Month: February 2025

leadership dot #4546: balanced

February 28, 2025February 27, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

A minister observed that young mothers make one of two common mistakes in raising their children. One is overestimating their child’s innocence, causing them to dismiss any faults and find it hard to believe their sweet cherub could do anything wrong. The other is when they underestimate the child’s potential to excel and the mother’s overprotectiveness limits the child’s ability to grow.

I believe similar circumstances apply to new managers. Some bosses are blinded to the faults of their employees and may overlook transgressions because of the employee’s performance output or charisma. Other supervisors micromanage their staff members and demand oversight of all actions, thus stifling their employees’ autonomy and motivation. Neither is healthy for anybody.

Finding the right balance is a challenge when you’re a new supervisor (and I imagine that when you’re a new parent). I shudder to think of how hard I was on my earliest staff before I became more comfortable with myself and my style. The early days are when an experienced person is helpful to lend perspective and advice.

Even if you’re not new in your role, take a moment to reflect on where you land on the spectrum of overestimating and overprotecting. The sooner you can make adjustments, the better.

Source: Wise Mother’s Great Expectations: Cultivating Godly Potential in Children by Bob Russell, May 12, 2024

Thanks, Brian!

leadership dot #4545: worth

February 27, 2025February 28, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

What’s a life worth? That’s the central question in the movie “Worth,” a true story about the lawyers who distributed the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund. It’s a job most people would run from, but Ken Feinberg and Camile Biros not only volunteered for the task but did so pro bono as their contribution to the country in its time of tragedy.

I’ve read and watched a lot about 9/11 but this movie added a new dimension I had not considered before. Should the payout be based on earnings or potential earnings? Should custodians receive the same as executives? Should the number of dependents be taken into account? All these and many more questions had to be resolved without a playbook to guide them.

Volunteering for one incredibly complex and sensitive job created a model that was unfortunately put to use again and again as they became the firm to distribute compensation in the Boeing 737 MAX crashes, BP Deep Water Horizon oil spill, Boston Marathon bombings, Catholic Church sexual abuse claims, and multiple shootings including Virginia Tech, Sandy Hook, Aurora Colorado, and the Orlando Pulse Night Club.

If you want a discussion starter or an example of complexity, this movie is for you. It’s also a reminder that doing hard things — and doing things you aren’t sure you know how to do — is really the only way to learn them. Knowledge gained always has worth.

leadership dot #4544: openness

February 26, 2025February 25, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplett1 Comment

I wrote yesterday about certainty (dot #4543) and have been paying attention to the ways in which presumed certainty shows up in my life. I’ve been surprised to learn that I have changed my preferences in many situations—a real-life Green Eggs and Sam.

I unsuccessfully hunted around for a particular brand of juice and when I couldn’t find it, purchased another. Then the flavor I was certain I liked best was restocked, but I actually preferred the substitute. I have a favorite dish at a particular restaurant, but when I tried what a friend ordered I was no longer certain that my “favorite” was indeed that. I automatically assumed the particular training exercise I use often was perfect, but after testing out another, I am no longer certain that it is.

These are all trivial examples but openness to “other” is a key component of empathy, innovation, and harmony. See if you can’t be less certain about your actions and choices in the coming week.

leadership dot #4543: certainty

February 25, 2025February 24, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplett1 Comment

In the movie Conclave, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) addresses the gathering of cardinals and shares some words from his heart before they begin the process of selecting a new Pope.

“There is one sin I have come to fear above all others. Certainty. Certainty is the great enemy of unity. Certainty is the great enemy of tolerance,” he said.

While he was referencing the work ahead in the papal conclave, his words should resonate in a broader context. The more certain we are about our most recent decision, political outlook, correctness about a topic, or worldview, the less space we allow for other perspectives. Make room for unity and tolerance by acknowledging that gray does exist. You may not be selecting a pontiff but the grace you give to others may feel heavenly.

leadership dot #4542: full plate

February 24, 2025February 21, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

In 1996, a decision was made to build a new terminal at Detroit Metro Airport, allowing it to become Northwest Airlines’ second-largest hub and gateway to Asia. James Greenwald, Northwest’s VP of facilities and airport affairs, oversaw this massive project in addition to doing his “regular job” supervising all the other facilities and airports.

When asked how he accomplished this, Greenwald replied, “I work four days a week in Detroit and four days a week in Minneapolis [HQ].” I’m sure it felt that way for several years.

It’s not unusual for organizations to expect their people to handle extra responsibilities and somehow absorb them into their existing roles as if they have the capacity to do so — but why is this the norm? I was once asked to become acting director of admissions for a year — and to continue ownership of my VP role. I know a director who became responsible for a fundraising and building project — while simultaneously doing his day job. Others are expected to oversee projects, implement grants, teach an extra class, or fill in for a vacancy — all while fulfilling their original roles.

Greenwald may have been willing (and well compensated) to work ‘eight days a week,’ but that is not the case for many of today’s workers who don’t want to sacrifice non-work hours in service of the organization. Before you add another major chunk of responsibilities to someone’s plate, be clear about what they can stop doing to sanely handle it.

leadership dot #4541: ambassadors

February 23, 2025February 21, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

To help instill pride in its frontline employees in the often-overlooked service roles, Delta has implemented job titles that convey the true purpose of the role. The person who clears tables in the Sky Club lounge is a Floor Ambassador, the person who maintains the area is a Clean Ambassador, and the staff who clean the restrooms in the airport are Care Standards Specialists.

Some may think it is nothing more than semantics, but I believe it helps remind people of their contribution to hospitality and service. The Floor Ambassador who greeted us was well-suited for her role and truly served as an ambassador for Delta.

Words are important. Develop a protocol that uses them to elevate people and purpose.

Felicia, the Floor Ambassador in Austin posing for a photo. (I was a guest in the Sky Club, alas, not a member!)

leadership dot #4540: identify

February 22, 2025February 21, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

How many buffets have you been to where you wonder “What is that?” Whether at a restaurant, potluck, or family gathering the selection of choices can be a mystery.

But not in the Delta Sky Club! Not only were foods marked with descriptions, but each item clearly indicated whether it contained dairy or gluten and whether it was appropriate for a vegetarian. I’m sure it was helpful to all their guests, not just those with allergies.

The labeling was a sign that Delta goes the extra step for their guests. How can your organization model their hospitality?

leadership dot #4539: talk

February 21, 2025February 18, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplett1 Comment

Psychologist Michelle Drapkin listens with a discerning ear to hear whether people are using “change talk” or “sustain talk.” The latter revolves around sustaining their current reality through complaining or focusing on the problem’s narrative rather than a solution, whereas “change talk” focuses on doing something new.

It’s an interesting distinction and way for you to monitor your self-talk as well as to listen for the differences in others. How many of the words you use rehash the situation and keep you stuck compared to the language of improving your current condition? Does venting or posting on social media make you feel as if you are doing something when in reality all that is being achieved is “sustain talk”?

It is in your control how you frame a situation and your response to it. Intentionally choose your words to move yourself forward.

leadership dot #4538: green

February 20, 2025February 18, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

If you need an example of how a good strategic plan can drive action, look no further than Singapore. The city has developed a Green Plan 2030 designed to make Singapore “A City in Nature,” expanding far beyond just having natural elements in the city.

A City in Nature envisions Singapore as one of the greenest in the world, with every road a “nature way.” The city is three-quarters of the way toward its goal of planting a million trees and is working toward connecting green spaces, lining streets with trees, and developing park networks. But it’s not just greenery; one of their Green Pillars includes enhancing vet and animal care.

I’m sure many who were at the table in 2021 when the plan was proposed recited all the reasons why an urban area could not create a City in Nature: the expense, the scarcity of land, the time involved, the value of urban development instead of greenery, etc. But the plan was approved and the results are visible, allowing Singaporeans to have cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Having a clear vision that is translated into a tangible and measurable plan can create magic. Look no further than Singapore to see proof.

Thanks, Meg!

leadership dot #4537: gatherings

February 19, 2025February 18, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

Most people who know Sirius XM think of it as satellite music channels accessed in their vehicles. While that is true, the company also provides background music for over U.S.150,000 locations, including restaurants, airports, and hotels.

I was fascinated to learn about the intentionality of the music selections — not only by business but using different genres or beats in different areas of the business or at different times of the day. General Manager Mark Lehman shared that during rush hour at fast food restaurants, music has more beats per minute to move people out quickly, while other music is designed to make the lines feel shorter. Airports alternate their music in the welcome areas and during night hours to create the desired environment.

This reminded me of a newsletter by Jeff Cufaude, extolling the virtues of intentional food selection and layout during gatherings. Cufaude recommends utilizing food choices to increase nutrition, and to facilitate community. By choosing protein and whole grains over sugar and carbs and offering smaller portion sizes, food can contribute to the energy and engagement of participants. Utilizing two-sided buffets, family-style serving, or mixed seating arrangements can create opportunities for small talk and networking.

Those who host meetings, conferences, or other group events often focus so much on the content that the environment is overlooked. Next time, bring the background to the foreground and enhance the outcomes for everyone.

Sources: Insider Q&A: Sirius XM loves background music, Mark Lehman, distributed by the Associated Press, January 5, 2025 and Facilitate Friday Newsletter by Jeffrey Cufaude, “Successful meetings and conferences leverage fuel as food; Facilitation Friday #55, January 23, 2025