Leadership Fuel

One of the most transformative perspective shifts we can make - practicing gratitude rather than concentrating on lack. Great Stoic advice as we head into both the opportunities and pressures of the holiday season, and a powerful reminder to be thankful for what we already have while we are reaching for what we want next.

Can Happiness Be a Measure of Success? Happiness is difficult to quantify, yet I believe true happiness comes from two key principles: giving 100% effort and taking 100% responsibility for everything that happens in your life. Blame never leads to happiness. Instead, it’s about looking inward and asking, “What could I have done or said differently to create a better outcome?” I recall working with two siblings who were struggling to communicate. Each blamed the other for at least 50% of their fractured relationship. They were stuck in a cycle of finger-pointing, which kept them from moving forward. I told them, “Until you each take 100% responsibility, things won’t improve.” They wanted apologies from one another, but I reminded them, “Your feelings are your own responsibility, not theirs.” The truth is, unless we take full accountability for who we are and what we do, we’ll always find someone else to blame for why we’re not achieving our goals. Take Walt Disney, for example. He filed for bankruptcy seven times and endured three nervous breakdowns. Yet, he never pointed fingers or made excuses. He took responsibility, picked himself up, and built something extraordinary. So, who are you blaming for your setbacks? Stop. Take 100% ownership of your actions, your responses, and your life and watch the difference it makes. #Leadership #MindsetMatters #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #ConflictResolution

What makes you feel safe to speak up at work? Speaking up without fear isn’t just a perk—it’s the foundation of a healthy work culture. Here’s the truth: When employees feel safe to voice ideas, concerns, or feedback, everyone benefits. Too often, fear of judgment or retaliation silences voices that could drive innovation and growth. Think about it: → Teams thrive when communication is open. → Leaders grow when they listen and act. → Companies win when trust is built. A culture of safety creates a culture of success. If you want to improve your workplace: → Encourage honest feedback. → Reward openness, not silence. → Lead with empathy and understanding. How does your workplace encourage open communication? Let’s discuss in the comments.

Everyone thinks a leader needs a bold personality. But I prefer a leader who is not the loudest in the room. Here's why: Early in my career, I worked for someone who wasn't the loudest in the room. They weren’t outwardly charismatic either. One day, I was feeling off and I tried to hide it. She pulled me aside and asked "Is everything ok?" A small gesture, but it spoke volumes. That's when I realized the value of empathy in leadership. From that point on, manager quality became my top factor when considering any job. 3 things I looked for: 1. Trust and Safety - Do they make people feel heard? - Have they fostered a judgment-free environment? - Are ideas and concerns openly shared? 2. Inclusivity and Respect - Do they appreciate diverse perspectives? - Do they make everyone feel respected? - Do they ensure fairness across the team? 3. Invested in You - Are they interested in helping you grow professionally? - Do they provide constructive feedback? - Do you get recognition for your contributions? Ask questions to tease these out in interviews. Seek examples of how they've done this with others. Observe their interactions with you. I’ll even talk to current and former employees as part of my vetting process. You're not just choosing a job, you're also choosing a manager. A great manager accelerates your career and lifts you up with them. A poor manager can have the opposite effect. Choose wisely. --- Repost 🔁 to help others with this important decision. And follow me for more posts like this.

Without empathy, you’re not leading. You’re managing. A leader without empathy can hit short-term goals. But they'll struggle to inspire trust, loyalty, or innovation. Empathy doesn’t mean being soft. It means being strong enough to lead with your heart. And that’s the kind of leadership people will follow— Not just because they have to, but because they want to. Gary Travis #garytravis #careers #culture #productivity #leadership

A title doesn't make you a leader. How you treat, value and celebrate your team does. Here are ten phrases every employee deserves to hear: 🔅 I trust you 🔅 I believe in you 🔅 You are valuable 🔅 I care about you 🔅 How can I help you? 🔅 You make a difference 🔅 Thank you for being you 🔅 Let's celebrate your achievements 🔅 How can I help you grow and develop? 🔅 Your contributions are key to our success True leadership is about truly caring for your team while creating a positive and safe work environment where everyone has the ability to grow, flourish and shine. #culture #leadership 🍀 If this resonates, please share with others and follow me for more.

I'm proud that I can post this   (Not everyone could)   Respect isn’t about titles, money, or power.   It’s a reflection of who you are at your core.   The way you treat people who can’t give you anything back says it all.   The janitor The CEO Your neighbour's dog even   They all deserve the same respect.   The moment we forget that, we’ve lost sight of what really makes us human.   Do you agree? ♻️ More people need to see this, share it with your network! And follow Rob Dance for more LinkedIn content like this!

Challenges are not roadblocks but stepping stones for personal development. 💪It's time to shift your perspective and embrace problems as the catalysts for your growth journey. #overcomingchallenges #leadershipdevelopment #successmentor #successmindset #businessgrowth #leadership

Great leaders don't surround themselves with “yes” people, but actively listen to the challenging voices in their teams. Here is how great leaders turn tough, and often uncomfortable feedback into fuel for personal growth and teams that thrive on honesty and trust: ➡️ Put mission above ego. They do not take criticism personally or focus on their own progress. They know it is about their people and their success to achieve the joint mission. ➡️ Value Critics Over Cheerleaders. Keeping those who speak up means you’re investing in honesty, not flattery. And that builds stronger foundations. ➡️ Welcome Uncomfortable Conversations. The voices that challenge you are gold. They reveal blind spots and spark your and the team's real growth. ➡️ Show Respect for Those Who Disagree. People brave enough to offer a different view are the ones shaping your success. They keep you and the team sharp and agile. ➡️ Seek Out Constructive Conflict. Healthy debate fuels creativity and problem-solving. It’s not about conflict but about the courage to improve. ➡️ Honor the “Truth-Tellers” Those team members who don’t sugarcoat things are the ones who push you forward. They keep you and the team real and resilient. ➡️ Be Grateful for the Hard Truths. Each tough conversation is a lesson. These moments make you better, more grounded, and truly impactful. Remember: true leadership isn’t about always hearing what feels good—it’s about listening to what helps you and your team get better. ----------------------- ♻️ Repost this to inspire leaders in your network! 🔔Follow me (Simon Koerner) for more.