I’m a big believer in celebrating our successes. In fact, I often tell my clients that bragging rocks! We spend so much time moving on to the next thing that we forget to acknowledge what we’ve accomplished. So today, I’m taking my own advice and sharing something that made me feel really proud.

Last week, I spent two days facilitating a leadership training focused on CARE + CANDOR, helping leaders strengthen the way they give and receive feedback. At the end of our time together, the CEO told me, “This is a game changer for our organization.” Then she added, “I’ve been looking for someone who leads like you do for years.”

WOW. That felt really good.

I’ve been doing this work for more than 30 years and I still love those moments when I know something has landed. Not just because people enjoyed the training, but because they began to see themselves, their relationships and their responsibilities as leaders in a new way.

One of the things I’ve learned is that most leaders don’t need more information about the importance of honest feedback. They already know it matters. What gets complicated is everything that happens inside us when we need to have a difficult conversation. We worry about hurting someone’s feelings, creating conflict, being misunderstood or damaging a relationship. And sometimes, in our effort to be caring, we end up avoiding the very conversation that could strengthen trust.

During the training, we explored a question that I think applies to all of us: Are we solving for the issue or are we solving for the discomfort?

Think about that for a moment. How often do we soften a message, put off a decision or avoid saying what needs to be said because we don’t want to experience the discomfort that might follow? Care and candor aren’t opposites. We can be kind AND clear. We can respect someone AND hold them accountable. In fact, I believe that’s where some of our most meaningful growth happens.

I also want to share something about how I approach this work because it’s an important part of what made these two days so meaningful.

I overprepare. Yes, I said it! When an organization hires me, I spend time learning about the people, the culture, the strengths and the challenges long before I walk into the room. I ask questions, listen carefully and work closely with the leaders to understand what they want to create together.

And here’s the interesting thing. All that preparation gives me the freedom to be spontaneous. I can follow what’s happening in the room instead of being tied to an agenda. I can ask a question I hadn’t planned, stay with a conversation that matters or change direction because something more important has emerged.

That’s what I love about facilitation. It’s not about delivering a perfectly rehearsed presentation. It’s about creating an experience where people feel safe enough to be honest, willing enough to practice and curious enough to consider something new.

My work with organizations happens before, during and after the training because what matters most is how people bring their learning into everyday conversations, meetings and decisions.

And that’s what I hope every organization experiences when we work together. Not just a great day of training, but an opportunity to expand awareness, ignite inner wisdom and create new ways of leading.

So yes, I’m celebrating the CEO’s words. I’m proud of the work we did together and excited about what these leaders can continue to create.

Now I’d love to invite you to think about two things. First, what’s something you’ve accomplished recently that deserves a little celebration? And second, where in your work or life might bringing a little more care AND candor make a meaningful difference?

If you’re planning a leadership offsite, team retreat or professional development experience, I’d welcome a conversation about how we can create something meaningful and practical for your organization. Explore Corporate Opportunities.

If you’re looking for more personal support, my 1:1 Integrated Therapeutic Coaching offers a space to focus on your own growth, navigate challenges and explore what’s possible for you, both as a leader and as a human. Explore 1:1 Coaching.

Here’s to celebrating our successes and continuing to grow.

With appreciation,

Lisa