 As winter thaws into spring, we’re reminded that change isn’t always easy—it can be messy, uncomfortable, and even a little scary. But here’s the thing: discomfort is where growth lives.
So often, we hold ourselves back because it feels safer to stay where we are. But if you want to grow, evolve, and truly unleash your brilliance, you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Think about it—every major life shift, every transformative moment, is marked by discomfort. The awkward first step. The uneasy in-between. The moments of doubt. But what lies on the other side? Strength. Confidence. Fulfillment. 💡 3 Ways to Embrace Discomfort & Grow Through It:
🌟 This Month’s Challenge: Get Uncomfortable.Pick one area of your life—personal, professional, or emotional—where you’ve been playing it safe. Then ask yourself:
This March, let discomfort be your greatest teacher. 🌱✨ Word of the Month: BRAVERY Bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the decision to move forward despite it.
0 Comments
 Onboarding is more than a checklist of tasks—it’s the start of someone’s journey in a new role or organization. How we approach that first step sets the tone for everything that follows. Whether you're leading a team or starting a new job, integrating values like humility, empathy, and curiosity into the process can transform onboarding into a meaningful experience that fuels growth and connection.
Humility Think about your first day at a new job. Chances are, something didn’t go exactly as planned—maybe you struggled with a new system, missed a key meeting, or fumbled through introductions. We’ve all been there. The key is turning those moments into opportunities for growth. Creating an onboarding environment where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process helps new team members relax and focus on growth. Leaders can set the tone by sharing their own experiences of early challenges or missteps, reinforcing the idea that no one is expected to be perfect. When you lead with humility, you create a safe space for learning. Tip: Encourage team members to share stories of their first days on the job during orientation. It helps normalize the learning curve and takes the pressure off new hires to “get it right” immediately. Empathy Starting a new job can be overwhelming. New tools, new processes, new faces—it’s a lot to take in. Empathy helps ease this transition. A little understanding goes a long way in making new hires feel supported, not just professionally, but emotionally. Leaders can demonstrate empathy by checking in frequently, asking how new team members are feeling, and offering help before it's requested. This not only builds trust but also shows that you’re invested in their success and well-being. Tip: During onboarding, create opportunities for open conversations. Ask questions like, “What’s feeling overwhelming right now?” or “Is there something you need that we haven’t provided yet?” Showing you care about their experience can make all the difference. Curiosity Curiosity is a powerful tool, especially during onboarding. New hires bring fresh perspectives, and encouraging them to ask questions can unlock new ideas and improvements. Instead of focusing solely on teaching “how things are done,” create a culture where curiosity and questioning are celebrated. By fostering curiosity, you signal that new ideas are welcome, and it’s okay to challenge the status quo. This mindset not only benefits the organization but also helps new team members feel like they can contribute right away. Tip: Encourage new hires to note any processes or practices that seem unclear or inefficient. Invite them to share their thoughts in team meetings or one-on-one check-ins. Their fresh perspective might uncover something valuable that others may have overlooked. The Power of Human Connection Onboarding is also about making real human connections. Whether it’s a virtual coffee or a casual team lunch, creating moments where new hires can get to know their colleagues on a personal level builds trust and camaraderie. These experiences are what truly help someone feel like they belong, beyond just knowing their role or the company policies. Tip: Set up informal “get-to-know-you” sessions during the first week, where team members can share their hobbies, interests, or even fun facts. It breaks the ice and creates a sense of belonging from the start. Transforming Onboarding into a Meaningful Experience Ultimately, onboarding should be more than just a process—it’s a chance to connect, inspire, and set the stage for future success. By leading with humility, practicing empathy, and fostering curiosity, you can create an onboarding experience that’s not only effective but also deeply meaningful. What strategies have you found helpful in making onboarding more impactful? Let’s keep the conversation going and learn from each other as we build more inclusive and thoughtful workplaces.  Leading teams can be incredibly rewarding, yet it comes with its unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to managing emotions and fostering a supportive culture. As a leader, I've strived to create an open-door policy and a safe space for my team members, ensuring they feel heard and valued. However, balancing this with self-care and maintaining personal boundaries can be tough. Here’s how I navigate this complex landscape and ensure both my team and I thrive.
Building a Supportive Culture
This is a work in progress, and it’s not always going to be easy. Taking one small step at a time is progress, and every effort counts toward building a supportive and healthy team dynamic. |
Unleash the life and leadership that light you up. Carrie Simmons, helps leaders reset, realign, and rise with purpose through coaching, strategy, and a spark of brilliance. Let’s create magic.
Archives
May 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed