As a team leader, I am often reminded of my greatest responsibilities, which include leading with care and setting examples daily, along with the actual work output of the job. The leading with care is ever so fragile. Our job is to ensure the team stays positive, has a healthy narrative within stress (yes, that is possible), and can see the outcome expected enough they will execute as best they can.
Recently, with the holiday season cranking up and family commitments at an all-time high, I am hearing the team use the phrase, “I have to,” to which I am shutting down as quickly as the word “have” leaves their lips. We don’t have to do anything; we choose to complete an urgent task for the betterment of our business, we get to manage an escalation, and we are blessed to have the opportunity to make a difference in a partner’s day or week. It is all in the view, and choosing to see it positively makes the work easier, regardless of the demand of the task or deadline.
Take notice of the phrases you hear and have the authority to restate the narrative.
