Positive Impact

As we enter the Thanksgiving season, it feels especially important to pause and acknowledge the good in our lives. I am deeply thankful for the people I lead and work with each day. They bring tremendous value to our organization—and to me personally. Yes, my team helps me grow, stretch, and improve. Having a strong group of leaders around me makes all the difference as we work together to advance the many initiatives before us. Today, I celebrate the impact of my teams.

Great teams elevate their leaders through their skills, creativity, and diverse perspectives. When a team performs at a high level, leaders can focus on strategy and organizational improvements rather than on micromanagement. Team-driven ideas evolve into better practices, stronger systems, and a more ambitious vision for what’s possible. The unique talents of our team members enable us to go farther, faster, and with higher quality. We trust them to act with the organization’s best interests in mind—and that trust is earned through strong communication, shared values, and a united belief in our mission.

A great team also collaborates—not just with one another, but with their leaders. Collaboration reduces stress, distributes workload, and fuels innovation. Even the most capable leader can only achieve so much alone, but a team multiplies that capacity. Together, teams not only strengthen the organization they serve—they strengthen themselves. The result is a growth-minded environment where every individual has the opportunity to flourish.

Perhaps the greatest gift great teams offer is a positive culture. People can feel culture the moment they enter a space—whether it’s uplifting or draining. When the culture is positive, efficiency rises, challenges become easier to navigate, and the workplace becomes somewhere people want to be. In a positive team culture, every person feels valued, and their efforts are recognized. Great teams hold the bar high for climate and culture, and they take ownership of maintaining it.

As you reflect on your own team, consider these questions:

·         How are you trusting and empowering your team to lead?

·         How can you collaborate and innovate alongside them?

·         What is the culture of your team, and how can you contribute to it in a positive way?

I am truly thankful for the team surrounding me—both at work and at home. A strong team helps us build the lives we want and make meaningful contributions to the world. Without the support of a dedicated team, our work would be far more difficult, if not impossible at times. Who’s on your team, and how are they adding value to your life and work? I hope you take a moment to let them know how much they mean to you.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, family, and friends.

In Friendship,
Steve