What’s the point of leading right now?

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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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4-Part Framework for leading yourself and others in Chaos

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the honor of speaking at two Juneteenth events:
one with college students at Western Oregon University, and another with the Salem-Keizer NAACP.

Two different audiences, but one clear message:

That same message applies to many of you reading this: mid-level leaders navigating change, tension, and chaos every day inside your organizations.

Within both speeches, I wanted to focus on this particular truth.

At the time of emancipation, Black Americans in Galveston had to figure out how to build a future two years late… after others had moved on.

And then about 50 years later, we built Black Wall Street… only to see it burned down 2 decades later.

But what did we do?

We built again.
We organized again.
We dreamed again.

Because building is an act of power that we possess.

What does that mean for mid-level leaders today?

You may not be leading a company-wide vision.

But you’re the one people turn to for direction when the pressure hits.

You’re the one:

• Bridging the gap between senior leadership and your team

• Navigating unclear priorities with limited resources

• Trying to maintain morale while holding your own doubts

• Asked to execute “the plan” while questioning if the plan makes sense at all

And in those moments you ask: “What’s the point? Should I keep pushing?”

The answer is yes.

But not alone.

That’s why I shared this framework at both Juneteenth events that is just as valuable for middle managers at work:

Be. Bond. Build. Belong.

• Be grounded in your values. Lead with authenticity, even in systems that weren’t built for you.

• Bond as a community. Together, with our time, talents, and treasures, we can create change.

• Build the kind of culture and relationships that multiply, not deplete.

• Belong by reminding yourself, and your team, that you have a place, you have power, and you’re not alone.

Where do you feel like giving up right now? And what would it look like to build something right there, even if it’s messy, even if it’s slow?

What’s the point of leading right now? You are the vision of hope.

I believe that mid-level leaders are the unseen architects of workplace culture.

We still need leaders who are willing to stand in the gap, provide structure and support, give meaning and context in the mist of chaos.

We still need you to be you and encourage your circles of influence to show up.

Where your feet are, right now, is where you need to be for those seeking guidance and connection through uncertainty.

You don’t need a C-suite title to shape the future.

You just need a clear lens and a courageous heart.

Let’s continue to build together!
Ray

P.S. If you want to bring this “Be. Bond. Build. Belong.” message into your team, department, or upcoming leadership event, I’m opening new speaking and coaching bookings now. Just hit reply or → click here to connect.

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

• 🎤Speaking - As a Speaker and Facilitator, I will engage your team on how belonging and inclusivity can increase your team dynamics! ​Book Ray Now

• 🤝Coaching - As a Coach, I will help you enhance the power of inclusivity and empathy to be an effective leader through an equity lens! Book a Call Now

• 📘Consulting - As a Consultant, I will help strengthen your organizational culture to increase the employee experience and retention! Book a Consultation Now

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!