Isn’t it funny how differently people operate? I’m a morning person, my husband’s a night owl. Some of us are introverts, others extroverts. There are power walkers and power lifters, sweet tooths and savory fans. There isn’t one “right” way to do or be anything—which, in my opinion, is amazing. The question is: how do we take these differences and use them as positives?
LEADERSHIP
One coach. Two players. Two very different reactions.
I remember watching a teammate burst into tears when our coach scolded her. I was surprised—because it didn’t seem that bad.
Minutes later, he said the exact same thing to me… and it fired me up. I was more motivated. Ready to prove something.
Same words. Different results.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve seen this play out over and over again—in my sibling, in my spouse, in my close friends, and co-workers. We’re all wired differently. We all want it our way. And in leadership? That matters.
If you want to get the best out of someone, you need to figure out what fuels them. What shuts them down. What pulls them in. Not everyone responds to pressure. Not everyone thrives on praise. Some need clarity. Others want freedom. Some are driven by challenge, while others need reassurance that they’re not failing.
Let’s say you give critical feedback to two team members. One becomes defensive and shuts down; the other asks clarifying questions and comes back with improvements the next day. Same feedback, different outcomes.
Here’s something to consider: instead of delivering feedback the same way to everyone, pause to think about how each person receives information best. For the first, you might ease in by highlighting what’s going well, then invite them into ideas with space to process. For the second, you can be more direct and solution-focused, since they thrive on challenge.
Think of it as trying on their glasses—imagining how the moment looks and feels from their perspective. Leading well isn’t about being rigid. It’s about being aware enough to flex. To add nuance. To speak in ways that actually land. Because if your goal is productivity, connection, and trust, it starts with knowing your people.
LIFE – A Midday Recharge
About halfway through my day, usually right after lunch, I notice my battery dipping. Do you experience that too? Not food-coma tired, but more like my mind needs a reset.
My old habit was picking up my phone and scrolling through social media. It felt like a break, but honestly, it wasn’t very refueling. Research shows that even 10 minutes of mindless scrolling can increase stress and lower focus, because your brain is rapidly switching between content without truly resting.
Recently, I tried something new: a 10–15 minute yoga nidra meditation. (If you’re not familiar, yoga nidra—sometimes called “yogic sleep”—is a guided meditation designed to bring deep rest to both the mind and body.) I found a bunch of free videos on YouTube, rolled out my blue yoga mat, closed my eyes, and listened. And the impact has been incredible. Ten quiet minutes is often enough to bring me back sharper, calmer, and ready to go again.
I realize not everyone can lie on the floor in the middle of their office, but here’s the bigger point: we all need some sort of refueling ritual. For some, it might be stepping outside for fresh air, listening to music, or grabbing a notebook to doodle. For others, it’s a short walk, a cup of tea, or a mindful pause between meetings.
I’m curious—what’s your version of a reset? How do you give your mind a break during the workday so you can come back recharged?
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