The New Leader’s Journal: Step Down Meetings

First full week marked by a series of meetings with:

–       David’s team

–       Ellen’s team

–       Faith’s team

 

The differences between the various teams were striking. Let me elaborate:

David’s team is leading from the front foot.  They’re pushing and trying new things.  It was refreshing and fun, if a little undisciplined.  But I can help direct that passion.

Ellen’s team members were reluctant to express their opinions, looking to Ellen for approval before saying anything.  The meeting didn’t feel good at all.

Faith’s team are mechanics.  They can implement things on the media side.  But it doesn’t seem like anyone has asked them to think.

 

Scheduled my imperative workshop for two weeks out.  Didn’t want to do it too soon; but do want to get in place before the end of my first month.  (The book says that’s important.)

 

Reflections

This week is really a continuation of making first and early impressions in my early days.  I’m listening.  I’m trying to do that with an open mind and trying not to judge too early. Have not even tried to impact anyone else yet.  That will come later .  On the other hand, I know I’m being judged and am doing my absolute best not to cause any lasting damage by saying anything too stupid early on.


The New Leader’s Journal is a fictional exercise illustrating the prescriptions and tools in the 3rd edition of The New Leader’s 100-Day Action PlanClick here to request an executive summary of the book.  Click here to pre-order/order a copy.

Read More Articles

Primegenesis Operational Leadership
The Underappreciated Power of Operational Leadership

Operational leadership is the undervalued fulcrum between theory and reality. It is where strategy stops living in slide decks, where culture becomes observable behavior, and where tactics gain the coherence…

Read Article
NBA Champions game
The Stockdale Paradox: Preparing Your Leadership Team for Adversity

Down 29 points in the third quarter of Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals, the New York Knicks did something that had never been done in Finals history. With…

Read Article
Building Accountability in High-Performing Teams: From Slogan to Commitment

Turning empowerment from a slogan into a mutual agreement and engagement from an attitude into observable commitment  Almost every leader says they want empowered people. Almost every employee says they…

Read Article
Clear road
What To Do When Others Don’t Do What They Said They Would Do

One of the most predictable realities is that not everyone does what they said they are going to do - and even fewer do it when they said they would…

Read Article
Board meeting with the CEO
Why the Best CEOs Start Board Meetings With One Simple Sentence

Most board meetings don’t fail because of bad data. They fail because of unclear expectations—especially about how directors should feel when they leave the room. Too often, management teams present…

Read Article
White-water rafting team navigating strong river rapids with teamwork and coordination.
Recalibrating Your Own BRAVE Leadership in Turbulent Times

Leadership is most effective when it turns other‑focused intent into disciplined, everyday action in an ever-changing world. Take this moment to recalibrate how you are leading to sharpen both your…

Read Article