If you asked me what I had for lunch, I might have to stop and think about it—days can be a blur. But when it comes to what truly matters, two things always rise to the top: leadership and joy.
LEADERSHIP
Capability Hunting: Discovering Hidden Talent
Think of “capability hunting” as an intentional approach to uncover hidden strengths in your team. What untapped talents, ideas, or interests might your team be hiding? By seeking out these capabilities, leaders can unlock potential that drives innovation and engagement within their teams.
One of the most effective ways to start is by asking, “What’s one thing I haven’t asked you about yet?” This simple but profound question invites employees to share skills, interests, or ideas they haven’t had the chance to voice. Often, these hidden gems align with organizational needs and open the door to new opportunities for growth and creativity.
Here’s an example: I once had a team member tell me she had experience developing curriculum and training materials. That hidden gem became the key to creating an updated onboarding manual for our team!
Incorporate this question into your next conversation or 1×1 meeting. Pair it with active listening and intentional follow-through—if someone shares an idea or talent, find ways to let them explore or apply it. This practice builds trust and shows employees their contributions are valued. Over time, it fosters a culture of curiosity and innovation where people feel empowered to share and pursue their ideas.
Capability hunting goes beyond discovering skills—it’s about valuing the whole person. When leaders uncover and nurture the unique talents within their teams, they encourage growth, spark creativity, and cultivate a sense of purpose. The ripple effect is undeniable: teams become more dynamic, motivated, and aligned with organizational goals.
This week, try asking someone on your team, “What’s one thing I haven’t asked you about yet?” You might be amazed by what you discover.
LIFE
Joy Is My Job: Leveling Up Family Nights
Family nights have always been about joy for me, but this year, I’m taking them to the next level. Gone are the days of defaulting to the couch for a movie or bingeing another show. Instead, I’m exploring activities that create memories.
Case in point: a recent trivia night at a local restaurant. Even my 11- and 13-year-old, who can be tough critics, were fully engaged and loving the healthy competition. What made the night unforgettable wasn’t just the trivia—it was the laughter and the new inside jokes that brought us closer. Shared experiences like these outshine any passive activity.
The best part? Creating nights like these doesn’t require elaborate planning or breaking the bank. Simple ideas like a DIY game night, a backyard picnic, or a themed dinner can turn any evening into an adventure. It’s all about being intentional and choosing connection over convenience.
What’s one new activity your family could try this week? It doesn’t have to be complicated—just intentional. Pick a night, pick an activity, and let the joy ripple.
Leadership at work, connection at home—it’s all about being intentional with our time and energy. I’d love to hear how you’re uncovering potential in your team or making family moments more memorable— let me know!