#68 | 11.1.24 - People First or People Pleaser? / The Art of Setting Boundaries / Use AI To Learn Anything Faster / Oregon Trail Movie in Development
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People First or People Pleaser?
The emphasis on “People First” I’ve seen recently in teams and organizations is refreshing and full of potential. I believe the positive impact of this approach on workplace culture could be boundless. However, if we swing the pendulum too far and focus too much on pleasing people, we risk slipping from People First to People Pleasers.
Here are some key indicators you may be drifting from People First to People Pleaser, along with practical tips to help you refocus on leading with People First.
You Avoid Hard Conversations
There’s no way around it; every leader must tackle challenging issues with their team.
✅ TIP: Prepare well for these conversations; be tough on the issue, kind with the person, and frame each discussion as an investment in their growth.You Avoid Clarity
People pleasing leaders may avoid being direct to spare others' feelings, using vague euphemisms or analogies. However, clarity is essential to effective communication.
✅ TIP: You can be clear and kind at the same time. If you doubt your messaging, ask a trusted colleague—or even use AI, with the prompt, “What is unclear about this messaging?”You Seek Approval Over Respect
As my Dad used to say, “If you want to be liked by everyone, sell ice cream or deliver flowers.” To be effective, leaders must resist the urge to seek approval from everyone.
✅ TIP: Focus on actions that build respect through consistency and integrity rather than approval through compliance.You Expect Too Little from People
People Pleasers may set the bar too low, leading the organization to drift toward mediocrity. Setting high expectations helps teams stretch and grow.
✅ TIP: Set high standards and provide the vision and support team members need to achieve them, fostering a culture of excellence.You Overextend Yourself
When in people-pleasing mode, you may feel responsible for helping everyone, leading to burnout and decreased effectiveness over time.
✅ TIP: Set clear boundaries by designating specific times for availability and prioritizing self-care to sustain your energy.
Empower others, aim high, and remember: people-first always.
The Art of Setting Boundaries
My friend Matt regularly puts out great content. One of his latest articles is no exception. I really enjoyed the practical advice he provided. (You can also check out his newsletter here.)
Use AI To Learn Anything Faster
This great one-sheet infographic is packed with AI prompts designed to boost your learning and comprehension, particularly with ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, etc.
Oregon Trail Movie in Development
Has Hollywood run out of ideas? 🤣 Will Speck and Josh Gordon are attached to direct, with Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (composers of The Greatest Showman music) producing and providing original music for the project. I’m sure someone will be dying of dysentery.
Words to wrap up:
“First, it is an intention. Then, a behavior. Then, a habit. Then, a practice. Then, a second nature. Then it is simply who you are.”
— Brendon Burchard, High Performance Habit