👓 Mindset, Getting Benched, and Difficult Conversations

Hey Leader!

This issue is a collection of curated content from this week that would be helpful for you and your leadership!

Any of it you like? Email me back and let me know which one you found the most valuable!

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Podcast - Bob Proctor and Intentional Thinking

This short and sweet episode packed a lot of lessons that can be applied to our leadership.

Here’s one lesson that caught my attention:

Harness the Power of Thought

Your mindset directly shapes your outcomes. Bob Proctor’s teachings emphasize the transformative power of positive, intentional thinking to elevate both your energy and your actions as a leader.

Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” Within a leadership lens, the way we think influences what we believe is possible, both for ourselves and for those we lead.

In leadership, our thoughts not only determine our personal potential but also profoundly impact the environments we create.

Where we must focus is on how our thoughts shape the cultures and communities we influence.

In my workshops, I often reference the Culture Reinforcement Cycle—a visual framework that illustrates how deeply our thoughts embed themselves into the cultural norms of our organizations or communities.

Drawing inspiration from Peter Senge’s mental model of suspending thought to reserve judgment, this framework reveals how cultural norms are built, reinforced, and perpetuated.

Without intentionality, we risk creating environments that unconsciously perpetuate harmful behaviors or beliefs.

The challenge—and opportunity—for leaders is to evaluate, understand, and break limiting paradigms in our thinking. We must recognize the cyclical relationship between our thoughts, actions, and the cultures we shape.

Be intentional with your thoughts.

As leaders, you are tone-setters, culture-shapers, and community-builders. For your intent to align with your impact, your thoughts must inspire and direct actions that foster growth, inclusion, and positive change.

Leadership starts in the mind. By harnessing the power of thought, you not only transform yourself but also elevate those you lead and the environments they inhabit.

Intentionality is the key to creating cultures of excellence.

Question: How are your current thoughts shaping the culture and environment you are responsible for leading, and what intentional shifts can you make to align your impact with your intent?

Action: Begin each day with focused reflection. Visualize success, practice gratitude, and set a tone for your environment. Lead with confidence, and watch your team’s energy rise to meet yours.

Youtube - Kirk Cousins and Accountability

I’ve always loved sports.

From the moment I stepped onto a field at five years old, sports have been a defining part of my life. I was a three-sport athlete in high school, played two sports in college, coached middle and high school teams, and now find joy in coaching my kids’ sports teams.

Sports have an uncanny way of teaching life and leadership lessons. Time and again, I’ve found parallels between what happens on the field and the challenges we face in leadership roles.

Watching the Week 17 Sunday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders recently brought one of these lessons into focus.

The commentators discussed Kirk Cousins, the Falcons’ starting quarterback and team captain, who was informed he’d be benched in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr., the 2024 8th overall draft pick. This news came just before a critical Week 17 game, with playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

Cousins faced a choice when he heard the news. He could have:

• Isolated himself from the team, refusing to help Penix. or the coaching staff.

• Thrown a tantrum, lashing out at the organization to the media.

• Blamed external factors, avoiding accountability for his performance.

But he didn’t do any of these things.

Instead, in a short interview clip, Cousins owned up to his mistakes and supported the decision. He emphasized his desire to help Penix. prepare for the game and contribute in any way he could to help the team succeed.

Now, let’s be real. Getting benched is not any athlete’s dream. Cousins likely felt frustration, disappointment, or even anger. I know I’ve felt similarly in my athletic experiences during challenging moments.

But what stood out in this situation was his ability to rise above (or “Rise Up” from, if you will) personal emotions and focus on the team’s mission.

Kirk Cousins is a true captain and veteran in the game. He prioritize the team’s success, encourage others, and stay ready in case his number was called again.

Leadership Lessons for Reflection

Cousins’ actions challenge us as leaders to reflect on our own behaviors and attitudes. Here are three questions to consider as you assess your leadership:

1. How can I take ownership of my actions when I’m not meeting the standard?
   Accountability is a cornerstone of effective leadership. Acknowledging mistakes not only builds trust but also paves the way for personal growth and improved performance.

2. Am I mature enough to support others, even if I don’t get the recognition?
   True leadership often involves putting the team’s needs above personal glory. Encouraging and uplifting others strengthens the collective mission and fosters a culture of collaboration.

3. What steps can I take to increase my self-awareness and adapt to change?
   Change is inevitable, and resilience is key. Developing self-awareness allows us to navigate transitions with grace, contributing to the greater good even in difficult circumstances.

These lessons remind us that leadership is not just about what we achieve but also how we respond to setbacks and support those around us, whether on the field, in the office, or in the community.

What is one way you can apply these lessons in your leadership journey?

Infographic and Guide - Navigating Difficult Conversations

I’ve been following Angela Crawford for a minute now on LinkedIn and have greatly appreciated her leadership infographics!

Many of you all have indicated in the “Developing the Leader’s Lens” survey (which you can also fill out here if you haven’t yet, to have resources that support having difficult conversations with staff whether its performance, behavior, or otherwise.

This is a good infographic to keep in your back pocket.

Another resource to keep in your back pocket is a guide I created 3 years ago called “How to Navigate Tough Topics.” 

In the height of the social unrest a few years ago, there was a growing concern for how to engage in racial, political, social conversations without it negatively impacting your environment. I crafted this guide for leaders within a government county as a way to position yourself well through tense situations.

The guide is yours to have. Send me an email or messaging me on Instagram, Threads, or LinkedIn letting me know your thoughts!

Later this year, we can host a workshop or have a Leader’s Lens Community Conversation on best practices we’ve experienced navigating difficult conversations in our leadership.

If that interests you, let me know below!

Ray’s Reminders - Retreat to Reset

Here’s a reminder for you in this final section:

At least twice a year, our family takes the trip from Salem, Oregon to the city of Bend (Central Oregon) to enjoy the change in scenery, the nature, and the beer.

I turn into a nature photographer while I am here, taking my time admiring the world around me and trying to capture the moments on my phone.

While we were walking in the winter wonderland, I took these image of this Deschutes River section in Bend and these 4 thoughts came to mind:

This river has been flowing for centuries! Like most rivers, it’s a symbol of persistence and progress.

Sometimes the river is calm and steady, sometimes it’s turbulent and rapid. Yet regardless of the landscape (man-made, nature formed, or various seasons), it still flows.

Whether in leading our teams or leading ourselves, we can take this lesson as a reminder at the beginning of 2025.

• Our growth hinges on our ability to be intentional.

• We will see progress when we are consistent.

• Be patient and persistent when the journey gets tough and maintain the greater perspective.

As you are executing that idea, vision, goal, or objective, know that the growth you seek may take some time.

Happy New Year! Thanks for reading! I’ll see you in the next issue!

Ray

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