August 2025 – Page 2 – leadership dots

leadership dot #4713: launch

August 21, 2025August 20, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

A university deemed it necessary to migrate to a hybrid teaching format for its adult learners. In preparation, they converted to a new learning management system and installed new technology in the classroom. In theory, it should be a positive addition with the three new components rolled out at once.

However, a system-wide glitch in the LMS software locked everyone out for the first few days of classes. The technology wasn’t installed correctly, nor was it tested, so the first night of class had what can kindly be called “technological difficulties,” with no IT on site in the evening when classes are held. Online students were unable to interact with those in person; consequently, no one had a good experience (especially the teacher!)

A student suggested that perhaps this should have been rolled out during the summer term, when there is far less enrollment, or a mock class held to ensure that the components interacted as planned. It seemed obvious to them, but the person in charge did not have that foresight and was several levels removed from the chaos that ensued.

If you are in charge of a major change effort, it is best to be present during the initial launch. If all is well, you can bask in your success. If things go astray, you can feel the emotional frustration of those impacted and ideally have the power to resolve the issues quickly. Owning the idea but not the backlash is abdication, not leadership.

leadership dot #4712: lanes

August 20, 2025August 19, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

I have often heard the sayings, “Stay in your lane,” or “That’s not my lane.” While well-intentioned, I think that they are often used as an excuse not to put forth an idea or to shut down collaboration.

Lanes exist so that people can effectively navigate without collisions. If there were no separation of responsibilities, it could be as chaotic as a freeway without the stripes. However, even interstates have merge ramps, designed to allow people to cross lanes and travel on a path besides their original one.

The same principle applies in organizations. People need to know when to merge and do so safely, but staying exclusively in one lane isn’t optimal either. Just like on the highway, give ample notice that you’re about to merge and respect the drivers of the lane you’re merging into, but occasionally insert yourself into the broader flow.

Thanks, Stephanie!

leadership dot #4711: orange mania

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

After the recent announcement that Taylor Swift’s next album will be orange, marketers everywhere have jumped on the all-things-orange bandwagon. Companies that had anything orange in their product line began featuring those items. Even companies that had no connection to the color created one, such as Buffalo Wild Wings, Cinnabon, Walmart, Netflix, and United Airlines, highlighting orange in their social media posts.

Not only is there the broad appeal of Swift and the spending power of the Swifties, but a self-imposed limitation (using orange) actually helps people and companies become more creative. When you narrow your focus, it is easier to develop ideas and connections. Think of a kid’s birthday party where everything from the cake to decorations and favors is coordinated.

The next time you’re struggling to develop new ideas, put some boundaries on your brainstorming by creating an artificial restriction. You would think that limitless would inspire, but the reverse produces better results. How many ideas can you generate in a truncated time or with other parameters?

leadership dot #4710: mental capacity

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

Without systems in place, people (and organizations) become reactionary. It takes a lot of brain power even to remember that you need to do professional development or hold an all-staff gathering, let alone to plan it. Without a system to automatically schedule things (e.g., staff retreat is always the second Monday in August), it often is forgotten or becomes a mad scramble to organize.

It happens for meeting agendas — if you don’t automatically create one from the notes of the last meeting, people often go to meetings without any preparation and utilize unnecessary energy to remember where the group left off the last time they gathered.

Every time you need to make a decision — even something as simple as “What do we need to talk about at this meeting?” or “Should I eat an apple or a candy bar?” — mental capacity is diminished. Save your cognitive brilliance for the things that matter by creating a system that allows you to automatically be proactive instead of reactive.

leadership dot #4709: four sizes

August 17, 2025August 12, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

A retailer on Mackinac Island extended their inclusivity and empathy not just to humans, but also to the area’s canines. Instead of one water bowl outside their store, they offered four, providing an appropriately-sized bowl for each size of dog. It was a simple gesture, but one that undoubtedly made it easier for the pooches that utilized them.

Use it as an example of how to expand your thinking. Most practices, policies, and products don’t have to be one-size-fits-all. How can you be more inclusive in accommodating the needs of others, whether they have four legs or just two?

Thanks, Meg!

leadership dot #4708: tiny art

August 16, 2025August 12, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

Oh, those libraries — always coming up with something new. The latest feature at our branch is a “tiny art” exhibit where artists of all abilities created a mini-masterpiece on a 3×3 canvas. Dozens of the works were displayed along the top of bookcases, making it easy to peruse the gallery. Many of the pieces were for sale, with all proceeds benefitting the library — a win-win for everyone.

While many adults don’t see themselves as artists, everyone can create something on a tiny canvas. We often make things more lofty or grandiose than they need to be. Art doesn’t have to be museum-worthy to provide the benefits of creativity and experimentation.

Think “tiny” to get your innovation and juices flowing.

leadership dot #4707: virtual coach

August 15, 2025August 12, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

One of the most intriguing uses of AI that I’ve seen is with Kim Scott, author of the book/feedback model Radical Candor. Kim is a former Google employee and worked with them to create a “Portrait” — an interactive, AI tool that allows people to have a “conversation” with her (either through speaking or typing).

She suggests communicating with her Portrait to ask questions that you would if you could communicate with her in person, such as practicing a tough conversation, learning how to navigate conflict, or role-playing scenarios to know how to respond if people become defensive. I tested it out, and there were some helpful suggestions included, like you were truly having a conversation with her.

Instead of asking Chat GPT or Claude, play around with her Portrait and see if it doesn’t provide you with your own private coach. It may give you some language to help you become more successful in a sticky situation.

leadership dot #4706: add ons

August 14, 2025August 11, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

A Federal law (passed by the last administration) recently went into effect that requires ticket sellers and hotels to include all the fees in the advertised price. It aims to provide transparency so the buyer isn’t shocked when the actual total is significantly less than what they saw up front.

I wish there were more consumer protection policies like this one, as I grow increasingly frustrated by all the add-ons to services I am paying for. I pay money to subscribe to Amazon Prime, yet many of the shows I want to watch have a “lock” on them and are unavailable without additional cost. I subscribe to the local newspaper, yet have to pay extra to receive the occasional magazine that automatically comes with the subscription. And we all know about the fee-happy airlines.

If you charge for a service, work diligently to include the entire standard service in the price. All the shows in the streaming cost, all the required publications in the subscription, a seat and a bag on the airplane. Provide peace of mind instead of piecemeal.

On Amazon Prime…**BUT** you need a Paramount+ + subscription to watch it or you need to buy it from Amazon

leadership dot #4705: amateur

August 13, 2025August 11, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

In a Q&A column in People, actor Manny Jacinto was asked about his last DIY project. He replied, “We were furnishing our home and looking at art, and I kept saying to my wife, ‘I could do that.’ So, I tried this massive painting, and it took me three days…I signed the back: Never Doing This Again.”

It’s such a common trap, created by professionals who make their craft look easy. We get lured into thinking it is easy and only learn the truth when we try something ourselves. And not just creative pursuits. How much more could there be to accounting than keeping a ledger? What do teachers do with all their “free time”? How hard could it be to propose a new policy?

The more you understand something, the more likely you are to see the nuances that separate the pros from the amateurs. It’s fine to experiment and try new things. Just don’t confuse your hobby with those who do it for a living.

leadership dot #4704: mimic

August 12, 2025August 11, 2025by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

It has taken a puppy to remind me how much followers adapt to the behavior of their leader.

I can get my Zoe riled up in a nanosecond. With just one gleeful shout, it’s game on. If I’m excited, she is triple that, and it’s hard to get her settled. But if I’m calmly working on my computer, she is most often content chewing on a bone or sleeping.

I’ve seen similar reactions with leaders. If they are visibly tense or anxious before an important meeting, their staff members mimic those emotions and become hyped up as well. Calm leaders exude tranquility in the ranks even when the stakes are high. I’m guessing the pattern holds true for parents, who can foster excitability in their children or help instill a more moderate temperament overall.

It’s a plug for cultivating emotional intelligence to become conscious not only of your own emotions, but of their impact on others. You’re creating a culture with how you act, whether you do so intentionally or not.