity over speed. The best leaders do not guess. They ask questions, listen to their teams, and seek input from other leaders.

The primary reason many of us struggle with tough conversations is not the actual conversation, but the fear of conflict. We fear anger, hurt feelings, or a bad outcome. Get over this fear. Focus on what you are trying to fix, not the fear. Be clear, be calm, be courageous, and do not procrastinate.

Tiny shifts in your daily routine can amplify your leadership impact. This is the power of what I like to call micro-habits. Things like starting meetings with a single win, taking two deep breaths before responding to a tense message, or sending one quick note of appreciation each afternoon are examples. These small gestures require almost zero willpower, yet when practiced consistently compound into a culture of trust, excellence, and sustainable focus.

We audit our budgets, our project timelines, and our strategic goals, but how often do we reflectively audit our own performance? I suggest a 10-minute, end-of-week reflection designed to help you process how you led, where you excelled, and where you can improve your approach before Monday morning. Did I leave my team feeling energized or drained this week? Was I patient, clear, kind but firm, and empowering? Did I set a good example? What is one tweak I will make next week?

In the book Rework, by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier, they say to "hire for enthusiasm when skills are equal.” When two candidates possess virtually identical skills, work history, and qualifications, enthusiasm should be the determining factor. People with enthusiasm generally have more intrinsic motivation and self-direction, requiring less day-to-day management. Additionally, while technical skills erode over time, enthusiasm does not. Hire that enthusiastic candidate.

“He or she who can listen to the music in the midst of noise can achieve great things.”

— Vikram Sarabhai

Looking for your next great read? Whether you want to become a better leader, better understand the people around you, or simply get lost in a great story, I’m always happy to recommend a book. Send me an email if any of the categories below catch your eye, and I’ll send a recommendation your way. Looking forward to hearing from you.

A motivating book
A great fiction book
A book about building culture in the workplace
A few of my all-time favorite leadership books
A personal development book
A book that explores human nature and perseverance
A memoir that shifts your perspective
A book about communication in the workplace
A book that will strengthen workplace relationships
A random favorite of mine

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The photo in today’s web edition was taken in Marquette, MI.
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