Leadership Insights for May 21st, 2025

Welcome to Leadership Insights! Each week, we curate transformative leadership insights and add our own expertise to help you lead with purpose and impact. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, you’ll find actionable wisdom in every edition.


Have you ever found yourself answering the same questions from your team over and over? It’s a sign that clarity is missing somewhere. Clear expectations aren’t just a productivity booster—they’re a stress reducer for everyone involved. As a leader, taking time to communicate clear goals and guidelines upfront can save countless hours of back-and-forth and help your team thrive.

This week, choose one project, process, or responsibility and ask yourself: “Have I set clear, measurable expectations for this?” If not, take 15 minutes to write down what success looks like and share it with your team. You’ll be surprised at how a little clarity now can eliminate confusion and empower your team to deliver their best.


This Week’s Posts We Love

LinkedIn Spotlight: The New Yorker Magazine Cartoon by Sam Lau

This cartoon from The New Yorker had me laughing out loud—and nodding in agreement. Genius. It’s a fun reminder that clarity and efficiency go hand-in-hand, especially in meetings. Aye to that!

Click Here to Check Out The Full LI Post


Podcast Spotlight: “A Bit of Optimism” by Simon Sinek

This week, I wanted to share Simon Sinek’s most recent episode from his, “A Bit of Optimism” podcast. I often share his books with my leaders, and his podcast is just as good! It’s a refreshing listen and a reminder that even the big thinkers need time to pause and reflect. Give it a listen—you might just walk away with a bit more clarity and optimism.

Listen to the Full Episode Here


Book of the Week

The First Minute: How to Start Conversations That Get Results by Chris Fenning

This week’s must-read is The First Minute by Chris Fenning, an award-winning guide to mastering clear and concise communication in everyday work conversations. This book provides actionable techniques for getting to the point quickly, focusing on solutions, and leading more effective meetings, emails, and presentations. Perfect for leaders, it’s a transformative resource for improving clarity, intent, and impact in professional interactions.

Find it on Amazon


Must-Read Article of the Week

“The Science of Happiness at Work: How Positive Psychology Can Increase Productivity” by Penn LPS

In “The Science of Happiness at Work: How Positive Psychology Can Increase Productivity,” the University of Pennsylvania’s LPS Online program explores how applying positive psychology principles in the workplace can enhance employee well-being and organizational performance. This must-read article offers valuable insights for leaders aiming to boost team morale and productivity by integrating positive psychology into their management practices.

Read the Full Article Here


From the CARE to Lead® Archives

Communication’s Hidden Cost: Protecting Your Success

Communication breakdowns are more costly than we realize—missed opportunities, lost trust, even financial fallout. In this blog post from last year, we explore how to bring strategic clarity and precision to every message you share. From leadership lexicons to non-verbal cues and the neuroscience of influence, these tools aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential. Revisit this post to sharpen how you show up and speak up.

Read the Full Blog Post Here


Closing Thoughts

Clarity isn’t just a leadership skill—it’s a gift you give your team, allowing them to move forward confidently and efficiently. What’s one area where you could improve communication this week? Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on LinkedIn, Bluesky, YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram, and let me know how you’re creating clarity in your leadership.

Thank you for being part of our leadership community. We’re dedicated to helping you lead with Clarity, Authenticity, Responsibility, and Engagement. Until next week, keep raising the bar on your leadership journey!

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