Intentional Leadership, Not Performative Gratitude


Intentional Leadership, not Performative Gratitude

As we wind down the year, I invite you to be brave.
Humble.
Vulnerable.

Begin your next meeting with a pause.
A deep breath.
Silence.

Let the moment land.

Then say, “Thank you.”

Don’t rush past it.
Stay.

Thank them for their time.
Their wisdom.
Their choice to dedicate their moments—and energy—to your team.

This will feel powerful.
It may feel uncomfortable.
That’s the point.

It’s easy to untether the tension—to speed up your speech, pivot to business, move on.
But what if you didn’t?

What if you took thirty minutes to share gratitude.
To name impressive wins and subtle, unseen moments that shifted the work.
To validate effort.
To make eye contact with each person who contributed to your success.

Take a moment to truly connect.

Be the leader you admire.

You have an opportunity at this moment. Will you use it?

Weekly Wisdom

Great leadership is rarely taught, but it can be mastered. I break down complex topics and offer insights, resources, and challenges to help you strengthen your skills, build confidence, refine your mindset, and lead high-performing teams.

Read more from Weekly Wisdom

Beyond Survival, Into Leadership Ten years ago, my life took an unexpected turn: I was diagnosed with cancer. Those moments cracked something open in me. Conversations with strangers cut straight through the small talk and into the heart of things—fear, hope, grit, love. And in that rawness, I noticed something: people relate to their diagnosis in dramatically different ways. Some see it as a chapter—painful, intense, but ultimately finite.Others weave it into their identity so thoroughly...

Are You Admired or Just Tolerated? For years, my husband has been the willing (and occasionally unwilling) test subject for my coaching. Recently, I asked him what changes he’s noticed since he began implementing new strategies and becoming more intentional with his relationships. Here’s what he said: “My workday has become more satisfying, fun, and enjoyable. Patient workflow is more efficient, timely, and accurate. The team shows more compassion toward each other and our patients.” One...

Are You Admired or Just Tolerated? For years, my husband has been the willing (and occasionally unwilling) test subject for my coaching. Recently, I asked him what changes he’s noticed since he began implementing new strategies and becoming more intentional with his relationships. Here’s what he said: “My workday has become more satisfying, fun, and enjoyable. Patient workflow is more efficient, timely, and accurate. The team shows more compassion toward each other and our patients.” One...