The Leadership Habit That Costs Nothing But Change

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Welcome to the Leader’s Lens: The Perspective Shift issue!

This issue offers a fresh perspective and actionable tips to enhance your leadership this week.

Send me an email and let me know how you plan on implementing this perspective shift in your leadership!

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Above the Frame: Introducing Shift Your Lens!

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Now let’s get into this issue!

Uplift your Team Culture in 30 Seconds or less!

I've been thinking about something lately.

We spend so much time focused on the big leadership moments, such as the strategic decisions, the vision casting, the quarterly reviews.

But what if I told you that leadership actually happens in the small, everyday interactions?

Here's what I mean:

A few months ago, I was coaching a mid-level leader who was frustrated. Her team was disengaged, and she couldn't figure out why. She had clear goals, good systems, regular check-ins.

Then I asked her: "When's the last time you told someone specifically what they did well?"

Long pause.

"I mean... I say 'good job' sometimes."

And there it was.

The one thing I’ve learned about recognition is it's not about being nice, it's about being intentional.

When people feel genuinely seen for their contributions, they show up differently.

They engage more. They trust more. They stay longer.

But most leaders get it wrong when they think recognition has to be formal or big.

Again, it doesn't.

What genuine recognition actually looks like:

• Instead of: "Good job on that project."

• Try: "The way you handled that client pushback yesterday, asking those clarifying questions instead of getting defensive, that's exactly the kind of problem-solving we need more of."

See the difference?

One is generic. The other is specific, behavioral, and shows you were actually paying attention.

Here's my challenge for you this week:

Pick one person on your team. Think about something they did recently that made a difference. Maybe something small that others might have missed.

Then tell them. Be specific about what they did and why it mattered.

That's it.

No fancy program. No budget required. Just intentional attention.

A question to sit with:

How often are you looking for what's going right versus what needs to be fixed?

Because what you focus on as a leader shapes what your team focuses on too.

There has to have been a leader who shared specific recognition to you. Do you remember it? What made it meaningful to you?

Hit reply and let me know. I read every response.

Then if that feeling was great to you, imaging how your team would feel if they received the same….

Keep leading with intention,

Ray

P.S. If you're thinking "I don't have time for this…” I get it. But this literally takes 30 seconds. And those 30 seconds might be the difference between someone staying engaged or quietly checking out.

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Whenever you are ready, here are ways you can work with me:

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P.S. - Thank you to those who have filled out the survey letting me know more about your leadership journey! I am excited to dive into the results over the next couple of weeks to provide you with resources and content that will support your leadership! If you haven’t filled it out yet, do so by clicking the link here!